Five home buyer tips to help you beat the spring auction heat
GUEST OBSERVATION
The clearance rate for houses sold at auction in Sydney is higher now than this time last year.
While the housing market remains competitive, consumers should not feel pressured to buy now in the lead up to spring. The market is expected to maintain its buoyancy until the end of the year.
Home buyers looking to take advantage of current housing market conditions may be placing undue stress on themselves and their families, with some believing that they may need to rush in and buy due to a fear of slimmer pickings or price inflation come September. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Home buyers should be focussed on making wise choices and finding a home that they know is right for their family in the long term – rather than jumping the gun.
Over the last three years, the Sydney property market has experienced no real surge in the volume of listings during the spring period. Housing demand has remained relatively constant and seasonal buying trends such as the spring rush are becoming less prevalent.
Today’s market is increasingly more predictable and less volatile and the current surge in listings is more likely a result of increased consumer sentiment in macro-economic conditions. Since January this year, the market has remained steady and this trend is expected to continue until well into 2015, which should be reassuring for home buyers.
Here are five tips for home buyers to use as guide before purchasing property:
- Don’t follow the crowd
Property is your biggest life purchase and buying when everybody else is shouldn’t be the factor motivating you to move. Take the time to ensure you’re confident with your purchasing decision and base your buying and selling plans on your own circumstances. If you’ve found your ideal home that fits within your budget don’t be afraid to go against the grain. - Don’t second guess the market
When researching property market conditions it is vital that you analyse market movements; home buyers should realise that they can’t second guess the market as the landscape is constantly changing.
You can’t control the wind but you can control the sails. This includes control over where and when you buy and the mortgage terms you agree to take on. - Consider the area you’re buying into
Do your homework to find out what the growth prospects in the surrounding suburbs look like.
Are there any new developments planned such as road works or transport links, new schools or shopping centres? These could point to growth in the area and have a significant impact on the value and desirability of a property over time. It’s also important to understand the local demographics.
While speaking to experts is important, I would encourage buyers to speak to neighbours across the street to get a feel for the community before buying. - Thoroughly research the mortgage market
Spend time researching the mortgage market and collect a cross-section of advice. I recommend speaking to at least three home loan and finance experts.
The more advice you seek, the better you will make an informed choice about the right mortgage and interest rate package that works for you and whether you should opt for a fixed or variable loan. I also recommend comparing home loan options online. - Don’t overstretch your finances
This is imperative. Not only do you need to feel confident about the amount of finance you’re taking on and your ability to meet future financial obligations, it’s critical to know that you can carry the mortgage if your or your family’s circumstances change.
Before taking on your mortgage, speak with a trusted financial advisor who can provide unbiased financial advice and assist you in developing a long term financial plan. Home buyers should also allow for at least one per cent increase in interest rates.
Douglas Driscoll is the CEO of award winning Sydney real estate network Starr Partners.
Starr Partners has an online home loan feature that allows home buyers to compare loan products from 15 different lenders.