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Buying Tips

BUYING TIPS

Whether you are buying an investment property or a new home to live in, there are some common problems you need to be aware of to ensure your purchasing experience is stress free and risk free. These few buying tips will make you aware of some of the pitfalls and ways to avoid them.

WHY ARE YOU BUYING?

Think about why you’re buying the property. If you intend living in the property does it suit your needs? If you have young children or elderly people living with you, you might wish to avoid stairs and prefer a level block. Do you intend to install a pool? Is the garden the right size? Will you need more bedrooms? Is it close to schools etc.

BUILDING REPORTS

Be sure to have reports for building inspection and pest inspection prior to committing to the purchase.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

If you are buying a villa, apartment or townhouse you may be sharing a common wall with your neighbours. It would be advisable to check noise levels if possible. Try to meet your new neighbours. They may not share the same values as you.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

By researching the real estate market in a particular area you will be much better informed on property values. Ask Mark Ward Property to show you some comparable properties which have sold in the area.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL

If a property has been renovated recently you might wish to check with the local council to ensure planning or building permits were approved. Deciding how much to offer can be difficult. You might wish to make your best offer up front or start with a lower offer and be prepared to negotiate up. However, purchasers who make higher offers might secure the property without giving you the opportunity to increase yours.

BUYING AT AUCTION

If buying at auction you should have:

Decided on a definite upper limit within your means
Conducted inspections
Had legal documents checked by your solicitor
Organised a cheque for the deposit
Finance approved
When bidding, bid with confidence and authority.

COOLING OFF PERIODS

Note cooling-off periods can be waived subject to certain conditions.

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Selling Tips

You can’t change your property’s location or aspect, but you can change its presentation. Launch your sales campaign with these top tips for presenting your home in its best light.

Natural light

Make sure there is plenty of light in the space; pull back the heavy curtains and clean the fly screens.

Create a welcoming entrance

Your front door is the first thing potential buyers will see when they visit your home, so remember to make it inviting. Paint the door if needed, replace any damaged hardware, keep decorations minimal and declutter the entrance area.

Declutter

Cleaning your house from top to bottom until it sparkles, and getting rid of the mess, is one of the best things you can do to improve the aesthetics of your home. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to whip through the main areas, including the kitchen, bathrooms, living room and master bedroom. The cost is minimal compared to the potential gain.

Eliminate odors

Don’t mask household odours with air fresheners, which can be overwhelming and cause allergies in many people. Rather, include freshly cut flowers, the scent of fresh cinnamon boiled on the stove (but remove the pot before the showing), or fresh apples and cookies placed in plain sight in the kitchen.

Paint

While you might love your aurbergene walls, there’s a good chance that most buyers won’t. Many buyers want to see a blank canvas where they can inject their own personality. In order to make your home appeal to the largest possible audience, paint your walls in neutral colors in a matt finish. Don’t forget to repair any nail holes or other damage before painting, and be sure to touch up ceilings and trim as needed.

Devil in the details

It’s the smallest repairs that can turn off fussy buyers, such as cracked tiles, broken door handles and chipped cupboards. Go over the property with a notepad in hand and make a list of all the small repairs you need to complete before showing the property to prospective buyers.

Accessories

Whether you do it yourself or employ a professional, property staging is a proven way to command a higher sale price. Replace old towels and throws with updated versions in on-trend hues, or rent furniture, accessories and artwork, to create a stylish feel inside that lures potential buyers.

Create an ambiance

On the day of an open inspection, present the property in its most attractive light; this means turning on fans or air-conditioning units if it’s a hot day, playing soft music, opening the curtains and blinds (weather permitting) and turning on lights in any dark, dim spaces.