Buying a home can often feel like scaling Mount Everest, but Kate Lucey reveals how she navigated her property purchase while keeping the joy alive.
“It’s no secret that buying a house comes with its fair share of stress, akin to someone saying, ‘my money’s too heavy for my pocket,’” Kate admits. “As someone who typically stays calm under pressure, I was surprised by how much this process tested my limits.”
Kate candidly acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster many experience when searching for a home, especially since parting ways with the largest sum of money one has ever encountered is anything but easy. “Staying organized became my lifeline amidst the chaos of viewings, meetings with solicitors, and all the paperwork. Being a bit obsessive with organization really paid off. In fact, having a color-coded system for my documents became a source of pride,” she shares.
She emphasizes the importance of not just digital tools but also the old-fashioned approach of having physical paperwork. “One of the best things I did was grab a shiny binder from a stationery store for all my moving documents. It became my treasure chest for floor plans, agreements, and those all-important receipts. Though I also downloaded the Sortly app to document my belongings, nothing compared to that physical folder I could flip through.”
Kate bought her home with her partner, and one crucial strategy they implemented was syncing their phone calendars. “We knew dealing with timelines and appointments would be chaotic, so sharing our calendars was a game-changer. You can forget about those awkward conversations of ‘But we agreed on Thursday’ when everything is synced up,” she laughs.
Another organizational tactic Kate swears by is creating and breaking down to-do lists. “It might sound strange, but breaking big tasks into smaller actions—like getting quotes from three moving companies—made everything feel way more manageable,” she explains.
And then there’s the mortgage aspect, which Kate humorously describes as the “really nitty-gritty part” of home buying. “With all the terminology and abbreviations, I felt a bit lost at first,” she admits. “But guidance from resources, like Rightmove’s everything guide, was invaluable. Understanding the importance of obtaining a mortgage in principle was key for securing a dream home.”
The process of finding their ideal home included attending numerous open houses, which Kate likened to group job interviews. “It was a little ridiculous,” she notes, “but having those shiny documents, including our mortgage in principle, was what allowed us to make a compelling offer as soon as we found ‘the one.’”
Kate speaks candidly about the emotional weight of buying a property. “When it felt overwhelming, I leaned on family and friends for support. Reaching out for help was not a weakness; it ultimately provided me with crucial insights—like clarifying party wall agreements or having my parents review mortgage paperwork,” she reflects.
Throughout the stress, Kate made a point to keep things fun and exciting. “Amidst all the paperwork, I remembered to celebrate little milestones. After confirming a surveyor appointment, I’d order paint samples, or I’d create mood boards for the decor at our future housewarming party. Balancing the admin with fun kept my spirits high!”
In closing, she notes, “While buying a house is undoubtedly a monumental task, it’s crucial to take care of yourself and leverage the available tools and advice. Each document and email gets you one step closer to the keys in hand and memories to be made.”
