Buying

1. Research is the key – Home sellers won’t call you with an offer to buy a maintenance-free home with a wonderful mortgage. You have to find the gems yourself!

2. Value – The classic rule of buying the worst house in the best neighbourhood still applies.

3. Buying for investment – buy with head 90% & heart 10%, buy new for maximum tax savings & buy for the greatest capital gain

4. Building Report – Paying for a qualified home inspection before you buy a home isn’t just spending ‘a little extra’ for peace of mind, it’s absolutely essential for anyone who doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars for repairs.

5. Create a ‘Top 10′ – List the features that are most important to you in deciding on which property to buy. Establishing your criteria early on will save you time.

6. Finance – One of the biggest decisions to make before putting a contract on a property is how to finance the purchase. There are thousands of lenders competing for your business . Researching all of the financial intuitions for the best deal can take time. ‘The Loan Market’ can assist you by doing the running around and can advise you which lender suites your needs.

7. Legal Representation – We recommend using a Queensland solicitor. The sales contracts vary from each state therefore it is important that your solicitor is fully conversant in Queensland law.

Selling

1. First Impressions – An inviting exterior ensures inspection of the interior. Ensure that lawns & edges are trimmed, gardens & yards are tidy, the garage door is closed & the wheelie bins are stored out of sight.

2. Clean & tidy at all times – A thorough clean will enhance its appeal. Your windows, floors & bathroom tiles should sparkle, shampoo dirty carpet and ensure your bathrooms are clean & fresh. Think, too, about how your home smells – you may be used to the smell of pet or cigarettes but such odours can be a strong turn-off to others.

3. Repairs make a difference – dripping taps, loose knobs, sticking doors & windows, blown bulbs detract from the value

4. Pets – Dogs & cats are great companions but not when you’re showing your property to buyers. The best thing to do is keep your pet outside or at least out of the way

5. De-cluttering – if a home is crammed with personal possessions, or over furnished, it’s hard for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Clutter is distracting. Too much furniture makes a home appear smaller than it is.

6. Open homes – set the mood with fresh flowers or perhaps the aroma of fresh brewed coffee of home baking. Be certain to remove valuables such as jewellery from view. Also remove any items that might make a statement that would be offensive to others who may not share your same views, beliefs or sense of humour.

7. Peace & quiet – When it’s time to show your home, it’s time to turn down the stereo or TV. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances and interruptions.

8. Legal Representation – We recommend using a Queensland solicitor. The sales contracts vary from each state therefore it is important that your solicitor is fully conversant in Queensland law.