By Mike Igi | February 12, 2021

Are you thinking about moving home soon? If so, we hope everything goes well. 

It can be an exciting time when you’re scouring neighborhoods in search of the perfect home. It’s the most enjoyable part of the moving process, although you will need to let your head rule over your heart. You see, it can be very easy to buy the wrong home. There are often reasons why you should say ‘no’ instead of ‘yes’ when looking at properties, so don’t fall into the trap of accepting something that might later turn out to be a nightmare for you.

So, when you’re house hunting, think twice before saying ”yes.’ If any of the following are true, you might want to answer in the negative before signing any contract.

You should say ‘no’ to a property when…

#1: You know it is out of your price range

If you know the house is out of your price range, don’t assume you can somehow make it work. Yes. you might be able to get a higher mortgage, but you need to think about the home’s running costs too. You will have taxes, utilities, and insurances to pay for, and these will be on top of the hidden costs that are related to moving. You need to be realistic about what you can afford, so work with an estate agent and only look at homes that are realistically within your price range.

#2: You suspect the crime rate might be high

You know you’re in trouble when you spot police cars whizzing around the neighborhood or police helicopters circling above you in the sky. Houses and stores that have been fitted with iron bars are another telltale sign that the neighborhood might not be safe, and so are gang signs that have been graffitied onto walls. When considering a location to move into, use a neighborhood safety tool. This is your way of determining how high the crime rate is, and you will also discover what types of crime are prevalent in the area. 

#3: Your allergies flare up when looking around the house

If you have trouble with asthma or have any other problems with your breathing, the last thing you want is a house that is going to make your condition worse. In some cases, your allergies might flare up because of the home seller’s pets, or because their home isn’t particularly clean. These aren’t reasons why you should say ‘no’ as these aren’t issues that will plague you forever. However, if the house is unusually damp, and if there are signs of mold in the house or signs of a pest infestation, these are more serious issues that could affect your allergies and the overall state of the property. These problems can be fixed, of course, but it will be costly, and you don’t want to be reliant on your allergy treatments forever. Hire a property inspector to assess the damage in the property, as the issues you spot might be symptomatic of larger problems. 

#4: You spot other signs of property damage

Mold and pest infestations aren’t the only factors that can cause property damage. You should be on the lookout for cracks in the walls and floors too, as well as problems with the property’s woodwork. It’s also a good idea to have a look at the roof if you can, as a lot of damage above could result in some very wet nights in the property if there is heavy rainfall. And if the owner seems reluctant to show you certain rooms, or if items of furniture have obviously been used to conceal potential property defects, you should trust your gut and leave the house before it all falls down around you. As we suggested above, call on the services of a property inspector for expert advice. 

#5: You think there might be problems with the neighbors

The house might be perfect, but if the neighbors are problematic, you won’t enjoy your time living in the property. When you’re looking at a house, listen out for the neighbors. Loud music, barking dogs, and heated arguments are all signs that your future in the property might not be a peaceful one. Of course, you could soundproof your new home, so you don’t have to say ‘no’ right away. And it might be that the sounds you hear from next door are only temporary. However, you should still visit the property at different times of the day and night to listen out for noisy neighbors, as you will get a better understanding of how bad the situation might be. Here are some other types of neighbors you want to avoid when looking to buy a home. 

#6: The house isn’t future-proof

You might find a house you like, and it might well suit your present situation. However, you need to consider the future. Will the house still suit your needs in the years to come? If you’re planning to have a family, for example, you will obviously need a house with enough bedrooms. You will also need to be located in an area that is relatively safe. Consider your employment situation too. If you’re planning on changing jobs, you will need to live somewhere that won’t require a long commute. It’s about thinking practically, for all of your future needs, as you don’t want to start the moving process again if your life drastically changes. 

#7: The amenities you need aren’t close by

The location is as important as the house you buy. If it doesn’t tick all of your boxes, then you might need to consider moving elsewhere. You might want to be close to your child’s school, for example, and local parks and play areas might be important to you if you have a family. Then there are medical facilities to consider, supermarkets and other stores, and places that offer opportunities for your leisure time, including gyms and cinemas. Not everything will be a deal-breaker. You might be able to live without a gym as you can exercise in other ways. But certain amenities will be important to you, so research the local area thoroughly to make sure you have everything you need. If you don’t, it would be wise to consider a house elsewhere. 

#8: You’re not ready to buy a new home

There are reasons why the decision to buy any home could be wrong for you at this time. It might be because you’re in a lot of debt, for example, or your job situation might be precarious. There could be valid reasons for staying where you are, perhaps because you’re close to your family or friends, or because your children aren’t ready to be uprooted from their schools. It might also be that you don’t really know what you want from a new home. You need to assess all of your needs before starting the house hunting journey. So, consider your present situation. If you know moving house could be a mistake for you right now, it will be better to wait until your situation has changed. You will have greater peace of mind when viewing properties, and you won’t be tempted to make a decision you later regret. 

These are just some of the reasons why you might want to say ‘no’ to a property. So, curb your enthusiasm when you’re searching for a home, and let common sense rule over your excited emotions. Sure, it might take you longer to find a house that is right for you, if indeed you decide to move at all. But it is better to wait before you make a costly decision.