Houses For Sale Toowoomba
View Our Houses For Sale in Toowoomba
If you’re searching for a house, land or unit for sale in and around Toowoomba, speak to The Real Estate People. We’re experts at keeping your needs in mind when discovering houses for sale. Whether it’s a family home or a brand new unit you need, allow us to get your foot in the door.
What You Should Know About Buying In Toowoomba
As Queensland’s largest inland town, Toowoomba covers an area of almost 13,000 km2 and is situated 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane. It’s the perfect location for homebuyers who want to get out of the city, as it offers the ideal balance between urban living and country life.
If you’re buying your first home in Toowoomba, the Federal and Queensland governments offer a range of attractive grants and schemes designed to assist families and individuals cope with expenses. Researching and applying for these grants, and organising your home loan, can ensure you’re in good stead to make a move when you find a property you love.
It also helps to have experts on your side, and that’s where we come in. As local real estate agents, the team at the Real Estate People can ensure you’re the first to know about new properties on the market that align with your needs, preferences and budget.
Below are some key steps about buying in Toowoomba that you should be aware of before you start your property search.
The Settlement Process As A Buyer
A property settlement is the term used when a home’s ownership is officially and legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Once you have found the property you would like to buy, you will put an offer in to the seller which, if accepted, will start the contract negotiation. If you have a buyer’s estate agent you can request they help with this.
With all negotiations completed, the contract will be drawn up – it’s highly recommended you should engage a conveyancer to review the contract prior to signing. The settlement date will be set in the contract of sale, once signed the settlement process begins. There are a few things you should do during this process as a buyer:
- Secure the funds to purchase the new property
- Request any additional local council or building searches (your conveyancer will be able to assist with this and there are timeframes to be aware of)
- Arrange for a building and pest inspection (again, be aware of contract dates and leave enough time to receive and understand the report and attend to any concerns) Ensure that all paperwork is accurate and in order (in particular names, addresses and dates are correctly recorded)
- Pay the deposit on the contract of sale to the party listed, by the due date
As the buyer, you should also take the time to:
- Organise building and contents insurance from the date you sign the contract
- Visit the property for a final inspection, to ensure it’s still in the same condition as when you viewed it initially.
- Check appliances, hot water system, structural details, locks, and other fittings to ensure everything is in the same condition as when you made your offer.
- This will also allow you to check anything you negotiated as a result of the building and pest report (for example, checking that the front stairs were repaired or a termite treatment has been completed).
- Ensure you have the funds to pay your stamp duty and other fees on the settlement date (these can be specific to states and local areas, so please ensure you are aware of costs due on settlement day).
Once settlement has been completed, you are free to pick up the keys and enjoy your new home.
Property Appraisals
A property appraisal is the process of having an expert value your home and provide recommendations on the market value of the property. As experts in the Toowoomba real estate market, we can provide free accurate appraisals on any property you are intending to buy or sell, which can help you to set a realistic budget for your move. We’ve worked with clients across the region and appraised properties of all sizes and conditions, from compact apartments to family homes. Contact The Real Estate People today to find out more about our free property appraisals!
You can trust The Real Estate People for an honest property appraisal of your potential home. We’ll consider things like the location of the property, its size and condition, any necessary improvements, and the current market and any recent sales in the area. This will help us to make an accurate assessment of what the property is really worth.
How We Help Buyers
Buying in Toowoomba is exciting, but it’s also a huge decision. It’s important to work with a team of local experts who know the Toowoomba property market inside out to ensure you’re buying a home that you can be happy in for years to come. Our Toowoomba property professionals can advise you on the location and condition of the property you’re buying, as well as offer expert insight into buying in Toowoomba. In this way, we want to ensure that you make informed decisions that can help you to get the best deal possible on the home of your dreams.
You can trust us to support you every step of your buying journey. Whether it’s offering quality guidance backed by years of experience in the industry and the local area, or conducting a professional appraisal with all the information you need to make a choice, the team at The Real Estate People is here to help.
