When you start looking at buying a house it can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially if it’s something you're doing for the first time. Even if it’s not your first time, chances are it has been a while since you purchased and possibly in a completely different market or location.  

A great sales agent will help you through the process and make you feel at ease. However, there are some questions you can ask to help set you up for success and make yourself feel more comfortable.  

What are my budget and total costs?

This is a question that you should start asking before you even begin house hunting. It will give you the price range you should be looking at and a total budget to work within.  

Over and above the sale price of the property, you will also need to take into account other costs such as Stamp Duty and Mortgage Insurance. All of this adds to the total cost and needs to be included in your budget.

You should also take into consideration if the property is going to require any immediate renovations or work carried out, that needs to be added to the cost. 

Look into and enquire about any grants that you may be eligible for, such as the First Home Owners Grant. 

The size of your deposit and how much your lender is ultimately prepared to lend you will determine your budget. 

You should consider the possibility of future interest rate rises and your ability to be able to meet any increase in repayments that may occur. Because of this, it is also a good idea to not go to the top of the budget that has been suggested by the mortgage broker or bank. 

Establishing your budget and expenses before you start saves you the time of looking at properties that aren't within your budget. 

How much have other homes sold for in the neighbourhood? 

This question can give you a feel for how the property you're interested in compares to other properties in the neighbourhood. Make sure you compare apples with apples. For example, if you are looking at a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom compare it with another 4 bedroom 2 bathroom don’t compare it with a 3 bedroom 1 bathroom. This won’t give you a fair comparison. 

Having an understanding of the current local market will help you determine whether the property is priced in a reasonable range and make you feel more confident in any decisions that need to be made. 

An experienced sales agent will have a good understanding of the local market and the recent movements in the area. 

What is included when I buy?

To save disappointment it is always good to be clear on what is and is not included in the final sale. In general, items that are fixed to the property or into the grounds of the property such as:

  • Pergolas 
  • Sheds 
  • Built-in BBQ 
  • Built-in play equipment 
  • Lighting fixtures 
  • Blinds 

These are normally included in the sale of the property, meaning they will remain on the property and will be included in the overall sale price of the house. 

However, a vendor may wish to take with them a particular item, for example, curtains that they had specifically designed and made to match their existing furniture. 

On the other hand, a purchaser may wish to ask if a particular item is to be included such as a microwave that fits in a custom-built kitchen. 

If a dishwasher is present at the property you should also confirm whether it is included in the sale. If the property is tenanted establish if the dishwasher goes with the property or belongs to the tenants. If it is to be included in the sale you should absolutely ensure that it is listed on the sale contract.  

All of these things should be discussed and agreed upon so that there is no disappointment or issues when the keys are handed over.

How old are the major appliances and systems?

In order to lower the chances of unexpected expenses, it is a good idea to establish the age of any major appliances and systems that are part of the house, such as:

  • Hot water systems 
  • Solar panels 
  • Air conditioners 
  • Electronic roller doors and gates 

Knowing the age of these products will help you anticipate any major repairs or replacements in the not-to-distant future, so you are not taken by surprise.    

What is the neighbourhood like?

Getting a feel for the neighbourhood can be tricky before moving in, but it can still be a big influence when it comes to placing an offer. It’s important to like the environment that you will be living in, especially if you plan on living there for quite a while.  

Drive through the area to get a feel for what the neighbourhood is like at different times of the day and week. 

If you have a family, jump online and research schools, nearby parks, shopping centres and other amenities. 

All of these things will help give a feel for the neighbourhood.

How long has the property been on the market? 

If a property has been on the market for a while, it could indicate that it is not priced correctly or that there may be an issue with it.

If it appears there is an issue with the house, then you need to ask yourself if it is something you are both willing and able to fix. And if so, what price are you now willing to pay for it? 

Researching the local market will also give an idea of how quickly other houses in the area are selling. 

Can the agent supply a copy of the current Title Search and any easements listed on the Title Search? 

A Title Search will help clarify the legal owner of a property before it can be sold. It will outline any existing easements, leases or restrictions that can affect the property. 

This is especially important because if you are looking to put in a pool or large shed you don’t want to find out too late that there is an easement over the land and it will not be possible to get formal approval to proceed.     

A good agent should have the local knowledge and experience to be able to answer these questions and make you feel comfortable throughout the process so don’t be afraid to ask.

Looking to sell or rent your Home? Our Team can help