Although a necessary cost, home and contents insurance can be a significant expense. Here are some things you can do which could reduce the cost. Shop around for insurance and check every year for better deals before re-signing with another company. Seek insurance from the same company where you have other insurance policies (eg. car…
Home insurance, often known as home and contents insurance, is essential for any home owner and is often a pre-requisite to being approved for a mortgage. If this is your first time buying a house, here is what you should know about home and contents insurance: You will receive a home and contents policy document,…
When the housing market is tight, you may be competing with many others in your search for a dream home. Here are some tips for being competitive and increasing your chance of success! Be in constant contact with your real estate agent to learn about new properties as soon as they are available Keep an…
Make sure you have all your documents prepared before you apply for your pre-approved mortgage! Here is what you will need to have: Proof of identification (usually two or more of passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, pension card and drivers licence) Proof of employment and income (pay slips, invoices for the last three months, or…
Here is a handy list you can put together of contacts for the service providers you may need when buying your new home. Name Contact Notes Real estate agent Tax adviser Mortgage broker Appraiser Building inspector Pest inspector Insurance consultant Movers Electrician Plumber Builder Other Other [1-click-image-ranker]
Property tax in Australia can be quite complicated, and can vary from state to state, so it is important to seek advice from a tax advisor regarding your personal situation as you prepare to buy a new home. However, here is an introduction to the basic taxes relevant when buying a property in Australia: GST:…
If you have not bought a house before, or at least not for a few years, the valuation process can be a little confusing. Here’s a breakdown of what a valuation means and why they are a necessary part of buying or selling a property. The valuation occurs once the seller has accepted your offer…
Of course, the majority of homes do not contain any of these hazards. However, dangerous chemicals and materials are sometimes hidden in houses and buildings – here are some to be aware of while you are searching for your new home. Asbestos: this once popular building material has not been used in construction since the…
Having a professional building inspection conducted before you finalise purchase on a property can save you a lot of time and money later! Here are some questions to ask any potential building inspector: How long have you been working as a building inspector? How many inspections have you conducted? Do you specialise in residential inspections…
Blocks of units or townhouses are sometimes grouped together in stratas, meaning that they share common areas and pay fees to the body corporate to maintain these areas, which could be a swimming pool, tennis courts or simply outdoor spaces. If you are considering purchasing a unit or townhouse in a strata, here are some…