BUYING TIPS
Buying a property is probably the biggest and most expensive investment that you will ever make. It can be quite an overwhelming process irrespective if you are a first home buyer or an experienced buyer. These simple steps can help to make the process as stress free as possible.
ORGANISE YOUR FINANCE
Buying a property is probably the biggest and most expensive investment that you will ever make. It can be quite an overwhelming process irrespective if you are a first home buyer or an experienced buyer. These simple steps can help to make the process as stress free as possible.
SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES
When starting your search, make a list of your preferred suburbs and take into consideration the time and costs of travelling to work and school. If access to public transport is an important factor, consider how accessible it is together with local shopping and other amenities. Determine what kind of property you want i.e., a new home, a renovator, a unit etc and how many bedrooms/bathrooms etc you require. There are so many choices but the end result must meet the needs of you, your family and your lifestyle. Search engines including realestate.com.au and domain.com.au are great tools for finding properties online listed by several agents across the country and, you can define your search criteria to only look at properties that meet these criteria.
INSPECTIONS
When you have found properties advertised that suit your requirements, check the open for inspection times and go through each property carefully. This is also a good opportunity to have a builder look through the property to ensure it is structurally sound. If you are particularly interested in a property, you should request a copy of the Section 32 or Vendor’s Statement. This will detail information regarding easements or covenants as well as details of council and water rates relevant to the property which may affect your decision to purchase. The Contract of Sale is also an important document to review as it contains settlement information and any other of the vendor’s conditions. If you have any queries in relation to the contracts, seek advice from your solicitor or conveyancing specialist.
MAKING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE
If you are happy with the property and comfortable with the terms of the contracts, you can make an offer to purchase the property. If the property is being sold at Auction, you may be able to make an offer before the auction date. Consult with your Ham Kerr Property Agent for further advice in this regard. If the property is for Private Sale, all offers are made in writing and presented to the vendor for their consideration. When making an offer, you must decide whether to make your best offer upfront, or offer a lower price and be prepared to negotiate upward. If multiple offers are being made, the vendor may decide to accept another offer without giving you an opportunity to increase your offer.
Properties are sold either by Auction or Private Sale depending on the preference of the Vendor. If a property is offered for Private Sale it is usually advertised at a certain price or within a price range however, if buying at an auction, it’s an open forum.
BUYING YOUR HOME
The benefit of buying at auction is that you know what others are offering. Also, if yours is the final accepted bid, all Contracts etc are pre-prepared and signed without delay. You can use the services of a Buyer’s Advocate to bid on your behalf and generally represent you through the buying process, however, please ensure they are a Licensed Estate Agent. When you buy your property, take detailed photos of the condition of the house at the time of sale. Arrange a pre-settlement inspection and photograph again to make sure that the property is in the same condition with the same appliances, fittings, and that the garden is in order and that plants have not been removed, etc. Ham Kerr Property is on hand to give you any advice throughout your buying process to ensure it is a smooth and stress free transaction.