Lesson 1: Before You Buy Your Home In Ireland , Ask Yourself Are You Truly Prepared?

Now, for module one, we're going to start off very simple, and this isn't intended to upset you or offend you, but imagine we're having a very frank conversation as to where you are at right now. Are you ready to buy a property, both emotionally and financially? Have you spoken to your stakeholders, whether that be a friend you're buying a property with, a partner, or a family member?

It's also important to prepare. When you're looking at these next steps in buying a property, the preparation is what's going to light the load later on. And be under no illusion. There is work to be done, there is preparation to this process. Firstly, once you've got an idea of where you think you're at, find who you need to speak with. If it's your local broker, if it's a recommendation from a friend, if it's your local bank. Go, ask questions, ask for a health check and ask for a to do list. There's a lot you can do in advance of buying something before you feel that pressure. Get a sense of where you're at. Essentially, it will give you an overview as to where you are now, what you need to do, and what you need to do to get to that stage. Secondly, keep in mind expectations. Just because you want to buy a property today, doesn't mean you can buy it today, this month, or even next month. You have to align with where your circumstances are, what your broker or bank advises you, and also the level of work you put in. If I'm a broker and I ask you for paperwork today, and you don't come back to me until next week or the week after, That's going to have a knock on effect on the regulatory things that people have to do to get you approved. So be honest and open with yourself, with your other half. Be honest and open with your broker and shop around. Just because you're with Bank of Ireland or AIB does not mean you need to go with them. Find someone you trust. Have an open conversation and get a better idea of where you are, what you need to do going forward. There's nothing to be afraid of, just be prepared and be prepared to put in the work. Once you've done it, you get approval and then you go shopping for a property.