Finding Your Home-Sweet-Home in Sydney

I've written about the cost of housing in Sydney in previous entries.  Now that you're past the shock of what you'll pay for housing, we can move on to actually finding your dream home or apartment!  There are numerous amazing places to live in around Sydney. The key is to figure out first what area you want to live in and then go to as many house showings as you can.  Here's my step-by-step plan:

1. Breathe, you will find a place to live.  Hopefully you have temporary accommodations for at least 2 weeks to give you some space to look.  Or maybe you're making a pre-trip before moving over the entire family to find a place.  Most places will have the intention of people moving in as soon as they can, or they have a 2 week window before someone can move in.  Rarely will you find places that are listed for a move-in later than a few weeks.
2. Figure out the area or areas you want to focus on.  There are so many properties out there, so definitely narrow it down to your top couple of spots.  If you have a relocation agent, they can assist you in this department. We began by driving around the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West, and the Lower North Shore. We had a meal in each of those spots and looked for parks, restaurants, shopping etc. I was definitely keeping my eyes out for parents walking around with strollers and sensing the "vibe". It was also important to us that my hubby would have a 20 minute or less commute from work on public transport. That helped us to pick the Lower North Shore and then eventually the suburb we live in.
3. Agree to a budget and stick to it (keep in mind that rent is usually listed by week, not month).  Don't be tempted to look at properties outside of your search as it's unlikely you'll get a property for significantly less than marketed.  You'll just get bummed!
4. Look up listings and their open house times.  I liked using realestate.com.au and domain.com.au and check out the times for home their viewings or e-mail the estate agent to find times. A note about viewings: in Sydney you rarely set-up private showings for a house or apartment.  Generally 15 minute public viewings are on Wednesday or Saturday.  You could show up and be the only person there or be one of 20 people to see a house.  This can be slightly stressful, but don't let that keep you from seriously considering a place you like!   You can register for inspection in advance via real estate apps and if required by the agent.  They appreciate you being organized and it means you'll be notified by text of any time changes.
5. Fill out any applications ahead of time.  Set up an account with tApp and 1 form.  These are the two most commonly used application methods.  Doing these in advance saves time- it may take you an hour or two to set it up, but it's better to do it before you need it.  You'll need to include numerous references, when possible use Australian contacts.   Agents will check your employer references as a minimum.
6. Tips for the actual viewing- look presentable and be courteous.  Ask questions, there will rarely be an opportunity for a second viewing.  Run through the items on your mental checklist.  Some things that are given in some countries (i.e. having your own laundry or AC) are not always given here.  You don't want to be surprised once moving in.  If your relocation agent is willing to attend a viewing with you, or if you state that you have an agent, this can help you to look like a more desirable tenant.
7. Wait to be notified if your application has been accepted.  An apartment or house is not yours until you put down a deposit, so do it quickly. You don't want someone sneaking in after you and offering a higher rent!  If you haven't heard back after a week on an application, give the agency a call.  

More info on Applications

• you can upload copies of all your supporting documentation to tApp and 1form.  Some examples of ID's that work are: passport, driving license, evidence of previous tenancy, last three pay slips, utility bill, visa, and medicare card.  The more information you supply, the better!
• Sell yourself as a great tenant.  Upload a cover note explaining your personal circumstances.  For example, my friend wrote that she and her husband were an accountant and lawyer (which is true, don't worry) and therefore trustworthy and dependable.  They also listed that they were landlords themselves and understood what it meant to take care of a property as if it was their own.  You could list community involvement or activities etc as well.
• Include price on your application.  Even offering a small amount more per week than what is listed could ensure that you're placed at the top of the application pile.
• submit all application materials online immediately after viewing a property you like or bring a paper print-out for the estate agent.

I know that was a lot of information, and probably pretty dry as blog posts go, but hopefully this will help you out in navigating the real estate market of Sydney!