Advantage of Buying a New Home

May 4, 2021 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

Advantage of Buying A New Home

There may be a number of reasons why buying a new home is better than buying an existing home.

Yet one the one Advantage of Buying a New Home stands out above the rest….Energy-Efficiency!

The second reason is that nobody lived in the brand New Home before you. That by itself is a positive point. Especially in the current situation with the coronavirus situation!

Before you dig too deep into the home buying process, it may be wise to take note of a few Home Buying Tips.

Advantage of Buying a New Home

The number one advantage of buying a new home is the Energy Efficiency rating! Want to save on your utility bill and rather live in a home with great Energy Efficiency Rating? Click HERE to find out how.

An advantage of buying a New Home is the good Energy Efficiency Rating

New Research on energy-efficient housing

According to the University of Melbourne, “New research finds that people are willing to pay more for energy-efficient housing”

The research shows that buyers and renters are also prepared to pay a premium for energy efficiency.

In other words, whether you are an owner-occupier who wants to buy a new home or an investor, you will have an advantage, since your new home will have at least a 6 Star energy rating. That is what is under the building code.

Nicole Engwirda from the University of Melbourne wrote: ‘A new study has analysed tens of thousands of property transactions over five years from 2011-16 in the Australian Capital Territory, where it is mandatory to disclose the energy efficiency rating (EER) when selling a home.

The analysis, which factored in other characteristics that drive pricing, found that generally the higher the rating, the higher the price or rent.

Evidence

University of Melbourne property researcher Dr. Georgia Warren-Myers says the results are evidence EERs carry weight with buyers and renters and provide a clear market signal for builders and owners to install more energy-efficient systems.

“By providing a mandatory disclosure program Australia wide, decision-making by owners, occupiers and landlords will drive more energy-efficient dwellings, potentially reducing carbon emissions associated with housing,” says Dr. Warren-Myers, who conducted the research with the University of Cambridge visiting fellow Dr. Franz Fuerst.

Generally, they found prices rise as the star rating increases. Compared with three-star properties, properties rated five and six attracted sale premiums of 2 and 2.4 percent respectively. But properties that went further on energy efficiency to gain a seven-star rating attracted heftier premiums of up to 9.4 percent.

New Home with good Energy Efficiency Rating

Mandatory Energy Star Rating

The ACT is the only Australian State or Territory to introduce mandatory rating disclosure for all dwellings, while nationally only new dwellings need a rating – a minimum six-star rating out of a possible 10. In the ACT these ratings must be displayed during any sales process and there are fines for breaches. The system is limited in the rental market, where Dr. Warren-Myers points to loopholes that mean landlords can, and do, avoid disclosing an EER – such as not obtaining a rating to disclose.

People do value Energy Efficiency

“The data shows people are valuing energy efficiency and making decisions based on the energy efficiency portrayed in these ratings. It has become one of the factors that people consider when they’re looking. They see the number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, carparks – and they see the energy star rating,” she says.

Dr. Warren-Myers says the jump in prices for seven-star properties suggests homeowners recognise the value of going above the minimum six-star standard for new homes.

“Homeowners know that new homes meet a minimum six-star level, and want to be better than the standard,” she says. “They’re going to that seven-star mark to differentiate themselves from that baseline.

Interestingly, properties with eight stars only earned a 2.8 percent premium, which she says may reflect the small sample size. Only 0.3 percent of the 31,000 sold properties covered in the study had eight-star ratings.

At the bottom end of the ratings, zero-star and one-star rated properties sold at a 2.8 and 2.4 percent discount to three-star rated properties.

In the Rental Market

Five and six-star properties rented at a 3.5 and 3.6 percent premium respectively compared to three-star properties. However, the gains flattened at seven and eight stars with premiums of 2.6 percent and 3.5 percent respectively.

But because of the loopholes in the legislation, more than half the 67,600 rental properties analysed in the study hadn’t disclosed an efficiency rating. And it is likely to be low rated properties that don’t have an energy rating, says Dr. Warren-Myers.

For tenants, who have limited capacity to make changes to a property, it means having less information to make rental decisions and the potential to be stuck with a ‘lemon’.

“They can effectively be penalised, from the perspective of household bills, but also because they may end up still paying a standard rental price for a property that doesn’t actually perform,” says Dr. Warren-Myers.

She says this lack of transparency needs to be addressed by closing the current loopholes on rental properties in the ACT. More broadly, Dr. Warren-Myers argues, the results in the ACT support the rollout of a rating disclosure system nationally as a way to encourage a broader take up of energy efficiency in existing properties, particularly in the rental market where landlords lack incentives. This is because tenants, rather than landlords, have to pay for energy costs.

But as this research demonstrates, a boost in rental income and resale value can be offset against the initial outlay of an energy efficiency upgrade.

“If we want to really drive energy efficiency in homes and have a better product in the market, we need to look at applying this Australia-wide,” says Dr. Warren-Myers.

“In the new construction sector, under the building code, we have a mandatory minimum requirement, which is a six-star home. But there is nothing that existing homeowners, in the rest of Australia, can actually do to understand what the energy efficiency of their home is at this point in time.”

“We already have a national rating system mandatory at the new build level. By applying that to the rest of Australia for existing buildings, at least we can start comparing all buildings on the same basis.”’

Costs

It is all good to say that energy efficiency should be applied to older buildings. However, the cost may be significant higher. It is way better to rather buy a new home and be sure that it has already the minimum requirement of a 6 Star energy rating.

If you are interested in buying a home with at least a 6-star energy rating, then look no further. We can now offer you a home with even a 7-star energy rating.

Imagine the savings on your power bill….

To take advantage of this offer, Click HERE to Apply.

Great tips for Home Buyers

April 19, 2021 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

Isn’t it one of the most exciting things in life to look for that ideal home to buy? Especially if it is the home that you plan to live in.

However, before you dig too deep into the process, it may be wise to take note of the following tips.

Or, CLICK HERE to Apply NOW to find your ideal home.

Great Tips for Home Buyers

Great Tips For First Home Buyers

Find out what you can afford

By talking to a good mortgage broker before you even start looking to find a home to buy, will save you not only time but disappointment as well.

Knowing what you may actually borrow, will give you a realistic understanding of what you can actually buy and in which area.

Each area comes with a different price tag and if you know what the amount is that you will be able to borrow, we’ll be able to tell you exactly in which areas you will be able to buy.

Research your Home Loan options

The home buyer today, has the great advantage that the home loan market is very competitive. That is the other reason why it is best to work with a good mortgage broker. Somebody who will actually provide you with the right advice.

You will need somebody who will make sure that you get the right features and the best rates. As there are many different types of mortgages available, it is vital to find the home loan that matches your needs.

