The first step is to make a list of what you are looking for in a property.
Think about your plans for the future. Are you planning a family? Do you like to entertain? Do you intend to have pets? Do you want a swimming pool? Just remember that the more particular you are, the more difficult it will be to find the right home.
Some considerations are:
- Price Range
- Locations
- Type of property (eg townhouse, apartment, unit, house, acreage)
- Proximity to amenities like schools, shops, public transport, work
- Property size
- Number of bedrooms
- Garage and storage
- Views
Prioritise your list into “needs” and “wants”.
Make sure you do your homework. There are hundreds of properties for sale every week so you don’t need to rush in and make an offer on the first one you see. If there’s an area you’d like to live in, take time to inspect a reasonable number of homes to give yourself a true understanding of the market value of the properties and area you’re looking at.
It’s always a good idea to keep a list of the properties viewed and their features, even take a photo so you can remember them in more detail. In searching, the first homes you see can quite often, in retrospect, have more appeal as your market knowledge increases. At other times your first impressions will help you define your priorities and preferences.
To broaden your search, drive through an area and surrounding suburbs, refer to the Hutt News, weekend papers and the internet to draw up a shortlist of properties that best meet your expectations on price, location and features.