Buying a home for the first time is going to be an experience that you’ll always remember and one that will likely leave quite a big mark on your life. You’ll remember how you felt when you first opened the doors to the sales gallery of the developer after stumbling upon an ad of a house you kinda liked. With the awkward, yet curious butterflies in your stomach that are fluttering around, you nervously put your foot in and push the door open. But what should you expect on your first visit? Well, read on and we’ll make sure you’re clear on the experience you deserve and should receive!

 

A Great Welcome

Even if you’re just surveying for fun, a warm welcome from the staff in the sales gallery is an absolute must. When you walk into the gallery, a great experience begins by feeling comfortable with the staff that’s attending to you. If the staff is ever rude, feel free to walk away. They don’t deserve you. Never let them take away an experience that’s supposed to be one that you should always remember.

 

The Best Service

At this point, the sales consultant will begin to provide a little history about the project or township, where it’s located, and the major highways. They will bring you around the sales gallery to show you their scale model which is a mini model of the home or township. Render images of the home will also be shown to you and a brochure will usually be given as well! Some developers will also have a show unit to bring you around and this will give you the opportunity to feel the space physically. So take the time to walk around and really imagine yourself living there. While you roam around, you can always feel free to ask about anything, even some privacy to view the unit on your own.  After all, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Remember, you’re buying your first home and if you’re ever unsure of anything, it is entirely your right to bombard the consultant with any questions that will help you understand the home and project better. Some great questions to ask are:

These questions will help you understand the project and home so much better. And if the consultant is being attentive and patiently answering and educating you about the project. You’ll feel satisfied knowing that you’ve asked all that you can. So once you’re satisfied with the answers that the consultant has given you, here’s the next step that you should take.

 

Step-By-Step Guidance

Being able to afford the home of your dreams is important. You shouldn’t have to kill yourself over a loan that’s going to give you a hard time. There is nothing wrong with going for a home that’s more affordable and within your budget range because in the end, it’s just a place to live. It only becomes a home when you bring your life into it, and that’s what makes it beautiful. 

 

At this step, your sales consultant should explain how much the home would cost and break down the figures for you. As a first-time homebuyer, you can be eligible for a 90% loan financing based on certain factors such as your age and salary. With the 90% loan financing, your sales consultant will calculate the total amount and estimated interest, and the monthly repayment $$$ for your loan installment will then be shown to you.

 

To check if you can afford the homes, the sales consultant would request for your permission to obtain your IC details for a credit report that’s going to show all your commitments and payment history. This is necessary as it will give you a better idea of whether you’ll be able to afford the home, and is what banks would also use to assess your loan application. This check will be called a Credit Report and it is done either by CTOS or CCRIS. More info on credit checks here! 

 

After you’ve seen your credit report, your sales consultant should explain how to look at it and whether you’ll be able to afford the home based on the loan installment. The really good ones will also tell you how to improve your credit report if it doesn’t look so good at that point in time.  Here’s where you can also ask if there are any additional costs that you should prepare for or if the developer is offering any rebates or promotions! Some developers will help cover certain costs to encourage you to purchase from them and help first-time homebuyers, so always remember to ask! You can find out more about hidden or the extra costs that come with buying a home here.

 

You’re nearly done with your visit! But once again I will stress, ask all that you need, and want to. Throw the sales consultant any question about the home, project, and loan financing. As part of the frontline advocate for the company, the sales consultant should give you the best experience ever. They are the ones selling the home to you, so don’t be shy! The developer should be proud that they have a first-time homebuyer who is willing to trust them with their life savings and the experience that you should get in return should be the 3 A’s: Amazing, Attentive, and Accommodating. But even if the service that they have given you hits all the right notes, don’t be afraid to think about it over. This decision is not a small one. In fact, the first home that you’re ever going to purchase is going to be the biggest and the most prized even. It’s definitely going to cost way more than that rock on the finger.

 

So take your time, think it over, and plan how you can afford this home with your current commitments. Take all the time you need and don’t feel pressured.. And while you’re thinking about it, do your research. Search thoroughly online, check out the competitors in the area, drive around the community to get a feel of it, and ask for advice from your loved ones who have purchased a home before. If the price is right and you’re comfortable with your decision, then go for it! A home with the right price tag is one that’ll be snatched up easily. So while you mull over the decision, be firm about it. But if you’re ever in need of some advice on homes from your friendly neighborhood gal, I’m always here to help.