Take care of your dept

Take care of your debt

You may already have a dept of some sort and may find it harder to get qualified for a home loan. Talking to a mortgage broker first will help you in more ways than you may think. As some mortgage brokers may offer you advice on how to pay off the debt quicker or even in a more affordable way.

Get your deposit together

Your lender will love it if you already have a deposit in place. That means, provided you are employed or have a solid track record of your business, you may qualify for the loan in a short time.

However, if you are a first home buyer, some lenders will use the Government grant as part of the deposit.

Crunch your numbers

When buying a home will most certainly incur in a few surprising expenses.

You will need to move to your new home
Stamp Duty Costs, however, when buying a House and Land package, you only pay stamp duty on the land.
Pest inspection reports (when buying a new home, you won’t need that)
If you are a first home buyer, check if you are eligible for the first home owners grant and stamp duty concessions. If you are, you’ll save heaps by taking advantage of that.

Get expert help from the start

It important to have all the help that you possibly may need when you are serious about buying a home or an investment property.

We at “Buy Real Estate Australia” can most certainly help you with every step of your home buying journey.

Not only will you be put in touch with reputable builders but also with experienced mortgage brokers.

If you don’t already have a conveyancer, we can put you in touch with one who will go over the contract for you before you sign it. That may very well save you a lot of time and even money.

Are you ready to stop renting and start living in your own home?

Decide on your home buying strategy

Maybe you would want to buy in an existing home in an established area. That’s all good….just bear in mind that you may need to renovate first or paint the whole house before you can move in. And don’t forget the building and pest inspections that may result in you deciding not to buy the house at all.

Or, maybe you would prefer to buy a brand new home. That may have a few disadvantages as well, however, the advantages are far greater.

The advantages of buying a new home:

Well….it is brand new, and who doesn’t like new?
You will pay stamp duty only on the land
You get to choose the colour scheme of your new home (with house and land package)
With the Fixed Price Turn Key House and Land packages that we offer, everything is included in the price. You just have to arrange the home loan, the conveyancer, and move your belongings to your new home.
The best advantage I would say is the fact that you will have a home with at least a 6 Star Energy Rating. Imagine the amount that you will save on your energy bill every year!

If you want to live in a brand new home with all these benefits, CLICK HERE to apply.

Buy Real Estate Australia, Home Buyer Great Tips For Home Buyers

HomeBuilder Program Extended

December 3, 2020 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

HomeBuilder Program Extended by the Morrison Government

On 29th November 2020, the Morrison Government announced an extension of the HomeBuilder Program until 31 March 2021.

According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the HomeBuilder Program is highly effective and is driving demand in the construction sector of Australia and protecting jobs by supporting the construction of new homes and home renovations.

HomeBuilder Program Info (source)

The Prime Minister said: “HomeBuilder is a key part of my government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia. We’re keeping people in jobs and putting Australians’ dream homes within reach.”

“It’s critical we keep the momentum up for Australia’s economic recovery.”

“Extending HomeBuilder will mean a steady pipeline of construction activity to keep tradies on the tools.”

Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Michael Sukkar, said that HomeBuilder program would also be adjusted for the building and housing market’s conditions.

Therefore, for another 3 months, the HomeBuilder Grant will be extended, from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021.

Until 31 December 2020, the HomeBuilder grant will remain $25,000.

However, for all new build contracts signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 march 2021,

Eligible owner-occupier purchasers will receive a $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant; and
The property price caps for new builds in Victoria & New South Wales will be increased. $950,000 for NSW and $850,000 for Victoria, while the property price cap for other states and Territories will remain $750,000.
The construction commencement deadline will be extended from three months to six months for all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.

Minister Sukkar said that the most recent data showed HomeBuilder had already had around 24,000 applications, on track to exceed expected take up levels.

“This has been a highly effective program that’s delivering real results for home buyers and has kept tradies in work throughout the COVID pandemic,” Minister Sukkar said.

The latest Housing Industry Association’s new home sales data shows sales are 31.6 percent higher in the three months to October 2020 when compared with the same time last year. And according to Minister Sukkar, this is proof that the HomeBuilder Program is a success.

“This is a temporary and targeted program and we want to give buyers the confidence and support to enter the market right now at a time when the economy needs it most.”

This announcement builds upon the extension of the First Home Loan Scheme (announced in the Budget). The Scheme itself delivered thousands of guaranteed loans to allow first home buyers to obtain a home loan to build a new home or purchase a newly built home, with a deposit of as low as 5%.

Together, this represents an unprecedented level of Federal Government assistance for home buyers and the construction industry alike.

With the record Low-Interest Rates at the moment, wouldn’t it make sense to buy your new home right now?

Want to take advantage of the HomeBuilder Grant and Buy a New Home or Off the Plan Property? We have a variety of New Homes available that are Eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant.

Affordable Homes, Buy Real Estate Australia, HomeBuilder Program

Need to Claim the HomeBuilder Grant?

July 24, 2020 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

6 Points to consider before you apply for the HomeBuilder Grant

New Homes

As you may already know, the Federal Government recently announced a construction stimulus package, the HomeBuilder Grant. The idea is to assist the residential construction market by encouraging the build of new homes and renovations.

Australian citizens who are looking to build a new home (including first home buyers) or renovate their principal residence can receive a grant of $25,000, provided the eligibility criteria are met.

Click Here to apply for your New Home and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

If you consider building a new home, or renovate your existing home and want to take advantage of the HomeBuilder Grant, there are a few factors to take into consideration if you plan to apply for the Grant.

Points to consider:

Great Tips For First Home Buyers

Be organised and know your timeline:

It is expected that there will be some administration work involved between the time that you express your interest in a block of land and signing the contracts. This process can take up to 6 weeks, depending on each individual situation.

According to the HomeBuilder Fact sheet, construction must start within three months of the date your contract is being signed with the builder. Keep in mind that a maximum extension of an additional three months may apply on a case by case basis. However, the relevant Revenue Office must be satisfied that the delay in the start of construction is due to unforeseen circumstances, not being in the control of the parties to the contract.

If you want your application to go as smoothly as possible, we advise you to start doing your research regarding your new home and get in touch with a good builder as soon as possible.

Will you save with the new Low Interest Rates?

Determine what your budget is:

Purchasing a property may be one of the biggest financial commitments you will make throughout your life. Even if it’s not your first property you want to buy, you’ll have important decisions to make.

To take one step closer to becoming a property owner and make an informed decision, speak to a good mortgage broker or lender first to determine what your budget is. Knowing what your borrowing capacity is, will prevent disappointment and save you time.

Having a pre-approval not only gives you an idea of what your budget is, but it also makes it easier and faster for you to buy your home. Let me give you an example… There is more than one buyer interested in the same home. The person who has the pre-approval ready will be the one that purchases the property on that day. Let that person be you, and not one of the others.

