5 Strategies to get ahead and secure your dream home

The housing market can be highly competitive, with desirable properties often selling quickly and sometimes even before being advertised online or in print. This can be frustrating for prospective buyers, particularly those aiming to secure their ideal home at an affordable price. Despite these challenges, there are effective strategies to help you stay ahead of the competition and successfully navigate the home-buying process.

To secure your ideal home at an affordable price, the following five steps can help you secure your dream home in any market:

1. Ensure Your Finances Are in Order

Clean up your credit record

Before you start house-hunting, it's crucial to have your finances in top shape. Check your credit record and address any issues. A clean credit history will make you a more attractive candidate to lenders. 

Would-be homebuyers should know their credit score and check their credit record to ensure that everything is in order. It is possible for negative credit information to be recorded by mistake. Checking your credit record before applying for finance will allow you time to rectify any mistakes that could harm your bond application success. Consumers are entitled to a free credit report each year, so they should be sure to check it.

Any accounts or bills that have been handed over for collection should be paid and sorted out before applying for finance. Defaults or slow payment notifications will have a negative impact on a credit score, so it is important to make payments timeously.

Get prequalified for a home loan

Consult a reputable bond originator or your bank to obtain bond prequalification or at least establish your spending limit. Being prequalified shows sellers that you are serious and financially ready to buy, allowing you to act quickly and make a confident offer when you find a home you like.

Learn More: Financial Fitness for New Home Buyers

2. Be Clear About What You Want and Where You Need to Live

Define your priorities

Identify your non-negotiables, such as proximity to schools, workplaces, or shops. Focus only on areas that match these needs to avoid wasting time on unsuitable properties.

Consider your lifestyle

Think about the type of home and lifestyle you want. If you love to entertain, look for homes with well-appointed entertainment areas. If you prefer low maintenance, an apartment or townhouse in a secure complex may be ideal. DIY enthusiasts might find a fixer-upper more appealing.

Tip: Make a list of your specific requirements to streamline your search.

3. Connect with Reputable Estate Agents

Spread the Word

Estate agents have their ears to the ground and often hear about new listings before they hit the market. Share your detailed requirements and financial readiness with agents in your preferred areas. They will be eager to help you find your ideal home, potentially even before it's advertised.

Pro Tip: Building a good rapport with estate agents can give you a competitive edge. Find a local real estate agent

4. Leverage technology and personal networks

Most property portals offer automatic email notifications for new listings that match your criteria. Set these up to stay updated on potential homes. Tell everyone you know that you're looking for a home and specify the area. Word of mouth can be powerful, and someone might know of a suitable property. Post a "wanted" notice on community bulletin boards at work, school, or local shopping centers.

Action Step: Be prepared to act quickly on any leads you receive.

5. Make your offer the most attractive

Even if multiple buyers are interested in the same home, you don't always need to offer the highest price. Ensure the sellers know how much you appreciate their home and that you're ready to buy. Keep contingencies to a minimum in your offer to purchase. Be flexible with moving dates to make your offer more appealing. Sellers often prefer to sell their homes to buyers who appreciate the property and can proceed with the transaction quickly and smoothly. Making the process easier for the sellers increases the likelihood of your offer being accepted.

Final Tip: The easier you make the transaction for the sellers, the more attractive your offer becomes.

By following these five strategies, you can enhance your chances of securing your dream home in a competitive market. Stay focused, prepared, and proactive to navigate the buying process successfully. Happy house hunting!