6 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Your New Neighbourhood

11/29/2021 Clive Elliott Homebuyer Tips

You may have found the perfect house, but does it come with the perfect neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs? When choosing a house, you also have to research what kind of neighbourhood it has to make sure you’re a perfect fit for its community and to avoid having a deal-breaker.

Take note of these mistakes to avoid when choosing your new neighbourhood:

1. You’re focusing too much on the amenities

It’s good to live in an area that has it all. But while amenities are a priority, you also have to consider the neighbourhood’s safety, cleanliness, proximity to the centre and roads, and the residents. If a neighbourhood you’re looking into checks all these pointers, then you can consider it a good deal.

2. You’re not doing enough research to cover your future

That neighbourhood may be the talk of the town right now, but what about its future? You may be living alone right now, but what if you want to live with your own family in the years to come or vice versa? Take control of your future by researching the neighbourhood’s social media pages and news articles to have an outlook of its investment prospects, future projects, and lifestyle. Don’t just base on assumptions and hype, research is important so you’re not going to be limited and unsatisfied when the time to move in comes. Not every high-priced neighbourhood is automatically the best choice in the market.

3. You’re not touring the neighbourhood

When visiting your prospect neighbourhood, make sure to talk to the residents and explore every street and corner. This gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to live there every day and how you can live in harmony with your neighbours. Ask about how peaceful it is or their opinions about the area, as well as some events and activities the homeowners association conducts. Look at the type of houses and the spacing between them. Search how close it is to the roads and how many amenities there are nearby.

4. You’re forgetting the financial burdens

Moving to a new neighbourhood has a hefty price so you and your wallet must be financially-prepared for the costs. To prepare yourself, set aside a budget that takes into account the price of your house, taxes, insurance, renovation costs, and personal needs. Before purchasing a house, make a list of your prospects, compare their prices, and weigh the pros and cons of living there.

5. You’re not thinking of your living preferences

Do you want to go rural or urban? Whether you want to be in the centre of vibrant living or away from the hustle and bustle, you have to make sure your neighbourhood fits the kind of life you want. If you want to be in the middle, Perth has suburbs that are near the CBD while making sure you’re having a moment of peace and quiet whenever you go home. In terms of house design, there are suburbs that have their own charm by mixing old and new types of homes.

6. You’re not excited about moving in

Let’s say you’ve already avoided doing the mistakes above, the final step is to be excited about your new life! It’s a big move and you’re up for a new adventure in a new neighbourhood. Be happy that you’re just a moment away from achieving what you’ve been thinking and preparing so hard for.

You’re Not Just Buying a House, You’re Buying a Neighbourhood

Don’t just look into the kind of house you would like to purchase. You also have to consider the surrounding neighbourhood to ensure you can live with peace of mind and satisfaction for the years to come. Remember that you’re going to be living there for a long time so you really have to take everything in consideration to achieve your dream home and community.

Let us help you find your ideal house and neighbourhood in Perth. Get a free consultation from the buyer’s agents at Buying Perth Real Estate. Contact Clive at clive@buyingperthrealestate.com or give us a call at (08) 6215 0200 or 0412 926 190.

9 Signs that Say it’s Time for a Home Renovation

11/23/2021 Clive Elliott Home renovation tips, Homebuyer Tips

When was the last time you took a walk around your house? When was the last time you did some fixes and repairs to return it to its pristine condition? Since we spend most of our time in our homes, we have to take extra care of it, and neglecting simple signs of wear and tear can lead to major costs and loss.

Your house needs attention as well. Here are some signs that say it’s time for a home renovation:

1. Chipping paint

Among the many parts of your house, the walls are the most exposed to sunlight and dirt. While the interior may need some repaint here and there to refresh it, the exterior is a different story since it deteriorates faster and may need frequent touches to fix it. Remove chipping and old paint as soon as possible to improve your house’s appearance.

2. Stained bathroom

Your bathroom is prone to stains, cracks, dents due to frequent use. If you’re looking for a house or planning to sell yours in the near future, a stained bathroom may be a deal-breaker so make sure to do necessary repairs to ensure its cleanliness.

3. Leaking roof

When you see random droplets of water appearing during or after the rain, it’s a sign of a leaking roof in need of immediate repair. Leaving a leaky roof for too long can lead to huge costs and other issues such as further roof damage, corrosion, mold, and water stains.

4. Worn-out flooring

A worn-out flooring will leave you watching out for every step you make. Flooring in need of repair shows visible signs such as worn-out grouting, cracks, uneven/sunken parts, squeaky, smells musty, and loose (especially for floorboards). If you have carpets installed, you have to change them every 10 years.

5. Dated appliances

Having energy-efficient and smart appliances is advisable since it cuts costs on your bills and makes your life easier by streamlining chores. Outdated appliances may leave you paying for more and may limit you from having comfort and function with every use.

6. Drainage issues

If your sinks and toilets get clogged often, it’s a sign that your drainage or plumbing system is in need of fixing. Monitor your drainage and plumbing to avoid major damage and ensure proper waste flow.