A good mortgage broker will also advise you regarding other existing Government Grants and Schemes that you may qualify for on top of the HomeBuilder Grant. Engaging in a discussion with them will assist you in choosing the loan that is right for your individual circumstances.

Remember that pre-approval of finance is:

Free
Obligation-free and
Valid for three months

Be aware of additional costs:

Keep in mind that not all builders offer Fixed Price, Turn-Key solutions. Some builders may offer house and land packages at a very attractive price but the site costs may be excluded in the price. Some builders exclude several elements in the original price that is advertised.

Other costs that should be taken into consideration as well:

Moving home. You may have to pay the movers or hire a truck if you want to do it yourself.
Stamp duty. If you are a first time home buyer, you may want to check what incentives and grants are available in your state.
Legal fees. These are charged by your solicitor or conveyancer to carry out the legal work involved in purchasing real estate.
Loan application costs may be: the loan application fee; Lender’s property valuation fees; Lenders Mortgage Insurance (unless you can put down a deposit of 20% or more)
Property transfer fee – a State Government charge to register the transfer of title of the property from one person to another.
Mortgage registration fee – an administrative charge imposed by the Land Titles Office or equivalent for registering the lender’s mortgage on the title record for the property.
Homebuilding and contents insurance – this is important to protect you financially if your home or belongings are damaged by fire, natural disaster or you experience loss through burglary. Lenders may ask that your property is insured because they have a vested interest in it.
Mortgage protection insurance – this takes care of part (or all) of your mortgage repayments if you are injured or become ill, leaving you unable to work, or if you pass away. Your Costs may vary according to the extent of the cover you need.

Price of your Build or renovation:

Remember that there is a maximum property price that will be taken into consideration. If you’re going to buy a house and land package, the maximum value of the property (house included) is $750,000 and the price of the renovation is between $150,000 and $750,000. The maximum value of the property (for the renovation) is $1,500,000.

Regarding a house and land package: Don’t get too caught up in the advertised price of the package, since (as mentioned before) some builders exclude some elements from the price.

Remember that the display homes are designed to present the best that a builder can offer and it’s important to evaluate the list of inclusions that are offered. Remember that each builder may offer different standard inclusions and you should be able to compare them.

It may be a good idea to negotiate a fixed price with the builder. If you’re not sure how to do that, we may be able to help. All the packages that are available through Buy Real Estate Australia, are Fixed Price, Turn-Key solutions with quality inclusions.

That means that all the inclusions are listed before you sign the contract. And after signing all the documents, you can sit back and relax. Everything will be taken care of for you and you’ll be kept up to date as the building of your house progresses…. It’s that simple. And you’ll have no surprises along the way.

Apart from the quality inclusions from the builders, we’ve decided to add additional surprise features to the deal, that’ll actually save you money. Please inquire about these, as we tailor them to the specific needs of each individual.

Now may be a good time to buy a new house in South East Queensland

Who should your builder be?

In order to apply for the HomeBuilder Grant, you are allowed to only engage in a reputable, licensed builder. Whether you’ll be building a new home or doing a renovation, you may not do it yourself as an owner-builder. Also, the builder that you engage in, may not be a family member, even if he is a licensed builder.

And remember…. don’t rush! Make sure that you are financially ready.

However, if you are ready, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the HomeBuilder grant to ad instant equity in your home.

Access other Government Incentives:

If you are a First Time Home Buyer, you will be eligible to take advantage of the First Home Buyer Grant and/or incentive in your state or territory as well, in addition to the HomeBuilder Grant.

Want to take advantage of this grant(s) and buy a new property?

With the current low-interest rates, now is the perfect time!

Feel free to call us on 0428 042 555 or click HERE to get a callback.

Buy Real Estate Australia, Home Buyer, Interest Rates First time home buyer, HomeBuilder Grant

Make sure to pay The Best Home Loan Rates

March 5, 2020 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

With the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce the official cash rate to 0.5, the banks are looking at making sure they pass on the benefit to their customers.

It will be in your best interest to compare the different home loan rates that the lenders offer to make sure that you get the best deal available.

The best way to compare home loans is to ask for a key facts sheet from different lenders. The key facts sheet will give you the information you need, in a set format so you can directly compare features, interest rates, and fees.

Some of the different home loans available:

Offset Facility

Redraw Facility

Which is the smartest option for Home Loans?

The reality is, most borrowers will ask for a redraw or offset facility when they apply for their home loan, even if they don’t fully understand the benefit that is applied. It is important that you know what the difference is before you apply.

How to pay The Best home loan rates

Some lenders charge a fee to maintain an Offset account and some lenders have restrictions on the minimum amount of money you can redraw from your home loan or charge a fee each time you need to access funds.

Want to buy a home and not sure where to find the

Best Home Loan Rates?

Click HERE to get assistance NOW

Let’s look at simplified versions of how these two facilities work and how the benefit is applied to your home in each instance. Note, a redraw facility sits within a home loan whereas the offset account is a linked external account.

Redraw Facility

Having a redraw facility allows you to pay extra money into your loan that you can take out (or redraw) later if you need it.

The extra money you pay into the loan reduces your loan balance which reduces the interest you pay. Your loan balance will still reduce each month according to the terms of your loan.

Credit providers may impose conditions or a fee to redraw funds. You should check what conditions and charges apply to your loan.

Offset Facility

This is a savings or transaction account linked to your home loan. Your account balance is taken off the amount you owe on your home loan, reducing the amount of interest you pay. You can use an offset account for savings or as an everyday transaction account.

For example, if you have a home loan of $500,000 and a balance of $20,000 in your offset account, you only pay interest on $480,000.

If the balance of your offset account is low, the additional costs may outweigh any benefits you get from having it. Be realistic when calculating the expected benefit an offset account may give you.

Now, let’s look at the benefits these two options offer. As benefits revolve around taxation, Ian Wood of Value Beyond explains below the advantage of having an offset account over a redraw facility.

The ATO’s approach to the deductibility of interest is to look at the purpose for which the money was borrowed. If you take out a loan for an investment property or for shares that earn income, then the interest is deductible. However, this general rule will change when the loan is paid down, and then the money is borrowed back out of the loan for a new purpose. If the additional borrowing back out of the loan is not used for a deductible purpose e.g. bat, holiday, new car, etc. then not all of the interest will be deductible because it is no longer the case that all of the borrowed money was used for a deductible purpose.

Having an offset account is a different situation. When you pull money out of an offset account, the original loan amount has not changed, and therefore the deductibility of the interest on that loan will not change either. The offset is a transaction account, so when you draw money out of the offset account it is not coming out of the loan account, so the purpose of the loan hasn’t changed.

