Buyer Tips

Some helpful advice for Buyers!

• Make a “wish list” detailing the location, size and features you require in your home.
• Create a household budget so you can accurately see what mortgage repayments you can afford.
• Speak with your mortgage provider to work out what you can afford to borrow. Get them to provide a full list of charges for preparation and stamping of the mortgage including application fees, ongoing monthly fees, stamp duty etc.
• Contact your agent to start looking for suitable properties, make sure you give them the “wish list” you created and the price you can afford.
• Ask your agent to provide an additional cost breakdown covering things like Building inspection reports etc.
• Locate a solicitor to handle your purchase and ask for a list of their charges and any other costs involved like Title searches and Lands Title Office fees etc that are included in the settlement of the property. Conveyancing costs for a $150,000.00 home are likely to start at $250.00 for the conveyancer, $110.00 for title searches, and $661.00 for LTO fees. Stamp Duty is $4830.00. So your starting cost would be almost $6000.00. Percentage of council and water rates will be added to this.
• The cost to move an average 3 bed/study home is over $700.00 not including boxes and packing. If you wish the removalists to pack your home for you the price will start at about $1400.00. A professional house cleaner to clean through after you have moved will start at around $100.00.
• Once you have signed a contract on a property you will need to arrange an insurance cover note to insure the property (the actual building) up to the settlement date, and once settlement has taken place you will need to insure both the building and contents (your personal belongings). Premiums vary greatly but be prepared to start at $600.00.
• If you have pets consider placing them in a kennel the night prior to and the day of your move as they may become very stressed, also your pet may escape due to doors and gates being left open to allow access to the removalists.
• In the period when you are house hunting, and after you buy but before moving, make a list of ALL incoming correspondence and then send a note to everyone who has written to you, giving them your new address and contact details.

Buyers should make their own investigations and not rely solely or partly on this advice.

Competition

We all have choices in life and when selling a home, who to sell with is what exercising choice is all about?It has never been our way to talk down about other companies or belittle the other agents out there.However, never deal with a real estate company quick to criticise or slander another company. It shows insecurity, desperation and a total lack of credibility.

I feel we have enough of our own strengths and services to offer any client wishing to sell or for that matter buy a property.

On our website, you will see that we point out our strengths and services and leave you to make the choice of which you would rather use to sell your property with and ask yourself the vital question:

• Can the other companies you have been considering dealing with offer you the following:A family name over the door, which carries the name of the owner?
• Does the company have a record of accomplishment of selling through a continuos flow of repeat business over decades?
• Is the company national with offices in other states and throughout Australia, thus offering you the future opportunity of buying elsewhere and from a company you have dealt with already?
• Does the company advertise widely and on a regular basis, thus offering future ability to sell your property on to future resale buyers?
• Does the company have an operational rentals and management department thus providing buyers with the option for rental investment and income?
• Does the company pride itself on its after sales service for when you are completing on the property?
• Can the company offer you referral letters from previous clients who have sold and purchased through them?

Competition makes our business stronger and its not something we shy away from. We aim to provide the highest quality real estate services available. We invite you to challenge us to exceed your expectations.