Archive for purchasing a home

Purchasing in a great neighbourhood

Purchasing a new home can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re also trying to choose a new neighbourhood as well. While it’s true that what defines a “great neighbourhood” can differ person to person, all great neighbourhoods do share some common characteristics that are universally appealing. Here are 7 attributes that can help you decide if the neighbourhood you are looking at is a good one…

1 | GREAT SCHOOLS
Even if you don’t have children, buying a property within an area renowned for great schools has a very positive affect on property prices. In most places, you generally need to live within a public school’s catchment area in order to send your child to that particular school.

2 | LOW CRIME RATES
We all want to live in an area of low crime, where we feel safe and secure. Savvy property buyers will do their research and look at crime rates in areas of interest.

3 | LIFESTYLE OPTIONS
A well-rounded neighbourhood is one that offers different things to different people. This could mean they’re plenty of nearby cafes and bars for foodies, walking and hiking trails for active locals, or even local clubs for engaged community members.

4 | OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Living in an area where residents don’t have to travel too far to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors, makes an area more appealing. Think of parks, playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, public pools and even nearby lakes and rivers.

5 | WELL-PRESENTED HOMES
Not only does a neighbourhood look amazing when each house is well presented, but it also shows that your neighbours take a lot of pride in their home – a good sign for any prospective property buyer. This doesn’t mean you live in a street of luxury properties either – great presentation starts with a mowed lawn, neat and tidy yard, freshly painted façade and clean, well-maintained footpaths.

6 | PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND WALKABILITY
In larger areas, being close to public transport is a must, with a huge number of commuters relying on buses and rail to get them to work every day. Walkability is also a big factor too – being able to leave the car at home to get to nearby attractions like markets, shops and cafes makes an area really desirable.

7 | SHOPPING
Being close to the shops is not just convenient, it is a drawcard within a neighbourhood. Weekend markets are popular neighbourhood attractions, as are large-scale shopping centres, supermarkets, and unique local boutiques.

Look around the local neighbourhood to see what makes the area special. Speak to some of the locals, and you will quickly find out the favoured places and things that are treasured by those living in the area.

If you are looking for advice on areas to purchase within the Macarthur region, our sales consultants can help you. They have excellent local knowledge and can answer any questions you may have.

Tips to help you purchase a property

Whether you’re looking for your first home, your next home, or thinking about an investment property, the following steps will help you achieve a successful result.

Arrange your finance
Take a good look at how much you have or can save as a deposit, or how much equity there is in your existing property/ies. This will give you a good place to start when it comes to deciding on what you can afford. A reputable mortgage broker can help you with this, as well as help you find the best home loan and interest rate for your circumstances.

Decide on what you want
Create yourself a “property requirement list” that you can refer to. It should include the “must haves” (such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garaging), and the “like to haves” (such as a pool or theatre room). This will be a valuable guide to keep you focused. Also keep in mind that some properties can be altered and renovated to your requirements – but the cost of this must also be considered.

Get some help
Looking for a property on your own is fine as a starting point, but when it comes time to dig deeper and really get to know the local area, it’s smart to talk to a knowledgeable local real estate expert.

Look at the prominent real estate agent/s in the areas you are keen on, and speak to them. These agents are not only a good source of local information, but can also keep you on their database for when a property comes up that suits your criteria.

But that’s not all! A great agent can help you with lots of other things during and after the buying process. Ask them any questions you may have, as their advice will often short-cut your efforts.

Make the most of inspections
Don’t hurry through open house inspections. Take your list and note down strengths and weaknesses of the properties you like, and any questions or issues you may have. This is important, as after viewing a number of properties it is easy to confuse and mix-up the details. Notes will ensure there is no confusion and you are on top of the correct information at all times!

Manage your offer
Don’t get caught up in the emotion of the purchase. Think logically, and carefully consider issues like fixtures, settlement and price. And make sure you get building and pest inspections so you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Contact your solicitor
Your solicitor will make sure all the paperwork is in order, and any unforeseen complications are highlighted through checking official records and information before the sale is final.

Settlement and moving
Try not to move in on the same day the previous owners are moving out. You may not get access until late afternoon, which can hold up a professional moving company, and cause more stress than you need.

For more information on purchasing a property, speak to one of our highly experienced Sales Consultants on 4628 7444.