Build the brief before opening the search
William begins with the reason for the move, the expected ownership period and the trade-offs you are prepared to make. A clear brief protects you from changing the rules every time an attractive listing appears.
Separate essentials from preferences and identify the questions that could end the search for a particular property. The best location, property type and condition level depend on your budget, daily life and tolerance for future work.
- Reason for moving and preferred timing
- Essential locations, commute and daily priorities
- Required bedrooms, accessibility and future flexibility
- Renovation tolerance and expected ownership horizon
Confirm financing and the full cash requirement
A lender’s maximum approval is not the same as a comfortable ownership plan. Ask the lender or mortgage professional to confirm the price range, down payment, financing conditions and documentation required before an offer is time-sensitive.
Plan for closing and ownership costs beyond the purchase price. These can include inspection and professional fees, applicable taxes, adjustments, insurance, moving expenses, immediate repairs and strata-related costs where applicable.
Compare every serious property the same way
Use a simple property scorecard so emotion does not quietly change the standard. Compare location, usable layout, condition, ownership costs, future resale audience and the evidence behind the asking price.
William narrows comparable sales to the ones that buyers would reasonably use, then considers current competition, market pace and property-specific differences.
- Fit with the original brief
- Relevant recent sales and active alternatives
- Known repairs, strata projects or renovation questions
- Monthly costs and sensitivity to future expenses
- Likely resale strengths and limitations
Write the offer around risk, then complete carefully
Price matters, but dates, deposits, representations, conditions and the strength of the due-diligence plan can materially change an offer. Conditions should match the property and your circumstances rather than follow a generic template.
Before subject removal, confirm the material property information with the appropriate professionals. After acceptance, track the deposit, financing, insurance, legal instructions, final walk-through, completion and possession dates in one calendar.
- Review title, disclosures and available property documents
- Coordinate inspection, financing, insurance and legal advice
- Read strata records where applicable
- Confirm inclusions, dates, deposit and completion instructions