Monday, June 16, 2008

Tips for First Home Buyers in Australia

If you are wanting to obtain your first property in Australia there are a few things that you should take into consideration before you purchase. First home buyers often go into the process knowing very little about what they are looking for and what they should buy. Keep reading to uncover a few basic things that you should do before you obtain your first property in Australia.

The very first thing first home buyers should do is to calculate their current spending. Estimate your monthly budget and determine how much of a house payment you can afford. You do not want to be living pay period to pay period. Buying a property that you can’t afford is the most terrible thing you can do.

The first thing you should do if you are in the market for purchasing your first home, is make a list of your priorities. Rate these things in order of importance. For example, is having a huge kitchen the most important thing or is having two or more baths more important? Determine the location you would like to live in Australia according to weather, schools and job availability. This will help you to narrow down your choices for a property.

While you are deciding on what type of property you want to buy, you should be saving funds for the deposit. The larger the deposit, the less your monthly repayments will be. First home buyers often make the mistake of rushing into a home purchase with very little deposit and then regret it later when they see their monthly payments.

Don’t be afraid to shop around for the home that fits your needs. First home buyers should find a reputable real estate agent in Australia and give the agent a list of things that you are looking for in a property. The agent should be able to set you up on tours of homes that fit your needs. Any agent who tries to pressure you into a purchase does not deserve our business. Don't forget that the agent is working for you, so don't be afraid to say "NO" if you haven't found exactly what you want in a house.

When you have picked your home, shop around for a good mortgage deal. You may want to enlist the help of a mortgage broker for this. Make sure that the broker you choose to work with has access to many different banks so that they can get you the best rate that suits your needs.

If you are a first home buyer, knowing what to expect will make the home buying process a lot less stressful.