Two schemes designed to encourage property ownership have now made buying your first home in Victoria easier and more attractive. The State Government will provide $10,000 under the First Home Owners Grant to applicants who are planning to purchase a new property or one that is less than five years old. That figure doubles if…
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When you’re a first-home buyer, the experience can feel a little confronting – advice comes from an overwhelming number of well-meaning sources and you face the daunting task of selecting an agent to help you navigate past the pitfalls of a purchase. A third of all prospective home buyers are currently first-timers according to the…
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Looking for a property that is in less than pristine condition but has a lot of potential is a successful strategy for many first-home buyers who are working with a limited budget. It’s a great approach so long as you don’t take any shortcuts in assessing the structural quality of the property before making an…
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First-time homebuyers often face unique challenges when entering the property market. However, many are finding creative ways to overcome these obstacles and achieve their dream of homeownership. Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle. Many prospective buyers use a combination of personal savings, financial gifts or loans from family members, and temporary…
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So, you’ve endured months of hardship and frugal living and to save enough money to use as a deposit for a home. Now comes the loan application and knowing for sure how much you’ll be able to spend. Lenders will put a magnifying glass to your application, especially in the aftermath of the banking royal…
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The extended Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne because of the pandemic has been frustrating for buyers and sellers alike. But for first-home buyers, it’s given them additional time to research the government grants and savings schemes that are available to help them make a purchase. Supporting first-home buyers is critical to ensuring the real estate…
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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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