BUYERS GUIDE

15 TIPS ON BUYING PROPERTY

1. Find the area which best suits your needs, and type of lifestyle.

2. Contact your financier to sort out a loan to your requirements.

3. Inspect as many properties as possible, and attend all auctions in your area.

4. Research sales in The Age newspaper and our ‘Recently Sold Properties’ section.

5. Contact an Saint-John agent, and receive up to date info on the market.

6. After finding the right property for you, tell your agent to send the copied sale contract to your solicitor.

7. Arrange a building inspector to inform you of any potential abnormalities on site.

8. After receiving advice from your solicitor or conveyancers, and looking over the building inspection report, an offer on the property can be made through your agent.

9. You will sign a sale contract and pay a ten percent deposit, once all negotiations are finished, with your deposit being held in trust in an interest bearing account until settlement, with the government retaining the interest.

10. A pre-settlement inspection may be required on settlement day at the request of your solicitor or conveyancer. Such an inspection ensures that the property is sold to you in the state that in which intended to be bought according to the specifications in your signed contract.

6. After finding the right property for you, tell your agent to send the copied sale contract to your solicitor.

7. Arrange a building inspector to inform you of any potential abnormalities on site.

8. After receiving advice from your solicitor or conveyancers, and looking over the building inspection report, an offer on the property can be made through your agent.

9. You will sign a sale contract and pay a ten percent deposit, once all negotiations are finished, with your deposit being held in trust in an interest bearing account until settlement, with the government retaining the interest.

10. A pre-settlement inspection may be required on settlement day at the request of your solicitor or conveyancer. Such an inspection ensures that the property is sold to you in the state that in which intended to be bought according to the specifications in your signed contract.

BUYING A HOME

Buying a home is not only one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make… it can also be one of the most exciting and often rewarding.

Saint-John Estate Agents have been helping thousands of people to buy homes. They are committed to helping you turn your property dreams into reality.

You will find the information in this booklet and the advice you will receive from our Salespeople a great help with the process of buying property.

Choosing a suitable property, understanding market value, investment potential, finance options and legal requirements are all important decisions to be made.

You will be guided through this process by following the guidelines and checklists in the Buyers Book. Feel free to ring and discuss any questions with one of our Sales Team.

BUYING THROUGH SJEA

One of our Sales Team will begin by taking down all your details and gain a very clear picture of the type of property that interests you.

You will then be shown photographs and detailed descriptions of all the properties listed which meet your requirements.

When you see something you like a visit will be arranged. Your Salesperson will also be keeping an eye out for suitable properties that are listed daily – even if necessary approaching the owners of properties you like which are currently not on the market.

You will also be asked if you wish to belong to our Buyers Program.

There are some aspects of an Offer that can help your chances of success
There are variables in any Contract that can put your offer in a better light for the Seller.

1. You may be able to offer a higher deposit. If the seller has bought or wants to buy another property this could help them. If you have sold, or have the money available, check with your lawyer and if possible use it to your advantage by making the offer with 20%—30% of the price as a Deposit. This can be especially helpful to your offer if someone else is also putting in an offer on the same property.

2. Chattels. Be very clear what you want and need and what the seller wants. By leaving the white ware, letting the seller take the shrubs they asked for, or leaving the light shade, your offer may appeal more.

3. Possession Date. By offering a date that is more appropriate to the seller, you may have more chance of getting a deal. Do your best to accommodate their needs. Someone who has to move and pay for their next house in 20 days would welcome a contract that allows hem to do that. On the other hand you may prefer a date they can accommodate you with, and so increase your offer. Sometimes hotel accommodation can be saved by changing the Possession Date and therefore make an Agreement (Contract) come together easier. Helping You Make Your Best Offer.

4. Do the work with your Lawyer and Mortgage broker to remove as many conditions as you can. A contract subject to the sale of your house is not as good as cash or subject to finance (unless the price is significantly higher). Don’t make it subject to finance for 48 hours if a trip to the bank will allow you to go cash now!

5. Look for particular wants the Vendor may have. They may look more favourably on your Contract because you allow them to store furniture in one room, or leave a car in the garage. Check it all out with your Sales Consultant.