Closing the Deal: Tips for First Homebuyers

Buying a home is a significant financial and emotional investment, especially for first-time homebuyers. After searching for the right home, it's important to ensure that the settlement process goes smoothly to avoid any potential issues. Here are some tips for first-time homebuyers to help ensure a smooth process.

Review contract

Once you've found the right home, you'll need to sign a purchase contract. It's essential to review this contract carefully to ensure that all the terms and conditions are favourable to you. It’s a good idea to hire a professional when dealing with legal documentation, seek the advice of a solicitor or conveyancer. Some of the key elements to look out for include:

Purchase price

Ensure that the purchase price is accurate and that it aligns with your budget. Make sure that you understand the deposit and payment schedule.

Conditions of sale

Check the contract to ensure that all the conditions of sale are met, including finance, building inspections, pest inspections, and any other special conditions.

Settlement period

Ensure that the settlement period is reasonable and gives you enough time to organise your finances and arrange the move. This is normally 30, 60 or 90 days. Ensure you speak to your lender on how long the settlement will take. Almost all settlements are completed within a range of 30–90 days after the contract is finalised.

Title

Check that the seller is the legal owner of the property and that there are no encumbrances or other legal issues with the title.

Hire a building inspector

Before settlement, it's important to have a professional inspection of the property to identify any potential issues or defects that may need to be addressed. A building inspector will provide a detailed report on the condition of the property, including the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, and other critical components.

The report will also highlight any repairs or maintenance that may be required. You can use this information to negotiate with the seller and ensure that the property is in good condition before settlement. Make sure that the inspector is licensed and experienced and check their credentials before hiring them.

Secure financing

Financing is a critical part of the home buying process. Once you've found the right home, you'll need to finalise your financing with your lender. This involves submitting all the necessary documents, including proof of income, tax assessment, and bank statements.

Make sure that you work with a reputable lender and that all the documentation is in order. It's also essential to understand the terms and conditions of your mortgage, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and penalties for prepayment or default.

Obtain home and contents insurance

Home and contents insurance is a critical component of protecting your investment. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your home and its contents in case of damage, theft, or other unexpected events. Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your policy, including the excess, exclusions, and coverage limits.

Secure home insurance and ensure that it provides adequate coverage. The timing of responsibility varies in each region so check your state or territory website to get the latest information:

• NSW: The buyer assumes responsibility for any property damage upon settlement.
• VIC: The buyer bears responsibility for any property damage upon settlement.
• QLD: The buyer is accountable for any property damage starting from 5pm on the next business day after the contract date, preceding settlement.
• SA: The buyer becomes liable for any property damage as soon as contracts are exchanged.
• WA: The buyer holds responsibility for any property damage either on the date the entire purchase price is paid or the date the buyer is entitled to or given possession of the property, whichever occurs first.
• ACT: The buyer assumes responsibility for any property damage as soon as contracts are exchanged.
• TAS: The buyer is responsible for any property damage as soon as contracts are exchanged.
• NT: The buyer bears responsibility for any property damage either on the date the entire purchase price is paid or the date the buyer is entitled to or given possession of the property, whichever comes first.

Prepare for settlement

Settlement is the final stage of the home buying process, where you pay the balance of the purchase price and take ownership of the property. It's important to prepare for settlement carefully to ensure that everything goes smoothly. If you hire a conveyancer or solicitor, this will happen in the background.

Make sure that you have all the necessary documentation, including the contract of sale, mortgage documents, and insurance policy. You'll also need to arrange for the transfer of utilities, notify the relevant organisations of your new address, and organise the move.

Conclusion

Buying a home is an exciting but complex process. By following these tips and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure that the settlement goes smoothly and that you become a happy homeowner.

Contact your local friendly agents to learn more about the ins and outs of the settlement process.