Determine What You Want

Create a prioritised list of the features you want to find in your new home and the reasons why.  While making the list consider how long you will likely be in the house and how your family and lifestyle may change over time.  Use this list as a search guide and tool to help filter through the available properties and focus on homes that meet your lifestyle and requirements.  Remember that you may need to make some compromises based on location and financing limitations.

Checklist Items;

House

- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Square Footage
- Closets and Storage
- Garage
- Garden

Neighborhood

- Overall Appearance
- Schools
- Daily Commute
- Community Services
- Recreation
- Traffic and Noise

Determine What You Can Afford

In today’s market, touring homes without having a clear understanding of your buying power can be very discouraging and a waste of time. Know what you can afford and how much you want to spend.

Select Your Team

You want to select a team of professionals to assist you in your home purchase.  Estate agents and the people you select to help find your home are important. Dont forrget estate agents work for the seller who pays them commission not you. If you can afford it maybe worth using a buyer’s agent who can save you both time and money.  A buyers agent will save hours of your precious time.

A good buyer’s agent, will negotiate on your behalf, assist you with inspections, and advise you through the offer, contract and completion. 

Starting The Home Search

Once you have determined the features you need in a home, desired location and the amount you feel comfortable spending, it is time to start looking at houses.  Review all of the properties that meet your specifications and then schedule a time with the sellers to visit the selected homes.  As you are comparing properties, make sure to look at all aspects of the property and compare them to your list.  Keep an open mind when you are looking at homes and imagine what the house could become with you as the owner.

The Offer

Once you have selected a home, you will need to make an offer.  Traditionally this can be a bit of a difficult time since both parties (buyer and seller) have completely different goals.  After considering the asking price and reviewing what comparable homes are selling for, you make an offer.  After reviewing, the seller will accept, reject or make a counter offer. When your offer is accepted contact your conveyancer (lawyer) immediately. Never hand out cash directly to the seller. Always get a legal person to check all the details and provide you with transer advice.

From this point bon your conveyancer will advise you on the procedure until you are handed over your keys toi become a proud homeowner.

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