Example

Redraw Facility

You purchase an investment property for $500,000 and borrow $500,000 interest only. Over the course of 5 years, you make additional repayments of $50,000 so that the loan balance is now $450,000. You decide to redraw the $50,000 equity and buy a boat. The loan now is only 90% deductible and 10% non-deductible, as $50,000 of the loan balance was used for a non-deductible purpose.

Offset Facility

You purchase an investment property for $500,000 and borrow $500,000 interest only. Over the course of 5 years, you save 50,000 in an offset account. The actual balance of the loan is still $500,000, however, the net balance of the loan for interest calculation is $450,000 ($500,000 -$50,000). You decide to redraw the $50,000 equity and buy a boat.

The interest on the $500,000 loan is still 100% deductible as that money has only been used to purchase the investment property. The cash used from the offset to buy the boat has not changed the purpose of the loan at all and therefore doesn’t affect the deductibility of the loan account.

From the above examples, you can see that having an offset account gives you a distinct advantage when it’s linked to your investment loan. There is an advantage in having an offset account against your owner-occupier home loan as well if you intend to upgrade to a new home and convert the existing one to an investment loan sometime in the future as it will allow you to reduce the interest applicable on your loan without reducing the balance while it’s classed as owner-occupier loan.

When it comes to getting value out of your loan structure and ensuring that you are awarded quality direction, an experienced lender is irreplaceable. And if you are paying to use your redraw facility or an offset account fee with your bank, I suggest moving to one that gives you better value.

If you are interested in buying a home and not sure where to find the Best Home Loan Rates?

Click HERE to get assistance NOW

Best Home Loan Rates, Buy Real Estate Australia Best Home Loan Rates

Happy Long-Term Tenants

February 3, 2020 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

How to make sure you have

Happy, Long-Term Tenants

The only thing a landlord ever wish for, is to have happy long-term tenants who are respectful to the property and pay on time. It is not so easy to find tenants who are respectful, cautious and who want to stay in the property a long period of time.

By being a bit more creative in your approach to managing your investment property, you may ensure that your tenants are happy and comfortable in their rental home. Remember, a happy tenant usually is a tenant who pays on time. And that makes a landlord very happy as well.

Make sure you have Happy long-term Tenants

Keep the Property Maintained

Your property may be an investment to you, but for the tenants, it is their home. This is where they come home to after work to relax and this is where they spend most of their time with their family.

That is why it is important to keep the property maintained. Before any new tenants move in, go through the property to see if the walls need to be re-painted or if any other repairs need to be done. This is also the time to decide on any updates or renovations that may make the property more desirable.

Just because you are not the person living there, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be mindful of the enjoyment of the property.

What about Incentives?

Throw in an incentive may result in very Happy Tenants

Everyone loves a good deal, and tenants are no exception. You can make the tenant feel as if you are rewarding them or giving them a break by offering small incentives. Incentives can include:

A fee for utilities. While you should make sure that you won’t be losing out financially by setting a single amount for utilities year-round, it makes it easier for the tenant to know exactly what they will be paying each month.
Have Solar Panels installed. The latest trend is to have solar panels installed and have it connected to the grid and get paid for the power. Your tenant, on the other hand, get discounted on their power bill.
Offering a small discount if the tenant provides post-dated checks for a year at a time. Rewarding your tenant for essentially providing a year’s worth of rent at a time is a great way to ensure that there are no payment issues, and your tenant will feel like they happened on some good luck.
Giving the first month free. It can be hard for some tenants to provide a damage deposit as well as the first month’s rent. By giving a tenant the first month free, they only have to come up with a damage deposit, which allows them to budget for the next month’s rent payment. You’ll lose out on a rent payment, but it increases the chances of filling your property more quickly.

Have a Lease Agreement in Place

Every Landlord wants Happy Long-term Tenants

Create a clear Lease Agreement in which it is stipulated what is included in the lease. The General Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a) can be downloaded from the RTA and there is a section on how to complete the form as well.

Don’t just hand it to your tenant and except them to read it—go over it with them carefully. Make sure that they understand the allowances and restrictions of the property, as well as what is required of them.

By discussing the lease and what it includes, you can avoid future problems. Your tenant will appreciate that you took the time to explain the lease, and they will have a clear understanding of what they may or may not do while renting the property.

Be kind and answer any questions that they may have. Although you may understand all of the terms and conditions, someone who has never rented property before, may not.

The more helpful that you are, the more comfortable they will feel in renting from you. At the same time, you are building a good relationship with your tenant which usually, will result in having good tenants.

Respond on Time

There’s almost nothing worse than having a household emergency when you can’t get in touch with your landlord. Remember….you want your tenant to pay on time, every time… The tenant is responsible for contacting you in the event of an emergency, no matter what time it is or if you are on vacation.

Make sure that you answer or return their calls as soon as possible and that you offer solutions quickly and easily. If you can’t be available yourself, consider hiring a property manager to handle property-related issues for you. Remember to inform the tenant that another person will respond.

Make sure to have go-to contractors that you can rely on for certain issues, such as plumbing or heating problems, small repairs, etc. Since you may not have the time or the skills to fix whatever is broken, having trustworthy, timely, and efficient contractors will save both you and your tenant time and money.

Be Accommodating and Understanding

If you have a tenant that consistently pays their rent on time, and who is respectful towards both you and the property, don’t be too hard on them if they come to you and say that the rent may be late at a certain time.

Of course, it’s not something that you would want to make a habit of… But hey, if you’ve got a great tenant, who is responsible and financially trustworthy, don’t ruin the relationship by punishing them for what was likely an unforeseen or complicated circumstance.

We’ve all had bad days, or unexpected bills, so try to be understanding when you can. Chances are, your tenant will appreciate you more and will do their utmost best to always make their payments on time.

Appreciation goes a long way

In reality, while you are giving your tenant a place to live, they are paying your mortgage or putting money in your pocket. Landlord-tenant relationships are still business relationships, and just like a business may show customer appreciation, landlords should too.

Around the holidays, give your tenant a gift basket or a card. Showing them that you are a person (not just someone who cashes their checks) and that you are happy to have them around will make them feel positive about renting from you.

Help with seasonal costs, such as gardens, by offering to pay some of the bills for landscaping. The tenant should feel like the rental is their home, and having it look nice and well-maintained is positive for you. That way, when the property goes up for rent, it will already have a reputation as an appealing home in the area.

Renting with Pets

For many Queenslanders, pets are an important part of their lives. Often, pets are viewed as part of the family and provide companionship, safety, physical benefits, and even mental health benefits.

For more information regarding the reformed Tenancy Laws in Queensland, that covers “Renting with Pets” Click HERE.

Always be respectful

Although according to the RTA, landlords are required to give notice before entering a property in writing on a specific form, it may just boost the relationship if you call in advance to ask which date and time will suit them best. That is if they agreed that you may call them from time to time.

