Life is full of “what if” questions, and the act of purchasing real estate is rarely completed without the buyer wondering what might have happened if they’d looked harder or for longer. Could you have found a dreamier dream home? As an experienced real estate agent, I advise all my clients not to do this…
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With interest rates at record lows and no sign of them rising, this is a great time to consider buying your first home or moving up the property ladder. In my time as a real estate agent, I cannot remember money ever being so cheap. But that doesn’t mean you should assume a lender will…
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Buying a new condo is a completely different process from buying a previously owned property. The most tangible asset on which to make a judgment is the land component. All you have to go on is a floor plan, scale models, photographic simulations and the reputation of the construction company. So, sometimes the whole process…
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Once you have found a condo that ticks all the boxes in terms of size and location, it’s time to double down on the basic inspection and discuss the quality of the opportunity with your agent. Here’s a shortlist of specific checks you should conduct when you view the property before you make your final…
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Competition between traditional banks home lenders for your business continues to be fierce even in these economic times. The challenge is to understand all the products available and which ones would best suit your circumstances. Home buyers are increasingly looking to mortgage brokers to help them navigate this complex environment, although banks continue to offer…
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When you’re buying your first home, you’re taking your first step on the property ladder which can set up your wealth for life. It makes sense, therefore, to think strategically to maximize the value of your investment. As a first home buyer, you should begin with the end in mind – that is, consider your…
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After missing out at several auctions, you’ve finally found the home of your dreams, and despite being the highest bidder, it has passed in. What happens next? Here’s how to win the day. Knowledge is power. It’s essential that you have researched the market and know of properties similar to this one that have sold…
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Buying off-the-plan offers you a great opportunity to make a profit from real estate but is always a calculated risk. With a development planned, or in the midst of construction, you’ll can sometimes gain an advantageous price compared with completed buildings, and a 10% deposit gets you in the market quickly. If property values are…
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The upside of buying an off-the-plan townhouse or apartment should be competitive pricing that you’ll receive compared with similar properties that have already been built, plus the fact that your property is brand new. Your biggest challenge is to commit to a purchase based on a scale model, artist’s impressions and floor plan rather than…
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Three forms of investing in real estate that don’t require the outright purchase of a property, or offer a unique twist on ownership, are becoming increasingly popular. Rentvesting is an option increasingly favoured by young buyers, who buy and rent-out one property in a market they can afford, and then rent a different property in…
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