A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER
WHEN LOOKING TO BUYING A HOME

The Initial Step

After much consideration, you have decided to buy a home. Before you proceed, there are a few things you should consider:

Can I afford to buy?

Ask yourself the common sense but essential question: Do I have the means to pay a deposit, and then pay regular instalments off the loan?

What is it that I am looking for?

There are many resources available to you - newspapers, driving around the area, friends and agents. Decide whether it is for you or for an investment and what area you are interested in. You need to determine also the type of property that you are interested in, do you like acreage large or small, does it need to be useable or is it just for lifestyle, is it close to town, schools or shops or do you want a house in town? There is a huge variety of property available and it is best to do your homework.

Where do I start looking?

When you have decided on the property you want, it is time to start searching the agents’ listings this can be achieved by looking through the local papers, the agents’ windows or on their websites. It is worth while providing your details to agents who have properties listed in your desired areas so that they can contact you when they hear of a property that may suit you.

 
I Have Seen What I Want 

So you have seen what you want, it is the right price, right area and right size. What do I do now?

The first thing you should do is inspect the property with any other person involved in the purchase. Closely examine everything that is important to you in buying a house.

When you are certain you want this house, you are in a position to submit an offer for the property to the listing agent. The agent will then submit the offer to the vendor.

If the owner agrees to accept your offer, terms and conditions the agent can then organise to advise your solicitor/conveyancer and the vendors solicitor/conveyancer to start the process of the sale.

It is advisable to organise a pest and building inspection to determine the structural status of the property and if this report is satisfactory that will determine the progress of the sale.

Your solicitor/conveyancer with check every detail to ensure that a property is transferred from the vendor to the new owner legally and financially. As the buyer, your solicitor/conveyancer will calculate the total loan required to meet all expenses; consult your lending institution about the progress of your loan application; conduct searches to guarantee the title is unencumbered at settlement, prepare to transfer ownership to you; and attend settlement on your behalf, receiving and handing over documents and cheques as required.

Then the property is YOURS!!!