You have decided to enter the property market but before you begin the process and start browsing for property, below are a few guidelines to help you with your purchase.

• If you are looking to buy for the first time and you would need to raise a bond, it would be in your interest to consider getting a prequalification certificate.
• Getting prequalified will give you some comfort knowing what price range you can realistically purchase for. This can also be useful in the buying process when presenting an offer.
• Don't forget to research the costs of buying and what the transfer duty, bond costs, etc. will be. This is for the purchaser's account and will need to be paid over and above the purchase price.
• We suggest you start your house hunting by comparing what is on offer in your price range online. This will give you an idea of what the market has to offer.
• Research the agencies in your area, identify the top brands and speak to them about your needs.
• A good agent will help identify key features that you would want to see in your home. They will also search for you and help set up viewings.
• If you've identified any potential properties online, speak to your chosen agent about viewing them.
• Allowing an experienced agent to assist will save you countless hours of viewing potential properties that may not meet your criteria or needs.
• Before you decide to shop for your new home, discuss the areas you want to consider with your agent, understanding your lifestyle, future needs and the amenities your area has to offer can be beneficial in the long run.
• It is better to look at buying smaller in a good growth area, rather than buying bigger in a slow growing area. Chances are strong, lifestyle changes will see you selling your home at some point. Discussing future growth and potential return with your agents are a must.

Ask questions about the area, some questions to consider:

• What is the crime like in the area?
• What is the traffic like getting in and out of the area?
• Are there good schools, shopping centers, hospitals, etc. in the area?
• What is the demand like to live in the area?
• What's the growth like in the area?
• What type of lifestyle does this area offer?
• Is there anything happening in the area that may influence future value?
• A good agent will be in touch with what is going on, in and around your chosen areas, this information should also be readily available and shared with you. Points of growth, development and infrastructure changes, future council development plans, etc. in an area can be beneficial or detrimental to properties close by. Consideration should be given to these benefits or risks before making a decision.
• Ask your agent to drive you around the area to get a feel for what the area has to offer.
• Once you have settled on the areas and identified your potential future home, let the agent set the viewings up and go through the properties with them. Ultimately the decision is yours to put an offer in, but before you do, discuss your concerns or thoughts with the agent as they are there to help you make one of the most important choices in your life.
• Signing an offer to purchase is an exciting process, but it can also be a stressful one. Understanding the agreement, the legal ramifications and what is actually being agreed upon is important. A good agent will help ease the pressure by ensuring you fully understand the risks, terms and conditions of your offer. This is a legal and binding agreement and needs to be fully understood. Take your time in understanding what you are agreeing to and you will be able to savor the moment so much more.
• It's not uncommon to negotiate the purchase price at this point. This is the value of a good agent and they will assist in getting you and the seller to settle on an agreeable price. There are risks associated with negotiating a counter offer and your agent will guide you through this should it be needed.

Author: Seeff Blouberg