Taking the plunge into buying a property can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Pinpointing what kind of property you want to buy and the location is just the first hurdle to jump over. It is just the beginning for you on the path to buying your next home. Below we give you our 5 top tips to consider when it’s time to buy.
Do your research
Once the decision has been made to buy a home, the majority of people turn to the internet for their research. There can be an overwhelming amount of information to wade through online, but there are ways you can narrow down the search. First up – work out your property deal breakers. Sit down and write a list on what is going to be a non-negotiable for you when looking for your new place. ie. How many bedrooms, what suburbs are you pinpointing, are educational facilities or shopping precincts a factor in your decision?
Inspections
You’ve set up the alerts on your phone, planned out the calendar and resigned yourself to giving up your Saturday morning sleep-in. Bring on the open for inspections. What’s the best way to approach them? Firstly, go to as many as you can. Housing inspections are about more than just the house. It’s a chance to see the rest of the street, explore the neighbourhood and check out the ‘competition’ – the other potential buyers.
Sort your finance
Buying a house is a major investment, and it’s important to make sure your finances are in order before starting the process. Once you have started to gain an understanding of the market, the next step is to start thinking about how you’re going to pay for it. So how much money do you need? Have you enlisted the help of a mortgage broker and do you know how much you can borrow? Sorting this element out early is really important as it will assist you in buying a property within your means.
Buying your new property
You’re satisfied that there are no major problems with your chosen property and have explored the local area to ensure it meets all of your non-negotiable requirements. The next exciting step is to think about buying. At this point, there are a few ways you can proceed, depending on the vendor, method of sale and the advice given by the real estate agent. Once your offer is accepted you need to consider what the terms and conditions are for the contract and we advise that you enlist the help of a solicitor.
Making the move
Finally, the big day has arrived. All the paperwork has gone through and you have the keys in your hand. Moving into your new home should be the exciting and easy part, right? Some people rate moving house as one of the most stressful experiences you can go through, but if you get yourself organised in advance and keep it flexible on the day, moving will be a breeze. Follow these tips and you’ll be cracking open that bottle of sparkling at the end of the day to congratulate yourself on a job well done.
So if buying is in your future we highly recommend reading our comprehensive guide in buying your property. You can download your free copy here! Good luck on the hunt and get in touch if you want a hand!