First-home buyer still believes in the Australian dream of owning a home
Swetta Libera has been looking tirelessly for six months to find her first home. Despite a hit to her borrowing capacity and soaring interest rate hikes, she hasn’t lost hope.
Property
Don't miss out on the headlines from Property. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Swetta Libera is still searching for her first home six months after she started her hunt looking anywhere from Cranbourne to Pakenham.
In that time the 23-year-old’s borrowing capacity has been cut by three separate interest rate hikes, but she hasn’t lost hope thanks to advice from her mortgage broker and unwavering support from her parents.
RELATED: Big shift in best Melbourne areas for investors: Hotspotting
Where Melbourne downsizers can find value for money
Warning to fence-sitting home seekers this spring
“I’m very fortunate in the sense that I have my parents backing me up and supporting me 100 per cent,” Ms Libera said.
“Even though it’s very competitive, you just have to stay on top of your game and keep looking until you find something that you’re happy with.”
She advised others to narrow their search and to only go to open homes that ticked both your financial and lifestyle boxes, the ones “you’re really keen on”.
Ms Libera added that even missing out on homes still meant you were going through the motions, which would define better what you were looking for.
“You create your checklist. So when you create your checklist, the more houses you look at, it’s easier to narrow down your searches,” she said.
Ms Libera suggested other first home buyers on the hunt for home should remain open-minded, but not to expect to find something straightaway.
“My philosophy and my family’s philosophy is if it’s meant to be, it will happen and it will come your way,” she said.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Melbourne home of the architect of Canberra for sale
Lost star puts Peninsula house up for sale
Live like a ‘70s pilot in Bob Ansett-built pad
sarah.petty@news.com.au
First look: New Coast shopping centre for surprise site
A long-empty site in a surprise location will be transformed into a retail showroom complex under fresh plans lodged with the council. FIND OUT WHERE
Revealed: How much rent you need to pay in every Qld suburb
Rents have increased again in 252 Queensland suburbs, reversing the brief downward trend recorded just three months ago. See how your suburb compares!