The @ Real Estate team pride ourselves on continually providing the highest level of service and helping buyers find the home of their dreams.
Buying tips
Buying any property is an exciting time. Not only are you purchasing what could be your biggest asset, but often buying signifies the move toward the next chapter in your life. @ Real Estate will give you the personalised attention you deserve and help you take control of your future. Armed with an advanced range of resources, tools and technology, all designed to help you find the perfect property, making the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.
There are a few simple steps you can follow to secure your future. The team at @ Real Estate are here to help you, every step of the way.
Get the right advice
It is extremely important you have a team of reliable professionals on your side, and you communicate your intentions clearly with them. True professionals will genuinely want to help you achieve your goals, are easy to work with and bright. Your team should include;
A personal Property Consultant:
A Real Estate Agent that understands what you are looking for and will stop at nothing to find the right property for you.
An amazing Accountant:
A good accountant is worth their weight in gold, and then some. If you intend to buy, sell or rent a property you need to consult your accountant first. You do not want to be paying extra taxes that could have been avoided.
A Solicitor:
It is important to consult your solicitor before signing a contract. A good solicitor will help guide you through the purchasing process and much more.
An experienced Lending Manager or Mortgage Broker:
They will be able to suggest finance options to make your dreams a reality, and potentially save you money.
Determine a budget
Understanding your spending limit is vital when starting to look for your home. It can be very disheartening to find your dream home, only to be rejected by the bank because it’s out of your budget.
Meet with your mortgage broker or lending manager to get a ‘pre-approval’. This will give you an estimate on what you can afford. Also, having a pre-approval will give you an idea on your repayments and inform you of any specific lending requirements needed.
Remember; having a pre-approval will not guarantee the bank lending you the money, you will still need to get a satisfactory valuation and meet any additional conditions set out by the lender. However, it will give you a great idea of what you can expect. It is also important to keep in mind some costs of buying a home.
Home purchase costs
When looking to purchase a home, it is important to keep in mind some of the costs involved.
- Finance
- Bank fee's and charges
- Deposit
- Stamp duty
- Any applicable transfer duty
- Building & pest inspection
- Legal fees e.g solicitor
- Insurance
Other costs to consider would also include;
- Gas
- Phone
- Internet
- Rates
- Maintenance and repairs
- New appliances/Furniture
- Moving costs
Research
Get to know the areas you are interested in. On our website, you can access different Suburb Profiles, which will give you a good starting point. Explore the areas you are interested in at a slower pace; walk, run or even ride around these areas, you never know, you may find your dream home.
- Remember if you find a property you are interested in please feel free to contact us. Even if the property is not currently for sale or listed with an agent, we may still be able to show you though that property or something similar.
Searching for properties
When looking to purchase, it is important to find a Real Estate Agent who takes the time to fully understand what you are looking for, work with them to find your ideal property. Alternatively, you can search online on sites such as Domain.com.au or realestate.com.au. To ensure a more efficient search process on these sites, use specific search filters. When you find a property you’re interested in, contact your agent to arrange an inspection.
Signing up for our priority buyer alerts, through our website or visiting us in our office, will give you advanced access to properties, often before they hit the market.
Conjunction with another Agent
At no extra cost to you as a buyer, when your agent finds a property suitable for you that is listed with another agency, your agent will then contact the listing agent and will try to create a mutual agreement to work together on the sale of the property.
Inspections
When inspecting a property take your time and have a good look around, picture yourself living at the property. Make sure to ask your agent any questions you might have. On our website we display which properties we have open for inspection for the week; please contact the sales agent to arrange a private inspection in person or online.
Offer Process
All offers are presented in writing in the form of a contract so the offer is clear and transparent to all parties. This also shows that the seller knows that the buyer is genuine. We need the following to prepare the contract to make an offer;
Multiple Offers
If there is a high level of interest on a property it will go to a multiple offer situation. To ensure a fair playing field, all offers will need to be signed, ready to be presented to the seller at the same time. Please note you only get one chance to make an offer so, be sure to put your best foot forward, while price is obviously important so are conditions. Then the seller gets to chose what offer they want to take.
We always like to talk about the next step so everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Remember, we do all of our offers in writing in the form of a contract.
Buyer Information pack
When a buyer shows interest in a property they will be sent a buyer information pack straight away. For your convenience it includes;
Negotiation
As the Capricorn Coast property market changes and tightens, it is important you put your best foot forward so you don’t miss out. We’ve found our best success from;
- Doing your research and working out your budget.
- Take a step back and remember why you are buying.
- Consider the seller’s situation.
- Look for a win, win for everyone. What can you offer to help the seller achieve their goal? You might have enough funds to make a cash offer, so the seller knows they don’t have the risk of you not gaining finance. Or maybe you could offer a larger deposit to show you are keen & demonstrate you have some money behind you, maybe a shorter or longer settlement time would benefit the seller.
- Honesty is the best policy, explain your situation to your Sales Agent.
The @ Real Estate sales team are local experts and do considerable work behind the scenes to ensure sellers price their property to meet the current market.
Buying at Auction
Remember, buying at the fall of the hammer on auction day results in a contract of sale without any conditions and without the five-day cooling-off period. Your finance needs to be fully approved and building and pest inspections carried out prior to auction day.
Cooling Off Period
From the day you receive a fully signed and dated contract, the five working days cooling-off period begins. This gives you the right to terminate the contract for any reason, even an unconditional contract. A penalty of 0.25% of the purchase price may be charged by the seller.
Unconditional Contract
Building and Pest Inspection
It is always recommended to obtain a building and pest inspection, so you know exactly what you are buying. This can be carried out up until the unconditional date stated on the contract.
Finance
If you are obtaining finance, it is during this time your lender will complete the property valuation.
Once all of the conditions on the contract have been satisfied, the contract becomes unconditional.
Settlement Day
Congratulations!
This is when the seller hands over transfer documents, you pay the contract price and take possession of the keys and property. Time to celebrate in your new home!
Moving Check List
We all know moving can be a stressful time, so we have provided you with this checklist to help with you move
These People or Organisations Need to Know You are Moving
When moving to your new home, there are a list of people who you need to let know before relocating
The Next Step
Sign up with this link to get advanced access to the hottest properties.
The @ Real Estate team are here to help
@ Real Estate Yeppoon
20B James Street Yeppoon
(07) 4819 9676
