Hey Brains Trust.
Just bought my first ever home, and wanted to ask the experts the best approach to getting everything at the best possible price?
Should I look for the best deals in regards to everything and get it all 1 by 1?
I have a bit of savings after the purchase ($70k+) but obviously don’t want to spend any more than I have to.
Moving in at the start of February, so have some time to prepare.
Thanks all!
What exactly are you looking to get for it? The first thing on the list should be insurance, if you're already under contract get it now.
Furniture, appliances, etc. stuff like Fridges, Bed Frames, Couches, etc
No need for insurance yet as it’s an owners corp property, but will get contents insurance upon settlement.
Already unconditional on contract settle in early Feb
Find somebody moving overseas and buy their whole place for a deal.
Replace bit by bit over the years to come with quality.
Just jump on Facebook marketplace and look for old appliances. Now is a really good time - set your "location" to somewhere near universities and you should be able to get a lot of cheap appliances from university students moving back home.
I recently furnished a new home as well, and managed to get a ~2 year old side-by-side fridge for $100, washing machine for $100, and an almost new dining table and set of chairs for $300, amongst many other great bargains.
My suggestion (if you don't have a truck / van) is to organise all of the pick-ups to be on 1-2 days and then just hire a delivery van or trailer and go collect everything.
For a lot of other things, I would just suggest getting them from Kmart - I'm really happy with all the homeware I got from Kmart, stuff like dining sets, cutlery, decorations, bed linen, storage…etc.
First home … part of the experience - is NOT having things all at once +++ improvising.
I remember way back when - for the first 2 months or so, not having a proper couch to sit on to watch tv in main living area.
Couch + Bed Mattress == 2 things where you should'nt skimp on quality (as between the 2, will be spending the most time when at home).
@OP - you say you have plenty of savings to spend on furnishings - you could easily furnish your house for under $10,000 … ($5,500-$7,500 is prob what I'd aim for).
If you have time, get them when there is a deal e.g. Boxing Day, EOFY, 11/11, Black Friday deals.
Try and get most things 2nd hand and upgrade later.
That 70k will save you thousands in an offset account instead of blowing it on brand new stuff.
Two train of thoughts - you want a house to impress your family and friends, buy everything new. bespoke pieces if it suits your property.
To live in - then buy a few key items and build up along the way using a variety of means - new, 2nds, used, FB MP, PIFs, etc.
as also has been said on other forums …
buying first home - you think you know what you want + what's important.
but until you actually start living in the home … then things change.
Buy as you need it … and certainly DON'T go HN - package deals (eg. couch + fridge + washer/dryer - save $250 by doing a package deal) … HN are well known for doing such practices - which you lose out in the end.
Marketplace. Life furniture good condition stuff for free or low cost. It’s not uncommon. Search for ikea, freedom brands like that. Cookware when 1/2 price at big w or similar. Washer, fridge buy new find a deal and negotiate in store.
Not much time till Feb. I spent 9 months buying furniture for my first place, just buying stuff when things went on sale.
Look at market place for furniture. Buy fridge and washing machine brand new
Try to time your move with hard rubbish collection. You can easily furnish your whole house with quality items from your local neighborhood. Simply browse the streets for items that take your fancy, pick them up and carry them home. Rinse and repeat until you have a full house. You can get a better price than free.
Get a decent fridge, bed and couch. Everything else second hand or budget.
Don't buy all at once because your taste may change after being there for a while.
If you want new:
If you do go new, February isn't much time, especially if there isn't stock and it is on a ship. Could be 6 to 8 weeks (maybe even longer).
Otherwise, go down the second-hand path. Even renting, we just got Second Hand stuff and upgraded with quality over time. We often upgraded to a lot of Amart stuff when they had a special. Got a $5.5k RRP couch for $3k delivered plus did interest free.
I would def consider buying second hand. It is quite amazing what u can get on fb mkt place and gumtree.
Relatively speaking there SFA spare time between now and February in the scheme of things ,in our society. The next month is a black hole of opportunity. Consider 2nd hand .With banks closing in, there'll be heaps of high quality second hand stuff out there. Pick what styles/ furniture you want and look at auctions etc. New quality brand fridge for sure. If you get a list of white goods play the big stores against each other for a best bundle deal price