CPS Property Buying Process_2009-10-28
CPS Property Buying Process_2009-10-28
CPS Property Buying Process_2009-10-28
1. Your goals
Understand your investment goals and risk profile. You must have a basic
understanding and belief in the property market before committing any
investment dollars. Spend some time considering the risks and rewards from
property investing and speak to your licensed financial planner, accountant
and other people that have been successful.
2. Borrowing capacity
3. Research
This step can take a long time and is where the real leg work is done.
However, by using a buyer’s agent, you can leverage your time and let a
professional researcher achieve a better result in a shorter time. Astute
investors begin their search by using strict investment criteria. This includes
criteria such as land content, location, proximity to schools, shops and
transport and other physical features about the property that affect future
capital growth.
CPS Property makes extensive use of growth predictions from professional
research companies such as BIS Shrapnel, Residex, Real Estate Institute of
NSW & Aust, ABS and the Home Price Guide. Through our own independent
research we gather knowledge from local agents to make our own
assessment of capital growth potential and rental yields. Combining these
broad overviews with “on-the-ground” localised knowledge provides our
clients with a competitive advantage when buying investment property. CPS
Property is also able to access “silent listings” where a property is not
advertised to the general public.
4. Evaluate a short-list
5. Negotiate
Once you have selected the most suitable property from a short list, we will
negotiate the lowest price possible and the best terms and conditions for the
contract of sale.
After the offer is accepted, the contract of sale is forwarded to your solicitor for
review. The solicitor will examine the special conditions, inclusions and
settlement term consulting with you and liaising with the vendors’ solicitor
requesting changes if required.
7. Exchange of contracts
The solicitors then exchange contracts along with a 10% deposit. Once the
exchange has occurred the purchaser has secured the property. (Note:
contracts of sale can also be exchanged by the vendors’ agent if the
purchaser pays a non-refundable deposit of 0.25% of the purchase price).
Once the contract is signed the purchaser has a 5 day cooling off period in
which they may rescind the contract but forfeit the 0.25% deposit to the
vendor.
8. Pest & Building Inspection
Pest and building inspections are usually done during the 5 day cooling off
period. This also allows time for the solicitor to undertake the relevant title
searches and enquiries in the property. Pest and building inspections should
highlight all the problems with the property which often discourage
prospective purchasers going ahead. However, the key items to look out for
are evidence of current termite damage and evidence of serious structural
movement which could cause problems later. All houses will have some
problems and it is important to work out if they are simply cosmetic or whether
they require major works.
Once you have signed the contract it is essential to provide a copy of the front
page of the contract and a rental appraisal letter to your bank or mortgage
broker. This will enable the bank to provide an “unconditional finance
approval” and prepare mortgage documents for you to sign. You will also
need to arrange building insurance and provide the bank with a certificate of
currency showing the property is insured from the settlement date.
10. Settlement
Your solicitor will attend settlement and arrange payment to allow transfer of
title into your name. The bank will provide cheques (up to the agreed limit) for
the balance owing (less the deposit paid). Various adjustments need to be
made for stamp duty, solicitor fees, council and water rates, mortgage duty
etc.
To maximise the tax deductions on the property you should engage a quantity
surveyor to prepare a tax depreciation schedule. Depreciation can be claimed
on
the building structure and the fittings and fixtures within the property. This
schedule will itemise the amounts that can be claimed each year in
accordance with relevant tax laws. CPS Property can recommend reliable
and cost effective quantity surveyors to prepare these schedules.
While you may be tempted to sell your investment property in the first few
years, it is usually better to hold the property for the medium to long term
(provided your cash flow is sufficient). The price of property in the major
capital cities of Australia has generally doubled every 7 to 10 years. Once you
sell, there is no further opportunity for capital gain. Property investment is all
about generating equity from an appreciating asset. Sit back and enjoy
watching your assets grow.
Further information contact:
CPS Property
Suite 403, 55 Holt St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Ph: 1300 YES CPS (937 277)
Disclaimer: The above guide must not be taken as specific advice for your personal situation. CPS
Property is not a licensed financial advisor. Please seek independent advice from qualified legal and
financial professionals before taking any action.