5 Things Every First Home Buyer Has To Know.

Entering the property market can be a daunting experience. Some people go in armed with facts and figures, others go in not really knowing what they want or need and then there are some who just go “all in” with no information and no facts.

The last approach may work some of the time but mistakes in real estate can cost you. Not just in money, but also in stress and your valuable time. And who wants that? We all want to enjoy that euphoric “I just bought a house” feeling, right?

We’ve been in the Conveyancing game a while and we have seen a lot of first home buyer settlements – most ending in triumph but some ending in tears! So our expert Conveyancers have compiled a list of 5 things every first home buyer has to know.

1. Heart ruling your head

When you are looking for your first home, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you need, what you can afford and to stick within those boundaries. Falling in love with a house when it doesn’t tick all the boxes means you will struggle to make the right decision. Keep your feelings in check and keep them to yourselves – loving the house may see you be blinded to the shortcomings of what living there will really be like.

2. Do your homework

First Home Buyers need to remember the selling agent is an employee of the Vendor. They want the deal done and the house sold quickly and will give you all the required information but they should not be your only information source. Lots of free information is readily available for you, without even leaving your home! You can look up online the previous sale prices, auction results, median house prices and schools located within the area – all without even talking to the agent. So please, do your homework on these things and make a list of your “not negotiables”. Remember that in real estate, forewarned is forearmed.

You should do some research on any grants that may be available to first home buyers at the time of your purchase.

You may wish to consider purchasing a brand new home which fits into the first home buyer stamp duty relief eligibility criteria to save yourself paying thousands of dollars on stamp duty. Certain criteria applies. Revenue SA has a lot of information on their website which you could refer to for further information and to check your eligibility.

3. Pushing your budget

Don’t borrow above your means. Let me say that again – don’t borrow above your means. A fatal mistake is stretching your finances to the limit. A house has ongoing costs; you will have rates, utilities, taxes including stamp duty, repairs and maintenance. And if you want to do any improvements, you simply won’t have the cash flow. Even worse, stretching your budget to that point may leave you with a lifestyle you do not enjoy.

If the Property forms part of a Strata or Community Title, you will also need to consider any Strata/Community Corporation levies & insurance

If you are obtaining finance, it would be a good idea to speak with a Mortgage Broker who will be able to compare the market to find you the best deal applicable to your situation. A broker or lender can also assist you in applying for any first home owner grants that may be available to you, making this easier on you as a purchaser as they will be familiar will any requirements needed to support the application.

4. Get a pre-purchase building and pest inspection

A reputable and qualified building and pest inspector can save you thousands of dollars

or stop you from buying a ‘lemon’. Don’t quibble over paying a few hundred dollars now for this report, because it can save you big bucks down the track. A house may look amazing, but you need to know if there are:

• Any structural issues (roof, walls etc.)
• Any hidden repairs/DIY disasters
• Smoke alarms or any electrical issues
• Any plumbing or storm water issues
• The estimated cost of any repairs
• If there are termite infestations or any other wood damaging organisms to be aware of
• Your insurance provider may require a pest inspection to be carried out before they will agree to cover you.

You may be able to negotiate the purchase price to allow for costs of repairs after settlement or include in the Contract, any repairs as “Vendor Works” to be completed by the Vendor prior to settlement

A pest inspector may also be able to provide you with some advice to prevent future pest problems occurring or spot other issues within the property which would likely attract certain pests to the property.

The building must also conform to Australian building codes and standards.

5. Get professional advice

When it comes to Real Estate, everyone has good advice, right? Wrong. Don’t listen to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Sure, they may have their own personal experiences but when it comes to protecting yourself in Real Estate you must talk to your:

1. Loan Broker / Banker: An experienced and professional broker or banker who knows what loans are on the market, what type of loan suits you and your future
2. Conveyancer: an absolute must to engage one early. Before you sign the contract!

Getting in touch – we’re here to help!

If you’re in the process of purchasing your first home we’re here to help you with your Conveyancing needs. We have permanent offices in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Murray Bridge and Clare. We also service Roxby Downs on a regular basis.

We have been operating in South Australia since 1946. Asking one of our experienced team of conveyancers to handle all aspects of the transaction for you is the key to stress-free settlements. Our expertise includes;

• Contract special condition advice and Form 1 preparation
• Electronic Conveyancing and document registration (PEXA friendly)
• Estate and matrimonial transactions
• Business contracts
• Land & community divisions
• Family farm transfers
• Commercial leases
• Mortgages
• Caveats
• Applications to register death, change of name or marriage
• Easements
• Encumbrances

If you would like to discuss a Conveyancing job, please call us on (08) 8231 1110 or get in touch online.

Where You Can Find Johnston Withers Lawyers Conveyancing Team:

• Adelaide Conveyancer
  
• Clare Conveyancing
• Salisbury Conveyancing
• Conveyancer in Murray Bridge
  
• Conveyancers in Port Augusta
• Whyalla Conveyancing
• Roxby Downs Conveyancer