Spooked by confusing advice on what to look for when you buy a home?

Check out our 8 tips to avoid any grave mistakes that could come back to haunt you.

1. Look for signs of trouble

Is the home filled with strange drafts, creaks and groans? It could be a sign that something sinister is going on with the building. Arrange a pre-purchase building inspection to be sure the place doesn’t have major faults and avoid any nasty surprises later on.

2. Do things go bump in the night?

Check out the property at different times – not just during open home inspections. It’s a great way to get a feel for what you’re really buying.

3. Don’t be spellbound by the décor

The seller is likely to present the property in the best possible way – the place may even be professionally styled. Don’t let slick furnishings sell you. Look past the décor and furniture, which might not be included in the sale, and think about whether you could comfortably live in the home long term.

4. Are there critters already living there?

Creepy crawlies could be highly destructive, and expensive to banish especially when it comes to bugs like termites. Arrange a pre-purchase pest report, it can sometimes be combined with a building inspection.

5. Beware of the jack-o-lanterns

Keep an eye out for homes where all the interior lights are switched on during daytime inspections. It may be a telltale sign of poor natural lighting, and that could mean high power bills.

6. Not enough room to swing a black cat?

Consider if the home is big enough for your needs. Will your furniture fit in the rooms? Does it have enough space for your present and future needs? This is especially important if you’re planning a family or have young children who need room to move as they grow.

7. Make sure there’s nothing sinister in the contract

It’s a good idea to get your legal rep to cast their eye over the contract of sale before you buy a home. It could feature clauses that work in the seller’s favour – not yours.

8. Sort out your home loan before you buy

Your home loan is too important to leave to chance, so skip the 4-leaf clovers and other good luck charms, and go straight to Aussie. You’ll get straightforward help on what you can afford to borrow, with all your questions answered so you can feel comfortable about how the home loan process works.

Buying a home can be a lot less scary with an Aussie Broker in your corner.