Buying Your First Home - Where to Start

 

Start by defining the property you want and write a list of all the features you are looking for in the perfect property such as;

1.      Location

·         Do you need to be handy to public transport for work?

·         Is schooling important?

·         Are there childcare facilities close by?

·         Do you need to be able to walk to the shops, doctors or other services?

·         Do you want to live in an established area or a new subdivision?

 

2.      Age and Type of house

·         Do you want a new house that doesn’t need anything doing to it?

·         Are you looking for something you can renovate and add value to?

·         Are you looking for an apartment or family home?

·         Is it important to you what materials have been used to construct the house?

 

3.      Physical Characteristics

·         Do you need a garage?

·         How many bedrooms do you need?

·         Is an ensuite important for the master bedroom?

·         Are you looking for a garden or would you prefer a low maintenance courtyard or balcony?

 

4.      Budget

·         Talk to a mortgage broker or your bank to work out how much money you can spend to purchase your home.

 

Once you have a list such as this go ahead and prioritise those features that are most important to you.  This list will make it easier for you to describe your dream home to a real estate agent and will help them find the perfect property for you.  However, be mindful perfect is hard to achieve and so be prepared to compromise on the less important features.