Berwick
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DON’T LET THEM SEDUCE YOU HOME BUYERS
GUIDE MAT SUCKLING DIRECTOR OF RMS HOMES Given my bias is towards the building industry specifically, I am going to discuss with you the things to look out for with builders and the various questions to ask to ensure you are getting the best value deal for the most affordable price possible. First home buyers make up the demographic that is the most commonly underrepresented in the market and, unfortunately, the segment which is most taken advantage of. Our industry has developed a bit of a used car salesman type of reputation. Most of it is unfounded - some bad experiences for some don’t equate for others (this goes for all builders). The first piece of advice I have is to not be seduced on price. If you are low balling builders on price, expect a cheap product lacking quality and finishes. You buy a brand-new car from a reputable brand because of its perceived quality so why would you compromise your home for price? It is something I will never understand, but I am never short of amazed how people believe they are getting a better deal at a cheap price. If you are going to be seduced on price point, the odds are going to be heavily
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Narre Warren South 51 Armitage Drive
weighted against you in terms of inclusions. To start with most builders advertising a low price point are going to skimp on site cost allowances which means a provisional allowance for site extras after you sign your build contract. Once they complete full soil investigations, nine times out of 10 you will be hit with some sort of site cost variation. Those of you who intend to build in the south-eastern suburbs should be mindful that the usual requirement for site classifications is an H class slab. Almost every builder allows for only an M class so you will be looking at a minimum of $5000 in extras before you have discussed what is allowed inside (or more to the point, what is not allowed inside) your home. Sticking with the external inclusions (or exclusions), be mindful there is no point in building a house without a driveway included. Concrete is expensive and builders get their cube rate supplied at a much lower rate than what a subcontracted concreter is going to charge the general public. Secondly, most land estates these days require you to have a concrete driveway installed prior to occupation of the home. Bank finance is still relatively cheap so it is important to include these items in your build contract - it won’t affect your repayment by any more than $5 per week!
Narre Warren 10 Shiraz Crescent
For auction.
9707 0556
Sunday 25 June at 2:30pm
56-58 High Street, Berwick obrienrealestate.com.au Alistair Boyle 0488 588 894 Daniel Boyle 0488 788 894
• 4 large bedrooms, master located at rear • Central kitchen with window splashback • Landscaped gardens, outdoor resort style living & spa • Side access to stow away your boat/ caravan or trailer
F4 G2 H2 I1
Narre Warren 28 Murdoch Avenue
For sale.
8794 0500
For auction.
8794 0500
$550,000 - $605,000
Office S1003 Fountain Gate SC , Narre Warren obrienrealestate.com.au Steve Harrison 0407 800 915 Andrew Ward 0439 966 300
Saturday 1 July at 11am
Office S1003 Fountain Gate SC , Narre Warren obrienrealestate.com.au Steve Harrison 0407 800 915 Andrew Ward 0439 966 300
• 3 bedroom home, a large lounge room • Functional kitchen, 2 renovated bathrooms Complete with secure tenant, this home is the perfect nest egg just a short drive to Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.
F3 G2 H2
• • • •
3 bed, 2 bath with solar & dlug Open plan lounge & attractive timber kitchen Large gabled pergola & manicured yard Short drive to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre & Monash Freeway access
F3 G2 H2