It has been said that buying and selling property is one of the most stressful things that you may go through. Our sales staff have bought and sold and have empathy for you and can help you through the process. It is fun and exciting, although tiring if you continue to try and find the most perfect home. Owning your own home is very rewarding and you could also say it is a savings plan for your future.

We have put together a few tips for buyers and sellers to ensure that much of the stress can be taken out of the equation and you can hopefully enjoy what should be a significant event in your life.

(1) Arrange finance -This should be the first step for any purchaser. Contact your current home loan lender but we would also recommend speaking to an independent financial advisor who can provide you with a wide range of options to ensure you have the best loan arranged that suits your own unique situation and needs. It is always best to have your finance pre-approved before you go out looking, as this can often speed up the whole process, particularly as you will know exactly how much you will be able to afford to spend.

(2) Research locations -Prepare a short list of your preferred areas that particularly suit your personal circumstance, at all times keeping in mind your budget and the type of accommodation you are looking for. Consider neighbouring suburbs that maybe cheaper for the same quality home.

(3) Develop a relationship with one of our experienced sales consultants -The agent will be able to offer additional advice and arrange any inspections you require. In addition, by staying regularly in touch with your agent you will often be contacted about new listings before they are publically advertised you can also sign up for our automatic email alerts of new properties.

(4) View the property -Despite the information provided online, nothing can surpass physically viewing the property itself. Therefore prepare a short list of properties that meet your requirements and arrange inspections with your designated sales consultant or attend our homes open for inspection.

(5) Employ a Solicitor or Conveyancer -Ensure from an early stage that you have a good solicitor or conveyancer arranged as you will rely heavily on their legal expertise and advice to ensure that the property you are purchasing does not have any legal issues that could affect its long term value.

(6) Offer on the property -Once you have found the property you wish to purchase you should immediately contact the agent who has shown you the property and let them know about your intention to submit an offer. When you contact an agent, make sure you have all the details ready that the agent will need about yourself, your solicitor, your finance and proposed settlement dates.

(7) Building and Pest Inspection -Once a sales advice has been sent out to your solicitor or conveyancer, we would recommend that you arrange a building and pest inspection on the property to ensure that you are aware of any defects or pest concerns.

(8) Speedy Exchange of Contracts -Once negotiations are complete, and your solicitor is satisfied with everything, you will be required to sign the sale contract and pay a 5-10% deposit. It is important that this happens as quickly as possible as it is not until this point that your purchase is secure. The contract provides subject to Claus and cooling off periods for your protection.

(9) Moving Checklist -Prior to settlement it is important to have your removals arranged. However there are a number of other things that need to be arranged like connecting power & gas etc. To aid you in this we have therefore created a Moving Check list.

(10) Pre-Settlement Inspection -On the day of settlement it is important that you have a pre-settlement inspection to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you inspected it and that all inclusions still remain in the property.

Once settlement has taken place, you will be notified to collect the keys to your new home from your agent.