First and foremost before we can buy we must find! Finding the right house is a task itself as this purchase is going to be one of the most important decisions that you ever make in your life. One good idea is to make a wish list of all the things that are going to be important to you in making this choice; list features that are essential to everyday life, list your 10 most important features in an ideal home, write a list of all the areas that you would consider living in.

After you have done this you will be ready to start looking.

Once you have found some prospective properties that suit the majority of the factors on your wish list then it is time to take a look around. It is best to look at each property twice, choosing completely different days and times on each occasion so you can get a better idea of the house and the area.

• Check out the area
• Look at what local amenities there are
• Are there any children's facilities
• What is the public transport system like
• Is there room to entertain at your home
• Check with local councils to see if there are any development plans for the area
• Schooling

Making an Offer

If you are satisfied with what you have found and have had the property and area checked out then it is time for you to make an offer.

On Negotiating;

• Remember to keep your temper and remain cool
• Make an offer on the conditions that it is subject to survey and it is taken off the market immediately
• Act calm and confidently
• Try to deal with the seller directly as it is often easier and quicker than through your agent
• Decide whether to offer the asking price first or if you are going to drop the offer, if it needs work doing
• Negotiate for furniture and fittings within the price