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Buying a home is an exciting life event, but it can seem overwhelming when you’re at the start of the process. Here is a handy summary of the home buying process in a nutshell.

1. Calculate how much you can afford.

 Head to your bank or financial institution to find out how much you can safely borrow. Not only is this a really important first step so you don’t end up over your head with a mortgage you can’t afford, but it will also narrow down your property search.

2. Go house hunting

 Fun, daunting and exciting; hunting for your ideal property is the best part of the home buying process. Always add as many parameters to your internet searches as possible, including price, location and number of bedrooms. This will help make the hunting process less overwhelming

3. Commission a building inspection

 A property can seem wonderful inside and out, but suffer important structural issues that compromise the entire foundations. You don’t have to know what signs to look out for, but enlist a builder to check out the property for you. They’ll inspect every aspect of your prospective home, just don’t get too attached to the house until you get their report.

4. Get ready for the buying process: Auction or private sale

 Once you know the style in which your dream home will be sold, you can prepare for it. If you’re buying via private sale or ‘private treaty,’ you can make an offer with certain caveats. These stipulations on the offer are usually ’subject to finance’ or ‘subject to building inspection.’

If the house is to be sold at auction, chat with a buyer agent for tips on how to bid if you need assistance. It’s handy to note; by bidding at an auction, you’re agreeing to buy the property at the price indicated. This means any inspections must be carried out before the auction, as once you bid you’re usually locked in. If you want to be sneaky, you can also contact the seller prior to auction with an offer, you never know – they may take it!

5. Seek out conveyancing help for the legal aspects

 Once you’ve found the place of your dreams, it’s time to enlist the experts to negotiate the nitty gritty. Even though buying a home is a big part of your life, it is a purely legal transaction. A conveyancer can help you clarify and lodge legal documents including the contract of sale and memorandum of transfer. They’ll also look through all the fine print to ensure the buyer isn’t taking advantage of you.

A conveyancer will negotiate with the seller’s legal team until you’re happy with all the clauses which saves you having to try to decipher legal jargon.

6. Enlist a Conveyancer to finalise settlement

Once you’ve purchased your dream home, the process is not yet finished. Negotiating terms of settlement and ensuring the property is in the condition you want are important legal aspects you should leave up to your conveyancer. They’ll help you sign the Transfer of Land documents which finalise the name change of the property. Once all the financial aspects are taken care of and you’ve transferred the agreed-upon amount, your conveyancer will make sure you get the keys on the settlement date.

Buying a home is an exciting life event, so go slowly through the steps above to ensure it goes smoothly, and enjoy it!

Did you move house recently? Tell us your funny house buying & moving stories in the comments below!

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  • Great tips – but I am daunted at the thought of selling my home – seems things have changed since the last time I sold some 30 years ago.

    Reply

  • We are currently planning a move – both selling and buying at the same time – quite daunting but exciting!

    Reply

  • Some good tips, thanks :)

    Reply

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