Let’s face it, buying your first home can feel like running a marathon blindfolded – daunting, complex, and filled with potential pitfalls!
The property market is a goldmine of opportunities, packed with substantial returns and long-term investment potential. But, it’s not always easy to navigate. We asked the team of property and development experts at Collins Residential to share their tips for a stress-free journey.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
“Location, location, location” has long been a mantra in real estate, and for good reason. Geoff Perkins, managing director of Collins Residential, reminds us that you can change your house, but you can’t change its location. Selecting the right area involves considering factors such as amenities, security, and community lifestyle. This also affects accessibility to schools, transport and, most importantly, the financial benefits of capital appreciation and yield when it comes to rentals.
2. PRE-QUALIFICATION IS IMPORTANT
Getting pre-qualified for a bond is an important step that confirms your credit standing and informs you of your affordability range. It’s recommended to seek guidance on consolidating debt, closing unnecessary accounts, and maintaining a healthy credit profile. This puts you in a favourable position with lenders and streamlines the financing process.
3. UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL PROCESS
Once an offer to purchase is agreed upon, obtaining legal advice is crucial. Understanding all terms and conditions ensures that legal requirements and deposits are handled efficiently. It’s important to stay fully informed throughout the process to avoid any unexpected issues.
4. CONDUCT A SITE VISIT OR FINAL WALK-THROUGH
Before closing the purchase, a final walk-through is essential. This step allows you to verify that all agreed-upon repairs and improvements have been completed. Ensuring the property meets your expectations and that all necessary inspections are thorough to prevent any possible future problems.
5. BE AWARE OF ADDITIONAL COSTS
When building a home, additional costs can arise at various stages. Here are some examples of costs you may need to outlay during the building phase:
• Fees for design and planning services provided by architects or designers.
• Costs for clearing the land, excavation, grading, and soil testing to ensure the site is suitable for construction.
• Costs associated with connecting utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage to the property.
• The price of building materials, which can fluctuate based on market conditions and availability.
• Fees for required inspections at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with building codes and standards.
• Costs and options for interior finishes such as lighting, cabinetry, doors and frames, bathrooms and exterior considerations like landscaping.
• Setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or changes to the construction plan that may arise during the building process.
There are more and more ‘turnkey’ offerings which are transforming the home buying experience. “Our latest Lalela Estate offering means potential homeowners wanting to build their new dream home can secure their new home now and pay at a later stage,” says Perkins. “This is particularly advantageous for individuals seeking convenience and for those currently renting who wish to continue renting while their home is being built. Our turnkey solution is designed to make home buying as hassle-free as possible.”
Details: www.lalelaestate.com
