Ten Tips for Finding Your New Home

Use our helpful hints to take the stress out of house/apartment hunting.

When you embark on the very significant step of looking to buy a new home, there

is much to consider. hopefully our checklist below will help you.

Part 1. Planning & Research

1. How do you Want to Live?

Before you think about where you want to live, you need to think about how you want to live.

How far are you happy to travel to work?

Do you need to be close to family, sports clubs, schools etc?

What is the maximum distance you would live from the beach, parks, city, public transport etc?

Is a quiet location important to you?

Do you need room for entertaining and easy parking for regular visitors?

2. List your Top Ten Priorities

Think about location, schools, details of the type of house/apartment, family, friends and price range.

3. Research Your Preferred Suburbs

Look at recent sales, median property prices in the suburbs you are considering.

4. Work through the Logistics

Do you need to sell an existing property before you buy?

Is there a deadline for moving based on family or work changes?

Do you have finance organised?

What is your budget and time frame?

Will this home still work for us in 5 years time?

Part 2. House/Apartment Hunting

5. Make Time

Looking for a new home can take anywhere from days to months.

You will need to allocate free time while properties are Open for Inspection.

This is usually Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays.

6. First Inspection

Initially it is a good idea to walk through the whole property to get a feel of whether you could live there.

Then walk through each room marking on the plan good and bad points.

7. Further Inspections

Be sure to visit the property at all different times of the day.

Look into cupboards, under rugs and on ceilings to check for any damage.

Walk through with daily living in your mind - sharing bathrooms, everyone in the kitchen, overflowing laundry....

8. Ask for Objective Advice

It is often a good idea to ask a friend or family member to come see any property you are very serious about.

Over time it is easy to 'fall in love' with a property and hence be blinded by its less attractive points. 

9. Review Your Original Goals

Are the bedrooms big enough for our family?

Is there enough storage?

Is this our ideal location and place, we don't want to move again too quickly.

Write up a list of pros and cons for each property you are considering.

10. Before You Make an Offer or go to an Auction

Everyone should get a professional, independent building inspection before purchasing a home.

Make sure a solicitor reviews the contract .

Any loans or funding needed for purchase needs to be lined up before you make an offer.

Any questions? Give us a call. We are here to help you find you new home.