Economic growth is picking up, interest rates are low and home prices are still reasonable, so many people have decided this is the best time for them to get into the property market by buying their first home.

However, says Berry Everitt, chief executive of the Chas Everitt International property group, after they select an area they would like to live in and start looking at individual properties, first-time buyers often find themselves freezing up at the prospect of the huge commitment they are about to make.

What if they pick a property that turns out to need expensive repairs? What if the new neighbours turn out to be ghastly? What if something better comes up just after they’ve signed a sale agreement?

“The first thing they need to remember,” he says, “is that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ property. Almost everyone’s home is something of a compromise between what they dream of and what they can afford.

“But having said that, every buyer also has certain non-negotiables – needs, rather than wants. You should take the time to think about these and make a written checklist so you can easily establish which of the homes you view has the most boxes ticked for the best price.”

Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, Everitt says this strategy will prevent buyers from becoming distracted by nice-to-have but unnecessary features, or from being unduly influenced by bargain pricing, and will help them to resist any high-pressure selling of unsuitable properties.

“And most important, it will give you peace of mind, knowing that you have picked a home that is right for you, whatever else may come on to the market later.”