Helpful Information

Essential guides and resources for property buyers and sellers

For Buyers

For Sellers

Pricing Your Property

Market Research

  • Research recent sales in your area
  • Compare similar properties currently listed
  • Consider local market conditions
  • Review market trends and forecasts

Property Assessment

  • Evaluate your property's condition
  • List recent improvements and upgrades
  • Consider location advantages
  • Document unique selling points

Professional Valuation

  • Get multiple agent appraisals
  • Consider a certified valuation
  • Review bank valuation reports
  • Understand different valuation methods

Pricing Strategy

  • Set a competitive asking price
  • Plan price negotiation margins
  • Consider timing and seasonality
  • Develop a pricing adjustment strategy

Key Considerations

  • Don't overprice - it can lead to longer time on market and eventual price reductions
  • Consider getting multiple independent valuations for a balanced perspective
  • Factor in current market conditions and trends when setting your price
  • Be prepared to adjust your price based on market feedback and showing results

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Curb Appeal

  • Clean and tidy front yard
  • Paint or clean front door
  • Maintain garden and lawn
  • Fix exterior lighting

Interior Improvements

  • Deep clean all rooms
  • Fix minor repairs
  • Fresh paint in neutral colors
  • Declutter and organize

Staging Tips

  • Depersonalize spaces
  • Maximize natural light
  • Arrange furniture strategically
  • Add fresh touches

Documentation

  • Gather maintenance records
  • List recent improvements
  • Prepare disclosure documents
  • Organize warranties

Important Tips

  • First impressions matter - focus on entry points and main living areas
  • Remove personal items to help buyers envision themselves in the space
  • Fix any obvious maintenance issues before listing
  • Consider professional cleaning and staging services

First Home Buyer's Guide

Financial Preparation

  • Save for deposit (typically 5-20%)
  • Check First Home Owner Grant eligibility
  • Calculate borrowing capacity
  • Review credit score and history

Research Phase

  • Identify preferred locations
  • Research property prices
  • Understand market trends
  • Compare different property types

Home Loan Process

  • Compare loan options
  • Get pre-approval
  • Understand loan features
  • Calculate additional costs

Purchase Process

  • Engage a conveyancer
  • Arrange property inspections
  • Make and negotiate offers
  • Complete settlement process

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Stamp duty and government fees
  • Legal and conveyancing fees
  • Building and pest inspection costs
  • Mortgage registration and transfer fees
  • Moving and setup costs

Property Inspection Checklist

Exterior Inspection

  • Roof condition and guttering
  • Wall cracks or damage
  • Window and door conditions
  • Foundation issues
  • Drainage and water flow

Interior Inspection

  • Signs of water damage
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing functionality
  • Wall and ceiling condition
  • Floor condition

Systems Check

  • Heating/cooling systems
  • Hot water system
  • Security features
  • Smoke detectors
  • Appliance condition

Location Assessment

  • Neighborhood safety
  • Proximity to amenities
  • Traffic and noise levels
  • Future development plans
  • Flood/bushfire risks

Professional Inspection Tips

What to Arrange:
  • Building inspection
  • Pest inspection
  • Electrical safety check
  • Plumbing assessment
Documentation to Request:
  • Building plans and permits
  • Property history report
  • Strata reports (if applicable)
  • Council zoning information

Understanding Property Finance

Common Loan Types

  • Principal and Interest
  • Interest Only
  • Fixed Rate Loans
  • Variable Rate Loans
  • Split Loans

Loan Features

  • Offset Accounts
  • Redraw Facility
  • Extra Repayments
  • Loan Portability
  • Package Benefits

Costs to Consider

  • Interest Rates
  • Application Fees
  • Ongoing Fees
  • Lenders Mortgage Insurance
  • Break Costs

Application Process

  • Income Verification
  • Credit Assessment
  • Property Valuation
  • Loan Approval
  • Settlement Process

Smart Financial Planning Tips

Before Applying:
  • Save a substantial deposit
  • Check and improve credit score
  • Calculate all purchasing costs
  • Compare different lenders
After Approval:
  • Set up automatic repayments
  • Consider making extra repayments
  • Review your loan annually
  • Keep emergency funds available

Moving House Checklist

8 Weeks Before Moving

  • Create a moving budget and timeline
  • Research and book removalist companies
  • Start decluttering and sorting items
  • Begin collecting packing materials
  • Create an inventory of valuable items

4 Weeks Before Moving

  • Start packing non-essential items
  • Notify utilities of your move date
  • Update your address with important services
  • Arrange time off work for moving day
  • Book professional cleaners if required

1 Week Before Moving

  • Pack essential items box
  • Confirm removalist booking
  • Defrost fridge and freezer
  • Complete all laundry
  • Pack personal valuables separately

Moving Day

  • Take meter readings at both properties
  • Keep important documents with you
  • Do final check of all rooms
  • Hand over keys
  • Record new meter readings

Pro Tips

  • Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
  • Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting
  • Keep essential items in clear plastic boxes for easy identification
  • Create a floor plan for the new house to guide furniture placement