After working out an appointment that works for you both, drop by and leave a formal notice, or email it to them if you know that they have access to the internet.

It’s better to make your tenants feel like they are in control of who enters their home and when. Instead of just leaving a notice on the door for them to find (or not) the next time they leave the house, communicate with them by phone or by email to let them have a say.

You’ll be entering the home, either way, treating your tenant with respect and courtesy can go a long way.

Conclusion

The basic idea behind retaining happy and long-term tenants is to treat them the same way you would want to be treated. Try to make it so that they are not only attached to the home that they have created, but to the excellent renting situation that you, the landlord, have created.

Make your presence a bonus in the tenant-landlord relationship, instead of an irritation. Tenants who have good experiences are more likely to stay in the property long-term, as well as recommend you to friends and family.

Affordable Homes

June 18, 2019 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

Where will you find the Best Affordable Homes around Brisbane?

For people who are earning more than $75,000 per year and looking for New Affordable Homes For sale, check out the list of Greater Brisbane suburbs with prices under $400,000

Eagleby – Price: $230,000 that offers 6.3% Rental yield
Burpengary – From $367,000
Morayfield – From $380,000
Caboolture – From $399,900
Bahr Scrub – From $389,000
Logan Reserve – From $369,900
Redbank Plains – From $399,900
Flagstone – From $399,900

Get your information on our variety of Affordable Homes

Affordable Homes

What is considered as Affordable Homes?

Well, since every person is different with a different income, one can’t really say that a specific price range that describes affordable homes. It relates more to the individual’s ability to repay a home loan.

The affordability for each person can be determined by calculating the repayments of a home loan. We will put you in touch with a mortgage broker to assist you for the best results.

Let’s start with the first on our list….Eagleby:

Eagleby

Price: $230,000 – 6.10% to 6.3% Rent Return – Investors Only

You don’t see this often….an investment property for under $250,000!

More information on the project:

This project is a boutique size development made up of 18 townhouses offering 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and single car lock up garage homes.

All townhouses have an open plan kitchen and living room, with split system reverse cycle air conditioning to present comfortable living for residents.

Centrally positioned, this development is located approximately 35km south of Brisbane’s CBD within the Logan City region.

This popular community is located near train stations, the Pacific Motorway and the Logan Motorway, making commuting to the Brisbane CBD or Gold Coast a viable option.

With Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre and entertainment precinct just a stone’s throw away, this complex has your everyday needs covered.

Close to a selection of highly reputable private and state schools, TAFE’s, and childcare centres as well as golf courses and country clubs, this development is an ideal place for families to grow.

Property Features:

Stone benchtops & stainless-steel appliances to kitchen
Ceiling fan light to bedroom
Remote control garage door
Vertical blinds throughout
Air-conditioner to living area
Security screens to windows & all external doors

Burpengary

Prices from $367,000

Affordable homes in Burpengary From $367,000

This is one of our One Contract House and Land Packages with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and 1 garage plus a patio area.

Like all our House and Land packages, this is a Fixed Price, Turn Key solution.

Burpengary, Morayfield and Caboolture are all in the Morton Bay Regional Council Area, spanning 2,037 square kilometres is located in south-east Queensland and is bounded by the Sunshine Coast Council area in the north, Moreton Bay in the east, Brisbane City in the south, and the Somerset Regional Council area in the west.

The Moreton Bay region is the key growth corridor north of Brisbane. Its major centres are a short distance from Brisbane’s city centre (Strathpine 22kms, North Lakes 30km, Redcliffe 35kms and Caboolture 50kms). The region has easy access to the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane and major transport routes in South East Queensland.

Its ease of access and competitively priced residential and commercial premises and land has attracted numerous new residents, a highly skilled workforce and over 27,000 businesses (2018) and has underpinned the region’s strong economic performance.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is committed to improving the attractiveness of its main centres of business and employment and to providing opportunities for local business growth, and new business investment to support and complement continued strong population growth in the region. Source: Remplan Economy

Morayfield

Prices from $380,000

Morayfield has several Affordable Homes available at the moment

Caboolture

Prices from$399,900

Would you be interested in living in Caboolture?

Bahr Scrub

Prices from $399,000

Have you thought of living in Bahr Scrub?

Information on Bahr Scrub

Perfectly placed amongst abundant amenity, Bahr Scrub is located in the thriving growth corridor between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

With the Pacific Motorway (M1) 5.4km from Bahr Scrub and the nearby convenience of Beenleigh train station, commuting to work or enjoying a weekend escape is easy.

Grab a cup of coffee and fresh vegetables at the Early Bird and Breakfast Markets, indulge in retail therapy at City Road, Beenleigh and enjoy the convenience of your local Holmview Central Shopping Centre.

The area includes many places to socialise. Catch up with friends over a quiet drink at the Windaroo Tavern or indulge in the famous choc chip waffles at the Belgian Chocolate Saloon.

Hammel Park is home to a range of sporting clubs including the Beenleigh Rugby Club and Beenleigh Netball Club. There’s something for everyone, of all ages.

Bahr Scrub has a wide range of educational facilities within a 10km radius of home. For every child, of every age, you’ll find the perfect school for your children.

There are 32 child care centres conveniently located within a 10km radius of the Estate, ensuring your little ones will have access to early learning.

When it’s time for your child to start school, you can choose from Windaroo State Primary School, Beenleigh State School, Eagleby South State School, Eagleby State School and Canterbury College, all within a 10km radius of Brookhaven.

There are four schools within 10km of the estate, Windaroo Valley State High School, Canterbury College, Trinity College and Beenleigh State High School.

Griffith University Logan Campus is conveniently located just 15km from home.

Surrounded by rolling hills and framed by picturesque brooks, this master-planned community marries connectivity and privacy in a green pocket of tranquillity. The environment provides an idyllic backdrop for a range of community spaces, including viewing platforms, fitness nodes, walking trails, mountain biking trails, community gardens and local parks. Here, you can build the life you love with a house design of your choosing, or a carefully designed house and land package.

Surrounded by a diverse range of native flora and fauna including eucalyptus trees and tea trees, here, children and adults alike will be enchanted by the landscape that is so quintessentially Australian.

It’s more than a place where people and their families simply exist. It’s a place to discover the beauty around you at, Bahrs Hill and Clarks Hill and Buccan Conservation Park, a subtropical park home to kookaburras, koalas and abundant natural wildlife.

In my opinion, this is the ideal place to invest in. Whether you want to live there, or rent the house out, there are so many advantages.

Killara

Prices From $369,900

Killara is worth checking out

Information about Killara and Logan Reserve:

Award-winning architecturally designed homes in a contemporary master-planned community in Logan Reserve.

