FINDING THE RIGHT HOME

Unless buying a brand new home most people buy houses through estate agents.

However before rushing into a purchase you need to know how much you can afford and at the same time are best to consider what you REALLY want from your first/next home. The following section should help give you a clearer idea.

FIRST THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU NEED TO LIVE

Do you need to be near work?
Consider - The further you live away from work, the more it will cost you in time AND money to get there.

Do you need to be near relatives?
Consider - Do your relatives baby sit for you? Are you needed to help care for a relative?

Do you need to be near a particular school?
Consider - Even if you don't have kids now, you may well do in the future, so think about where you would prefer them to be educated before you buy. A good school is surely worthwhile.

Would you prefer to be near friends?

Would you prefer to be near shops and other facilities?

Do you need to be near to a bus stop, sports club, gym, nursery, etc?

Would you prefer to live in a town or village?

Do you like the idea of living on an estate?

THEN THINK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF HOUSE?

What type of house would you like?
Terraced, Bungalow, Flat, Detached, Semi

Would you like a brand new or pre-owned home?

What floor plan do you prefer?
Traditional or Modern style
Are you into DIY Consider - A home which needs improving could ultimately make you a useful profit. However you will need the resources to finance a DIY project. Have you got the resources?

AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE IN YOUR HOUSE?

Double Glazing?
UPVC, Hardwood, Alluminium?

Central Heating?
Gas, Electric, Solid Fuel, Oil?

A nice Kitchen
What do you like?

Fireplace
What do you like?

Bathroom
Is a shower a necessity?

Ensuite bathroom?

Hallway?

Decor - Modern or Traditional?
Consider - Would you be willing to redecorate to your taste. Or would you prefer ready to move into with little to do ?
 

Do you intend to have/add to a family in the near future?
Consider - Is it worth buying a bigger home in which you can also live happily with a growing family?

How many bedrooms you do need now and in the future?

Where can you park your car(s)?
Is a garage essential?

Would you like a garden?
or would gardening be a chore?

Do you need plenty of storage?
Do you need a hobby room or extra space?

Do you need a study?
Do you work from home and need an extra room or space to do so ?

Do you regularly have people to stay?
and need an extra bedroom?

Do you need a dining room?

CREATE A PLAN

Why not prepare a list with two columns one containing what I/we

• WANT IN A HOUSE
• DON'T WANT IN A HOUSE

This will help you build a picture of exactly what you want from your first home and allow you to quickly eliminate those homes which don't meet up to your requirements.

Without proper planning many people will move into a home and then find it does not meet with their needs. Avoid this by planning now.

Once you have a clear picture of what you want, use the HOMES TO BUY button to search for a home on this website, call into any of our branches to browse through sales particulars or read our ads in the local press.

Once you see something you like, contact the Dowen branch involved to arrange a viewing. Many people prefer to view a selection of homes to get a good idea of what is available.

Finally you will find the home of your dreams. The way forward is then to make an offer to the estate agent.
 

PLEASE PHONE NOW FOR A FREE VALUATION

• Dowen Durham City
  0191-3757599
• Dowen Hartlepool
  01429-860806
• Dowen Houghton
  0191-5126888
• Dowen Peterlee
  0191-5180181

• Dowen Seaham
  0191-5813355
• Dowen Sedgefield
  01740-623999
• Dowen Spennymoor
  01388-819900
• Dowen Sunderland
  0191-5142299
• Dowen Fullwell
  0191-5483010

OR APPLY ONLINE NOW FOR A FREE VALUATION