Nervous first time buyer

[magicrainbowbeans]

I just put an offer on my first house and had it accepted. I am someone who is easily anxious and second guess myself a lot so hardly Sproxton as this is the biggest financial decision I've ever made, but now bricking it.

Financially, it is well within my budget, I could have gone £40k over. Someone told me to go for the max I can afford. What I've actually gone for is a decent size house with a manageable monthly payment, less than I currently pay in rent.

Is a 3 bed house with possibility to extend. Part of my brain is going, why not buy a 4 bed. But it does have possibility to extend and I could probably afford it. It has a sizeable enclosed drive, and large back garden.

It's just for me and my daughter. Compared to the tiny 2 bed we've been renting we'll be swimming in it. It needs decorating throughout, probably new kitchen and bathroom but seems well looked after, owners were there for around 40 years. I'm saying that without any trade knowledge just from viewing.

I am driving myself insane now with nerves.

Buying a house is totally anxiety inducing so you have my sympathy. We are in the process of selling our first home and buying another (hoping to exchange in the next month really!) and I don’t think I’ve slept for about 3 months. So stressful.

Regarding your budget, I think you’re doing the right thing. I’ve always felt a lot more comfortable buying a chunk under budget and knowing for sure we can always afford the payments. First time I was over cautious and bought 80k under budget, this time only 40k but it makes a big difference. I’d be constantly worrying if my monthly payments were higher than I wanted. You’re wise to be buying a house with potential to expand.

I think you are sensible too. How many times have you viewed the house? If it is only one visit I would ask for another. You see more on the second visit which can make you feel more confident if it is what you want. As you have put an offer in another visit will make the vendors feel you are keen. Take a tape measure with you and if it is still what you want measure up a couple of spaces for your furniture or a new kitchen😉 How exciting! Yes, it is nerve racking. When you get nervous picture yourself there and think about how you are going to decorate it as it will help those nerves by positive thinking.

Thank you. I did 2 viewings. 2nd time owner had moved some furniture around and we both agreed it was a better layout, shame for her she only realised at point of selling! I'm not sure how much DIY I am confident doing at first. It is liveable without. Its whether it's better to do an extension before moving in or any other major works the same. But we'd cope well as it is I think. And it's about 100 yards from our rented house so moving super easy.

Im a stress freak, I know this.

it is the biggest purchase so caution is perfectly reasonable!

before you book the survey, do your own. Look on wet days (see what happens tomorrow), sunny days, windy days. Look at roof with binoculars. Go inside again and open all cupboards, look for bodges and hidden stuff. I've never forgotten opening an airing cupboard to see the diverter valve held in place with a screwdriver...

your big plus is that you know the neighbourhood so no surprises there.

No need to worry about doing the extension before you move in. The hosue is plenty big enough for you as it is and once living there you'll see better what changes need to be made. Best of luck.

Thank you all xx

opening an airing cupboard to see the diverter valve held in place with a screwdriver...

Omg