Have you been renting for a while and decided it’s time to buy? Or are you starting to outgrow your current place? No matter your situation, purchasing a property is a big commitment and it is important to ensure you’re a making a smart decision, especially if you are looking for your forever home! If you are currently on the hunt for ‘the one’ or you will be in the next year or so, here are a few things to consider:
1. CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF LIVING THERE IN 20-30 YEARS?
Do you have a plan for your future? If so, what does it include? Will children or pets be in the equation? If so, it is important to consider these plans when looking for your forever home. This will change your property requirements – such as: number of bedrooms, floorplan/layout and yard size. You will also need to ensure there are schools, shopping centres, sporting fields and public transport in the area you are searching for. When making a plan it is important to start with the end goal in mind. This will help you decipher your needs and wants.
2. DOES THE PROPERTY HAVE POTENTIAL?
One other thing to consider when looking for your dream house is the flexibility of the property. If circumstances change unexpected or you need to reshuffle it is important to ensure you have the ability to do so. Some things to look for are: flexible floorplans and the ability to expand or add value to the property. Remember this step when looking as some of those older and more worn properties, as they may tick most of your boxes, but you are hesitant due to the state they are in. Remember is it possible to turn the sourest of lemons into sweet lemonade!
3. IS THE PROPERTY PRACTICAL?
This is also an important question to consider! Does the property have the ability to cater to your needs long-term? Is it practical for all stages of life? From the time the children are young and sharing bedrooms until they become teenagers and want more of their own space, you will need to ensure you have the ability to shift with these changes. Don’t forget to consider your situation. As you grow older, will you want that multi-storey house you originally had your heart set on?
4. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Speak to people! Talk to the neighbours about the area and chat to your friends and family who have been through a similar situation. Also make sure you are seeking professional advice from mortgage brokers, real estate agents and experts in this field. If you are starting to get serious or you are looking at placing an offer on a property make sure you get a building and pest report completed. It could save your thousands in the long-run.
5. COMPROMISE AND ADAPTABILITY
Don’t set your expectations too high. It is important to leave room to compromise and consider other options. That being said, you still want to stick firm with what you want. Compose a list of the things you are looking for, and if the property ticks 80% of your boxes, you’ve hit the jackpot! Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect home. When it comes to compromising also consider that what may be your dream home today, might not be your dream home in 10, even 5 years time. In this case, adaptability is key. You will want to look for a property that has the room to grow and change with you and your needs.
iThink Property has a team of real estate agents in Ipswich and Toowoomba offering property sales and property management services. With a passion for people and property, iThink Property was conceived with the notion of building a team of good people to work in a real estate brand that did things differently. iThink Property focuses on transparency, communication, innovation and teamwork and has become a leading independent brand with unique points of difference. So whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting, think iThink Property.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
07 3202 3040
A go getter and doer, Taylah is a no excuses, get the job done kind of girl. With a strong work ethic and high attention to detail, Taylah is happy to help out wherever she can. Armed with a degree in business specialising in marketing and public relations Taylah brings fresh ideas and innovation to the iThink team.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR