So you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a property, but how do you go about finding the right property for you?

As well as a great overall feeling and vibe about the property, there are some additional, more practical considerations to take into account.

Finding the right home suited to your own personal situation, location and budget is very important, and here we’ve compiled a checklist of some important points to help on your quest for the property that is right for you.

Personal Requirements

Remember, not every property is right for every person. As with most things, we all have our own personal taste. Make a list of pros and cons, and a list of what you simply cannot live without in a property, and what you might be willing to compromise on.

Unless you’re buying the property on your own, you will also need to consider your partner’s considerations, so have clear ideas on what you’re both looking for.

Personal requirements may include aesthetics, location, size, block size, security, parking, storage…the list goes on.

If you are well-informed and undertake some research, be confident in your choices. What doesn’t suit others may be perfect for you. Take this into account when considering the property’s location, as well as the features of the property.

Location

You probably already have a pretty good idea of where you want to purchase your property, but it’s a great idea to make a list of areas you are willing to consider. This could be particular suburbs in a major city, or smaller areas slightly out of town in a regional area. Keep the list as short as possible so you’re not traipsing all over the place looking at properties.

Considerations may include distances to work, school, family and friends, condition of other properties in the area, lifestyle, and general reputation of the location.

Other attractive factors you may look for might include amenities, shopping options, creeks, parks, and walking tracks. If public transport is important for you, take the availability of it into account.

If you are looking for a lifestyle change and are considering properties in areas you are not entirely familiar with, do your research. Visit the area, where possible chat to locals, shopkeepers, and real estate sales consultants. Visit popular places in the area such as parks, shopping centres, coffee shops and restaurants to gain a general feel of the people and atmosphere.

Be as informed as possible on your new location and make a list of wants, needs, and what you are prepared to live without.

Whatever location you choose, doing some research into future proposed developments and changes in the area could also be handy to know.

If you discover you can’t quite afford a property in your favourite suburb or area, consider neighbouring areas that may be slightly lower in price.

Affordability

A mortgage broker can help you determine how much you can afford to borrow when deciding to purchase a property, and ensure you’re not intending to over-borrow on a property.

An experienced mortgage broker can assist with your budget planning, helping to reduce your risk of a home loan application rejection.

Generally, your budget will determine where you can afford to live. Gaining a pre-approval from your mortgage broker or lender is a great way to have a realistic idea of property price ranges you can afford from the get-go.

Once you have an accurate idea of how much you can afford to borrow to purchase a property, stick to looking only at those properties that fit within your budget.

You can access online tools that provide the median price ranges of properties in a particular area, as well as the sales history of the properties you’re considering.

The Property

A professional valuer will establish the property’s worth to confirm it is worth what you are proposing to pay.

The condition of the property, including aesthetic and structural issues also need to be inspected and taken into account.

It’s important to remember that your first property, and even properties further down the track, are likely to be stepping stones towards your dream home, so it’s important to compromise and consider houses you can afford at this point in time. Be realistic, know what you can afford, and set your sights on a home you’ll feel comfortable in.

In Conclusion

Purchasing a property is a big investment, so it’s important to make sure you do your research, take your time, be well-informed, and make the right property choice for you. In today’s modern, digital world, it’s even easier to research and make informed choices with the various online information available. It’s also important to engage the professional advice of experts in the property market field, including mortgage brokers, lenders, and real estate agents.

 

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