Buying Tips

The 13 Worst Mistakes made by Home Buyers

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life. Or it can be a roller-coaster ride of financial and emotional devastation. It depends on what you do. And what you do, depends on what you know. Most homebuyers do not have enough accurate knowledge. Worse, many are ill-informed.

This page lists 13 of the worst mistakes made by homebuyers. It suggests, briefly, how to avoid these mistakes so that buying a home will indeed be an exciting and rewarding experience.



Mistake #1: Exceeding your Future Financial Limits
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Financial stress is horrific. It tears families apart. The most important financial question to ask yourself, before you buy a home, is: "What’s the worst that can happen?" What if interest rates rise? What happens if you buy based on two incomes and you lose one income? Think of the future.
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Mistake #2: Buying What You Want Instead of What You Need
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There are TWO kinds of buyers: Those who buy what they want, and those who buy what they need. The public world of materialism is often a private world of financial stress.
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Mistake #3: Ignoring the Extra Costs and the Hidden Costs
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The extra costs of buying a home can add as much as ten percent to your purchase price. In some States, the government stamp duty climbs as high as six percent of the price. 
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Mistake #4: Failing to Research the Area
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There are few things worse than discovering, after you have bought, that you could have bought better. If you intend to live in your home for many years, take some time to check out the area before you buy. 
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What our Clients Say

Just a few words to express to you our appreciation for your efforts in selling our property. It wasn't always easy, but you stuck with it and showed great integrity and dedication. You are a great agent, with outstanding standards and attention to detail.

Ryan Park & Kara Lamond & Lily - Wollongong

 

Our dealings with Jason Hines were nothing short of excellent. Their personal manner, professionalism, punctuality and reliability made him an absolute pleasure to deal with, and we have only praise for his work ethic in every respect. We would personally like to thank all the staff at Peter FitzGerald Real Estate for their hard work and commitment to achieving our desired outcome, and for making our selling experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. They will always be our first point of call for any real estate dealings we have in the future.
Daniel & Natasha Robson
Corrimal

Selling a house is a very stressful experience, especially when the market is so unpredictable. I would like to thank you for making it a less stressful experience for us. You showed us commitment and ongoing confidence that the house would sell. You also kept us up to date each week with what was happening, who was coming through and the comments that were being made about the house. You did not push us into making any changes but gave us valuable advice regarding improving the way we could sell. Thank you for your perseverance and ongoing commitment. We will recommend you as a trusting agent.
Trish & Dave Mallabar
Figtree

Your enthusiasm, professionalism and regular communications were excellent and we thankyou for working on our behalf. The skills you possess were of notable credit and assisted us greatly in being able to realise a more than acceptable outcome.
Kerry & Lorraine Renkema
North Wollongong

We particularly appreciated the amount of contact we had with you throughout the entire period including the follow-up phone calls following inspections and offers on our property. We were very happy with all of our dealings with you and would thoroughly recommend Peter FitzGerald Real Estate to friends, family and acquaintances without hesitation - in fact, we already have!
Mark & Leanne Newsham 
Wollongong

We wish to especially thank Peter FitzGerald Real Estate for the courteous and efficient way that they marketed and sold our property and for their attention to detail.  We would have no hesitation in recommending them to any future sellers.
Sean & Alison Pollard
Unanderra

Naturally, I am delighted that the sale was achieved at almost the asking price and within 3 weeks. However, for you to achieve this outcome and deal with my mother with sensitivity and patience throughout is most gratifying to me. I know the necessity to keep me informed as well as Mum placed additional burden on you and I am very grateful that you maintained that level of communication.
Lynne Townsend
North Wollongong

You capitalised on your extensive knowledge and understanding of the current market trends and although buying and selling property can be distressing, I am pleased to state that such was not the case for me. I would have no hesitation in recommending your organisation to anyone interested in property negotiations. Thank you for all your effort on my behalf and I wish you continuing success.
Aileen Ward
North Wollongong

I appreciated the honesty and integrity shown by Peter FitzGerald Real Estate staff in selling my home.  I have no hesitation in recommending them to family and friends.
June Edwards
Towradgi

