Property isn't only for old money.

Eight steps. The same ones a buyer's agent follows.

From “how much can I actually spend?” to the day you get the keys. Built on the official buyer's agent training, and shaped to the rules of the state you're buying in.

1. 1Your brief and your limitBefore you look at a single home: what you need, what you can really spend, written down.
2. 2Finding homesWhere the good ones are (not always online), and how to read a listing like a pro.
3. 3Inspect and compareWhat cracks, damp and termites really look like, and how to score a home against your brief.
4. 4What is it really worth?The asking price is a hope. Here's how professionals work out what a home is actually worth.
5. 5The rules that protect youThe rules in your state, the ones people break anyway, and who to call when they do.
6. 6Negotiate and bidPick your walk-away number before anyone else picks it for you. Then offer, or bid, calmly.
7. 7Off the plan and new buildsBuying something that doesn't exist yet? Read this before you sign.
8. 8Settlement and keysThe last few weeks, where buyers relax and things go wrong. Then the keys.