Choosing the right home is a huge responsibility. Financially, it will be your greatest commitment, physically it will be the place you look to for security and comfort. Whether for the long or short term, you want to make a wise investment in a property that will suit your needs for the time you live in it. Hence you should not underestimate the value of being equipped with knowledge about the property market. Finding out about sales history, real estate agency tactics, mortgage options, legal requirements and upfront and hidden costs will help you to prepare yourself for the process ahead. This guide covers all of these topics with up-to-date and sound advice to help you successfully navigate your way from planning through to purchase. We hope you enjoy using it and recommend that it be used along side professional counsel from within the appropriate industry body.
Planning ahead
What are the advantages of buying versus renting? Consider the pros and cons of each and whether your motivation to buy matches the lifestyle you have or want to have.
Your priorities
Set your sights on the long term by being realistic in the immediate term. Look at what you can afford and make some compromises on what you want to get off to a sound financial start.
Choosing the right mortgage
Look at the different types of mortgages and the features they may offer. Consider the financial needs of your lifestyle and find out how to prepare for that meeting with your lender.
House hunting
What features make one house better than another? Discover what to look for in the right house and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of purchasing.
Buyer’s agents
Ever considered hiring an agent to do the hard work for you? Learn about the services of buyer”s agents and why their expertise, professionalism and confidence are saving many purchasers” time and money.
Purchase by private treaty
The real estate agent selling the home you want will be your ally and your opponent. They want your highest price and you want to negotiate! Read about some of the tactics you can draw on to get the best deal.
Purchase by auction
Buying by auction can be a daunting experience. Find out how to prepare yourself, what happens in an auction and some of the tactics you can use to get smart about the auction process.
Inspecting the home
Why are inspections so important? Get advice on what to look out for when viewing a home and why the value of a professional inspection cannot be underestimated.
Apartments, flats and units
What do you need to know before you purchase a flat or unit? Discover what’s involved in the title ownership of a medium density property and why it differs from ownership of a normal house.
Conveyancing and legalities
Conveyancing in a nutshell! Learn about the conveyancing process and find out what needs to happen before a property can be legally yours.
Moving house!
Everyone dreads the thought of moving house. Take out some of the stress by using this 8 week guide to help you plan ahead and break this mammoth undertaking down into bite-sized, achievable tasks.