deb68

Debs hubby:

We are buying our first house very soon, and we have been approved in principal. Is this the normal way about going house hunting/purchasing here?
Or do we just find a house we like put in a offer then go for finances later?
We are speaking with a local broker in the next couple of days anyway, but just thought i would ask here if any have just been through the process or know of the route to be taken.
Thanks in advance.

HelenTD

Yes, it's normal to speak to the bank or broker first, to get approval in principle, I vaguely remember getting a letter or form from the bank, but that was a while ago and I don't know if they do that now. The whole buying process can be very quick here and it can be hard to stop an offer once it's been accepted, so be careful. Have "fun" house hunting.

irishbloo

Do not sign until you are certain.

deb68

Thanks Helen, whats certain mean irishbloo

irishbloo

Once you put in the offer and you sign and they accept your offer you will find it very hard to back out if you change your mind.Make sure you read the small print.Good luck.

deb68

Thanks again, does that also apply to the seller if they get a better offer after your initial accepted one?

irishbloo

I think they are legally obliged but Im happy to stand corrected.We have only bought once here.Selling houses is expensive here so make sure the house you buy is as close to what you are looking for.Where are you thinking?

fish.01

yes, you make an offer by signing an actual contract of sale. They accept the offer by signing the contact. If they accept it is all over except for a short cooling off period (maybe buyer only ??)....each state can differ but I'm sure you'll confirm this stuff locally.

deb68

Great advice as always from this site, thanks guys.

We are looking at either tapping/carramar/sinagra or Joondalup area now, i prefer the older type of houses (bricks and mortar) where deb and the girls like the newish lego blocks
I want it to be a house where i can put my DIY skills to good use

irishbloo

Ha,thats one of the reasons I said be certain.We bought an older style 5 years ago and are still doing it up.In fact today we looked at each other as we were tackling the backyard and wondered if we should knock it all down and build two.

northernbird

No cooling off period in WA I believe.

northernbird

What is your price range.

deb68

We got the rest of our lives to dig gardens and cut grass
Thanks Northernbird

HelenTD

As the saying goes: the 3 most important things to remember in real estate:

1. location
2. location
3. location

Those first 3 suburbs you listed.

deb68

What does mean in response to the reply i gave please?
Around $550000 Northernbird why?