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step 1

Consider Pre-Approval

If you’re ready to make an offer on your dream home, by now you’d no doubt have your deposit saved and burning a hole in your pocket.

Before you go flashing the cash to your real estate agent though, it’s a great idea to speak to a lending expert and get pre-approved for your loan, so you can make an offer with confidence.

  1. Know your borrowing power

    First things first. You’ve got a ball-park figure for how much you’ll need to buy your home. Give yourself five minutes to take advantage of our handy Borrowing Power Calculator. Simply punch in a few numbers about yourself and get an idea of how much you’d be able to access to finance your purchase.

    Use our calculator now

  2. Know your deposit amount

    Knowing exactly how much you'll need for your housing deposit gives you the correct savings goal to work towards. Take into amount whether of not you'll need to apply for Lender's Mortgage Insurance.

step 2

Research and Strategize

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. This process isn’t as simple as buying some gum at the checkout, so it’s recommended you do your homework.

  1. Do your homework

    In the lead-up to making your offer, consider the asking price of your potential property. Ask your agent or get online and look into the selling history of the surrounding streets.

    Look for houses with comparable block size, building structure and property features to yours. Be sure to consider whether the market in the area is on the up or is cooling. These factors will help you devise your strategy.

  2. Finalise your game plan

    Based on your research, you should be able to arrive at a figure you think is reasonable for the property you want to buy.

    For example, you may wish to make an initial offer 10-15% below the asking price if you think that the agent and seller have added on 5-10% due to the suburb being on the up. Or you may be willing to offer slightly over the asking price, but with some stipulations that the owner make a number of changes to the property before you exchange contracts.

step 3

Avoid the mistakes

To give yourself and your offer the best chance of success, there are a few behaviours you should avoid during the process.

  1. Don't play games

    Be up-front about your interest in the property. Being honest and open is a two-way street.

  2. Be flexible

    If you really want the property, you may have to be willing to meet the agent and seller halfway.

  3. Have perspective

    Try to understand the vendor’s motivation to sell, and how that may be influencing their decision-making.

step 4

Make your offer

When you’ve ticked all the above boxes, approach the agent and make your offer. After all the prep-work, it really is as simple as throwing a number out there and seeing if you get a bite.

Unfortunately, it’s at this point when you’re at your most excited where patience is most crucial. Be sure to give the seller and agent some space, and to avoid disappointment, be prepared for the possibility of further negotiation.

If you’re looking for a way to use this time productively, why not start thinking about the right insurance for what could be your new home? You’ll need your Home Insurance in place for when contracts are exchanged, so be sure to get a quote that’s both great value while suiting your needs.

step 5

Celebrate your accepted offer!

With the right prep, your offer will hopefully be accepted and you’ll be the owner of a brand new home! Here’s what to do next:

  1. Buy Champagne

    Preferably the best you can get your hands on.

  2. Chill it lovingly

    Then, remove the foil and wire cage from the bottle neck.

  3. Pop that cork

    Propose a toast to your brand new home - congratulations!

Enquire About A Home Loan

If you are after some more information, a loan pre-approval or are ready to apply for a home loan, start a conversation with a Greater Bank lending expert today to help you get what you want sooner.