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Current News!

A Quick Guide to First-Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is as exciting as it can be nerve-wracking. A poor decision can affect a person’s financial stability for years to come, and emotion can often get in the way if expectations are greater than the funds available. For the inexperienced, it is vital to gather information and seek professional legal assistance before signing anything binding.

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What is Stamp Duty? – an Obsolete Name for Transfer Duty

It appears that time has moved on and the answer to the question “what is stamp duty?” is that the name has changed to transfer duty, although the general purpose of the duty remains the same. It is a duty levied by the state government on transfers of property and vehicles, and, in its current form, is governed by the Duties Act 2001.

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Using a Professional Conveyancing Firm Takes the Worry out of Settlement

The sale or purchase of any property is a complex process that requires extensive legal experience and co-ordination. By using a professional conveyancing firm to handle the document preparation, title and government authority searches and arrange the settlement, the client can feel confident that their legal rights are being protected.

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Signs of Life in the Current Real Estate Market

While the current real estate market is sluggish and patchy, with some areas doing well and others with little movement, some indicators are showing the beginning of a recovery for 2012. There are positive and negative factors still in play, but overall, the signs are optimistic.

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No Nasty Surprises with House and Land Packages

House and land packages have made the purchase of a brand new home simple and removed some of the guess work about how the property will look when it’s finished. Often the owner can visit a display village and see a range of homes already completed and furnished, making choices of floor plans and décor a breeze.

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Interest Rates – Are We Taking Too Much Notice?

There is no doubting the effect that a rise or fall in interest rates can have on the overall economy, which is why the Reserve Bank likes to use them to control inflation. However, there are other influencers that also need to be looked at to get an overall picture, which are often overlooked.

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Why Finance Pre-Approval Puts You in Control

If you’re looking to buy a new house, before you even break out the classifieds and start lawn shopping, it’s best to first obtain financing pre-approval. The benefits of a financing pre-approval are varied, but at the heart of the matter lays one simple fact: there’s nothing more disheartening than being turned down for financing after you’ve finally found the home of your dreams.

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