What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Property – A Real Estate Journey"

[SEGMENT 1: THE DREAM BEGINS]
(00:41–02:30)

It all started like it does for most of us — scrolling through property listings late at night, dreaming of my own place. A balcony, sunlight, a quiet neighborhood — sounds simple, right?

Well, soon I realized that buying real estate involves more than just picking what looks nice.

You have to ask yourself:

• What can I really afford?

• Should I go for under-construction or ready-to-move-in?

• How do I even check if the builder is trustworthy?

This is where the journey begins — and trust me, preparation is everything.

[SEGMENT 2: BUDGET BLINDSPOTS]
(02:31–04:30)

One of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning was underestimating the actual cost.

I calculated the price of the flat, but I forgot about:

💸 Stamp duty
💸 Registration charges
💸 GST (if under construction)
💸 Society deposit and maintenance
💸 Basic interiors like lights, fans, wardrobes

It all added up fast! What looked like a 50-lakh home easily turned into 58–60 lakhs after everything.

My tip? Always plan for 15–20% extra beyond the listed property price. It gives you breathing room and avoids nasty surprises.

[SEGMENT 3: LOCATION LESSONS]
(04:31–06:30)

Another eye-opener: the location is everything.

At first, I was tempted by flashy new projects far outside the city. Big homes, low prices. But when I checked the area, there were no hospitals, schools, or public transport nearby.

A cheaper home that’s disconnected from daily life? Not worth it.

Then I shifted focus:
✔️ Areas with existing infrastructure
✔️ Projects close to metro or highway connections
✔️ Good schools, markets, and hospitals within 3–5 km

That’s when I realized — a smart location grows your property’s value over time. It’s not just about today, it’s about 5–10 years from now.

[SEGMENT 4: RESEARCH BEFORE RELATIONSHIP]
(06:31–08:30)

This is a rule I swear by now: Don’t trust advertisements — trust research.

I once visited a beautifully staged show flat. Modern interiors, ambient lighting, luxurious kitchen — it looked perfect.

But when I asked about:
📋 RERA status
📋 Completion timeline
📋 Title clearances
📋 Hidden charges

— things got vague.

That's when I understood the importance of background checks. Look up the builder’s history. Visit forums. Talk to residents of older projects.

There’s a saying: “A real estate deal is only as good as the paperwork behind it.” I learned that the hard way.

[SEGMENT 5: EMOTION VS LOGIC]
(08:31–10:30)

When I finally narrowed down a few options, the emotional tug was real. I imagined birthdays in the living room, sipping tea on the balcony, decorating the walls...

But emotions can blur judgment. One place had a poor layout, but I loved the balcony view. Another had a tiny kitchen but was in a great location.

So I made a checklist. Every property I visited had to meet at least 7 out of 10 points:

✅ Location
✅ Legal clearances
✅ Floor plan
✅ Builder reputation
✅ Connectivity
✅ Maintenance fees
✅ Amenities
✅ Sunlight & ventilation
✅ Resale value
✅ Parking space

It brought logic back into the process. Real estate is part heart, but mostly head.

[SEGMENT 6: WORKING WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE]
(10:31–12:00)

I can’t emphasize this enough — the people you work with make or break the deal.

A good broker isn’t just there to show you flats. They help negotiate, verify documents, explain the process, and even guide you on loan approvals.

I met one agent who was only interested in closing the sale. Then I met another who walked me through each step, explained market trends, and helped me avoid poor decisions.

Choose wisely. Check reviews. Ask questions. Trust your gut.

If you want to connect with someone who truly understands the market, try to find professionals from the best real estate networks — those who prioritize your needs over their commission.

[SEGMENT 7: FINAL SIGNING & AFTERMATH]
(12:01–13:30)

When I finally signed the deal, the feeling was unforgettable. Relief, excitement, pride — all rolled into one.

But even after the signing, there were a few steps I had to manage:

📝 Registration
🏦 Loan disbursal
📦 Interior setup
🛠️ Minor repairs

The process doesn’t end when you buy the property — it just transitions into the next phase.

So make sure you stay involved, organized, and never hesitate to follow up with the developer or agent.

[SEGMENT 8: MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS]
(13:31–15:00)

Here’s what I wish someone had told me from Day One:

1. Start early — The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.

2. Don’t compare with others — Your journey is your own.

3. Double-check everything — Assumptions cost money.

4. Plan for the future — Buy not just for today, but for who you’ll be in 5 years.

5. Stay patient — The right property is worth the wait.

[OUTRO]
(15:01–16:00)

🎤 Host (on camera):
That was my real estate story — the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and the success I’m proud of.

If you’re just starting your journey, I hope this vlog helps you avoid some of the bumps I hit along the way.

Got questions about your property search? Drop them in the comments below — I’d love to help however I can.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real estate insights, personal tips, and smart strategies.

Until next time — stay sharp, stay grounded, and happy house hunting