7. Damaged foundation

If your ceilings and floors show clear signs of rust, termites, and insects, it may be a sign of a rotting and damaged foundation. Depending on the extent of the issue, you may need to replace some parts or do a complete rebuild to avoid other causes for concern.

8. Old kitchen

If you notice that your kitchen needs to be spiced up (no pun intended) with colors, a new set of fixtures, old appliances, and lacking countertops, it’s time for some renovating. Since this is a function-heavy space, it’s important that your kitchen is in good shape so you can make meals in peace.

9. Not enough space, or too much space

When it comes to space, it’s either you have too much or too little. Depending on recent changes in your life, you may need to repurpose rooms to make way for office setup, guest room, or playroom. If it feels too crowded, you can remove some walls and transform them into a wide-open space or turn it into an outdoor living area.

If you can relate to these, it’s a sign to contact us!

The signs don’t lie and you have to take steps in order to renovate your house before it’s too late. To help you in your home renovation, you can get a free consultation from the buyer’s agents at Buying Perth Real Estate. Contact Clive at clive@buyingperthrealestate.com or give us a call at (08) 6215 0200 or 0412 926 190.

Buyer’s Market vs Seller’s Market

11/22/2021 Clive Elliott Homebuyer Tips, Perth Real Estate

If you are planning to purchase a house, it’s important to know the right timing to enter the market to avoid being left behind. There are two types of markets you have to know about: the buyer’s market, which caters to people who want to buy a home, and the seller’s market, which is perfect for people who are ready to sell their home.

Find out the differences between buyer’s market and seller’s market as well as some strategies to help you negotiate and land a good deal.

Buyer’s market

A buyer’s market occurs when a real estate supply exceeds the number of buyers. This is the perfect time for homebuyers to enter the market due to decreased prices and more houses on sale. As there are a lot of options, both buyers and sellers can negotiate for other prices and offers to maximize the market and close a deal.

How to Know if it’s A Buyer’s Market

Lots of houses are on sale in the market
Houses are sold slowly and below the list price
Prices continue to drop

Home Buying Tips in a Buyer’s Market

Negotiate an offer that’s less than the asking price, due to the decreasing prices asking for a discount is commonly done
Ask the seller for other concessions (closing costs, closing date flexibility, inclusions of appliances and furniture, repairs and renovation)
Know your options and compare deals, it’s your market as a homebuyer so you have to take your time selecting the best offer

Seller’s market

A seller’s market happens when the real estate inventory is low and the amount of homebuyers is high. This is the right time for sellers to come in since homes sell faster and many buyers are interested and willing to spend more. In this market, lots of bidding wars (multiple buyers competing for the same property) occur since there is a shortage of housing.

How to know if it’s a seller’s market

Homes sell fast, leading to fewer options in the market
Houses are sold above the list price
Prices continue to rise

Home buying tips in a seller’s market

Brace yourself for bidding wars by deciding on a price limit based on what you can afford
Prepare your good offers (getting pre-approved for a mortgage, strong finances, etc.)
Act fast so you can buy your dream house before anyone else, too much waiting can let a good deal slip so you have to grab it before it’s gone

Take advantage of the right market

Knowing when to enter the market depending on your needs is crucial to a good deal. A buyer’s market and seller’s market are all about the supply and demand of homebuyers and properties, so as a home buyer, you have to get ahead by analyzing these changes before diving in.

Are you ready for the buyer’s market?

Let us help you find the right timing to enter the real estate market. Get a free consultation from the buyer’s agents at Buying Perth Real Estate. Contact Clive at clive@buyingperthrealestate.com or give us a call at (08) 6215 0200 or 0412 926 190.

5 Things Homebuyers Overlook During A Property Visit

11/21/2021 Clive Elliott Homebuyer Tips, Investment Tips

As a home buyer, one of the things that you should definitely do when looking at homes is personally visiting the property. This is how you assess whether or not that specific property is right for you. Even before the home inspection, you get to check if the home features suit your needs and preferences. Moreover, you get to see early in the home buying process if there are relevant concerns about the home. This will save you time as you will be able to further narrow down your options. Aside from simply looking around the house, there are other things that you need to do during your visit. For a more comprehensive evaluation of your home options, here are 5 things homebuyers overlook during a property visit:

Checking out the recent redecoration or renovation.

Major renovations are definitely a plus in a home. Aside from elevating the lifestyle of the homeowners, they can increase the value of the property. However, it is a must to be wary of minor renovations or redecorations. If you can smell fresh paint, check out the walls for possible discoloration against older paint jobs. Sellers would want their home to look its best despite minor issues. Recent paint jobs could mean that they might have been done to cover dampness or cracks. You would need to fix these later on. It would be best to know about these beforehand so your buyer’s agent can discuss these potential issues with the seller.

Turning off the lights.