Get In Touch To Discuss Buying In Toowoomba
If you’re looking for reliable, knowledgeable property experts in Toowoomba, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team will guide you through each stage of the buying process, telling you everything you need to know and empowering you to make informed decisions. With years of experience assisting customers to buying in Toowoomba, we make it our priority to help you find your perfect home.
Get in touch today to find out more about our property services in Toowoomba for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Different Types Of Mortgages Available?
There are several types of mortgages available to prospective homeowners. The most common are fixed-rate mortgages, where the interest rate remains the same for the life of the loan. This type of mortgage is beneficial for those who prefer predictable monthly payments. Variable-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages have an interest rate that can change over time, usually in relation to an index. These can be a good option if you anticipate a drop in interest rates in the future.
Interest-only mortgages are another option, where you only pay the interest on the loan for a certain period, typically 5 to 10 years, after which you start paying both the principal and interest. This can be beneficial for those who expect their income to increase in the future. Principal and interest mortgages, where you pay off both the interest and the principal loan amount, are the most traditional type of mortgage and can be a good option for those who want to build equity in their home over time.
What Inspections Should Be Completed Before Buying A Home?
Before buying a home, it’s crucial to carry out a few key inspections. A building inspection is essential to check for structural issues, such as problems with the foundation, walls or roof. A pest inspection is also important to look for signs of pests like termites, which can cause significant damage to a property. If you’re buying a unit or apartment, a strata inspection can provide information about the building’s overall condition and any potential liabilities.
It’s also a good idea to have an electrical and plumbing inspection to ensure everything is in working order. These inspections can reveal issues like outdated wiring, faulty plumbing, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. Finally, a land survey can be useful to confirm the property’s boundaries and identify any potential encroachments.
What Are Some Of The Red Flags To Look Out For When Buying A Home?
When buying a home, be on the lookout for issues like structural damage, which could include cracks in the walls or ceilings, uneven floors or doors and windows that don’t close properly. Signs of pest infestation, such as termite damage or rodent droppings, are another major red flag.
Outdated electrical systems can pose a fire risk, while plumbing problems could lead to water damage. Other red flags could include a leaky roof, damp or mould, especially in the bathroom and issues with the title or ownership of the property. It’s also important to pay attention to the neighbourhood, including the quality of nearby schools, the crime rate and the condition of neighbouring properties.
What Are Some Tips For Negotiating The Price Of A Home?
When negotiating the price of a home, it’s important to do your research and know the market. Look at recent sales of similar properties in the area to get an idea of what the home is worth. Don’t be afraid to make a lower offer, especially if the home has been on the market for a while or if there are issues that will require costly repairs.
Always be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right. It can also be helpful to get pre-approved for a mortgage, so you know exactly how much you can afford. Finally, consider hiring a real estate agent who can use their expertise to negotiate on your behalf.
What Contracts Do I Need To Sign When I Buy A Home?
When you buy a home, you’ll need to sign a contract of sale, which outlines the terms and conditions of the purchase, including the price, the settlement date and any conditions such as finance approval or satisfactory building and pest inspections. You may also need to sign a mortgage contract with your lender, which sets out the terms of your loan.
If you’re buying a unit or apartment, a strata contract may also be required. This contract outlines the rules and responsibilities of living in a strata scheme, including maintenance fees and the use of common areas. It’s important to read all contracts carefully and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about anything.
What Happens During The Settlement Process?
The settlement process is when the ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer. This involves finalising the mortgage with your lender, paying any outstanding costs and signing all the necessary paperwork. Your conveyancer or solicitor will typically handle most of the settlement process, including liaising with the seller’s representative, arranging for the payment of fees and ensuring that all legal documents are in order.
Once the settlement process is complete, the seller’s representative will contact you to arrange the collection of the keys to your new home. It’s also a good idea to arrange for the utilities to be connected in your name from the settlement date. After settlement, you’ll be the official owner of the property and can move in at any time.
