Search like an expert
Once you know what you're looking for, the key to finding your ideal home is to make sure you hear about the latest properties matching your search. Houses and flats are advertised in lots of places from local papers to websites like fish4homes. The best thing to do is use any many sources as you can.
Search wherever you are
New properties will often be listed online before they are advertised in estate agents' windows or in the local paper, so not only will websites help you hear about properties first, it's easy to search a large area without actually having to go anywhere.
Signing up to receive homes by email is a brilliant way of ensuring that you're aware of the latest properties on the market.
It's easy to set up a saved search on fish4homes based on location, price range and number of bedrooms. Once you've signed up you'll receive a daily email update of all the latest properties matching your criteria, and you'll be able to click through to view more photos, a map and make contact with the estate agent.
You can search for homes on your mobile if you have internet access on your phone. Just visit http://mobile.fish4.co.uk to check for new properties whilst on the move.
Always be prepared
Before you go to view a house or flat, try to do as much background research as you can so that you don't waste valuable time. When you are ready to view it's best to take someone else with you for a second opinion and make sure you take notes on all the good and bad points of the property.
Print off our free viewing checklist to help you keep track of all the different properties you see. Remember that it's your money and it's a big decision, so take your time and don't be afraid to ask questions. Here are our top tips for viewings:
Visit the property at different times of the day so that you can check the noise and light levels in the house.
Look around the outside for broken tiles, worn paintwork, blocked guttering and litter.
Always ask to see the attic space and check flat roofs for collecting water.
Check the plumbing by turning the taps on, flushing the loo and also test how long it takes for the water to get hot.
Don't forget to check out the neighbours.
Don't rush
We know that looking for a new home can be a time-consuming process and that it's tempting just to rush ahead with the first property you see that fits the bill. But you can't take your new home back to the shop if you decide you don't like it, so make sure that the decisions you make are for the right reasons, taking everything into account.