Benefits of using a Buyers Agency

The benefits of using a buyer’s agency are many, including peace of mind, saving of time and stress, as well as significant savings on price. We also access an extensive list of exclusive and off-market deals for you, as well as taking over and handling all the negotiations for you. We frequently conduct market research, as well as looking at property price histories, zoning rules and local investment values, so we can find and work out the absolute best deal for you. 

Buying a home can undoubtedly be a daunting and overwhelming task – You may be too busy with work, are worried about overpaying, or just have trouble finding the “right” one, but just know we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Not to mention we can tailor our service to your needs. Just need a hand with the contract? Or maybe you’ve already found your perfect property and need someone to just handle negotiations? We can help. 

 

1: In-person Buyer Consultation meeting 

Let’s get to know each other! We’ll focus your search and determine exactly what you want and need in your future home. The many things we will discuss include: 

  • Home Loan Pre-Approval 
  • Home Search Process 
  • Your Real Estate needs 
  • Negotiation on Offers and the different types of sales we will encounter 
  • Today’s current housing climate 
  • Buyer Agency Benefits 
  • An overview of our in-house services 
  • Rental Returns 
  • ROI (Return on Investment) 

 

2: Beginning the search process for you 

At this stage of the process, we will start searching and narrowing down all the properties that we come across that suit your exact needs. Not only this, but we utilise our extensive contact list to source out any off-market opportunities that might be available.

 

3: Schedule viewings and attend open inspections / auctions 

Once we’ve curated a good list of potential properties, we’ll schedule viewings and attend the open inspections and auctions on your behalf. From here we’ll use our years of Real Estate experience to liaise with the listing agent, asking them the appropriate questions that will ultimately help us in making a decision. 

 

4: Presenting and Negotiating an offer 

When we’ve found the “one”, we’ll organise and present an offer to the listing agent. While everyone loves to get their offer accepted straight away, we may be presented with a counteroffer from the seller. 

But don’t worry, you’re in safe hands. 

With our years of Real Estate experience, we’ll continue to liaise with the listing agent through this negotiation process to get you the best price possible on the property, and once a final offer is accepted, it’s time to move onto the next step. 

 

5: Contract Review 

All necessary forms, documents and contracts will be reviewed by in-house experts and conveyancers on your behalf. 

Form 1 review 

Contract of sale review 

 

6: Organising pre-settlement building and pest inspections 

We’ll organise our trusted building and pest inspectors for you to ensure that there are no structural issues present in the home. If any issues do arise, we will negotiate with the relevant parties on your behalf, and don’t worry, we’ll also be present during these inspections the whole way through. 

 

7: Finance 

After the building inspection, we’ll be closely working with your broker to ensure the home loan approval process is running smoothly. 

 

8: Getting ready to move in 

Start getting excited as it’s almost time to move in! To make this transition easier for you, we can organise our trusted removalists on your behalf. To take some more stress off your back, we can also help by organising all necessary utility connections for you. 

If you’re an investor, we can get started by organising the property management process on your behalf straight away. 

 

9: Settlement Day and obtaining the keys

Get excited because it’s time to settle on your new home! Also known as “hand over day”, this is the time we get to hand the keys over to you, and you finally get to move in. Don’t worry we’ll be collecting the keys on your behalf, and if you’re an investor, we’ll have someone ready to move in by day 1. 

 

FAQ: 

What questions should I ask the agent when buying a home? 

  • Can you show me a recent property sales report to show what the house is worth?
  • Why is the vendor selling?
  • How long has the property been on the market?
  • Are there any known issues with the property, land, or neighbours’ properties?
  • Exactly what is included in the sale?
  • How long have the owners lived there?
  • How much are council rates / strata fees?
  • What is the estimated rent return for this property? 

 

What is a form 1? 

The Form 1, also known as the Vendors Disclosure Statement, is the formal statement that must be served to the Purchaser and provides the cooling off rights and certain details relating to the property being sold. It is a legal document that is required under Section 7 of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994. 

 

What is the cooling off period? 

During a cooling off period, a buyer can withdraw from a property contract of sale without any legal repercussions even after they’ve signed it. They are typically only available for private treaty sales, and don’t apply for properties bought at auction. 

 

How long is my cooling off time? 

Once the Form 1 is served and signed, you’ll be entitled to two whole business days of the cooling off period. 

 

What is an off-market property? 

An off-market property is a property that is being sold or has sold without any public advertising. 

 

What is subject of finance? 

Making your offer “subject to finance” is a standard condition in home purchase contracts. This clause gives you time to organise a loan for the property you’re buying. It means that if your loan application is refused, you may choose to end the contract and not go through with the sale. 

 

What is the settlement date?

Hand over day, which is often referred to as “settlement” is the final step in completing a real estate transaction. This closing date is set during the negotiation phase and occurs several weeks after the final contract is signed. On this date, the ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer. 

 

How much deposit do I need? 

Lenders will normally expect applicants to have at least 5% of the sale price of the property they wish to purchase, but depending on the applicant's individual circumstance they may require more.

 

Do I need a building and pest inspection? 

Before signing off on a home purchase, you probably will be required to do a building and pest inspection as a condition of the sale. These reports are done through qualified inspectors and can identify major hidden issues you might have missed, like termite damage, water leakages, structural damage, asbestos and other dangers.

 

What is stamp duty? 

Stamp duty is a charge on certain documents and transactions. Stamp duty is charged at either a flat rate or an ad valorem rate (based on the value of the transaction) depending on the particular document or transaction. Calculators are available to assist you in estimating the amount of stamp duty payable.

 

What is the first home buyer grant? 

The First Home Owner Grant (scheme) was established to assist eligible first home owners to purchase a new home or build their home by offering a grant.  

 

Who is eligible for the first home buyer grant? 

You may be eligible for the grant if: 

  • you are purchasing a new home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence and includes a substantially renovated home.
  • the market value of the property is $575,000 or less
  • at least one applicant is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. New Zealand citizens permanently residing in Australia who hold Special Category Visas may also apply.
  • each applicant is 18 years of age or older
  • you or your spouse/domestic partner have not held a relevant interest in an Australian residential property prior to 1 July 2000.
  • you or your spouse/domestic partner have not occupied an Australian residential property in which you had a relevant interest on or after 1 July 2000 for 6 months or longer.
  • you and your spouse/domestic partner have not previously received a first home owner grant in any state or territory of Australia. If a grant was received but later paid back together with any penalty (if applicable) you may be entitled to reapply for the grant.
  • all applicants must reside in the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months of date of settlement for contracts to purchase, or the date construction is completed for owner builders or contracts to build.