Mortgages

Finding your dream home

When you're looking for your new home, it's a good idea to sit down and work out what your priorities are. Maybe you'll be able to get everything you want from just one property, but you might need to make a few compromises if you're restricted on time or budget.

For many people, location is the overriding factor when it comes to buying a house. If you have children or are planning on starting a family, then finding a house near to a good school might be important to you. Town and city centres are attractive to people looking for excitement and entertainment, while quieter areas suit those who like some peace and tranquility in their surroundings. Here's a list of some of the other factors to think about when looking for your home:

• Access to shops
• Access to local amenities
• Distance to work
• Access to public transport
• Local schools for children
• Which direction the garden faces
• Garage
• Number of bedrooms
• Central heating

How to buy

There are a few ways to buy a home. The most obvious is through an estate agent who won't usually charge a buyer for their services. Auctions have become popular, and private advertisments can usually be found in your local newspaper. In the last few years, the internet has become a very useful tool in buying a home, from doing research into homebuying and associated activities to online estate agents and auction sites.