Top 7 Budget Holiday Destinations When Building Your First Home.

It can feel like a long time between signing the paper work to build and finally moving into your new home. And even though it’s an exciting time, there are a lot of decisions to be made and things that need to be taken care of.

That’s why more and more couples are taking Homebuilder Holidays – affordable mini escapes that can help you reset, refresh and clear your mind. Here are a few of our top picks that give you the break you deserve, without breaking the bank.

Bridgetown

A three hour drive from Perth, Bridgetown has been dubbed WA’s winter capital, but it’s a beautiful spot to visit anytime of the year. There’s a great mix of bed and breakfasts, farmstays and private lodgings available, all nestled within prime bushwalking and nature-spotting country. The town itself is full of country character and charm with lots of local producers and craftspeople. There is something for the whole family here with lots of outdoor activities, funky shops and wineries and is the only town the in Southwest awarded heritage status by the National Trust.

The Perth Hills

Closer to home, but far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped the daily grind, the Perth Hills region caters for couples and families wanting to get away from it all. The Perth Hills Discovery Centre is your family-friendly gateway to camping in the area. Located among the many walking and cycling trails in the area, the site is already equipped with BBQs, picnic tables, hot showers and toilets – all you need to do is bring your own tent and food. If camping isn’t what you’re looking for, Mundaring and Kalamunda offer some cozy bed and breakfasts and lodges, along with restaurants, cosy pubs and attractions.

Pemberton

Often overlooked, Pemberton really is a special place just 3.5hrs drive from Perth. You’ll find a great range of places to stay here, as well as a host of activities to take you away from, like Glouster National Park or for those that want to take it easy, Pemberton Tramway. Home to forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as well as access to cycling and hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to get active and outdoorsy. Pemberton’s also blessed with some world-class wineries and great food – the perfect reward after a day’s adventuring.

Rottnest Island

There’s a reason why Rottnest is at the top of the list for anyone visiting WA. This stunning island paradise is just 20-30 minutes from Perth by ferry, and boasts some of Australia’s best snorkeling beaches, scuba diving and fishing locations.

Pick the right time of year, and the right days of the week, and you’ll be surprised by some of the deals on offer. Accommodation on the island has improved over the years and Rottnest still manages to retain that sense of peace and calm that make it a great place to unwind with friends and family.

Dunsborough and Margaret River

The favourite of weekend trippers, you can make a trip to Margaret River and Dunsborough as decadent or as basic as you like. You’ll find every type of outdoor activity imaginable under the sun, nestled among picturesque countryside that takes in everything from lush forests to beautiful beaches. Similarly, your stay here can be as action packed or steadily paced as your mind and body see fit. But whatever mood you’re in, you stay won’t be complete without a visit to at least one world class winery, brewery or restaurant. Chances are you’ll want to make that weekend getaway an extended long weekend stay instead.

The Swan Valley

If you’re not up for the drive down south, the Swan Valley is a great place to spend a relaxing night or two. From the more luxurious Colony at Mandoon Estate to dozens of quaint bed and breakfast, there is a place for every taste and budget.

It also happens to be Perth’s premium food and wine destination. Follow the Food and Wine trail to explore over 150 wineries, cellar door tastings, breweries, galleries, restaurants and gourmet food producers. You’ll also find other unique attractions, including paintballing, Supa Golf and our very own wildlife sanctuary, Caversham Wildlife Park.

Our very own city of Perth

Whether you work in the city, or stop in occasionally, actually spending a night or two in Perth will give you a whole new appreciation of our capital. The recent development of Yagan Square connecting the city to Northbridge has transformed the area into a bustling and fun place to spend an afternoon or evening. High end restaurants compete with funky laneway bars and quirky eateries to give you a range of dining options. And the area’s hotel boom means you’ve got no excuse when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay. From the luxurious Crown Towers and Aloft at Burswood, to the COMO Treasury, Alex Hotel, and the new Melbourne and Intercontinental Hotels, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from home.

WA Housing Centre has a range of specialists to help you get into a new house and land package quickly and easily and to guide you through the process.

Not sure if you are eligible for a home and land package loan? Get in touch with us and see if you qualify.

Article Source: Top 7 Budget Holiday Destinations When Building Your First Home.

