Tip for Buyers

Conduct Your Research
Buying a home is a major milestone and should be an enjoyable and exciting experience. If you’re looking for your dream home, a well-positioned investment property or a suitable development site, it’s time to learn how to recognise value and then get creative with your buying strategy and the way you negotiate. With time, care, and research, you can take control of the buying process.

Find a Good Agent
Take the time to do your homework, choose your area carefully then find a good agent in the area and let them know your specific requirements and budget. Do not be hesitant about talking to your Agent as he/she can alert you to any new listings. Prepare a short list of your preferred suburbs or areas that suit your lifestyle and budget and be very clear about what matters most to you. Alternatively, if you are a developer and want to target a specific suburb for development sites then it may be best to meet with your Agent in person and map out an individual strategy going forward that suits your needs.

Do the Legwork
Do some field work to make sure the suburb’s right for you. Walk around the area you’re thinking of buying in and assess the atmosphere and local surroundings. If you’re looking to buy a property in an area where you’re already living, take a close look at other properties that go up for sale nearby. Engage the services of an agent who has access to detailed sales data and is experienced in valuing local property in the area. Look at how they’re marketed, how well inspections are attended and how long they spend on the market. This will give you an indication of how the market is doing in your neighbourhood and can guide you on the price you should be paying for a property close by.

Due Diligence
When you find the property of your dreams it is important to conduct your due diligence – have look at a copy of the contract of sale, organise a pest/building inspection and make sure your finance is in place so you can put down a deposit and settle on the property in the required time period.