In my dealing with Peter FitzGerald Real Estate, I have found them to be helpful and professional. Despite living 5 hrs away our enquiries were always answered promptly with nothing being too much trouble. The stress of selling a property was eliminated through their efficient work practices. My mothers home in Mt St Thomas sold in days and at the full price.
Wendy Maxworthy
Mt St Thomas

We want to thank Peter FitzGerald Real Estate for selling our family's home.  We appreciated your appraisal of the house and  your weekly contacts updating us on how things were going while the house was being sold.  The integrity of the staff shone through in all our dealings and we thank you for giving us outstanding service.
Ray & Genie Cox
Mt St Thomas

We wish to express how extremely impressed we were by the no fuss, honest and professional service provided by Peter FitzGerald Real Estate.  The sale price achieved was above our expectations and the property was sold within days of being put on the market.
John & Faye Black
Mt St Thomas

I would just like to thank the team for an exceptional job in selling my 'not so easy to sell' home unit in an exceptionally tough real estate market. The team put in 100% effort, they kept me constantly updated and informed throughout the whole process and were always confident of getting me the top result, even if I wasn't. The final price exceeded my expectations... I was actually prepared to take less. I had it listed with an agent previously, after being charged over $600.00 for advertising, nothing happened. As soon as I switched to PFRE, things started happening, the team sold my unit and the only payment was they're reasonable agent's fee, which in this case they earned every cent. Once again, many thanks for a job well done.
Phillip Moore
Wollongong

We are very happy with the way you always returned our phone calls promptly, and touching base every 1 or 2 weeks was very re-assuring. We were also impressed with the amount of advertising you did in The Mercury and The Advertiser, and with no cost to us at all, so there was no risk on our part.
Jo & Marco Tremolada
Wollongong

During the past 12 months, we have had the pleasure of both purchasing a home and most recently selling a home through Peter FitzGerald Real Estate. On all occasions, the team were prompt and reliable with their appointments and straight forward with answers and suggestions in both the selling and purchasing process. The staff within the office were always helpful and courteous whenever we contacted the office directly.
M & L Merrick
Gwynneville

We wish to thank Peter FitzGerald Real Estate for bringing a favourable outcome on the sale of our property.  Your willingness to consider our opinions and enter into discussion was much appreciated as was the fact that you worked persistently and kept in regular contact to provide updates.
P. McAlear
Wollongong

It has been a great pleasure working with you again. We have now used you twice and will certainly use you again.
Stephen & Kylie Gass - Keiraville

Thank you so much for your hard work, determination and dedication in successfully negotiating the sale of my property in Smith St, Wollongong. Your sound advice and professional attitude made, what was a traumatic experience for me, so much more bearable. In my opinion, you went above and beyond the 'norm' and I will always be grateful to you for your kindness and assistance.
Susan Clarke - Wollongong

We just wanted a say a big thanks to you for the excellent service that we received from you during the sale of our property. It was a pleasure dealing with you both and we really appreciated the effort you put in to ensuring that the sale of our unit was a successful one.
Rebecca & Shane Harloff - Wollongong

Peter FitzGerald Real Estate always exhibited a high degree of professionalism in their dealings with us. They were pleasant on all occasions and always sought to keep us informed at every stage of the marketing of our property and the negotiations with the purchaser.
David & Maria Hamilton - Mangerton

In appreciation to all staff at Peter FitzGerald Real Estate, we have no hesitation in recommending them for future business. We found them to be very professional, genuine and thorough. We were always notified 'well in advance' for inspections and notified promptly thereafter, 'whatever the outcome'. We also liked the Jenman approved ethics they trade by.
Adrian & Denise Cooney - Mangerton

It is my pleasure to write a personal recommendation for Peter FitzGerald Real Estate. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into selling my home, if ever I need a real estate to work for me again, I would look no further than Peter FitzGerald.
Karen & Rudy Zaini - Mt Ousley

Thank you for securing the sale of our property and making it a relatively pain-free experience. We chose Peter FitzGerald Real estate to sell our property because you had none of the traits of the 'stereotypical' Agency. You proved us right. We found you were honest with us throughout the entire process and acted always with the utmost integrity.
Louise Leaver & Aidan Burke - Figtree

I was kept up to date with the progress on all aspects of the sale. With the use of your up-to-date market knowledge and research, our property was placed and targeted at the right market, resulting in a quick sale at the price we wanted. I would recommend your services to any person considering selling.
Megan Kennedy - Woonona

