Why it’s best to be open-minded when looking for a new home in Burton
Have you ever been shopping for something knowing exactly what you wanted? You’ve researched it online, picked out the features and are completely adamant that no other model will do. But when you arrived at the store it’s not there. Disheartened, you turn to leave when the salesperson suggests something different.
Your initial reaction is to continue walking, every ounce of your body language displays your displeasure but as you have time to spare you decide to give it a look; determined not to like it, you listen as you’re told about the features and functionality. But something sparks your interest and you start to ask questions. Suddenly, you have it in your hands and excitement takes over. This is amazing, way better than the one you 100% thought you wanted. This is why it’s best to be open-minded when looking for a new home.
The reality isn’t always what you imagined
For months you have dreamed of your ideal home in Burton upon Trent; you can picture what it looks like and how you will feel when you walk through the door. You have written a checklist that reads more like War and Peace with everything from the number of bedrooms to the key features. It’s always a great idea to have an idea of what you want from a home, as it makes the start of your search easier, but seeing properties that don’t match your checklist will help you start to edit your list, showing you what you really need and where you’re willing to compromise.
Nothing is perfect
Finding a new home that ticks every box on your precious checklist is very rare; the reality is that you more than likely will need to make a compromise or two. Focusing your search on perfection can be a hindrance, as you can discount properties that could offer you something exciting that had never crossed your mind. We know it’s easier to stick to what you think you need rather than keeping an open mind, but can we assure you, at Sure Sales & Lettings most buyers end up buying a home that’s different from their initial request.
The story is not complete
You will no doubt start your search by viewing properties online, which will provide you with a number of photos and a description. This is not the complete story but a snapshot of what this home can offer you, and some homes will grab your attention more than others. The only way to delve deeper is through a viewing, to stand inside the four walls and get a sense of the space and what it would be like to live there.
Of course, a physical viewing may not be possible at the moment, with these understandably being limited and some sellers preferring to not let people into their homes. But we do have the next best thing: we are offering our clients virtual viewings at the moment, on request. Whether you attend a physical or a virtual viewing, remember not to be swayed by the décor of the home – you are buying the property, not the owner’s interior design choices.
Only the brave
If you’ve ever watched ‘Escape to the Country’ you will understand the term ‘wild card’, which is used to describe those homes which are wildly different to what the house hunters said they were looking for. They tend to show this house at the end, after the buyers have seen a small number of properties that mostly match their requirements. But episode after episode, buyers fall in love with the wild card, shocked at themselves and their willingness to compromise on so many levels. Would you be brave enough to include a couple of wild cards in your search for a new home?
Have faith
You may believe that our job is to sell houses, but it’s more about listening and reading between the lines of your checklist and the lifestyle you’re seeking to find out what really matters to you. Many buyers don’t utilise the skills and expertise of estate agents, preferring to go it alone and make their own decisions on what they should view. But if you put your faith in us, we can start to look for your next home – it may not even be on the market right now, but our years of experience in this industry mean we have incredible insight and are often able to discover that perfect house you’ll want to call home.
Let us help you start your search today by calling our Sure Sales & Lettings team on 01283 537120