Buying Information
Excitement, pleasure, pride. These are the feelings that buying a home can bring whether it is your first home, your next home or an investment property.
Choosing the right property for you comes down to knowing what you need; what you can afford and knowing exactly what’s available at the time you are ready to buy.
KNOWING WHAT YOU NEED
Although it seems obvious, the type of home you buy should reflect the lifestyle you are planning for the future. Think about such aspects as household numbers, proximity to local amenities, including schools, t he sorts of work and leisure activities you like and the length of time you expect to live in the property.
KNOWING WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
Consult with a mortgage broker like the Loan Market or your bank to pre-determine your budget level and perhaps obtain pre-approval from the lending institution prior to going out ‘to buy’. This puts you in a position where you are able to make ‘ a cash offer.’
KNOWING WHAT IS AVAILABLE
Newspapers, real estate publications, real estate offices and the internet are all good places to begin your search … this web site is updated daily featuring the very latest listings to the market. Each week we post a list of open homes for the coming weekend and you are invited to register on this site to receive automatic notification of properties that may suit your needs. Make sure you are registered for First Alert on our website to get all the latest listings that match your criteria.
KNOWING LOCAL VALUES
Research sales in the areas you are looking and may be attend any auctions of properties to help establish current values. Attend as many open homes as possible. Ask any one of our sales agents for additional advice … they will be happy to help.
YOU’VE FOUND YOUR PERFECT PROPERTY
When you find a property that suits your requirements, ask the agent for sales statistics of similar properties in the area. If the property is to be auctioned, obtain a copy of the auction agreement and send it on to your solicitor. Remember, when purchasing at auction, you must pay a 10% deposit on the fall of the hammer.
We recommend that purchasers arrange a building inspection prior to purchase and also obtain a copy of the LIM report. We also recommend you organise an independent valuation.
CONCULDING A SALE
Once your offer has been written and negotiations are finalised you will sign a Sale & Purchase Agreement and pay a deposit; usually between 5- 10% of the sale price. Copies of the contract will be sent to your solicitor and yourself.
*If the property you wish to purchase is going to be auctioned, please go to our ‘Auction Tips’ Page.
SETTLEMENT DAY
This is when ownership of the property is transferred to you and financial transactions are completed. Prior to settlement day you may request a pre-settlement inspection of the property to ensure nothing has changed in its status since purchase and agreed chattels are in place.
Once all settlement procedures have been finalised the keys will be released to you.
The property is now yours … congratulations!