The Single story terraces are designed to make the most of the surrounding green bushland whilst living in ultimate urban style. Enjoy low maintenance living combined with fresh open space, inspiring outdoor recreational areas and a vibrant community. With options for 3-bedroom, single garage and 4-bedroom, double garage homes all-encompassing high-quality inclusions.

Take advantage of this Full Turn Key Packages that starts from $369,900, with quality inclusions like: stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, stone kitchen bench top, LED lighting, quality bathroom accessories, reverse cycle split-system air-conditioning, letterbox & fencing and fully exposed aggregate driveway.

The internal colour scheme has been styled and selected by professional interior designers, bringing a contemporary feel and a fresh perspective to your new home.

If it is an investment property you’re after, then this may be a good option for you, since the location is perfect for people who need to be close to train stations, the motorway and want to be close to beautiful park lands as well.

Where Nature meets Urban Style

The Estate is surrounded by green bush land and family park lands. It features boutique neighbourhoods, each with a character all its own, giving you a sense of exclusivity and intimacy with the surrounding environment. Active lifestyle is designed in to this address with multiple active and passive parkland spaces, including: adventure trails, parkland tracks, fitness stations and interactive play areas. This master planned address positions you on the doorstep of a vast range of established local amenities.

8 Reasons why you’ll love living in Logan Reserve:

One of Queensland’s key growth areas
10 different education options within 10km
A short drive to the Hyperdome with an array of cafes and restaurants
15 minutes to the Loganlea train station
Bus stops on Chambers Hill Road
Minutes to major shopping centres
Walking distance to Stoneleigh Reserve Park
Outdoor recreational activities

Redbank Plains

Prices from $399,900

Eden’s Crossing

Have you ever looked into Eden’s Crossing in Redbank Plains?

Information on Eden’s Crossing

Eden’s Crossing is a Master Planned Community which is only:

 30 minutes from Brisbane

 15 minutes from Ipswich

 5 minutes to Springfield

 55 minutes to The Gold Coast

More than 200 families have already moved in to Eden’s Crossing to be close to the existing schools, future neighbourhood shopping, sports fields and creek side park lands. The community is growing quickly so infrastructure is being put in place to support that.

The master planned Eden’s Crossing community is next door to the new Fernbrooke State School and Staines Memorial College and will eventually be home to more than 1,200 families. Currently, Mt Juillerat Drive terminates at Creekstone Avenue and motorists backtrack to the existing onramp at Augustine Heights to get on to Centenary Highway.

Schools around Eden’s Crossing

Whatever style of education your family needs, Eden’s Crossing provides a huge choice of options. Eight childcare centres can be found within 5km of home, while local Redbank Plains Primary School and Redbank Plains High are on your doorstep.

A variety of private and state schools are also close by, including Staines Memorial College, West Moreton Anglican College, St Mary’s College, Springfield Anglican College, Ipswich Jnr Grammar, Ipswich Grammar, St Augustine’s College and Fernbrooke State School opened in 2017.

For tertiary students, the University of Southern Queensland is within a 5km drive, and the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus is just 12.5km away.

Local Transport

With a number of major transport links close by, there’s no doubt Eden’s Crossing is a well-connected community. Future direct access to Centenary Highway will put Springfield Central within 5 minutes drive, while current arterial roads make the journey into Brisbane, Ipswich or the Gold Coast easily accessible.

Public transport services are also close by, with the nearby Springfield Central Station providing direct rail service to Brisbane (approx 40 minutes travel to Brisbane). (A train station in Redbank Plains is in the planning)

Local Parks around Eden’s Crossing

Eden’s Crossing provides 35 hectares of green open space, kilometers of hike and bike paths, four large parks, plus sports ovals and local parks.

You’ll have plenty of options to enjoy the sunshine with friends and family to relax and unwind. Start your day with a hike, leisurely walk, bike ride or enjoy a picnic in the afternoon at White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Reserve.

Eden’s Crossing has everything you and your family need to live a healthy, active lifestyle. A number of regional parks can also be found nearby, including Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve, featuring sporting fields and a skate park.

The Robelle Domain central parkland is a world-class recreational space with a huge variety of scenic and interactive spaces including the Springfield Lagoon.

But that’s not all the parklands have to offer: treetop walks, shady picnic areas, land art pyramids, artwork, beautiful exhibition gardens, and expansive grassy spaces perfect for large community events and gatherings are all here. The best part is that all this is only 10 minutes away, plus with direct access to the Centenary Highway in 2018, you’ll be even closer.

Flinders View

Prices from $399,900

Flagstone is a forward-looking development with city status in its sights

Area information

Flagstone puts you in reach of a life surrounded by nature combined with all the modern-living musts: convenience, connectedness, community, and that other word beginning with C: choice. And with a 128ha CBD continuing to take shape, life at Flagstone gets more appealing with each breaking day.

Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Planning and Infrastructure, Cameron Dick was at Flagstone where he announced the finalisation of the infrastructure agreement for the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area (PDA).

The Minister said it was the biggest infrastructure deal of its type by any Government in Australia – noting that Greater Flagstone PDA ranked as one of the top 20 biggest towns and cities in Australia. Such exciting times ahead for Flagstonians!

This article was taken from Chanel 9 News.

Two new water parks planned for the city.

Logan City Council and developer Peet will stump up a joint $5 million to build the two water play areas — one at Logan Central and the other at Flagstone. The Flagstone site will be at the new Flagstone Regional Park, in Flagstonian Drive, next to a skate plaza, dog park and one of the biggest community playgrounds in southeast Queensland.

Construction has started on the brand new Coles Flagstone Village Shopping Centre! The new commercial precinct will include 9 specialty stores, 240 carparks and a full size Coles supermarket.

The new store will create 200 construction jobs and an additional 100 retail jobs when it opens in mid-2020. It’s a great addition for residents at Flagstone, who will be well served by a rapidly expanding range of lively retail, commercial and hospitality options.

Young men and women can now learn the tricks of the construction trade at the South-East’s newest Trades College at Flagstone.

This article was taken from Chanel 9 News.

A NEW telecommunications transmission tower is being built to boost mobile phone coverage in Flagstone.

Vodafone has signed a lease with developers Peet Limited to construct a 35-metre tower in Gates Road, between the new Coles supermarket site and the railway line. It is expected to be operational by year’s end.

The announcement has been welcomed by Logan Country Safe City, the group that lobbied long and hard for action in the mobile blackspot and the outgoing president of Flagstone Community Association.

The article was published in The Jimboomba Times, 29 July 2018. Click HERE to read the full article.

Adventure Playground

Great news for Families who are living around Flagstone!

One of the biggest playgrounds in South-East Queensland opens at Flagstone on Saturday, December 15, ready for the first day of the school holidays.
The community will get its first chance to try the epic new $4 million adventure playground as the state’s 800,000 school students head into the long summer break.

