Writer: Jared Stone Publication: The West Australian, Property Report
JARED STONE, sales and marketing manager for Homebuyers Centre, shares his five top tips for taking the plunge into home ownership: • Don’t wait. Get into the property market as soon as you can – hesitating rarely works in your favour. Many first homebuyers don’t believe they can afford a new home. But with government assistance, low deposit home loans, reasonable interest rates, reduced stamp duty and affordable home-and-land packages, the dream of home ownership is still within reach. • How much can you borrow? Before you start house hunting, it’s imperative you establish a budget. To do this you need to speak to an experienced building and finance consultant who will be able to advise you what budget you can work to. As finance pays an integral part of buying a home it is recommended you know your budget and stick to it. • Think long term. Remember your first home is the first step to your financial future so it is not going to be your last. The reality is your first home is the start of a long-term investment in the property market. Keep in mind that home ownership gives you piece of mind, knowing you are setting yourself up for lasting financial security. • Best possible location. Selecting a location is the first thing you must do before you start looking at home designs. The old adage location, location, location still proves true. A home is only an improvement to the land so securing the best possible location that fits within your budget is paramount. Find out where the best locations are which suit your budget. • Don’t stress out. Building your first home doesn’t need to be stressful. Find a company which is experiences in home-and-land packages in the first-homebuyers market and has a good reputation.