In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, the transition from renting to owning a home is an exhilarating endeavor that carries profound personal and financial implications.
READ: What to consider when buying a home
Antonie Goosen, the founder and principle of Meridian Realty, firmly believes that the journey from tenant to homeowner is a transformation worth pursuing. It's not merely a shift in address; it's a pivot towards establishing a solid foundation for your future and your family's well-being.
Goosen says there are three key facets to consider when embarking on this journey: How to prepare, what to consider, and how to stay ahead of payments. With countless clients who have embarked on this path, he is convinced that informed decision-making and careful planning are the cornerstones of a successful transition.
1. How to Prepare:
- Evaluate your financial situation: "Take a close look at your income, expenses, and existing debts. Crafting a comprehensive budget will provide you with a clear view of your financial capabilities and limitations, allowing you to determine a comfortable budget for mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Remember to factor in the down payment and closing costs."
- Improve your credit score: "Building a strong credit profile is akin to laying a robust foundation for your homeownership dreams. Regularly check your credit reports, rectify any discrepancies, and ensure you're making timely payments. A higher credit score can pave the way for favorable mortgage rates and terms."
- Save for a down payment: Saving for a down payment is a significant hurdle for many first-time homebuyers. Antonie suggests, "It's a critical point in the journey that often requires discipline and long-term commitment. Educate yourself about different loan options and their varying down payment requirements, and diligently work towards accumulating the recommended 20% of the home's purchase price."
- Research mortgage options: "Knowledge is power. Explore the nuances of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and help yourself to a serving of professional advice to make an informed choice aligned with your financial objectives."
READ: Try Property24's list of affordability calculators and tools here.
2. What to Consider:
- Location and neighborhood: Antonie highlights the importance of your choice of location and neighborhood, saying, "It isn't just about proximity; it's a decision that will shape your lifestyle, your daily commute, and your future plans. Investigate local schools, amenities, and safety aspects, ensuring they align with your priorities."
- Property type and size: "Consider your family size, future plans, and your preferences regarding property type and size. Whether it's a single-family home, condominium, or townhouse, the right choice will have a significant impact on your daily life."
- Home inspection: "A thorough home inspection is your safeguard against unexpected maintenance costs. Seek out the expertise of trustworthy home inspectors who can uncover any hidden issues and provide you with a clear picture of the property's condition."
- Resale value: While this may be your forever home, Antonie says, "It's prudent to consider the property's potential resale value. Real estate is an investment, and factors like the neighborhood's appreciation rate and the property's condition play a vital role in your long-term financial stability."
READ: Value-for-money homes near top schools in Gauteng
3. How to stay ahead of payments:
- Create an emergency fund: "Life is unpredictable, and homeownership comes with its share of surprises. Establishing an emergency fund is a wise move to ensure you're ready for unexpected expenses, allowing you to stay on top of mortgage payments without financial stress."
- Budget for ongoing costs: Budgeting for property taxes, insurance, and regular maintenance beyond the mortgage. He says, "Automate payments for these expenses to maintain financial discipline and avoid late payments."
- Refinance when beneficial: "Keep an eye on interest rates. If they dip significantly, refinancing your mortgage could lead to lower monthly payments and save you money over the life of the loan. It's a strategic move that can pay dividends."
Goosen says as you embark on the transition from renting to owning, remember that this journey is not just a change of address; it's a transformation that can shape your future. The choices you make now will ripple through your life and your financial well-being for years to come. He advises you to prepare thoroughly, consider all aspects diligently, and stay ahead of payments. The path to homeownership may have its challenges, but with informed decisions and prudent planning, the destination is well worth the journey.
READ: How deposits work for first-time buyers
RE/MAX of Southern Africa runs us through the A-Z of property transactions: Read full article here: Exploring property transactions: an A-Z guide
Asking Price:
The price set for the home, usually suggested by a real estate professional based on a competitive market analysis and agreed to by the seller. Depending on demand, buyers can choose to make offers above or below the asking price.
Bond Originator:
A free service that can help buyers find the best deal on their home loan. Bond originators have several services that will help buyers navigate the bond application process more efficiently.
Conveyancer (also known as a transferring attorney):
A legal professional who will attend to all the paperwork and other legalities that are required for a property transfer to take place.
Deposit:
An amount of upfront cash provided to the buyer upon acceptance of an offer to purchase. The rule of thumb here is roughly 10% of the asking price. A deposit is not a legal requirement but can make a buyer’s offer more appealing and could help the buyer acquire the remaining home finance.
General Valuation Roll:
A document that presents a value upon which household municipal rates will be calculated until a new roll is issued. It is important to check this when it is released to make sure you do not end up paying more for municipal rates than what the home is truly worth.
House Price Appreciation:
A percentage of growth calculated based on average house prices in an area (usually calculated at a national level). These averages can provide an indication of how much more a property will cost in a year’s time. For landlords and tenants, these averages can provide an indication of what a fair annual rental escalation could be.
Interest Rates:
There are various rates at which interest is calculated on debts, including home loans. Consumers should focus on the Prime lending rate, as this is the base rate that banks use when offering loans to consumers. This will either be above or below Prime depending on how good your credit score is.
Off market sale:
When a property is for sale, but it has not yet been publicly advertised or listed on any property portals.
Pre-approval:
A certificate issued by a bank that provides a buyer pre-approval of a certain loan amount, calculated based on what a buyer can afford. These amounts are only 100% finalised after the bank has completed a property valuation and has received a signed Offer to Purchase on a property.
Reserve Price:
The minimum price set for a home when it is sold via auction.
Sole Mandate:
A written agreement that places the responsibility on a single agent for a period of time. It is often far more effective to sign a sole mandate and allow one agent the space to secure the best sale. A sole mandate is also a more convenient option because sellers will only have to liaise and deal with one agent rather than several.
Turn-key property:
A property that is move-in-ready, with no need to do any further renovations or updates.
Unconditional offer:
An offer to purchase that is not subject to any other conditions, such as a home loan or private home inspection, etc.
Zoning: the type of property that can be built on a plot of land. Local planning authorities control zoning permissions.
“There are a lot of moving parts to any property transaction. That is why the real estate profession exists. Property professionals are there to help guide clients through these transactions. Never feel afraid to ask questions if you are ever unsure of anything during the process,” says Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.
Read: First-time homebuyers' fears - how to overcome them
According to Ronald Ennik, principal and founder of real estate agency Ennik Estates, suggest prospective buyers consider the following when buying a property... (read full article here)
- Prospective buyers need to visit, and look at, a variety of homes in order to fully understand the value that is - or, indeed, isn't - on offer. It is important to be as familiar with pricing and value as the agent.
- When buying a home it is essential to see as many houses in your target area as possible. You are buying the most important asset of a lifetime - and missed opportunities seldom reappear.
Using your senses
This is about using all your senses. You want to see the roads, talk to residents, take note of the trees, smell the flowers, and experience the traffic flow. You need not only to see the home but also to get a feel for the environment in which it is located.
- Part of the homework is not to eliminate options too quickly without even viewing them. My key tip to buyers is to go into the areas of their focus - and look at a minimum of at least 10, and perhaps even as many as 15, homes. In doing so, you should not be guided only by asking prices. There isn't a set formula.
- Some properties will be priced with a 10 to 20 per cent premium - thus providing wiggle room for negotiation.
- Other properties will be bang on the right price - even to the point of being perceived as relatively cheap. This reflects a seller/agent strategy to price low ('offers from...') and build up price-enhancing competition among interested buyers.
(article update 03 April 2024)
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