First Time Home Buyer Grant

If you are a First Time Home Buyer and want to find out what you should do to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer Grant, CLICK HERE to find out.

If you are interested to find out more about the new homes available in one of these areas, or in any other areas that you may want to live in, or buy an investment property, please Click Here

You will be able to complete an application to get one of our friendly staff members to get in touch with you, or you can just jump the queue and give us a call on 0428 042 555

Affordable Homes, Buy Real Estate Australia Affordable Homes

What is a Good Credit Score?

May 28, 2019 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

Why don’t we start by asking other questions first….

What is a Credit Score?

The article below, from one of the Mortgage Brokers (20 / 20 Finance)

Find your ideal home

who had helped many of our buyers, explains it best….

‘The way banks assess you and a loan application have changed in recent years. A credit score is now something they look at as an indicator of your ability to service a loan. By following a few simple tips and getting into good habits, you can improve your score and your chances of securing that loan.

A few years ago, as part of the push for more responsible lending practices, the government brought in new rules for the banks. It’s called comprehensive credit reporting, and it means all lenders need to share more detailed information about you.

Before this, banks kept the information about their customers to themselves and only shared the negative facts about your borrowing history. These were things like unsuccessful credit applications, loan defaults, late payment of loans and bills, and bankruptcy.

Now they also have to share the positive stuff.

If you regularly pay bills on time, always make your loan repayments, keep credit cards at a low level, and generally demonstrate responsible money management, you’ll be rewarded for your good behaviour. The better your behaviour, the better your credit score.’

“Your Behaviour”, refers to your “money management behaviour”

What is a Good Credit Score

Well, if you read the next part of the article, you will find out what is a good credit score and how to improve your credit score.

‘Why is a good credit score important?

The better you look in the eyes of a lender, the less of a risk you are, the

A good credit score is important when applying for a Home Loan

more likely it is you’ll get your loan application approved and you may also be able to access better interest rates and terms.

A credit score gives the lender a clearer picture of your financial situation, so they can work out how reliable you’ll be in making your repayments.

The most important thing to remember is that they look at your behaviour over a period of time. This means a couple of missed or late payments won’t impact your score, but regular late payments, or non-payment will.

And, if you don’t have a long history of borrowing (or any history), lenders can look at your regular payments of bills to see if you pay on time and determine your credit worthiness.

What do you do if you have a low credit score?

The key aspect of a credit score is that it’s calculated over a period of time. It’s a relatively accurate indicator of your past behaviour. The good news is that over time you can take steps to improve your money management and be rewarded with a higher credit score.

Here are a few tips on,

How to improve your credit score

Never miss a bill payment.

One of the easiest ways a lender can tell if you’re reliable is to look at your history of paying bills. We all have a lot of recurring services to pay for, like phones, power, water, insurance, credit cards and internet. Each one is an opportunity to improve your score by paying it on time. But miss one and your score can go down. Make the most of setting up direct debits or putting reminders into your phone’s calendar, so you always stay on top of every bill.

Budget accurately.

The key to all good financial management is to budget well. Have a look at all your bills and work out exactly how much you spend every month on these. Then add other living expenses like food, petrol, subscription TV, take-away meals, and so on. Not only will this tell you how much you need to hold on to for all your bills, it can show you where you can cut costs, so finding the funds for your bills is easier.

Close unnecessary credit cards.

Part of a good credit profile is about not having too much debt, and that the debt you do have is being managed and serviced reliably. One obvious thing to do is to cancel any unnecessary credit cards. It’s less credit you have access to, and one more regular payment you no longer have to make. You don’t have to close all of your cards. Having a card with a low balance demonstrates your good financial habits and is an example of your credit history.

Pay off your outstanding debts.

As well as reducing your credit cards, taking care of personal loans is a great way to put yourself in a better financial position. Having less commitments means you’re in a better place to pay your ongoing living costs on time and improve your score.

Don’t make a lot of applications.

It’s a good idea to do your research into getting loans before you apply for them. Many people use online applications to test the waters and see if they get loan approval, but this can be a big mistake. If you get knocked back, it goes on your record. If you get knocked back lots of times in quick succession, even if you’re just shopping around, it looks bad to financial institutions.’

Tammy from 20 / 20 Finance advises to use a good mortgage broker to do the application.

She said: The best way to avoid the pitfall of making a lot of unsuccessful applications is to use a mortgage broker like me.

Not only can you make the most of my experience and expertise to help you research and get a good idea of where you stand in the eyes of lenders, I work closely with you to get the application right the first time by determining which lender will best suit your needs.

This careful groundwork means fewer loan enquiries on your behalf, which is good news for your credit score.’ To get in touch with her, please click HERE

Want to buy a new home or investment property, please complete the form below and one of our friendly team members will get in touch with you.

Buy Real Estate Australia, What is a good credit score How to improve your credit score

Why Invest in Real Estate Brisbane?

May 20, 2019 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

Real Estate Brisbane

What is so great about South East Queensland?

Find your Ideal Home NOW

Why is it such a good time to invest in South East Queensland at the moment?

Well, take a look at the Brisbane property market performance at the moment.

Brisbane

Brisbane’s stable property market performance is on display once more as we approach the middle of 2019.

And that is only one reason why Real Estate Brisbane is so popular at the moment. That is, we not only refer to Brisbane city, but rather to Greater Brisbane.

The demand for Real Estate Brisbane is growing by the day

One of the key indicators well worth watching, is Queensland’s net interstate migration number. Historically when this figure is on the rise, Brisbane house prices get a boost. At the Brisbane Property Market growth peak in 2003, there were over 40,000 extra residents joining the Queensland ranks from other states and territories, (Australian Financial Review)

That figure plummeted post- GFC. The silver lining is that we’re now well and truly tracking on an upward curve after coming off this low base. There is no doubt that many of these buyers are affordability migrants – those now priced out of Sydney’s real estate market who are keen on relocating to QLD and enjoying the lifestyle. Best of all, many are selling up their Harbour City assets and buying here, mortgage free, in Queensland and with a big chunk of change left over. Recent growth increased interstate migration to 17,500 new residents in 2017 and 24,000 in 2018 (Matusik).

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast property market has experienced strong property growth over the past years. According to a new CoreLogic report, the Gold Coast recorded the second highest property value growth across regional Queensland in the last financial year.

Real Estate Gold Coast still in demand

With experts predicting the only way for the Gold Coast property market to go is up, some of the main Gold Coast property market drivers are population growth, increased job opportunities and the low Australian dollar have all contributed to a better performing Gold Coast property market. Major developments on the Gold Coast have been transforming the city into what people are referring to as – Australia’s most beautiful city. With a large number of new construction and infrastructure projects, there’s been a higher number of job opportunities becoming available. This helps drives demand and many are moving in to take advantage of the great Gold Coast lifestyle and new job opportunities.

