How do you begin to search for your perfect property? What criteria should you consider?
As an estate agent, I find that asking my clients some key questions, really helps us to focus the search and to ultimately find their ideal property. So today I am going to share with you the buyer’s checklist that I use:
The Hamilton Homes Buyer’s Checklist
- Area – Where do you want to be? It seems like a crazy question but the Costa del Sol is a big place with so many different styles of properties. Consider the atmosphere – what kind of lifestyle are you looking for? Are you a keen golfer or a sun worshiper? Are you looking for something residential to live in or are you looking for something with investment potential? What kind of investment potential – are you looking for capital return or a steady income flow.? All these things will help you decide where and more importantly, what zone and what urbanisation you want to buy in. This is where the estate agent can help. If you give them an idea of what your ultimate goal is, they will be able to guide you through the process. Check out our area guide here.
- Budget – Know your budget. Property prices marked on Real Estate Windows will show the net price of the property. You need to add to this price the cost of purchasing a property (the VAT etc., which can range between 10/14% depending on whether you need a mortgage or not).
- Finance – How do you plan to finance a purchase? Do you need a mortgage? If so, how much? What deposit can you put down? Again, do not suffer in silence. I actually enjoy number crunching with my clients to help them calculate how much they need. It really helps though as it enables me to show clients properties that fit in their budgets. Sometimes budgets and desires of what a client want do not add up. In this case, it is my responsibility to show clients what is available and what help them to make a comfortable but realistic decision.
- The Actual Property – consider the features you want the actual property to have. Make a list of must have’s (non-negotiable) and would be really nice to have (negotiable). Eg Is outdoor space a must, do you need to have access to a communal pool, do you need to have disabled access, is a lift a major necessity, how many bedrooms do you need. Do you want an apartment, townhouse, villa, plot or finca?
- Style – Modern and minimalist, Andalucian Style – more traditional, property that needs work or a property that you can walk into not have to make a single change to.
- Views – How important are views to you. Would you pay a premium for a view ? What kind of view? Golf/Sea/Mountains/Pool/Garden
- Amenities – in the hub, near shops, restaurants, post office, schools or in a quieter zone. Do you want to be within walking distance or is a short drive away suffice.
- Coastal or mountainside (Sea / Golf / Mountains)
It is a good idea to note your criteria down as these details will help your agent to find something that is suitable for you. Personally, I like to go through these things with my clients – if I understand what they want, then I can actually properly search for what they want.
Looking to purchase a property? Why not contact me to discuss your property needs over a coffee?