Home buyer's checklist

The key to purchasing your first home is being prepared. You can print this checklist and use it to ensure you've covered all bases.

1. Am I eligible for the First Home Buyers Grant?
   • Go to www.firsthome.gov.au 
2. Where do I want to live?
   • I know what area I want to buy in.
   • I have checked with the local agents and know the most recent sales figures.
   • I have a good estimate of the price range I can afford.
3. What are my current income and debt commitments?
   • I have calculated my household's net monthly incomes and monthly expenses.
   • I have factored in any expected changes to these incomes in the future.
   • I know the maximum amount my household can afford to repay on a monthly basis? 
4. What are my current savings?
   • I know my household's current savings total and how long it's taken to save it.
   • I have factored in any gifts or assistance from other parties. 
5. What do I look for in a loan?
   • I have called Opportune on 1300 556 349.
   • I have found out the maximum amount I can borrow.
   • I know what I'm looking for in a loan.
   • I know how long it takes to get pre-approval.
   • I have found out if the home loan company can get the deposit bond for me.
   • I have ensured my lender can process the First Home Owners Grant for me. 
6. What do I need when looking for a property?
   • I have my pre-approval ready - subject to contract and valuation.
   • I have advised the local agents that I am interested in purchasing a new property and that I have obtained pre-approval.
   • I have advised my family and friends that I am looking to buy in case they know of someone selling privately.
   • I have arranged a conveyancer that will be ready when I find a property. 
7. What do I do when I've found my property?
   • I have made contact with my conveyancer.
   • I have arranged a five-day cooling off period so I can arrange the pest and building reports and the valuation requirement for formal approval from my lender.
   • I have got the First Home Owners Grant application. 
8. What do I need to do to apply for the First Home Owners Grant (FHOGS) and Stamp Duty Exemptions?
   • I have completed the FHOGS application and signed where necessary.
   • I have provided a copy of the signed front page of the contract and a certified copy of my birth certificate.
   • I have checked with my lender about where and when I send this information. 
9. What to do to get ready for settlement?
   • I know the settlement date.
   • I have gone through the property prior to settlement to ensure everything is there as per the contract.
   • I have arranged for a removalist for the big move.