Five tips to buying a house
There’s no doubt, buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. So, it’s no surprise this decision comes with a lot of emotion.
Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, if you’re buying a property to live in, to make memories in, to raise a family or retire in, emotions are going to be involved.
>> READ MORE: IS NOW THE TIME TO BUY OR BUILD?
However, emotions can often hinder the home buying process. If you let your emotions get the best of you during the process you may not make the most rational decision possible.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you. To guide you through this process, starting with our top five tips to buying a house.
1.Consult a local agent
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived in the area all your life, a local real estate agent can offer invaluable advice on the property market.
At Baileux, our real estate agents have worked in the Mackay region for years and can help you organise a plan to find the property you’re looking for.
2. Pounce on quiet real estate months
Real estate trends fluctuate throughout the year. Currently, Australia is coming out the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions are lifting, life as we knew it is somewhat returning to normal.
Times like now are a great time to buy because some of the most cost-effective prices appear during quieter periods such as this, with less competition.
So, if you’re in the market to buy, contact Baileux today.
>> READ MORE: THIS IS WHAT GOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LOOKS LIKE
3. Research all neighbourhoods
In every market, there are those areas that are highly sought after and therefore, expensive. However, if your initial target neighbourhood falls in this category, there are often affordable alternatives nearby.
Do your research by investigating supply and demand in the areas you want to by and look at local reviews of suburbs.
Also ask your friendly real estate agent. They should be able assist you with some of this information. At Baileux, we do.
4. Get a feel for the areas
Once you’ve identified a potential neighbourhood or even a specific property, one of the best ways to get a feel for it is to spend time exploring the suburb it is in.
Spend a day in the area being a tourist. Check out all the local eateries and shops, go to the parks, walk around the streets, visit the schools. Essentially, imagine what it would be like to live there. Where would your kids go to school? Where would you get your local coffee, do your shopping, go for a run?
>> READ MORE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT
If you can see yourself happily living in this suburb then that’s a big tick towards that neighbourhood or property.
Alternatively, if you have any specific questions about any suburbs in Mackay our Baileux staff know the region inside out and can answer them for you.
Mount Pleasant shopping centre. Source: Mount Pleasant Centre | FacebookMount Pleasant shopping centre. Source: Mount Pleasant Centre | Facebook
5. Do your due diligence
Once you’ve identified the neighbourhood you want to live in and found a house there that ticks all the boxes, it’s time to do your due diligence.
Park the emotions and make sure you get all the required checks done before you go celebrating and packing boxes.
You need to get a professional building and pest inspection done. If there have been works done, check with council that all the permits are in order. Finally, check connections for internet, gas, electricity, sewerage and water.
Mackay Regional Council provides these services and searches for a fee.
Of course, when it comes to buying a house, Baileux’s experienced real estate agents ready and waiting to help you. Simply give us a call on (07) 4829 4816 to talk to a member of our team today.