In the two years that we were looking to purchase a property, we met a lot of real estate agents in the course of viewing properties. Peter FitzGerald Real Estate's professional and sincere approach, made them stand out amongst many of their peers. When selling our property, potential buyers were shown through at our convenience and we never felt pressured.
Rob & Jai Berwick - North Wollongong

Peter FitzGerald Real Estate recently helped us sell our property and kept us fully informed at all times to the progress of the sale. I would describe them as professional, polite and skilled in both negotiation and sales technique. I would be happy to be contacted by anyone wishing a personal reference.
Cheryl Pitt - Fairy Meadow

I knew we had made the right choice of agent when you sent us along to hear Neil Jenman speak. I found the Jenman system, that features a contract aimed to looking after the vendor rather than the agent, to be very re-assuring. I always felt that you had my best interests at heart and I appreciate how you went beyond the call of duty for me. Most importantly of course, you got the price I wanted for my house.
Chris Pollard - Corrimal

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Peter FitzGerald for their wonderful service. Not only in dealing with our Wollongong rental, but in the eventual sale of our property. Their longevity and experience in the industry reflected in the care they took in dealing with out property.
Shellie & Jay Eastly - Wollongong

I could not have asked for a more professional, dedicated and courteous team to sell my property. You kept me informed and updated at all times regarding the progress of the sale. Your professional attitudes, service and advice was always there when I needed it.
Margaret Leece - Mangerton

Just a few words to express to you our appreciation for your efforts in selling our property. It wasn't always easy, but you stuck with it and showed great integrity and dedication. You are a great agent, with outstanding standards and attention to detail.
Ryan Park & Kara Lamond & Lily - Wollongong

Your professional attitude, help, service and advice made our sales experience a positive one. Your hard work, dedication and commitment ensured us of the right buyer for our property. We thank your team and look forward to our new journey as 'Home Owners'.
Meikell & Daryl McCreadie - Mangerton

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and acknowledge all staff who had a part to play in both leasing and selling my property in London Drive. I will strongly recommend your business to family and friends, making them aware that you stand on and practice morals and ethics in real estate. I look forward to a continued business relationship.
Gloria Dalla Valle - West Wollongong

Being interstate, the whole selling process seemed extremely daunting, but with your expertise it became effortless. We also appreciate your liaising with all other parties (ie. buyers, tenants, conveyancer etc) on our behalf. Having originally purchased my unit through Peter FitzGerald's almost 8 years ago, your company's 'Valued Customer' practices of waiving your commission on our sale, have placed you well ahead and beyond all your competitors.
Kerri & Alfons Graff - Wollongong

What I love about this agency is that they don't waste time, they only show interested parties through your property. And as a result you know that the people looking at your home are there for the sole reason to purchase it! No sticky beaks, no potential thieves eyeing off your personal belonging, just genuine people looking for their dream.
Brett David Souter - Wollongong

I wish to convey to you and your very capable staff, my thanks and appreciation for their hard work and diligence, which resulted in a very satisfactory price being achieved for the sale. The staff were very professional in all aspects of the sale, I was continually kept advised of developments as the sale proceeded and I was treated with respect and courtesy when showing prospective buyers through the unit.
Ian Foye - North Wollongong

Right from the start we knew that Peter FitzGerald was different to other Real Estate agents. Not only did they achieve above the price we required to sell, they also gave outstanding service, made you feel like you were the only customer they were dealing with, went the extra mile, was always contactable for any questions and even advice on purchasing a new home, and was extremely trustworthy and honest (which other real estate agents find terribly hard to do)
Philip Fleming & Joanne Horton - Wollongong

Your professionalism and dedication enabled a quick sale. I was particularly pleased with the fact that you kept in touch and your support instilled confidence during the sale process.
H. Mallowes - Wollongong

We found Peter FitzGerald Real Estate to be very straight, ethical and knowledgeable as well as the nicest and happiest agent we've met. Our townhouse was sold after having it on the market for only 3 weeks and got us the highest price (more than we thought). I have and will continue to advise anyone that we know of selling or buying to talk to them.
Amanda, Matt & Kasey Welsh - East Corrimal

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