Tips

Handy Tips

Prepare a wish list

• Define what type of property you looking for
• What are your preferred suburbs
• What are your 'must haves'
• What is your budget

Organising your financing:

Get pre- approvals for a loan before looking at prospective properties. Why? Because this will help you feel more confident and it will give you more leverage when there are multiple interested parties for a specific home. The fact that your loan has already been approved is of great value to you when negotiating, as you can access fund promptly.

Research:

Many home buyers do very little research before diving in and investing their hard-earned money. Inspecting roughly 100 properties will take you a couple of months however it will be time well invested. If you're short on time, a professional buyers' agent can search the marketplace for you.

Hidden expenses:

Taxes, insurance, maintenance, council and strata fees etc, if applicable. Make sure all the utilities are on (gas, electricity, and water) so you can inspect everything in working order.

Do a pre-settlement inspection:

Visit the property on the day of settlement or after all the furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract.

If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist:

All promises and discussions are to be in writing. Don't make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted.

Selling Tips

• Your Agent should show you research to back up any recommendations.
• Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations, but make your final choice based on your needs.
• Look for traits such as enthusiasm, empathy, perseverance, extensive knowledge, and a firm commitment to the business in your Agent.
• Choose a local Agent.
• Ask for references from the Agent
• Ask the Agent to show you what will be done to market your home
• Look for a Agent who tells you what he or she knows from experience in the market, and doesn't just try to flatter you.
• At market value, you open your home up to more people who can afford the price, so don't list your property at a higher price without good reason
• Make a good first impression of your home, both in the interior and exterior
• Let the Agent turn any comments about the shortcomings of your home into a selling point
• Your Agent should show you research to back up any recommendations.
• Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations, but make your final choice based on your needs.
• Look for traits such as enthusiasm, empathy, perseverance, extensive knowledge, and a firm commitment to the business in your Agent.
• Choose a local Agent.
• Ask for references from the Agent
• Ask the Agent to show you what will be done to market your home
• Look for a Agent who tells you what he or she knows from experience in the market, and doesn't just try to flatter you.
• At market value, you open your home up to more people who can afford the price, so don't list your property at a higher price without good reason
• Make a good first impression of your home, both in the interior and exterior
• Let the Agent turn any comments about the shortcomings of your home into a selling point