Best tips for First Home Buyers

Buying your first home is a significant milestone, and in Australia’s competitive housing market, it can be both an exciting and daunting venture. Here are some of our best tips to help you navigate the homebuying process with confidence.

1. Understand Government Schemes Australia offers several government schemes to assist first-time home buyers, such as the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, First Home Owner (New Home) Grant and the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.

2. Budget Wisely Before diving into the market, assess your finances thoroughly. Consider not only your current situation but also potential future expenses.

3. Save for a Deposit A substantial deposit can improve your chances of loan approval and reduce the amount you need to borrow.

4. Do Your Research Take the time to research the areas you’re interested in. Look into local amenities, public transport, and future development plans, as these can affect property values.

5. Get Pre-Approval Loan pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers that you’re serious about buying. It can also speed up the purchasing process once you find the right property. Selling agents will take you seriously and put you ahead of the ‘pack’ if you are pre-approved and ready to purchase.

6. Choose the Right Mortgage There are various home loan options available. Consider features like interest rates, flexibility, and additional fees. An experienced mortgage broker can help you find the best loan for your needs.

7. Inspect Thoroughly When you find a potential home, inspect it thoroughly. Check for structural issues, and ensure you obtain an independent pest and building report. We also recommend viewing the property at different times throughout the day if possible, to assess for potential street and traffic noise and to view the property in different lighting.

8. Negotiate Hiring a Buyers Agent can help you negotiate the best possible price and contract terms using comparable sales analysis, local supply and demand factors as well as assessing the unique features of a particular property. Many Buyers Agents have an Appraise and Negotiate Only service which means if you enjoy house hunting and inspecting properties but want a professional to help you secure it at the sharpest possible price, this is the point from which they take over. They manage all subsequent agent dialogue, negotiations, due diligence, all contract reviews/amendments through to settlement.

9. Consider Additional Costs Remember to factor in additional costs such as professional fees and moving expenses. These can add up and should be included in your overall budget.

10. Be Patient Finally, be patient. The right home may not come up immediately, but with persistence and the help of a professional such as a Buyers Agent, your pool of potential properties can increase significantly. giving you the competitive edge over other buyers.

Best of luck with finding your first home!