A property is always staged first before listing in the market. During open houses and property visits, the seller or listing agent would want everything to be perfect. Hence, the home is staged in a way that lets potential buyers see it as a perfect home. Lighting plays a key role in setting the atmosphere and mood in a room. With this, when visiting a property, you would want to try to turn off the lights. This will show how the room actually looks and how it actually feels to stay in it. It is also best to check this during the day as it will let you know where the natural light comes in and if there are dark areas around the house.

Taking a moment of silence.

If there are other buyers during your visit, it can affect the overall noise within the house. If you can, take a moment of silence to check external noises that you can hear from within the property. Go to each room and check the level of noise. If you can hear too much noise inside the house, this can be a deal-breaker no matter how perfect you think the property is. You wouldn’t want to live in a home that is in a noisy neighbourhood. Remember that you have to be comfortable in your own home.

Turning on all the water taps, hot and cold.

Water pressure is an important factor that needs to be checked in a property. It is a basic need and it could be a big inconvenience if there is an issue with the water supply in the property. You can check this by turning on every tap in the house. Make sure to also ask about the age and condition of the water and heating systems.

Looking outside the windows.

Aside from the interior, the areas surrounding the property should also be a factor in deciding whether or not you want to purchase the home. Look outside the windows to check the views around the property. The views outside will have an influence on how it will feel, either cramped or bright, living inside the house. It can highly influence your everyday mood once you start living in that house. Potential developments around the property can also affect the value of the home.

All these and other things that you should check and do during a property visit will be taken care of if you have a buyer’s agent. With vast experience in helping buyers like you find the best home, they will make sure that you are checking the right things in a property. With the help of these real estate experts, you will be sure to get the best deals on the perfect home.

To schedule a free consultation with the experienced buyer’s agents of Buying Perth Real Estate, contact Clive at (08) 6215 0200 or 0412 926 190 or send an email to clive@buyingperthrealestate.com.

Why Perth is the Ideal Place to Start A Family

11/18/2021 Clive Elliott Perth Real Estate

Perth has always been on top of the list of Australian cities that are best to live in. With its tropical climate and relaxed atmosphere, many tourists fall in love with Perth each year. But these aren’t the only reasons why people move to Perth.

This coastal city in Western Australia is also family-friendly – an ideal place to raise young children and teens. In Perth, you can find peaceful neighborhoods, a quality education system, good healthcare facilities, and endless outdoor activities. In this blog post, let’s look at all the reasons Perth is the ideal place to start a family.

1. Safety and security

Perth is considered as one of the safest cities in Australia boasting low crime rates. According to studies, 72% of Perth residents consider safety their top priority when they chose a place to live. And while there are safer neighborhoods in Perth to live in than others, you’ll generally feel safer and more secure to start a family in Perth than in other capital cities in Australia.

2. Quality education system

You don’t have to worry about the quality of education your children will receive when living in Perth as some of the top-ranking primary and secondary schools are located here. There are also notable universities located in Perth such as the University of Western Australia and Curtin University, Edith Cowan, Murdoch university, Curtin University and Notre Dame.

3. Competitive salaries

Perth might not be the most affordable place to live, but the salaries are very competitive albeit being more relaxed in atmosphere. Over the years, Perth has become a thriving hub for the tech industry. A number of entrepreneurs and innovative startups continue to grow.

There are also many available jobs in different industries in Perth and you won’t find it difficult to join the workforce. You can find jobs in education, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and so much more.

4. Superb healthcare

In Perth, we value health. Perth offers free treatments in public hospitals, subsidized healthcare services, and modern medical facilities for residents. There are many healthcare workers who are experts in their respective fields and you won’t have to worry about treatments as most are available in Perth.

5. Diverse neighborhoods

You can choose where to live in Perth depending on your lifestyle. Fremantle has a busy seaport and offers historical buildings that people love to eat and shop in during weekends. Meanwhile, Cottesloe is an affluent area that offers beautiful beaches and exciting watersports. If you would like to live somewhere modern, you can consider living near the city center or in East Perth.

Perth is a melting pot of different cultures. There is a wide rage of neighborhoods catering for all classes and cultures.throughout Perth

6. Fun outdoor and recreational activities

Your whole family will surely have fun if you love the great outdoors! Perth boasts the most magnificent parks, play areas, cycling tracks, lakes, and of course, beautiful beaches. Aside from these, you’ll also love all the sports activities that you can learn in Perth – whether that be land or water activities.

You’ll never run out of things to do in Perth – whether that be swimming, cycling, or hiking. Just within two hours from the city are national parks that boast great wildlife and mesmerizing views.

Starting a family in Perth might seem like a big decision, but it’s a decision that you won’t regret. Whether you are coming from a different Australian city or a different country altogether, Perth will surely welcome you with open arms.

Are you interested in looking for a property in Perth? The experienced buyer’s agents of Buying Perth Real Estate can help you. Get a free consultation when you contact Clive at (08) 6215 0200 or 0412 926 190.

Month November 2021