Complete Search to Settlement
Need help buying a house? Our Search-to-Settlement service is our most popular service. It suits both home-buyers and investors whether they are local, interstate or overseas. Your Property Hound will assist with every stage of the purchase process giving you the confidence and peace of mind that nothing will be missed.
Help buying a house with Your Property Hound
A home is usually the biggest purchase you’ll make. If you’re a first home buyer our assistance and guidance will see you purchase your home sooner. Going through the process yourself is daunting, with a great deal of paperwork, fierce competition from other buyers and lack of experience, our Search to Settlement service is an obvious choice.
Our Search-to-Settlement service is valid for a six-month period.
On average, properties are secured within 2-8 weeks depending on your requirements and stock levels at the time.
How it works
The 8-Step Search-to-Settlement Process
A full outline of the 8 step process is included below:
Research
Background research to identify suburbs and types of properties to suit your budget and requirements. This helps to refine your brief and set realistic expectations for the search.
Sourcing properties
Sourcing suitable properties through a combination of online searching as well as using our established networks to identify ‘off-market’ opportunities (so called ‘silent’ listings)
Inspecting, evaluating and comparing properties
Inspecting, evaluating and comparing properties based on their potential as a home or investment. Any potential risks are highlighted – no sugar coating! This involves thorough research and detailed reporting. Typical investigations include:
Property Inspections. All properties of interest (and the surrounding area) are physically inspected by an experienced buyer’s agent. Inspection videos are provided where possible, and comments made as to the suitability, potential and pit-falls of each property.
Due-diligence is compiled and interpreted based on our experience and local knowledge. This includes:
- Lifestyle factors: desirable school catchments; convenient public transport; local shopping, cafes, restaurants; and employment centres.
- Susceptibility to flooding. This is a major concern for purchases in Brisbane.
- Noise from nearby roads, rail, commercial activity and air-traffic.
- The existence and consequences of council zoning, easements, underground services, and nearby development applications.
- Property and suburb data including: sales history, land/site values, time on market, supply and demand characteristics.
- For investment purchases a rental appraisal and cash flow analysis will also be provided.
Negotiation
Negotiating on your behalf with the sales agent to achieve the best possible price and conditions. We are expert negotiators. We know market conditions and will provide an independent appraisal you can rely on. There is no reliance on automated valuation reports which are inaccurate and misleading, and no need for you to deal with any sales agents directly!
Contract documents
Preparing and reviewing contract documents. We will recommend, arrange and liaise with your conveyancer or solicitor to ensure you have professional support throughout the contract process and ensure necessary searches are performed.
Building and pest inspections
Arranging and attending a building and pest inspection using an experienced, reliable and independent contractor. We will assist with interpreting the report, and responding confidently and appropriately to any defects.
Property managers
For investment purchases, we will also recommend, and co-ordinate with property managers to minimise any vacancy period post settlement, and ensure the property is professionally managed.
Support for first home buyers
Eligible first home buyers can access first home buyer grants to support the purchase of a property. The First Home Guarantee (FHBG) is an Australian Government initiative that is regulated by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) on behalf of the Australian Government. In Queensland, you could be qualified for $15,000 from the First Home Owner Grant. The money you may be able to obtain is a substantial boost towards owning your first home.
But there are conditions that apply:
- With this first home owner grant, only 35,ooo places are obtainable every financial year.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, a first home buyer will be able to purchase a home with a deposit as little as 5%.
- You need to buy a brand new home, build a home from scratch, or buy an existing home that has had significant renovations. These renovations must include either amending or replacing the foundations and floors. Cosmetic work such as painting of walls or sanding floors does not apply for the first home guarantee.
- The value of the home, inclusive of the land, needs to be below $750,000 to be eligible for the first home buyer guarantee.
- Eligible home buyers in Queensland may be eligible to save on the cost of stamp duty.
How Your Property Hounds can help you buy your first home
As a first home buyer, government grants are an excellent way to get your foot in the door to home ownerships. Buy your first home with the help of our Search to Settlement service. We take the stress out of the entire home buying process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We make buying Brisbane property simple from search to settlement
We can help you to buy a house by finding a better property at an even better price. Leave your property buying journey with our buyer’s agents – we’re Your Property Hounds.
