Top 10 Home Buying Dos
1. See what many others don't
1970s carpet, non-matching curtains, bad light shades...the faint sound of disco...sound familiar? Let's face it...it all adds up to a poor visual. But don't be put off. Cosmetics can be easily and cheaply sorted with a make over to suit your taste, budget and factored into price.
2. Look for unexploited potential
Seeing many different homes can give you ideas on potential and using living spaces. Also buying a home with potential can enable you to add to its value overtime, e.g. a fourth bedroom, ensuite or garage. Take an ideas person with you to open homes...they might see a different angle and it makes the journey more fun!
3. Develop your buying criteria...
...or you may be open homing so much you forget where you live! Make a list of what is essential, should have, and nice to have. Work out the suburbs you want to live in and get to know the market in those areas.
4. Future proof
Think about what life might look like in 5 years and factor this into your buying criteria...a spare room for an office, mum or additions to family...or to store that unused gym equipment :-). Think forward as you generally need to be in a house 5+ years to build your equity and moving on too frequently can erode this.
5. Use a buyers service
How often has an agent listened to your needs then either not contacted you or shown you properties that don't meet your needs? Unlike most agents, we offer an Exclusive Buyers Service to our clients, with a dedicated person focused on your needs. We will listen and find you properties you are interested in. We will contact you each week to touch base, ensure you are alerted to properties fitting your wish list and guide you through the process ofbuying a house. To enquire about this complimentary service [click here].
6. Know your bottom line but think strategically
Some people will let a great house go over a small gap in price. How many times have we looked back and thought...I should have bought two of those? You are competing with other buyers so it pays to keep your thinking dynamic and with an eye to the future...properties (on average) double in a decade and knowing this allows you some price flexibility in securing your future home.
7. Keep your finger on the pulse
Things can change quickly in the property market and opportunities can come and go. The old adage ‘you snooze you lose' can ring true...some properties may not make it to advertising stage. When registered with us, we send out weekly updates to our clients to ensure they are aware of new properties as soon as they come on the market and long before print adds. Sign up here to receive our weekly property alerts.
8. Do your homework
Offering a price too low can bring a negotiation process to an abrupt end, while offering too high may see you paying more than you need to. Research comparable housing sales and factor up and down for what you think differences are worth. But remember you are competing with other buyers so its important to be realistic and know what you are prepared to let a deal go for. As part of our Exclusive Buyers Service we offer our clients free recent sales information to help you understand what similar properties are selling for. Click here to request recent sales information.
9. Do what others don't
Most people like to take their time and are naturally risk adverse. A strong buyer is a cash buyer with few conditions (pre-approved finance) and who can move quickly. Learn the market to know a good deal when you see it and be able to act fast...you are competing with other buyers and can lead the pack if you get this right.
10. Register your interest in Open Homes
If choosing us as your preferred people to work with, let us know if you are going to an open home and we can register your interest with the selling agent, arrange further visits and represent you and guide you through the process. Unfortunately, If we don't register your interest with the selling agent we can not assist you with advice and negotiation.
