Buying or selling a property can be a stressful experience. A lot of decisions have to be made, many boxes ticked. This is why working with experts who genuinely want to help is so important.
When you know what to expect it equips you to make more informed decisions. And that makes the experience easier.
Everyone at Griffin Conveyancing is looking forward to assisting you in anyway possible. In this section we have provided some extra tips that might help.
Buying a new property
1. Do your research on the location.
You’ve decided on a life in the country – you want trees and clean air and still be close to Melbourne. However there are a few other things you might need to consider.
For example, does the area have a regular train service, good health care options, schools or reliable transport to schools? Does it have a library, aged care facilities, sporting clubs? This might seem like obvious advice but a lot of people fall in love with a location without considering the practicalities of living there.
2. Do your research on local prices.
A local real estate agent will be an enormous help however it pays to research the prices of recently sold properties in your location of choice and surrounding areas. It can help you have a genuine feel for the true value of a property and create confidence in your decision-making. Also remember to factor stamp duty and taxes into your budget.
3. In town or out of town?
It’s easy to fall in love with a country property on a few acres. However it’s also smart to check this attachment against some practicalities. Choosing a more remote location often means relying on tank water, cylinders for gas and a lot of travel on unmade roads. Other issues such as no rubbish collection or mail delivery should also be considered. Then again, these could be considered small concerns when you weigh up living in the beauty and peace of a location like this. Of course, there are also numerous advantages to living in town with easy access to shopping, cafes and the many activities you’ve always enjoyed. The bustling energy of town might suit your lifestyle more, especially a town like Castlemaine which always has something interesting going on.
4. How can you make sure it’s the right move?
It makes a lot of sense to spend some time in the area and get the feel of things. Shop in the food stores and see if you can find your favourite ingredients, check out schools or the library, and just sit over a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s surprising how it’s the little things that can make you feel at home.
Selling your property
1. Don’t fall down the financial gap.
You will need to arrange extra finance if you’re planning on purchasing a new property before selling your current one. If possible, negotiate the settlement dates to ensure you have the proceeds from your home to pay for your new property and avoid this extra cost. It makes sense to negotiate buying subject to the sale of your own home.
2. Your agent works for you.
When you decide to engage a real estate agent, remember they work for you. Make sure your real estate agent is experienced with a strong knowledge of the local market and is someone you feel comfortable with and trust. You should listen to their advice about how to market your property and what its market value is but the final decision is always yours.
3. Section 32.
If this is the first time you’ve sold a property, you might not be aware you need a Section 32. Before a property is sold, you are required to provide the buyer with a vendor’s disclosure statement otherwise known as a Section 32 and this is something we can prepare for you. It contains essential and important information the purchaser needs to take into account before signing a Contract of Sale.
4. When to start looking.
You should start looking for your new home as soon as your current property is on the market. This will give you an idea of what is available, what you can afford and help you decide on what you really want. If possible, sell on a long settlement. If you still can’t find the right place, then maybe you could rent after selling – just until the perfect property comes along.