Packing up your life in boxes and moving it to a different corner of the world is a significant change. The most important part of this transition is finding a place you can call home. The moment you get the keys to your new house, a huge burden will disappear.
Photo by Emiliano Zapata on Unsplash
However, the process of choosing a house comes with so many questions, fears, and dilemmas. It is a lasting decision, so no wonder you want to get it right.
Here are some tips you should consider when buying a house abroad.
Do Your Homework on Real Estate Market
Don’t base your idea of the real estate market on what your friend told you 5 years ago. The market for buying properties fluctuates constantly. Many economic and social factors influence the prices, which can relentlessly change.
Research the situation on the real estate market in the country you are moving to. Get a better perspective of what you can expect to buy within your budget. Dig deep to find out what your possibilities are.
Write Down Your Requirements
Having a clear idea of what you want from this new house can give you a good start for your pursuit. Think about what matters to you. Do you want to live near your new job? Is having a school close by a must? Specify what you need to have a comfortable life in that country.
Focus both on what you expect from the area and what you expect from the house. Writing a list of your wants can help you quickly segment the places into a “yes” and “no” pile.
When making this checklist, you can consider these questions:
- What kind of house amenities do you need?
- Does the proximity to the airport matter?
- What kind of entertainment would you like to have in your neighborhood? (e.g., theater, clubs, bars, cafés, etc.)
- How close should the school, doctor, and sports facilities be?
- Can your new neighborhood support your hobbies? (e.g., does it need to have a swimming pool, a yoga studio, or a gym nearby)
Set Your Priorities
You need to be realistic and accept that you might not find a house that has it all. Tightly clinging to every bullet point on your list can make you dismiss some great options. The solution is to define your priorities.
Priorities will help you clarify what you need and what you want. This is an important distinction.
Choose a few things that you absolutely must have. That can be 3 bedrooms, a backyard, and a specific neighborhood. Look at the rest of the requirements as a wonderful addition but not a necessity.
Get Professional Real Estate Assistance
To make informed decisions, you’ll need the help of a professional. Get in touch with a real estate agent. They can be of immense value, especially if you don’t speak the language. Their assistance can speed up the process and ensure that homeowners don’t sell you a fairy tale.
Discuss with your realtor your expectations and the possibility of fulfilling them. Be open and don’t shy away from expressing your needs. Most importantly, be explicit about your budget and whether it is flexible or not.
Translate Relevant Documents
Make sure that you thoroughly read the documents. To do that, you first need to translate the documents. Don’t wait until the last minute while the house owner impatiently taps their foot on the ground. The sooner you translate and check the documents, the faster you’ll be able to make a decision.
You can take a look at this list of the best translation service providers to find a certified translator. Working with professional translation services is a safer choice. Also, consider hiring a lawyer (if you haven’t already) to go through the papers. Legal advice is always welcome when making such important decisions.
Wrapping Up
Relocating to a different country is a challenge. But once you find your dream home and welcome new adventures to your life, it will be worth it. Hopefully, these tips will give you some guidance and lead you to your new nest.
Elizabeth Baldridge is a writer, editor, and proofreader. Her work has focused on design, traveling, and business. Elizabeth has worked for many publications and guest blogged for top online publishing platforms. Besides writing, she is passionate about painting and traveling.