Author(s): Karin DERKLEY

Dummies

Created especially for the Australian customer! Learn to: * Find the perfect property for you * Finance your dream * Choose from an established home, brand-new property or a 'fixer-upper' * Get your foot on the property ladder! Open the book and find: * Strategies for getting your deposit together * Pros and cons of buying a period home * What's involved with becoming an owner-builder * Pitfalls to consider when buying 'off the plan' * How to secure a home loan if you're self-employed * Tactics to beat the auctioneersat their own game Unearth your dream home and negotiate the mortgage maze Do you search property websites, wondering whether a particular property could be your dream home? Do you feel like you're wasting money on rent but are confused by the world of real estate -- and real estate agents? Relax! This practical guide covers all aspects of buying property, from buying a piece of history to building from scratch to signing on the dotted line. * Work out whether you're ready to buy -- find out whether you're ready for the commitment of buying property, financially and psychologically * Focus in on the right property for you -- determine your 'must haves' and 'like to haves', and whether you'll need to make a trade-off between these and your preferred location * Decide what kind of property you want -- discover if your best option is to buy off the plan, find an established property or build yourself * Deal with property professionals -- cut through real estate agent spin and understand how buyers' agents work * Find the right finance -- choose the home loan that suits you and your finances * Negotiate a great deal -- move smoothly through the buying and settlement process, whether buying at auction or through private treaty sale