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Spring is generally the busiest time of year in the Australian property market, and this season could be a ripper. In recent months, we’ve seen ongoing signs of improving market conditions, driven by a Coalition federal election win, interest rate cuts and a softening of lending restrictions.

And it’s clear that buyers are returning to the market. In August, capital city auction markets recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate in over two years.

That said, listings remain low compared to previous years, which means that as a buyer, there may be more competition for properties this spring. Here are some pointers to negotiate a good deal this season.

Tip #1: Do your research

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to negotiating, you’ll want to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Understanding the local property market will help you identify a good deal when you come across one, and how much competition you’re up against.

When you find a property you like, be sure to check out the sale prices of similar properties in recent months. Find out how long properties are staying on the market for, and the auction clearance rates in the area. If conditions are favouring buyers, it may leave you more room to negotiate on price.

We offer free suburb and property reports that contain a wealth of property market information, so please get in touch!

Note: If you’re looking for a property on the lower end of the price range, CoreLogic’s Top Affordable Suburbs Report is another handy resource. It identifies the top 100 suburbs across Australia where the median value is under $500,000.

Tip #2: Make sure your finance is in order

If you do find a bargain, you’ll want to be in a position to jump on the deal. Speak to us about organising pre-approval on your finance, so that you’re ready to go.

Pre-approval means a bank has agreed, in principle, to lend you a certain amount of money. Having pre-approval gives you confidence to bid at auction or play hardball during private negotiations with vendors. It may also give you an edge over other buyers without pre-approved finance.

Tip #3: Find out why a vendor is selling

In order to negotiate a great deal, it’s important to understand the vendor’s motivation to sell. What type of settlement terms and deposit will be most attractive to them?

For example, they may be moving interstate, or need access to money fast, in which case they may drop their price for a shorter settlement. Maybe they need an extra-long settlement while they find somewhere else to live? Or perhaps a larger deposit would make you more favourable compared to other buyers?

Ask the real estate agent why the vendor is selling and use the information as a negotiation tool.

Tip #4: Get building and pest inspections done

These reports can be pricey, and if you fork out for them then don’t end up buying a property, you may be tempted not to bother next time around. Beware!

Building and pest inspections not only alert you to issues with the property, they can also be used as ammo during price negotiations. Say there’s an issue but it’s not a deal-breaker, you may be able to use the information to negotiate a lower sale price.

Let’s chat

With a bit of luck, the recent improvements in the property market will boost vendor confidence and we’ll see a gangbuster season of hot new spring listings. If you’re in the market for a spring property purchase, speak to us and we’ll line you up with the right finance for your needs.

There’s no doubt about it – buying your first home is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! However, it is an emotional journey. Here are 6 feelings you may experience as part of the purchasing roller coaster (buckle your seatbelts – it’s quite a ride!).

1) Excitement at the prospect of buying

You’ve been working hard to save a deposit and it’s finally time to purchase. When that time comes, it’s like someone has opened the door to a whole new world. And it’s an exciting place indeed! At this point, the anticipation is killing you.

2) Confusion about what exactly is involved

You’re a rookie, so of course the purchasing process can seem overwhelming and daunting. Where does one start? What kind of research is required? What type of loan is right for your needs?

Here’s a quick rundown of the steps involved:

1. Apply for pre-approval

2. Do your research and find the right home

3. Have your conveyancer check the contract of sale

4. Organise building and pest inspections

5. Put in an offer or go to auction

6. Finalise your home loan

7. Do a final inspection on the property

8. Settlement

9. Move in!

3) Relief when you discover how we can help

Ahhh, you’re not in this alone. That’s right – we can walk you through the buying process, starting with the research component. Our free suburb and property reports offer a wealth of information, from details about capital growth and median values, to recent sales data.

Next, we’ll take care of your finance for you. We can:

  • Explain your borrowing capacity (how much a bank will lend you)
  • Arrange pre-approval on your finance (so that you’re ready to make offers or bid at auction)
  • Explain loan features that may save you money in interest (for example offset accounts and redraw facilities)
  • Line you up with the right home loan for your specific needs
  • Take care of the paperwork for you.

4) Exasperation as you look for the right property

If you’re one of the lucky ones who finds the right property early, you may escape the exasperation stage altogether. However, if you find your weekends being consumed by inspection after inspection to no avail, it can leave you feeling exhausted and discouraged.

Don’t despair – your dream home is out there. Just remember, with every inspection you’re one step closer to the thrill of finding your very own pad!

5) Nervy during negotiations

You know when you’re at the top of the roller coaster incline and it’s about to drop? Waiting for a vendor to accept your offer or fronting up at an auction can feel a bit like that. There are bound to be butterflies in your stomach – just hold on tight and remember the best is yet to come.

6) Elation when the paperwork is signed and it’s yours!

There’s nothing as rewarding as receiving a shiny new set of keys and walking through the front door into your own slice of real estate. You’ve survived the journey and probably even enjoyed it! It’s at this point you’ll feel pure, unadulterated joy.

Buying your first home is an experience you’ll never forget. The thrill. The adrenalin. And the rush of emotions when it’s finally yours are hard to beat. If you’re ready to purchase your first home, please get in touch. Let us be your conductor; you just enjoy the ride.

Australians love investing in property, and it’s no wonder why. The property market offers a myriad of opportunities to potentially grow wealth, irrespective of one’s professional background or skillset.

However, there are certain habits that successful property investors often have in common. Let’s take a look.

They are proactive about self-education

In order to stay ahead of the game, seasoned property investors are proactive about self-education. They understand that the property market is ever-changing, and that one must keep up to speed with developments in order to succeed.

As a result, successful investors understand the economic factors that drive markets and the way market cycles work. They can recognise when the market is shifting and act early. And they can seize opportunities where possible.

If you want to be a successful investor, you need to become an avid learner. Here are some ideas:

  • Listen to podcasts
  • Devour books, investment magazines, and blogs on the topic
  • Do property investment courses online or through a local learning institution.

They make the most of professional help available to them

Smart property investors understand that while it’s important to nurture their own knowledge, they can’t know everything. Everyone has limits.

The key to success is to leverage the abilities of exerts in their field. Mortgage brokers, real estate agents, financial planners, accountants, conveyancers, buyers’ agents, property managers – all of these professionals are resources to be drawn on in order to make smart property investment decisions.

They review their investment loans regularly

The right investment loan for you today may no longer suit your needs in a year’s time. Successful property investors continually review their loans to make sure they still measure up.

In this way, clever investors can identify new opportunities along the way. For example, they may refinance their loans to include offset accounts and redraw facilities to save interest, or they may set up lines of credit to renovate their investments.

They have vision

Experienced property investors look past the current market movements to see the big picture. They understand the nature of property cycles. Sometimes it pays to buy and hold property; other times it’s best to flip. Having vision is what sets the successful investor apart from the mediocre one.

They also plan for contingencies. Buying an investment property comes with financial benefits, but there is risk involved. For example, what happens if the tenant falls behind in rent or something major needs to be repaired? What if the property’s value falls? Smart investors plan ahead and have strategies in place for these kinds of challenges.

Like to know more?

Whether you’re a seasoned property investor with a multi-property portfolio or a rookie investor, we can help you achieve your financial goals. We’ll line you up with the right finance for your specific needs and future aspirations. Please get in touch.


Copyright 2016