Planning on buying a house but not sure how to go about it? This guide will show you how to find and buy your dream home.

Step 1: Get your bucks in a row

buying a house

Make sure that you:

  • have a healthy credit score
  • save for a deposit
  • assess what you can afford
  • budget for additional costs
  • get home loan pre-qualification

 

STEP 2: Homing in on your new house

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Know what your budget is.  Here is a handy list of 12 things to keep in mind while house hunting.

Decide what you want to buy. This guide explains sectional title and freehold. 

STEP 3: Home loan know-how

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Info financial institutions need from you

Financial institutions (like banks) will need to know whether you will be able to afford a bond.

The deposit and other costs

Banks require a deposit of between 10% and 30%, but you still need to budget for the other costs

STEP 4: Doing the deal

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Before you decide to put in an offer to purchase (OTP) on a home, you need to be very sure that you want the property. A signed OTP is a legally binding contract.

Before putting in an offer, answer these questions: 

  • Is the home’s price in line with similar properties in the area?
  • How many other properties in the area are for sale?
  • Why is the owner selling?
  • How long has the property been on the market?
  • How much work does the property need and how much will it cost?

READ MORE: How to make an offer to purchase on a home you love

 

STEP 5: The Legal Aspects 

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Most of the documentation will be handled by attorneys, but it is still necessary for you to understand what you are signing, so be sure to ask questions.

Welcome to your new home! 

This article explains the conveyancing process clearly.

STEP 6: Moving tips 

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Stuck on the best way to get from A to B? Just follow these steps.

  • Get rid of everything you don’t want through selling or donating them.
  • Book a (reputable) moving service well in advance.
  • Remember to mark your boxes so you know what goes where.
  • Pack and unpack one room at a time.
  • Clean your new home before you move in

Help when you need it

The Private Property app is here to help! Just download the app from your app store and you can receive listings instantly through your personalised feed and find your next home quickly and painlessly. Whether you are a first-time buyer or experienced investor, this is just the app for you.

 Private Property a home for Everyone 

READ MORE: A contemporary KZN town house