Before you start looking
Do some groundwork before you start house hunting. Discuss with everyone in your household what they want in the new home and surroundings. Make a list of what’s important and divide it into must-haves and would-like-to-haves. Also, think about what you absolutely don’t want to live with. Here are some of the things you should consider:
Community
- distance to work/shops
- traffic
- public transportation
- schools and child care
- places of worship
- hospitals
- libraries
- green spaces
- recreational facilities
Your home
- style
- size
- number of bedrooms
- home office space, etc.
- layout – open or divided spaces; formal or informal; privacy needs; flexibility for changing use of space in the future
- mobility restrictions; health considerations; indoor air quality
- energy and water efficiency
- outdoor spaces
- pre-wiring for automation, security systems, communication, entertainment, business
- special features – the things you have always dreamed of having
Financing
- your deposit
- the monthly loan repayments you are comfortable with
- other financial obligations and needs
At this point, find out who the HIA member builders are in your community, check ads in your newspaper to get a sense of what builders are offering and talk with family, friends or co-workers who have recently had a new home built for them. Ask your bank for loan pre-approval so you know the price range you should be looking at. Attend a home show (e.g. http://www.hiahomeshows.com.au) to see the latest in features and finishes, and to meet a range of builders.