That’s the theory anyway.

For busy professionals, dating can be a painful task but after a string of dates, it’s easy to spot a pattern. The process resembles something similar to a real estate transaction: long, complicated and riddled with gazumping, gazundering, negotiation, costly searches, deal breakers, inspections, due diligence, third-parties, surprises and unforeseen expenses.  Never mind bidding wars on hot properties.

So, to avoid the obvious pitfalls that slip the mind under pressure, get yourself a checklist and follow the drill.

1. Pre-approval: without mortgage approval in place you’re not ready for viewings. The game is confidence, you have to know you can follow through.

2. The Search: if you are single, everyone is an estate agent. Friends, mothers, cousins, colleagues, personal trainers, manicurists. Remember this though, there will always be the odd dodgy agent ready to palm you off on a nice looker with rising damp and structural problems.

Useful Tip: Look beyond your budget; with smart negotiation and a bit of patience you could bag yourself an unexpected gem.

3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: You don’t need Kirstie and Phil to tell you this. Heading to the right location is a must for finding a desirable property. Checking out whatever’s on offer locally will needlessly limit your horizons. Strike a decent posture, brush up the confidence, avoid any whiff of desperation and aim high.

4. Fixtures, fittings and contents: You’re a lawyer, so of course you pay attention to detail and you know what you want. But keep an open mind. Strong foundations and a solid roof are most important and a house is more than just the sum of its parts.

5. Curb appeal: remember it’s Caveat Emptor so don’t be fooled. At first glance it might look perfect but after a time the original attraction can feel superficial and lack genuine character. Fine for short-term lets but, if you’re buying for the long term be wary. Note – historic encumbrances can spell trouble, restrictive covenants can leave little scope for development and contaminated land is problematic. Also be wary of money pits that will suck up all your cash and properties heavily dressed for sale.

6. Variable Rate or Fixed Rate: erratic and unpredicatable or slow and steady. Whatever suits you best will depend upon your circumstances… and your risk tolerance.

7. Avoid default and repossession. Not ready to commit – try renting. Unforseen problems, hidden expenses and extravagance beyond the home can set you on a downward spiral to default. Like the experts always say, such problems are best dealt with early to avoid negative equity, default, repossession and being out on the street with no place to call home.