Avoid these mistakes when buying your first home
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Loading... - Shandra Abeng
- 22 Aug 2022
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“Urban lifestyles are changing rapidly which requires property developers to bring aesthetically pleasing housing products to market that not only give buyers an entry into lifestyles of absolute convenience but also offer security, and importantly, efficiencies of architectural design and resource consumption,” Roos says.
Mistakes are bound to happen, but there are preventative measures you can take.
Here’s a list of common mistakes for first-time homebuyers to avoid:
Do not over-commit
These days banks calculate affordability according to predetermined ratios and parameters. One way of knowing exactly what you can afford is to be pre-approved by a lender. Most lending houses have affordability calculators on their websites which makes it easy to find out what loan amount you qualify for so that you can buy the right home.
Not only does it save time but it means you will know your credit score. You can then realistically start your search for a new home and not be disappointed when you’ve set your heart on it.
Location is key
When buying a property, there are certain long-term aspects that will influence your lifestyle and quality of life. These factors may be worthwhile considering:
1. Is it close to amenities, major routes and transport options?
2. How safe is the area?
3. Is it a desirable up-and-coming area?
4. What will the area look like in 10 – 15 years’ time?
How will your investment mature?
Young families will want to ensure that their children’s education and care facilities are close to home and suit the budget.
Access to medical care and emergency medical facilities might be important to some buyers.
When buying in a sectional title complex, buyers need to ensure the body corporate's financial health, that the complex is well maintained and, most importantly, that they can afford the levies.
Understand all costs
The selling price is the start of the home-buying journey but home ownership comes with a number of other costs like transfer fees, bond registration fees, municipal rates and taxes as well as water, energy and maintenance bills. With a sectional title purchase there are also monthly levies, and in some cases, special levies, additional security monitoring and response subscriptions and short-term insurance premiums.
Once you have been pre-approved for a bond and commence the property search chapter, it’s essential to draw up a realistic budget of the monthly expenses you are likely to incur and what amount you are able to afford. Ask questions and keep accurate notes so that you are not blindsided by unexpected expenses.
Existing or new
An existing home offers fixer-upper renovation potential to the practically minded DIY-er with the potential for capital gain, but the downside includes failing and outdated installations such as electrical and plumbing, non-compliance with building codes and regulations, as well as general wear and tear.
Older homes are not that energy-efficient and could prove difficult to heat in winter and cool in summer, yet they may present with beautiful established gardens and entertainment areas that could prove attractive to certain buyers. But it takes enormous effort and money to continuously update an older property. Even well-maintained properties (free standing or communal) that boast up-to-date energy systems and modern amenities will come at a price. Read More...
