Are you thinking of buying your first home? It’s likely you’re going to have a number of questions on your mind. And as a new entrant to the housing market, it’s natural that you should!
You may wonder what you should look for in a property, which home loan to select and what kind of assistance is available to you, here is some advice to get you started
Do Your Homework
Obtain pre-approved for a loan so you know exactly how much you can spend before you even begin your search.
Having a loan pre-approved means you will be ready to act immediately once you find the right property and there will be less chance of someone else beating you to it. Make sure you have pre-approval in writing from your lender.
You may have fallen in love with a property but be sure to do your research before getting too attached or making an offer. Important factors to consider when determining what you are prepared to pay include the position of the property, the size (how much property are you getting for your money), the condition and if any upgrades are necessary and future capital growth potential.
Protect Yourself
Never buy anything without getting an independent building and pest inspection report done, as well as a strata report if you are buying an apartment. These reports will highlight significant defects or issues relating to the property.
A report will cost a few hundred dollars, however this is money worth spending. You do not want to discover a major structural problem with the property once you move in, which could potentially cost you thousands.
For apartment buyers, doing a strata report is a must and will show you the records of the strata scheme, which can include any special levies proposed in the future that you may be required to contribute to, a history of the building’s maintenance work, as well as the amount of money in the sinking and administration funds.
These are all factors that could have a big impact if you become an owner in the building. There are companies that specialize in compiling strata reports and you will need to pay them a fee or you can opt to search the records yourself. This usually entails making an appointment with the strata manager to view the books.
Never sign anything you do not understand. It is best to have your solicitor or conveyance review the contract before you sign an offer to purchase or exchange. Check the inclusions and exclusions and the length of settlement. If you are unhappy with any of the terms, you may be in a position to negotiate with the seller.
Being Practical
Remember to look at all aspects of the property. It is about balancing the pros and cons as no property will ever be perfect. Try to make educated decisions based predominantly on common sense.
Consider who your neighbors are going to be, parking availability if a car space does not come with the property, any repairs or renovations needed, future development planned for the surrounding area, proximity to amenities like shops and transport, noise pollution from traffic and aircraft and the overall street appeal.
While you may be willing to live with or without some of these things, they could have a big impact on the resale value of the property and will need to be factored into the price you are prepared to pay.