"Don't Stint on Quality"

The Sunday Times, Home Magazine, 9th August

When a decision is taken to build, it's more important than ever to have an experienced builder you can trust to guide you through the building process, says Dale Alcock.

Our current economic environment has presented first homebuyers with a number of challenges when it comes to understanding the housing market and getting finance. I've answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help would-be buyers make sense of today's market.

We're building and I'm unsure about finance, where do I start?

Ensure your builder has a strong connection with a number of finance options and, particularly, a good reputation with Keystart, the WA Government's initiative to help provide low-deposit home loans for first homebuyers. Also, check that the building company has the ability to offer house-and-land packages that will meet all the relevant criteria for Keystart or any other lender.

I'm not totally sure what I can really afford. How do I set a realistic budget?

It's important to find a builder who will help you to be realistic about your options from the outset. Don't be misled about what is affordable or realistic. A common pitfall id for first homebuyers to have their hopes and dreams built up, only to be disappointed at a later stage. A responsible builder would never allow this.

Be sure to find a builder who will enhance the potential for future growth in the equity of the property, particularly when the time comes to upgrade it.

In other words, opt for quality - it will stand the test of time.

What is happening about the First Home Owners Boost?

If you want to access the $21,000 government boost it's imperative that you act now because the boost ends on September 30.

Are there any other important questions I should be asking?

Find out if your builder has the ability to offer ready built homes. These new homes are all set for owners to move into, complete with floor coverings, quality fixtures and finishings and fully landscaped gardens.

The bonus is that they are priced affordably to meet first homebuyers' criteria and brand-new homes also qualify for the full $21,000 First Home Owners Boost.