Buying a Home in the Current Market: What I’d Tell My Best Friend

Buying a home right now can feel overwhelming. The market is fast, competitive and constantly changing — and if you’re not prepared, it’s easy to miss out on great opportunities.

If my best friend rang me today and said, “I’m ready to buy — what do I actually need to do?” this is exactly what I’d tell them.

Get Your Finances Organised Before You Start Looking

Before you step foot into an open home, you need clarity around your numbers.

Speak to a Mortgage Broker or Lender Early

A broker helps you understand:

• How much you can realistically borrow
• What your repayments will look like
• Any grants or incentives you may qualify for

Secure Written Pre-Approval

Pre-approval shows agents and sellers that you’re serious and ready to move. In competitive situations, this can make your offer far more appealing.

Create a Clear Property Buying Plan

Scrolling listings without a plan leads to confusion and disappointment.

Define Your Non-Negotiables

Know what you must have, such as:

• Number of bedrooms
• Location or school catchment
• Budget limit

Be Clear on Your Flexibility

Decide where you can compromise — renovation potential, layout, or block size — so you don’t rule out great opportunities unnecessarily.

Understand the Market You’re Buying In

In today’s market, asking prices don’t always reflect final sale prices.

Focus on Sold Data, Not Just Listings

Look at:

• Comparable properties sold in the last 3–6 months
• Similar homes in the same suburb or street
• Market trends, not just advertised prices

This research helps you make confident, informed offers.

Stay Organised During Your Property Search

Most buyers underestimate how important organisation is.

Track Every Property You Inspect

Keep notes on:

• What you loved
• What didn’t work
• Price expectations
• Comparable sales

This makes decision-making much easier when emotions are high.

How to Make an Offer That Gets Accepted

Price matters — but it’s not the only factor sellers consider.

What Sellers Are Really Looking For

• Buyers who are prepared and decisive
• Flexible settlement terms
• Fewer conditions
• Confidence that the sale will go through

Ways to Strengthen Your Offer

• Provide proof of pre-approval
• Be flexible with settlement dates where possible
• Keep conditions clear and realistic
• Communicate well through the agent

A clean, well-structured offer can beat a higher price with more conditions.

Understand the Offer Process Before You Begin

Knowing the process helps avoid surprises and stress.

• Offers can be verbal or written, but written is always clearer
• A deposit may be required to show commitment
• The seller can negotiate or accept another offer until contracts are exchanged

Having a conveyancer or solicitor ready before you offer is a huge advantage.

Be Ready to Act — Without Rushing the Decision

Good properties don’t always last long, but that doesn’t mean you should panic.

Know your limit, trust your research and be ready to act when the right property comes along — while remembering there will always be another opportunity if this one doesn’t work out.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Is Your Biggest Advantage

Buying a home in the current market isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation, strategy and confidence.

If you get organised early, understand the market and approach your offers thoughtfully, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to succeed.

Be prepared before you fall in love — and ready before you make an offer.