A New Home?

Are you thinking of buying your first home?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, first home owners are taking out 28% of the value of all home loans with an average loan of $283,400.  For many this is a life-long commitment so it’s important to make sure that you don’t over commit yourself. As well as advice from parents and friends, it’s wise to do a bit of independent research.

The Federal Government has a most informative site, Your Home Buyer’s Guide. There is a booklet that you are able to download or order online as well as a 10 point list  that looks at the process you will need to go through, especially if you are intent on building. The list of links on the Resources page is also impressive.

The Australian Institute of Architects (Archicentre) has a number of fact sheets such as a DIY Checklist for Homebuyers that you are able to download as well as a free ebook called The HouseHunt Ebook. Obviously there are other sites out there that will have useful information as well. While many are hosted by real estate or finance companies, the information can be quite useful.

Don’t forget that TAFE NSW offers mainstream courses in Building & Construction as well as TAFE PLUS courses for Owner Builders. Remember too, that there are lots of resources available to be borrowed from your local campus library. Check the NSW TAFE Library catalogue to see what is available.

Comments