With higher demand, rental prices have been going up leaving many first home buyers looking for ways to get into the property market by taking advantage of the $15,000 Queensland first home owners grant and record low interest rates. Many home buyers are buying off the plan in new estates and developments. This has helped to increase the demand for more construction jobs and increased property prices.

Brisbane Western Suburbs

Ipswich

The western growth corridor out through Ipswich is attracting its fair share of affordability driven buyers looking for growing infrastructure appeal to help boost their property values.

Ipswich itself has cranked up its cool factor over the past few years, so expect its current popularity to continue.

Brisbane Northern Suburbs

Find your ideal home

Similarly, the Northern zones out to Redland remain desirable for those seeking established housing for the longer term.

In the Moreton region, upgrades to transport infrastructure and a rise in the availability of essential services and facilities bode well. In this area, supply isn’t an issue and 2019 will again be a year of growth in these suburbs.

Brisbane Southern Suburbs

Logan areas

Find your Ideal Home NOW

Logan sits at the heart of the Southern Brisbane – Gold Coast corridor,

one of SEQ’s strongest growth regions, delivering strong population, employment and expansive investment opportunities.

The City of Logan is just 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and 35 minutes from the Gold Coast. Logan LGA has the second fastest projected annual population growth in South East Queensland from 2016-2036 at 2.3%. Logan LGA population projection for 2016 is 313,785 and projected to grow to 500,881 by 2036.

The City of Logan is uniquely located to access the best that South East Queensland has to offer. This established city’s residential neighbourhoods continue to flourish giving locals a wide range of lifestyle options with older suburbs being revitalised through urban and community renewal projects.

The city looks to the future with strong investment into emerging industries such as transport and logistics, manufacturing, health care and education.

SOURCE: Projected population (medium series), by local government area, Queensland, 2016-2041. URBIS Logan Report 2017

Middle Ring Brisbane Suburbs

Stepping a little further out, the mid-ring of housing from 6 to 20 kilometers from the CBD, this sector is expected to remain positive with similar characteristics of firm demand and limited stock listed for sale. Expect upward gains during the rest of 2019 again.

Outer Brisbane Suburbs

In the outer fringe supply is good so prices have remained relatively stable. In fact, most master-planned community projects have seen good demand for vacant land this year as affordability investors look to build their dream homes or decent yielding investment properties with depreciation benefits.

Interested in any Real Estate Brisbane?

Then please complete the form below so that one of our friendly team members can get in touch with you to find out where you would like to buy a home.

Brisbane Real Estate is in average more affordable

Buy Real Estate Australia, Real Estate Brisbane Real Estate Brisbane

House Inspection

March 4, 2019 Franci Lacquet Leave a comment

House Inspection

Also known as….

Building Inspection

And when should you have it done?

A House Inspection may save you some time and some money

Buying a home is exciting, whether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced home buyer. Once you have purchased a few homes, you basically become an expert on the process, however for first time home buyers it may all seem a little overwhelming.

One of the most important parts of buying a home is the House Inspection before you actually move in. When buying an existing property, a house inspection will ensure that you, as the buyer, know exactly what you are purchasing. A house inspection can also help to get you out of a deal that is not up to scratch.

However, when buying a new home through Buy Real Estate Australia, the house inspection, also called the building inspection, will be done by an independent building inspector. The fee for the building inspection will be included in the Full Turn Key Price. To find out how you can buy a new home using Fixed Price, Full Turn Key option, Please Click HERE.

In this post, we’ll talk about how you can protect yourself with a house inspection, when buying an existing property and what exactly you can do with the information that is provided to you.

A House Inspection should always be done when buying a home

A Building Inspection as a Condition in the offer to purchase

If you are buying an existing home through a real estate agent, chances are that they have already suggested a building inspection prior to finalising the deal. If they haven’t, or if you are purchasing an existing home through a private sale, you should consider including a building inspection as a condition in your offer.

That means that the amount that you and the seller agree upon is based on a positive outcome in regards to the inspection. If there are any issues once the inspection has been done, you should be able to back out of the deal with reasonable ease.

If you don’t include a building inspection, as a condition in your offer, you risk being stuck in a deal that you are uncomfortable with, for a home that may not be worth what you originally thought. That may result in additional costs to you.

Building Inspections and the Selling Price

A building inspection can affect the value of a home, which may in turn affect the original offer to purchase. When you put in a formal offer, and the seller accepts it, there is a chance that you may not end up paying the specified amount if you made the offer dependent on a building inspection.

When the inspection report comes back and issues were mentioned that will cost you money to fix, you can respond with a request that the seller take those amounts off of the selling price.

If the seller does not agree to the lower offer and you no longer feel that the accepted offer price is fair, you can back out of the deal at this point, generally without penalties. That is legal, as long as the building inspection was included as a condition in your offer to purchase.

However, the seller have the right to call in a Building Inspector to verify the results of the inspection report.

Any home that has been pre-owned or that was not built by a professional residential construction company, should be inspected by a professional in order to ensure that it is built according to Australian Building code and that the buyer doesn’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.

What Does a Building Inspection Cover?

A building inspection should take a couple of hours to complete, since the inspector will be looking at so many different things. A building inspector will check things such as:

Wiring and outlets
Signs of water damage
Plumbing
Exterior and interior structure
Roof damage
Other issues that could turn out to be costly if left unnoticed.

It’s important to remember that although a building inspector will take note of as much as they can, they are not obligated to report any damage that they weren’t able to access or see. It is your responsibility to make sure that he has access to all areas that you think may have an issue. If you are buying the home privately, you should arrange access to all areas with the owner. However, if you buy your home through a Real Estate Agent, the agent should arrange that with the owner.

Make sure to be well informed regarding the responsibilities of the building inspector. Ask questions about what they will check for and what they can’t. Have a clear understanding of your own responsibilities, and those of the inspector, prior to having the home inspected so that you are both on the same terms.

Relax, knowing you had a building inspection done

Finalising the deal

Having a home inspection done can save you a lot of time and even money. Think of it as insurance on your offer, which can protect you from a bad deal or unknown issues that you hadn’t anticipated. Be a smart buyer by doing your research, so that you can enjoy your home once your deal goes through.

After the home inspection has been completed, and the price negotiated (if necessary), it is time for you to go ahead and sign the contract. It is important to keep the building inspection report with all of the other paperwork that involves your new home so that you can refer back to it in the future if necessary.

Make copies of it all and save that in digital format so that you can access it easily. Store the original documents in a safe place.

If you feel at all that you don’t want to go through the stress of buying a pre-owned property, in case there may be some issues 🙂 , Buy Real Estate Australia will be able to assist you in finding your ideal new home. To find your Fixed Price, Full Turn Key Home Package, please complete the form below.

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