Buying your own home offers you financial and psychological security but, if you are a first-time buyer or have not done so for some time, it can be quite a daunting experience. I hope that by following these steps it will make it less stressful and easier for you.

1) Visit your bank and apply for a pre-approved loan. This will state the exact amount for which you are able to buy and what your monthly repayments will be. This will also give you bargaining power because you are then considered a cash buyer. It cuts down on time by preventing you from looking at properties which are not in your price range.

2) Decide on an area. Consider proximity to schools, distance to work and convenient access to main roads, public transport, shopping centres, hospitals, the beach etc. Also look at future developments planned for the area.

3) Consult with an estate agent. Someone who has been recommended to you is always a good bet. If you are not sure, then drive around the area and look out for estate agents' boards for names and numbers of those agents who feature more prominently.

4) Discuss with your agent the average selling prices of similar houses to those in which you are interested. A good agent will find you a home that suits your requirements, taste and pocket at the price you can afford to pay.

VIEWING PROSPECTIVE PROPERTIES

Scrutinize the property very carefully. Consider the following:

1) Cracks in the walls - both inside and out. Be wary of new paint and wallpaper as these could be hiding a number of things.

2) Look out for rising damp. Feel plastered walls for moisture.

3) Check woodwork for woodworm or rot.

4) Check for loose roof tiles or evidence of leaks. Is the roof insulated?

5) Inspect the bathrooms. Are they well ventilated? Open taps and flush the toilets.

6) Notice the shapes of the rooms. Will your furniture fit?

7) Are all fixtures and fittings of a good quality and in good repair?

8) Look at colour schemes. Will you have to repaint to suit your taste?

9) Are there sufficient cupboards in the kitchen and bedrooms?

10) In what condition are the carpets and/or tiles?

11) Are there sufficient plug points and decide whether rewiring will be necessary.

12) When last was the geyser serviced or replaced?

13) Check things like automatic garage doors and gates.

14) Is there a borehole or/and sprinkler system?

15) Is the pool sparkling and does the pump work?

16) Look at the condition of boundary walls or fences.

17) What is the condition of the garden? Are you going to have to do any tree felling?

18) Is there room for extensions?

Always visit the property more than once, at different times of the day to establish noise, traffic, sun orientation, etc. Make a list of faults and calculate an estimate for repairs. Ask your agent and the seller as many questions as possible. Find out why the property is being sold and enquire about crime in the area. What are the current rates and taxes?

Once you have considered all these things, trust your intuition. Speak to the agent about filling in an Offer to Purchase.

OFFER TO PURCHASE

This document is also known as an "Agreement of Sale" or "Deed of Sale" and is an agreement in writing stating the terms and conditions under which you consent to the purchase of the property. This is a legal document and it is very important that you understand all the clauses which it contains. A good agent will explain each clause in detail. Most agents have a standard form, but you can also add clauses of your own if you feel it necessary. If you are still not sure of certain clauses, you can ask your attorney or legal advisor to look it over before you sign. Remember that if you are applying for a bond, the offer must clearly state the amount of the bond and the number of days in which the bond must be approved. All alterations and the bottom of each page must be initialed. Ensure that any blank spaces or lines are crossed out to prevent anything from being added. Make sure that the fixtures and fittings are clearly listed in the offer.

NB Once the offer has been signed by both parties and even if it is subject to suspensive conditions being fulfilled e.g. bond approval from a financial institution, you are legally bound by this contract.

It is common practice, but not law, that the seller usually nominates the attorney/conveyancer. The purchaser pays these fees.
You have to pay transfer duties/tax to have the property transferred into your name, except if you buy a property directly from a developer or builder, in which case V.A.T is included in the purchase price.
Ask you Estate Agent to calculate for you, in deail, your anticipated Transfer Costs.

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