When it comes to purchasing a new property, there are a lot of things to take into account. From crunching numbers and lining up a lender, to getting pre-approved for a mortgage and making an offer on the right house, the process can seem daunting.
However, by taking things one step at a time and preparing in advance, you can make the purchase go as smoothly as possible.
Here are the steps involved in purchasing a new property.
Considering the Budget
The first step in purchasing a new property is to consider your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a new estate? This number will be determined by several factors, including your current income, debts, and other financial obligations. Once you have a clear idea of your budget, you can start looking for properties that fall within that price range.
For example, if you have a budget of 300,000 dollars, you’ll be able to look at properties that are priced at 250,000 dollars and below. This is because you’ll need to factor in additional costs, such as stamp duty, legal fees, and mortgage repayments. Or, if you’ve considered owning a resale HDB, make sure you’ve set enough aside for the downpayment and renovations. There are a variety of mortgage calculators online which can give you an estimate of your monthly repayments.
Lining Up a Lender
Once you’ve considered your budget, the next step is to line up a lender. If you’re taking out a mortgage to finance the purchase of your new property, you’ll need to approach a bank or financial institution for a loan. It’s important to shop around and compare interest rates before settling on a lender.
You can also consider getting a pre-approval, which will give you an idea of how much you’re able to borrow and what your repayments will be.
On the other hand, if you’re paying for the property in cash, you won’t need to approach a lender. This option is usually only available to those who have a significant amount of savings.
However, if you’re taking out a mortgage to finance your new property, it means that you’ll submit an application to a bank or financial institution, and they’ll assess your financial situation to determine how much they’re willing to lend you.
It’s important to note that getting pre-approval is not the same as getting a loan. You’re not obliged to take out a mortgage with the lender if you get pre-approval from them.
Making an Offer on a Property
Once you’ve found the right property, the next step is to make an offer. This is usually done through a real estate agent. You’ll need to take into account several factors when making an offer, such as the current market value of the property, your budget, and your desired timeframe.
It’s important to remember that the seller is not obligated to accept your offer, even if it’s within their asking price. They may counter-offer, or reject your offer outright. If this happens, you can either negotiate further or walk away from the deal.
Once you’ve reached an agreement with the seller, the next step is to go through with the purchase. This usually involves paying a deposit, which is typically 10% of the purchase price. The balance of the purchase price will then be paid on completion day.
Completing the Purchase
Completion day is when the property officially changes hands and you become the new owner. On this day, the balance of the purchase price will be paid to the seller. Once this has been done, you’ll be able to collect the keys to your new property and move in!
However, there are a few final steps involved in purchasing a new property, such as paying stamp duty and legal fees. Also, if you’re taking out a mortgage, you’ll need to arrange for the loan to be disbursed on completion day.
Additionally, you may want to consider getting home insurance to protect your new property. This is especially important if you’re taking out a mortgage, as your lender will usually require you to have insurance in place.
Purchasing a new property can be a daunting task, but if you’re prepared and know what to expect, the process can be smooth and hassle-free. Just remember to budget carefully, line up a lender, and get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting.
Just remember to do your research, shop around, and be prepared to negotiate before making an offer on a property. Finally, on completion day, don’t forget to pay stamp duty and legal fees, as well as arrange for the loan to be disbursed if you’re taking out a mortgage.