January 30, 2017 by Harry Papageorgiou
Buying a home (especially if it’s your first one) can feel like an overwhelming experience.
From knowing how much money you need to have as a property deposit, to understanding the actual process of buying – there is a lot of information to get your head around when purchasing property.
To help you get your head in the game and feel comfortable when buying your first or next property, I have detailed the five key things you need to know about purchasing property.
Key 1: Build a good deposit
If you want to obtain finance to buy a home, you will need to show your preferred lender evidence of genuine savings. As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to have a deposit of at least 5% – 10% of the property’s value (plus costs). For example, if you are looking to buy a property worth $450,000, you should aim to have a deposit in excess of $45,000. I know saving a 10% deposit can sound like a huge task, but it is important to remember that the bigger your deposit, the better you will be seen by your chosen lender and the better your interest rate will possibly be.
Key 2: There are more costs than meet the eye
When buying a home, you will find the property’s price tag isn’t the only cost you will have to pay. Other key costs associated with buying a home include removalist fees, water fees and council rates.
Key 3: Pre-approval is critical
Before you start shopping around for your dream home, it is a good idea to seek home loan pre-approval. Loan pre-approval allows you to head into the purchase process knowing the maximum amount you have to spend on the property, giving you confidence to buy at auction or negotiate on price and saving you time looking at places that aren’t in your price range. It is important to note however, that pre-approval doesn’t last forever and will expire within three to six months.
Key 4: Formal approval is a timely process
Once you have found a home you like and have made an offer on the property, you will have to finalise your finances. To make the process as seamless as possible, you will need to update all your financial details. This includes verifying your current income, savings and assets as well as liabilities, including any outstanding debts, loans, etc. It is important to note that formal approval doesn’t happen overnight. Generally speaking, once you start the formal approval process, the period of time between buying the home and moving in is usually six weeks – if not longer.
Key 5: Insurance is a must
Before you move into your home and start paying off your mortgage, it is critical that you insure yourself, your property and your belongings. Insurance isn’t a ‘good to have’ – it is a must. As a mortgage holder, your income is your most important asset. Without it, you cannot make your repayments. As such, it is critical that you insure your income, your life and your property in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
While buying a home may seem daunting, it pays to seek professional advice to ensure you are receiving the best rate for your financial needs. As a mortgage broker, I can also help you navigate all these factors, and guide you through the home loan process with ease. For more information, contact us today!
