Have you already started looking?
Then this may help. In addition to assisting you with the sale of your home I would also like to help you achieve your goal of purchasing as well.
These helpful hints and tips may assist you and make your life easier when looking for your dream home.
What to look for in a property
When you are thinking of buying your requirements will vary depending on your personal circumstances – you may be looking for a family home, a large garden, less of a garden, an investment property… the list goes on. Once you have clearly established what your requirements are, and what elements of a property are a must for your circumstances then it is time to start looking.
Checklist of things to consider when buying a house
- Firstly, do you need to sort finance? Work out your budget.
- What type of title is the property? Is it a Fee Simple, Cross-lease or Unit title? Ask your solicitor to advise on the title.
- Is it in an area likely to hold resale value or benefit from capital growth?
- Does the house and any alterations made to the house have the required Council permits?
- Is the house sound? If you have any doubt, hire a building inspector to check.
- Are there any long-term costs or issues such as body corporate fees, jointly owned driveways etc?
- If big changes are needed to make the property comfortable, then it is a wise to have an idea of these costs before you make an offer.
- Have you asked your local council about planning issues, are there any developments planned or construction of new roads nearby? You may wish to consider a LIM report.
- Will you enjoy living in the neighbourhood?
- Is the house well insulated? Will it be warm in winter, cool in summer?
- Is the house and land suitable for your stage in life – are there too many stairs or is the garden too steep? Is there a safe area for young children to play?
- Is there any risk of flooding or erosion?
- How much maintenance work will you need to do – or pay someone to do?
Once the main questions about your potential future house have been addressed, I recommend thinking about the house in even more detail…
- Will you have easy access to the facilities you need, such as schools, doctor, dairy and shops?
- Is traffic or noise an issue?
- Is it safe for your family, e.g. children, the elderly or disabled?
- Is the kitchen serviceable?
- Does the house have enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Check under the house – is it dry?
- Is drainage an issue?
- Is there enough garage space for you? Is the garage easily accessible?
- Is it suitable for your pets?
I hope these tips are helpful to you in helping you purchase and enjoy your dream home.
Remember, other prospective homeowners will also be looking and well priced homes can sell within days. You want, and need, to be informed of new listings when they are available to view.