Step 1: Organise your Finances

Long before you start looking for a home you need to book an appointment to chat to your Bank or Professional Finance Broker.

Why?

This will give you an indication of how much you can borrow, the deposit required and serviceability of the loan. When you have your finances sorted, you know what your spending limits are.

 

Step 2: Pre-approval Letter 

If you have your finances sorted, it’s now time to ask for pre-approval.

Why?

This will give you pre-approval to borrow up to a certain amount and lasts for 3 – 6 months. Pre-approval makes the sales process a lot smoother and gives you the opportunity to make a serious offer on a home on the spot.

 

Step 3: Determine what area you want to live in

Do you need to be close to shops? Do you have kids and want to be close to schools, playgrounds and the school bus run? Do you want to walk or drive to work?

Why? 

This saves you time, enabling you to pinpoint a few suburbs that will work best for you and your family.

 

Step 4: Zone in on the areas that interest you

Now you know what areas you would like to live in, it’s time to start researching. Look at recent sales and listings. Take note of time on market and median sale prices. Are your chosen suburb housing prices increasing or decreasing?

Why?

Keeping up to date on the key factors in your area keeps you one step ahead of your competitors and helps you to make informed choices.

 

Step 5: Talk to an Agent

Talk to a reputable Real Estate Agent about the market trends within your chosen suburbs. Ask to join their mailing lists so that you can be the first to know when new homes come on the market.

Why? 

Real Estate Agents are listing and selling houses all the time so they are very up to date with the market trends. Contact one of our agents or sign up to our eNews to keep informed.