Brighter Buying

‘Must know’ March – first home buyers

by Karleen Jentz, Copywriter 3 March 2016

This month we’re helping buyers of all descriptions with our ‘must know March’ series. Watt Realty CEO Justin Watt draws on close to 20 years’ experience to tell first home buyers, down-sizers, investors and growing families the things you must know if you’re searching for your dream property on the north side.

This week Justin shares his must know advice for first home buyers.

What you get for your money:

  • First home buyers are looking in the $300,000 to $500,000 bracket.
  • For a house, you won’t get closer to the city than Chermside West or Stafford. Kedron or Wavell Heights might be an outside chance for a total renovator on a main road or train line.
  • For $400,000 to $500,000 you can get a townhouse or apartment in Nundah or Clayfield. Older units in six-pack complexes are like a market within a market. They typically sell in the $300,000 price bracket regardless of the suburb.

What you must know:

  • Don’t be spooked by large numbers at open houses. If you like the property, make an offer.
  • Mum and dad can be a good source of moral support but they won’t be the ones living in the property. Trust yourself.

What you must do:

  • Be finance ready. Your main competition at the moment is from investors, so make sure you have your finance ready to go.
  • Don’t second guess yourself. First home buyers can sometimes lack conviction in making a decision. But if you see a property you like, have a crack at it. Make your offer on a contract – don’t get into a conversation about it.

Want some advice? Contact us for a chat.