Book excerpt: Created especially for the Australian customer! Learn to: Find the perfect property for you Finance your dream Choose from an established home, brand-new property or a 'fixer-upper' Get your foot on the property ladder! Open the book and find: Strategies for getting your deposit together Pros and cons of buying a period home What's involved with becoming an owner–builder Pitfalls to consider when buying 'off the plan' How to secure a home loan if you're self-employed Tactics to beat the auctioneersat their own game Unearth your dream home and negotiate the mortgage maze Do you search property websites, wondering whether a particular property could be your dream home? Do you feel like you're wasting money on rent but are confused by the world of real estate — and real estate agents? Relax! This practical guide covers all aspects of buying property, from buying a piece of history to building from scratch to signing on the dotted line. Work out whether you're ready to buy — find out whether you're ready for the commitment of buying property, financially and psychologically Focus in on the right property for you — determine your 'must haves' and 'like to haves', and whether you'll need to make a trade-off between these and your preferred location Decide what kind of property you want — discover if your best option is to buy off the plan, find an established property or build yourself Deal with property professionals — cut through real estate agent spin and understand how buyers' agents work Find the right finance — choose the home loan that suits you and your finances Negotiate a great deal — move smoothly through the buying and settlement process, whether buying at auction or through private treaty sale