Buying a house is a big decision, one in which the buyer will have invested numerous hours of research, planning and careful consideration. It makes sense then that a buyer would want their property transfer to be finalised as quickly as possible. But while property transfers are of nature a time-consuming process, there are steps buyers can take to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Step 1 – Determine what you can afford

Before you start typing your first Google search as you begin browsing the For Sale signs on the net, you should have a clear idea of what they can afford. Determining what you can afford will take careful budgeting and planning, an area where the assistance of a financial consultant will not go amiss.

Step 2 – Save for the deposit 

Once you have a clear sense of what your budget will allow, you can start saving up for the deposit. With the necessary guidance, you will be able to estimate how big a deposit you will be able to save ahead of the time, something that will lower the mortgage amount you need to apply for. This step can be taken far in advance, however, and will benefit you greatly once you do decide to invest in your own property.

Step 3 – Assess your credit and get pre-approval

Another step that should be taken beforehand, is to analyse your credit record and get pre-approval for a home loan. This will allow you to plan more efficiently by knowing how great a deposit you will have to save up by knowing how great a home loan you can qualify for. Through pre-approval, you remove any unwanted surprises that may have awaited you otherwise.

Step 4 – Keep the necessary documentation ready

This may feel like skipping ahead, but once you’ve found the perfect home and want to apply for a home loan, you will need to submit a number of documents, including documents you can prepare beforehand, such as copies of your ID and marriage certificate/antenuptial contract (if married). Having these documents ready ahead of time saves you valuable time when you’ve found your dream home.

Step 5 – Find a real estate agent

Real estate agents can offer you insight into an industry and market that requires all the know-how you can muster. By obtaining the assistance of a trusted real estate agent, buyers are able to minimise their costs and efforts in the property search, while also improving their chances of navigating the legislative processes that come with real estate purchases.

Step 6 – Find your ideal home

By ensuring that steps 1 to 5 are all taken care of, everything else is smooth sailing, where you can sit back and enjoy the ride without having to worry about the hiccups that could have come up along the way.

Limit the time your property transfer will take, step by step.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice.