Buying a house is most likely the biggest purchase most of us will make after buying a vehicle.

For those of us fortunate enough to be in a position where we can embark upon this journey, it is exciting and, at times, somewhat nerve-wracking. That’s why we have put together this handy guide to buying a house. After all, with almost 30 years’ worth of experience in insuring homes, we’ve almost seen it all and have a pretty unique take on this venture.

Where to go

People always spout these three things when it comes to buying property: “location, location, location”. Is this truly the best advice? Yes. After all these years, property is still an investment and as an investment that has the potential to grow in value over the years, the area must be carefully considered.

For instance, you will need to look at the infrastructure and security of the surrounding areas and evaluate the distance between the property and your work. You should also investigate the caliber of the school in the area, as this will greatly determine how the area develops in terms of reputation and general property prices in the future.

Money talks

Found your desired location? Now it’s time to see how much you can actually afford. Take advantage of experienced originators who can guide you. Originators help you work through the requirements of the National Credit Act, the paperwork, and the pre-approved home loan process. The best news here is that they will often assist you free of charge.

What if the area/s you like are too expensive? Well, it might be wise to consider purchasing a less expensive home in the area which needs work, or buying in an adjoining area