How to Get into Your First Home Sooner

We know. Buying your first home can feel like it’s out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be. There’s a number of simple things you can do to speed up the process.

Browse through these simple tips and you’ll be choosing paint swatches and shopping for furniture before you know it!

Save, Save, Save

Yep. You’ve heard it before. And it’s hard to do when money’s tight. But there’s a few things you can consider. Start with the simple things, like eating out one night less a week. Buy one less round at the bar, or cancel a TV or music streaming service which you’ve stopped using.

Have you cut all extra expenses from your budget and that’s still not enough to save for a deposit? At WA Housing Centre we can help, for us no deposit is no problem. Click here for more info.

Get in early

When developers release new estates, they’re sometimes priced a little lower to get sales moving. You’ll often see prices creep up when new suburbs start to fill in and established facilities and parks are created. So, if you’re thinking of building, getting in early can potentially save you thousands.

Be Realistic

Your first house doesn’t have to be your forever house. Getting your own place is a foot onto the property ladder and a big achievement. It’s okay to not have 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms from day 1. However, at WA Housing Centre we have a huge range of modern designs to suit everyone’s requirements.

Just make sure you’re happy with the repayments you’re making and have enough left over to live comfortably.

Haggle a bit

In property, everything’s negotiable.

Don’t be afraid to make an offer under the asking price. You can always increase your offer later. Who knows, you might even save a few thousand dollars by being cheeky.

Mum, Dad…Help!

It’s okay to ask Mum and Dad for help if you haven’t already. When you’re set to move out of home or you’ve had enough of renting, Mum and Dad may be able to help out a little.

In some cases, your parents’ home could be used as a guarantee on your loan. This can potentially save you thousands in something called lenders mortgage insurance or LMI.

Speak to someone about finance

Start to get your finances in order as much as possible. If you can pay down car loan or credit cards, you’ll quickly become more attractive to banks and lenders for a home loan.

Then, when you’re ready to go looking at places, talk to your lender about getting pre-approval. This means you know how much you can spend on a property and gives you more bargaining power.

WA Housing Centre has a range of specialists to help you get into a new house and land package quickly and easily and to guide you through the process.

Not sure if you are eligible for a home and land package loan? Get in touch with us and see if you qualify.

Article Source: How to Get into Your First Home Sooner

First Home Buying Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Once you’ve gone through the process of buying a home, it’s easy to spot the mistakes you may have made along the way. But as a first homebuyer, the mix of inexperience and the excitement of buying your first home can make you oblivious to some common mistakes.

Luckily, if you work with your builder they can provide some guidance and crucial advice about financing your new home. Let their experience help you make your first home buying process less stressful.

Check your credit

Asking your builder broker about getting a credit report prior to applying for your loan can be a great idea and a great investment. With close to 1 in 10 Australians having a credit listing that may affect the loan buying process, finding out where you stand financially couldn’t be more important. Not only can your builder broker help you check your credit to make sure you’re in good shape for your first home loan, they can explain all the details of your report so you know where you stand before you build.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Loans

Choosing a loan that is right for you and your family can be an intimidating process for the first-home buyer without the proper guidance. Learning about the different options available and which terms and conditions work best for your situation can be difficult for first homebuyers to face on their own. By speaking with an experienced builder broker, they can address your concerns and questions while ensuring you get the best loan and that fits your budget. By having the right financing and knowing your borrowing capacity, you can make your family’s new home possible without breaking the bank.

Get your pre-approval

When you start the process of looking for your dream home, it’s important to know your options for budgeting and planning. By speaking with an experienced builder broker, you can learn your capacity for weekly repayments and start the process of putting together the perfect house and land package right away.

At the WA Housing Centre, we think buying a new home should be a fun experience. So we’ve made the process as simple as 1, 2, 3! A little help can go a long way when you’re going in blind, so why not take our hand and we’ll guide you through every step of the process?

As Perth’s first home builder specialists, we’re here to make it easy, from securing hassle-free finance to finding your perfectly located block and the home of your dreams.

Plus, with the WA Housing Centre’s loan calculator you can find out exactly how much you can borrow to build your first home. And with Home and Land packages available from $230* a week, owning your own home has never been easier, or more affordable.

Article Source: First Home Buying Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid