House Hunting Checklist

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Before you start looking

House hunting can be very time consuming. So before you start, ask yourself the following questions:

-  What type of area do I want to live in?

- What type of property will best suit my needs (house, duplex, terrace, unit, etc)?

-  Is the area convenient to work, essential shops, schools and other services you need?

-  Is transport nearby?

- Is having family and friends nearby a priority?

- Are lifestyle amenities important (beach, pools, parks, views, general shopping)?

- Are there any apparent concern or risk factors (i.e flight paths, proximity to chemical plants, other air or noise pollution, flood potential or landfill hazards)?

- What is the development history and development forecast of the area?

-  What is the crime rate for the area?

While you're looking

?  See a variety of properties in order to get a feel for the market

-  Talk to real estate agents to get a better idea of properties available and prices in the area

-  Obtain your finance first before you begin house hunting.

-  Devote at least one day a week to serious house hunting

-  Keep a property checklist. When you visit a lot of properties, individual features can begin to run together in your memory

-  Invest in a digital camera. It's a good idea to take snaps of various properties, inside and out, to act as reminders

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Once you've found a property

A property inspection may seem expensive at the time, but you are likely to save far more in money, time, and trouble if you discover problems early. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist will check:

-  Under-floor areas for ventilation

-  Exterior walls for straightness, cracks and mortar quality

-  Weatherboards for sagging or rot

-  Roof condition, guttering, flues, chimneys and flashings

-  Eaves for water staining that may reveal roof or gutter problems

-  Rooms for evidence of water entry or mildew

-  Garages and sheds for water penetration

-  Timber floors for rot, mould, borer and termites

- Concrete floors for exposed perimeters, cracks and water penetration

-  Wet or damp areas like bathrooms, showers and laundries for cracks, leaks and mildew

-  Services such as water flow, wiring, gas service and electrical, especially switches and power points

- Evidence of existing or past pest activity

-  Any trees nearby for possible structural damage caused by roots