For New Homebuyers: House Hunting 101

It's quite normal to be nervous when you're house hunting - especially if you're a first-time buyer - but a little pre-search preparation can go a long way towards reducing the nervousness and ensuring that you end up with exactly the right home.

* Firstly when house hunting, you need to establish how much you can afford to spend (preferably, obtain pre-approval for a home loan) and what type of home you want - flat, townhouse or stand-alone house, and pre-owned or newly-built?

Generally, an older property will offer more home per rand paid and if you can carry out some home improvement tasks yourself you will get more value. On the other hand, there is usually no transfer duty payable on newly-built homes, and they are often more secure and easier to maintain.

* The second house hunting consideration is that you need to think about where you would like to live. Would you prefer an older, more established area, or a newer one? Do you like dense, mixed-use communities with lots of activity or is your preference a secluded cul-de-sac with more privacy? Would you like to live in a gated community or are you prepared to trade some security for your independence?

To some extent, the answers to these questions will help you decide where you should start looking, but you also need to consider whether these neighbourhoods are within easy reach of work, schools, public transport, medical services, shopping and entertainment facilities.

* At this stage, much of the uncertainty should already have been taken out of your search, so you can start to think about specifics, that is, a careful list of the things you would regard as essential and non-negotiable in your new home, and of features that might be nice-to-have but are not deal breakers.

You might be determined to have two bathrooms and a lock-up garage, for example, but not too concerned if there isn't a study or a pool, and the more details you can provide about what you are looking for, the easier it will be for estate agents working in your chosen area to help you find your ideal home, and not waste anyone's time showing you unsuitable properties.

* Before you embark on your house hunting, though, you should be sure you are really ready to commit to home ownership. There's no doubt that house hunting is a learning experience and that you should not just leap into a purchase until you have looked at a fair number of properties in your preferred area and price bracket. But it's also important to view with a real intention of buying, so that you will be able to make a quick decision when you do find the right home.