We’re entering an interesting period in the real estate market as interest rates climb; buyers will start to low-ball offers and sellers will hold on to an asking price they might have achieved 12 months ago. So most people in the market today will need to buckle in for some initial disappointment and frustration but…
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Applying for your first mortgage can be nerve-wracking as it determines how much a lender will offer as a mortgage and whether that’s sufficient to purchase a suitable property in your target location. Your first goal must be to secure pre-approval. This is a conditional promise of a mortgage based on your financial situation. With…
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Very quickly, it’s become a confusing time for first-time buyers who’ve set their hearts on owning a property and have been saving diligently, possibly for years, to make their dream come true. Changing interest rates have made the mortgage and refinancing landscape a moveable feast. If you’ve never had to figure out how the impact…
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There’s a moment when you’re in the market for a property that you must decide it’s time to stop looking and to start buying. Many people find this part of their search the most confrontational. But it can be easily avoided by researching the availability of your target style of property in your preferred suburbs.…
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Many individuals and families face the important decision of whether to continue renting or to purchase a home. This choice can be influenced by various factors, including personal financial situations, local real estate market conditions, and long-term goals. Rental markets can experience fluctuations, with some areas seeing significant increases in rent over time. These changes…
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The exhilaration of buying a first property is unforgettable: your home is full of endless possibilities. As a first-time owner, you’re likely to want to put your mark on your new home, and that means hitting the furniture stores and redecorating. But, don’t be too hasty because if you rush the process, you also risk…
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Losing a property you had your heart set on can be disappointing, but you must ensure that it doesn’t turn you into a vulnerable buyer. You must remind yourself to fight the emotions of missing out and stick to the fundamentals of a property search. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of feeling…
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You need two essential skills when buying a property: the ability to recognise the home of your dreams when you see it and, to stay within budget. If you believe that’s pretty straightforward, think again. Too many buyers enter the market without finance in place or clarity around what they want to buy. The idea…
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Real estate markets are known for their cyclical nature, with dynamics that can shift significantly over time. What was once a seller’s market can quickly transform into a buyer’s market, and vice versa. For those considering buying or selling property, it’s crucial to look beyond broad headlines about national trends. The reality is that real…
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If you’re a first-time buyer, you’re likely renting and wondering why you should continue to pour your equity into the landlord’s mortgage with increasingly higher rents. Trying to time your move in the market is fraught with risk. There’s an almost endless supply of economic research warning against “timing the market”. So, if you’re caught…
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