Things to check before buying a property
If you've decided to become a homeowner, congratulations! This is one of the most significant investments you will ever make and by following a few guidelines, you can ensure that you buy a property that will meet your family's needs both now and in the future. REALGLEN Properties provides a list of items that should be on your mind as you weigh up what property to buy.
Item 1: Consider the financial implications
The first step in the journey to homeownership involves checking how much you can afford to pay for your home. Using some handy calculators available online, you'll be able to tell how much you can afford, what your monthly bond repayments will be and what difference saving up a deposit will make. Once you know what you can afford, you can get prequalified for a home loan and you'll be able to start your house hunt knowing exactly what you can afford.
Item 2: Current and future needs
Buying a property is a long-term investment, so it's important to think about what you might need five to 10 years from now as well as what your current needs are. If you're looking for an apartment, a one-bedroom may be perfect for now, but if you're planning on starting a family, it may be worth considering a larger unit. Similarly, consider your career goals. If you plan to start your own business or join the #workfromhome revolution, then you're going to need a home office. Similarly, if you think you might want to get a pet at some point in the future, you need to think about whether or not the property you're considering buying is pet-friendly.
Item 3: Security factors
It's important to think about how secure your potential new home is before you make any final decisions. Buying property in a sectional title complex or lifestyle estate is a great way to ensure your safety because many of these complexes and estates are renowned for their security measures. For example, in many of Gauteng's lifestyle estates, residents are kept safe by security guards on duty 24 hours a day, CCTV, electric fences and manned entry points. These estates offer the best of both worlds, with outstanding security and an array of features like pools, children's play areas, jogging trails and clubhouses.
Item 4: Location and lifestyle
Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure that you have thoroughly checked out the suburb and the neighbourhood that you're considering buying in. If possible, drive through the area at various times of the day and night to get a comprehensive idea of what noise levels are like in the area. Consider what traffic patterns in the area are like and think about how long it will take you to get to work, your children's school, your gym and any other places that you go to regularly.
Item 5: Consider what the property has to offer
Thanks to the recently passed Property Practitioners Act, every property seller has to provide a mandatory disclosure form, which provides a detailed list of any flaws that the home you're considering buying has. Go through the list carefully and think about what alterations you may want to make to the property. Make sure you factor in the cost of these renovations when making your plans.
If you're looking to buy property in or around Kempton Park, then REALGLEN Properties is here to help. We have our finger on the pulse of the real estate market in Gauteng, so contact us today to help you find the property that's right for you and your family.