As a first home buyer through Horizon Financial, you won't have to climb a steep learning curve or spend hours seeking the best interest rates or other information. We already have this information at hand from a wide range of lenders.
We'll introduce you to the most cost effective - and easiest to use - home loan for your individual situation. And you can rest assured that any lender we recommend will have the backing of the largest banks in Australasia.
Cost of Living information can be found here.
Information on Insurance can be found here.
Before you start looking for your new home, write down all the 'must haves', e.g. price range, sun, access, kitchen, garage, renovation or garden potential. Make sure the homes you decide to visit meet all, or at least most, of your requirements and use the list to compare each one.
Staying focused
When you visit a property that looks interesting, it's easy to get overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of buying your first home. Sometimes, it can be really difficult to remain objective. To help you stay focused, we've listed a few checkpoints below.
Home buyer's checklist
- Get your bearings and find out where the sun falls on the house and at what times of day.
- Check cupboards and wardrobes for the smell of damp or mildew.
- Check the state of floorboards, doors and windows - are they in good/original condition?
- Take note of cupboard and wardrobe space - many older homes don’t have built in storage.
- Run the taps and showers to see what the water pressure is like.
- Is the area you're considering buying in improving in value - is there anything that may affect it in future? Don't limit yourself to looking in one area.
- Take time to walk or drive around the neighbourhood. Are there shops and services (e.g. post office, banks, etc.) nearby?
- Where are the nearest bus stop and taxi stand?
- What is the traffic like - are you on a main road that could get busy at peak times or be dangerous for children and pets?
- Is there parking on the street? Although your car may be accommodated you will also need some space for visiting friends and family.
How much can you borrow?
The amount you can borrow to buy your home will depend on factors such as:
- The value of the home
- Your ability to repay
- Your deposit
To get an idea of how much you could potentially borrow for a home and what the repayments might be, use our Loan Calculators. There's a calculator to help you decide
Different banks have different lending criteria, and at Horizon Financial we know how to assess the best option for your situation. Our service is free and will cost you no more than if you went directly to a bank.
