Cape Argus E-dition

5 PRO TIPS FOR HOUSE-HUNTING

Finding the perfect home that suits your pocket still requires some skill. Luckily this is an area we’re well versed in. So, read on to find out how you can become a pro-property hunter in no time – and a homeowner in even less time!

1. Know your goal and understand your budget

There’s a lot more that goes into house hunting than finding the right neighbourhood with a home that offers the perfect number of bedrooms, bathrooms and parking bays. The first and most crucial aspect to consider is what you can realistically afford.

When setting your budget, don’t opt for your maximum spending capacity. You need to keep in mind that you will need funds for the transfer fees, conveyancer fees and bond costs.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to know what you can afford is to get a pre-qualification certificate from any mortgage originator. This will better equip you in knowing your budget limits.

Lastly, be honest and realistic about your spending behaviour, life choices and needs. For example, if you struggle to save, acknowledge it and be conservative on the mortgage. If you dream of being a DIY fundi but haven’t done any handiwork, buying a fixer-upper home is perhaps not the best idea.

2. Pick your neighbourhood

Once you know what you can afford, the fun part starts: determining the ideal neighbourhood you’d like to live in. Consider what’s important for you. Do you want to live close to the central business district or do you want to be near good schools? Do you enjoy nightlife or do you prefer entertaining at home? These factors will help determine which area is most suited for you to live in and, thus, buy in.

Next, find out as much as you can about the area. This includes investigating property prices, where the prime property is located and the difference between the asking prices and the actual prices properties are sold for. For this, we recommend asking the help and advice of an expert real estate agent. Real estate agents are passionate about their neighbourhoods – so it’s worth contacting them for inside information.

3. Make a checklist

Once you know the dream neighbourhood you’d like to live in, next you need to start thinking about those non-negotiable aspects your dream home needs to have. Having a handy checklist can be your secret weapon.

A good checklist will include how many bedrooms and bathrooms the home should have; whether it should have a garage, secured parking bays or on-street parking. Think about flooring preferences; do you want tiles or wooden floors throughout the home? Is a garden and pool important to you or are you looking for a lock-up-and-go? What level of security are you needing? Anything that is non-negotiable for your home should be on this list. Don’t forget to add potential questions to ask an owner or real estate agent about homes that you view.

Once you have a clearer idea of what it is you’re after and what you can afford, you’ll be able to match this to a dream home. Using the same checklist across all the properties you view will help you to make a solid comparison before making the final purchase decision.

4. Get tech-savvy

Nowadays we can order anything online with a click of a button. Luckily the property industry has also evolved with time. There are a number of great online portals and apps where you can search for properties without ever leaving the comfort of your current home. Most sites or apps are mobile-friendly, so you can do it straight from your phone too.

When searching online, apply filters to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for within your price range. It’s also a good idea to start broader on your search and then narrow it down as time goes on. This helps you to suss out what’s on the market. If there’s a property that sparks your interest, but you’re not 100% convinced, save it to a wish list (many portals allow you the option to save favourite properties). Who knows, the property might really be of interest once you’ve given it some thought.

Lastly, don’t forget to set up alerts for your filtered search. This way you’ll be the first to know when a property matching your filters becomes available.

5. Seek knowledgeable advice

While online and app searches might lead you to the ideal homes, it’s never a bad idea to ask for help from a qualified agent who knows and understands the property market. A real estate agent will be able to give you a first look at new listings in the area. Not only that, but they will also give you insight on the latest sales in the area and guide you through any negotiations to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Agents are also there for you to bounce ideas off and to be frank about what you’re really after.

At Rawson, we take our jobs as sales and rental partners very seriously. Each Rawson agent is certified and knows their neighbourhood inside-out. Our agents are up-to-speed with the latest legal and industry developments to ensure we only give you the best advice on the property you’re after, visit our website www.rawson.co.za to find a Rawson Agent near you.

Looking to buy your dream home but wondering if you can afford it? Let us help you get pre-qualified. Email info@rawsonfinance.co.za for more information.

PROPERTY 360

en-za

2021-06-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

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