As published in The Sunday Times, HOME Magazine
9 August 2009

When a decision is taken to build, it's more important than ever to have an experienced builder you can trust to guide you through the building process, says Dale Alcock, managing director of Dale Alcock Homes.

Our current economic environment has presented first home buyers with a number of challenges when it comes to understanding the housing market and getting finance.  I've answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help would-be buyers make sense of today's market. 

We're building and I'm unsure about finance, where do I start?

Ensure your builder has a strong connection with a number of finance options and particularly a good relationship with Keystart, the Western Australian Government's initiative to help provide low deposit home loans for first home buyers.

Also check that the building company has the ability to offer home and land packages which will meet all the relevant criteria for Keystart or any other finance lender.

It's important to find a builder who will help you to be realistic about your options from the outset.  Don't be misled about what is affordable or realistic.  A common pitfall is for first home buyer's to have their hopes and dreams built up, only to be disappointed at a later stage.  A responsible builder would never allow this.

Be sure to find a builder who will enhance the potential for future growth in the equity of the property, particularly when the time comes to upgrade it.

In other words, opt for quality - it will stand the test of time.

What is happening about the First Home Owners Boost?

If you want to access the $21,000 government boost it's imperative that you act now because the boost ends on September 30. 

Are there any other important questions I should be asking?