Buying here from interstate
Keeping up from interstate is a lot. So here's what I'd want you to know if you're buying on the southern Gold Coast or Tweed from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
Get to know the coastline
The stretch from Burleigh Heads to Rainbow Bay and over the border is small on a map, but every suburb has its own feel. Before you get too attached to one listing, tell me how you want your days to look. Your morning walk, the school run, where you'd like to have coffee.
That usually tells me more than a list of bedrooms, and it means I can keep an eye out for you in the right places.
Sort your finance first
Speak with your broker or lender before you start planning flights, so you know your price range and how long your approval lasts. If you need to sell at home first, tell them that too, because it can change your timing.
Ask them to help you work out your total costs, not just the price. Stamp duty is set by the state the home is in, so it may be different from what you're used to at home.
One coast, two sets of rules
The border runs right through this part of the coast. Coolangatta is in Queensland and the Tweed is in New South Wales, so two homes a few minutes apart can come with different contracts, duties and rules.
Choose a conveyancer or solicitor who works in the state you're buying in, and have them ready before you find the home. Ask them how signing and settlement work when you're interstate.
Let me be your eyes on the ground
You don't have to be here for every inspection. I'm out at inspections and talking with local agents every day, so I can go through a home for you and tell you what I see, from first inspection to settlement.
When it's one you really love, it's still lovely to come up and stand in it yourself if you can. We'll make that trip count.
Be ready before it appears
The best homes here often sell quietly, and many never make it to an open home or even online. That means being ready matters as much as being quick.
Have your finance in place, your conveyancer on call and your must-haves clear. Then when something special comes up, you can make a decision with confidence, without rushing.
Tell me what you're looking for. I'd love to hear from you.
This guide is general information only and isn't legal, financial or tax advice. Please speak with your conveyancer, broker or accountant about your own situation.