How to Find the Right Property

7 House Hunting Tips for Home Buyers 

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make.  

Whether you're a young couple buying your first house or someone looking to grow a profitable investment portfolio - experienced or not, the process can be overwhelming.  

However, with some careful planning, and by understanding how to choose the right property, you'll be well on your way to picking the perfect home.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Set a goal 

2. Secure your finance 

3. Define your ‘why’ 

4. Consider your lifestyle 

5. Do your research 

6. Checks & balances 

7. Choose the right agent 

Set a goal. 

Every journey needs a destination, and buying a home is no exception.  

So ask yourself, right from the beginning - what kind of lifestyle do you want?  

Do you want a shorter commute to work, or perhaps your very own serene spot away from the hustle and bustle?  

Do you fancy a family-friendly neighbourhood that offers a great community vibe for your kids, good proximity to popular entertainment hubs, or a smaller, low-maintenance property to claw back time on the weekend?  

Setting a clear goal early on will help keep you on track when house hunting.  

Secure the Right Finance. 

Prior to your property hunt - even before you excitedly begin clicking through real estate online - it’s super important to make sure you’ve got your finances sorted. 

Understanding your financial position, and talking to your bank to see what - realistically - you can borrow, means you can confidently begin searching for properties that fit within your budget. 

Streamlining your choices, it means you won’t get swayed by options outside your financial reach. 

Define Your ‘Why’ 

One big question to ask yourself is : why are you buying this property? 

For many, it's a step to enter the property market.  

Some might be looking for a home to renovate and sell for profit, while others may simply be looking for long-term capital growth.  

Others might be considering their purchase an investment stepping stone, or way to grow their portfolio.  

And of course, there’s those searching for their forever homes.  

Not only deciding to buy a house, but deciding why you want to buy a house will have a huge influence on the type of properties you search for, because the perfect property for one person might not be the perfect one for you. 

Consider Your Lifestyle 

Choosing the right property, means remembering to strike a balance between cash flow and living a life that makes you happy.  

So weigh up what your bank said you can borrow vs. what repayments you can realistically afford without sacrificing your daily needs.  

Because borrowing the maximum amount possible could see you compromising in other areas when those repayments come knocking - especially when interest rates are on the rise. 

Sensibly forecasting what you’ll need cash-wise to live a good life whilst buying a home, means you can align your budget and expectations with the kind of property that’s going to sustainably suit your lifestyle. 

And while we all have a dream to own the perfect home off the bat, it's crucial to be practical.  

Could you sacrifice a shorter drive to work to buy something cheaper a little further from town? Or maybe you could lower repayments by buying an older home and renovating it slowly over time? 

It's all about finding that sweet spot between budget and lifestyle. 

Taking the time to find the best home that’s within your budget can save you from financial strain down the track. 

Do Your Research 

Yes, the old adage 'location, location, location' still rings true when it comes to choosing property.  

In fact, location will likely be the biggest factor in your purchase decision. 

Things like growth potential, past property trends and convenience all come into play, as well as gentrification, land scarcity and any future planned large-scale building projects. 

All of these things affect property values, affordability and availability when you’re on the hunt for a new home. 

So it’s important to make sure you’re across the market you plan to buy in. 

It’s also savvy to take note of things like neighbourhood amenities, proximity to cities and townships, local schools, roads and transport, crime rates and the quality of other homes in the area.  

Checks & Balances 

So you’ve found a property that ticks all the boxes. 

Affordable. Tick. Good location. Tick. Suits your lifestyle. Tick… Offer accepted. Tick. 

But before you sign that contract, stop! 

There’s one more step in deciding if the property really is right for you. 

Take the time to check everything thoroughly, and ensure every detail is in order. 

Book a building and pest inspection to assess the physical condition of the home and make sure there are no underlying issues. 

Have a solicitor or conveyancer look over the contract and explain any legalities to you if you’re unsure.  

And make sure you’ve worked out all the things you’ll need if and when the property settles - like home and contents insurance. 

It also pays to book a final walk-through of the property now, so when settlement is close, you can make sure that it’s in the same condition as when you made your offer. 

Finding the best property for you - one that will suit your lifestyle and budget - doesn’t have to be hard.  

But it’s always worth taking the time to really think about what it is you want to achieve. 

Understanding the reasons behind your decision to buy, and covering all your bases, means you’ll be in control of the process and on your way to making an excellent choice. 

And if you’d like some extra guidance along the way? Feel free to get in touch with us here at We Connect Property. 

Our experienced, team of local agents can help guide you and offer expert advice on all things real estate.  

Happy house hunting! 

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And for all the very best property buying, selling or investing advice, why not connect with us - We Connect Property are your local property market specialists with over 21 years’ experience in buying, selling and managing property in southern Adelaide - check out our 5 star Google reviews to find out what our happy clients think! 

Give us a call on 0403 799 983 today, or drop a line to sales@weconnectproperty.com.au - we can’t wait to chat! 

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.