When you’re a first-time buyer - and let's be honest most of us are and aren't going to be second timers easily with this economy- you don’t have the year of knowledge and experience that those who are on their fifth or sixth home do - that’s a given. You’ll never fully appreciate the ins and outs, ups and downs and highs and lows of purchasing and moving into a new property, even when you’ve done it a few times, but at least you’ll get a general idea.
It’s an exciting time, but it’s also an expensive one. Well, of course it is - what else are you going to be spending so much money on at any other point in your life, except for a bigger house? Although you may want to go all out (you’re spending so much money anyway, why not spend a bit more?), now is actually the time to rein it in a little and see what you’ve got to work with to help you save that money for when you really need it.
Look Around
The first house that you fall in love with probably won’t be your forever home. There may come times in life that require a need for a bigger and more adaptable house, and as such you should think of starting out with something that covers your basic needs for the meantime. You could have a look around at project homes or newbuilds which may be starting out at a slightly cheaper price, or if you have the skills to do so then you should consider buying a plot of land and building your own home for a better return if you do decide to sell later on in the future. It’s a bit of a wild gamble to take, especially as if you don’t do it for a living then it will take a lot of time and effort, but if you ever have the opportunity to then seize it.
Take Charity
It’s only when you’re moving into your first home do you realise how much stuff people really don’t need, but you do. Those who have more disposable incomes will be more willing to let you have their used furniture for cheap or even free, depending on how worn it is. The bills can certainly add up if you’re buying your homeware from new; think in the thousands to get everything covered. If you’ve got anything lying around at the house that you had been currently living in that you would be able to take with you, then do so. The cost of living can be severely underestimated, and you’ll be thankful when you have money to pay your bills rather than having already spent it on something like a heated drying rack.
Don’t Go Above Your Limits
If you’re living on a beer income, you can’t live a champagne lifestyle. Put into layman’s terms, if you’re spending more than you’re earning then you’ll soon hit a brick wall and have to start all over again. If you want something badly, make a note of it and save up for it for your home; you’ll get a lot more pleasure out of something that you’ve worked and waited for rather than whacking something on a credit card for instant enjoyment.
Lot's of love
