The 3 BIGGEST mistakes to avoid when buying a home


The path to homeownership can be winding and full of potential stumbling blocks. To protect your dreams, here's a guide to the biggest challenges and how to navigate them.



Jessica Chea
Real estate agents Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley & surrounds.

1. Review the additional costs

Buying a home is exciting, but remember the purchase price is just the beginning. Unexpected expenses can quickly turn joy into frustration. That's why we're here to guide you through the process smoothly, leveraging our expertise to secure an amazing outcome for you and your family - stress-free!

Before you fall in love with a property, consider these essential costs:

Stamp duty: This varies by state, property value, and buyer status (e.g., first-time buyers). Be sure to factor in any government schemes you might qualify for.
 
Legal fees and conveyancing: Professionals handle the legal side, ensuring all paperwork is accurate and filed correctly.
 
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): This depends on the purchase price and your down payment. Aim for at least 20% down to avoid LMI.
 
Mortgage Registration and Transfer Fees: These state-imposed fees cover registering your mortgage and transferring ownership.
 
Don't forget: Budget for building/pest inspections, moving costs, insurance, and unexpected expenses.

2. Prepare for competition from other buyers

The listing price is based on current market value, but in today's market, multiple offers can push the final price higher. The question is: is this your dream home and if so are you ready to compete for it?

We've seen situations where another buyer falls head-over-heels for the same place you do and stretches their budget to win it. Will you be ready to do the same?

Planning ahead ensures you won't be caught off guard. Consider exploring your financing options and setting a comfortable maximum budget that reflects your true priorities. With a clear strategy, you'll be prepared to navigate a competitive market and make a confident offer that lands you your dream home.

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect

Sure, you've scoured the listings and fallen in love online. But before you take the plunge, unveiling the true potential of your dream home is crucial. Here's how three key inspections can help:

1. Home Inspection: Dig deeper than just surface level viewing so you get to know the  property. 

2. Building Inspection: Get a peace-of-mind guarantee with a detailed assessment of the property's structural integrity and underlying systems.

3. Pest Inspection: Say goodbye to unwanted roommates! This inspection shields you from the risk of termite infestations and other pests.

While inspections can't uncover everything, they significantly increase your chances of finding surprises and ultimately, investing confidently in your future home.

Bonus tip - Don't try to time the market

Forget the crystal ball - buy your dream home now!

Remember that saying about the bottom of the market? Yeah, nobody rings a bell to let you know it's arrived. I've seen countless buyers hold off, waiting for a housing crash that never came.

Media "experts" love predicting doomsday scenarios, but history shows housing dips rarely match their dramatic forecasts. Plus, if you're buying a home to live in, think beyond just investment returns.

Here's the reality:

Waiting could cost you: Prices might rise, leaving your dream home out of reach.
 
Market timing is a gamble: Nobody knows for sure when or if prices will drop significantly.
 
True value lies in happiness: Your home is more than an investment - it's your sanctuary.
 
Don't miss out on living where you love. Focus on finding a home that fits your budget and lifestyle, and enjoy the stability and fulfilment it brings. You deserve it!
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