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Buying your first house is one of the most exciting moments in adult life, but it can be daunting. It’s unlikely that you would have taken on so much debt before, and there is very little guidance for newbies embarking on this process.

While there are easy ways to transform any space, it’s important to ensure that you start with a property that’s structurally sound, so you have something to work with.

So what should you look for? This checklist for first time home buyers will help you keep your head screwed on and spot important deal-breakers before you sign the dotted line.

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Have You Inspected the Property Thoroughly? 

As they say, there is a time for everything. And if there’s a time to be OCD, house hunting is it. Before you put in an offer on a property, make sure you leave no cupboard unopened, no toilet un-flushed, and no carpet un-lifted. Neglecting to conduct a top-to-toe inspection of the property—scrutinizing both the construction and condition—could result in a host of expensive challenges that you could have side-stepped. So run all the faucets to get a sense of the water pressure. Tap the walls, keeping an ear out for a hollow sound. Bring your friend with the sharpest sense of smell and sniff out the odor of mold. Yes, you might annoy the seller. Yes, you might look a little odd. But do it anyway. 

That’s not to say that if your inspection turns up something undesirable, it has to be a deal-breaker. Take a pest infestation, for example. When weighing the pros and cons of the property, you might decide that a few bugs needn’t outweigh everything the place has going for it, especially when you can just call pest control. What matters is that you know about any issues in advance so you can make an informed decision.

Have You Asked Every Question in the Book?

Once you move into your new home and start turning up problems, it’s too late to back out of your decision. So on top of conducting your own inspection before you buy the place, make sure you ask your real estate agent every question you can think of about the property’s condition and history. Property agents are obliged to tell you about significant structural issues, but they won’t necessarily volunteer information about an infestation of mice in the basement. That said, if you ask directly about something, they have to tell you. So ask, ask, ask.

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Are You Overstretching Yourself Financially?

When you want to buy a certain property, it can be tempting to take the biggest mortgage you are offered in order to afford it. But this approach can result in losing your home in the future if you aren’t fully able to manage the repayments. Now is not the time to guess what you can spare from your monthly income. An affordability calculator is essential. To avoid tough decisions, don’t look at homes outside of your price range, not even to ‘get an idea of what’s out there.’ Stick to realistic options and hang in there for the right thing to come up. You’ll end up with a home that’s both affordable and suits your needs.

Whether you’re looking for your first flat or a family home, these tips will help you settle on the right property.

Has it been a while since you took time off work, or are you starting to daydream about golden sands or adventure-filled exploits? If you’re toying with the idea of arranging a spontaneous trip, here are some incredible ideas to inspire you. 

Recharging the batteries

If life has been hectic of late, and you’re looking to recharge the batteries and escape the hustle and bustle, why not indulge in a relaxing spa break or book a few days away at a beachside retreat? Soaking up rays, listening to the gentle sway of the palms and lapping waves and doing nothing but snorkeling and swimming can work wonders. Spa breaks are another excellent idea. When you visit a spa, you can get away from it all and treat your body and mind to soothing, nourishing and reinvigorating treatments and therapies. 

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Action and adventure

If you fancy yourself as an intrepid adventurer, why not embark upon a road trip or visit a national park? You could get rugged with a 1T ute rental and go off-roading, or try your hand at activities like hiking, mountain biking, climbing, horseback riding or rafting. Many people thrive on being in the great outdoors and being surrounded by open roads, mountains and lakes can clear your mind, lift your mood and enable you to create incredible memories. 

Love and romance

Many of us complain that we don’t have enough time available to share with our partners. If you have packed schedules, and you can’t remember the last time you went on a date or spent quality time together, a romantic break could be just what you need. There’s a vast range of options available, from couples’ spa trips and city breaks to log cabins in the mountains and deserted island resorts. Figure out how much time you could take off and how far you want to travel, and then choose a destination based on what you want to do with your time. 

Health and wellness

Wellness vacations are becoming increasingly popular. If you feel like you’re chasing your tail, your healthy diet plans have gone out of the window, you’ve been burning the candle at both ends or you’re running on empty, why not embrace this growing trend and book a health and wellness break? You could go to a yoga retreat, take a break to learn all about and practice meditation or push yourself to the limits at a fitness boot camp, for example. 

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History, hobbies and culture

Are you a self-confessed history buff, or are you tired of visiting fascinating places for work and never getting the chance to see the sights or learn about the culture? Do you have ambitions to learn new skills or take up a new hobby? If you fancy an enlightening, educational trip, there are all kinds of tours and excursions available and a raft of opportunities to expand your knowledge base, meet new people and indulge different interests. From historical tours to cooking classes and language lessons, there’s something for everyone. 

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If you’re keen to take a break, or you feel like you need some time out, why not plan a spontaneous trip today?