Have you ever wondered whether you will ever be able to afford your dream home?
Beliefs like this prevent people from thinking outside the box and achieving the home they want. When it comes to making the decision about whether or not to move, it is important to explore all of your options and know what is available to you. Here are some tips to help you know what to look for when house hunting.
Location
City living is expensive and the closer to Civic you are, the higher the price tag will be. Consider living in the outer suburbs. Some of these suburbs are a short 5-15minute drive from the city where you get more house for your dollar. Also consider in 10-15 years’ time when Canberra has expanded further north and south, your suburb will no longer be on the outskirts which will increase the value significantly.
Lifestyle
If you aren’t prepared to give up the city living but you aren’t able to afford the home you are accustomed to, think about the space you really need. Perhaps you could consider downsizing to achieve your city dream. Many of the inner suburb apartments have fantastic facilities including gyms and swimming pools. You could even consider the fact that you might not need a vehicle as everything you need is within walking distance.
Fixer Upper
Perhaps you could consider purchasing an older home in your desired area and fix up with relatively inexpensive touches like fresh paint and new flooring. Never underestimate the differences these touches can make to an older home.
Pre-Auction Bid
Did you know that many owners accept offers before auction day? If you love the home and have done your research; make an offer. You never know what the answer will be and this could avoid you getting into a bidding war with another potential buyer increasing your price by thousands. If you would like my advice on a property listed by another agency please contact me at any time. I am here to help you and am happy to provide you with my knowledge and opinion free of charge.
The Non-negotiables
We all have criteria in mind when buying a house that are non-negotiable. These non-negotiables are things that are essential elements for you to have in your new home. For example, you must have three bedrooms to accommodate yourself, your partner and two children. There are also the negotiables which are not essential, and which you could or may have to live without in order to get into a house you can afford. A clean, functional kitchen is non-negotiable but a gourmet kitchen with top of the range appliances is probably something you could go without. Acknowledging these non-negotiables and negotiables will help you prioritise and determine where compromises could be made.
Remember
Property prices increase over time. This means that you are purchasing a home for more than what you might have paid for it 10 years ago, however your current home is also worth more. Consider all of your assets as they will provide you with more money to spend on your dream home.