Got the house!!!.. need help with some questions ??

[Cupcake]

IMO youre probably better off using your money for the bond if you can afford to, quicker and easier and you get it back when you move out. Plus the less loans you have the better i think, means you have more money each week instead of having to make repayments! You can apply for rent assistance online too if you use clink online, then the RE just signs the form you fill in.

So excited for you!!!!

[Lulu]

The bond loans were never paid back until you moved out. Then the RE would send it directly back to the Dept of Housing. Maybe it's different between states? In which case I would still get the bond so you can have a 'float' of savings.

[PumpkinZulu]

The bond loans were never paid back until you moved out. Then the RE would send it directly back to the Dept of Housing. Maybe it's different between states? In which case I would still get the bond so you can have a 'float' of savings.

Yep, that's how it worked for us. We got the Bond Cheque from DoH, gave it to the RE, they'll give it back at the end of our tenancy so long as the do not need to take any money out for damages etc...in which case we'd be paying back the DoH. I agree with Lu, get the cheque and keep that $$ as a little cushion for whatever might come up

[allycat06]

Not sure where you live BC but if you jump onto the department of housing website for your state you'll be able to find info about a bond loan. I think they can usually lend you up to 75% depending on how much your income is. It's an interest free loan, you just return it to them when you move out.

[luna moth]

OMG!!! Congratulations! I don't know about bond loans or rent assistance, sorry. But I do think hanging on to a savings float is a pretty good idea.

On property reports, make sure you get a copy and you agree with everything on it. On ours for the current place, there is no room to write extra stuff, the RE went into so much detail. But it's an old and shabby place. Anyway, sometimes you can ask to come in and do the property report a week or so after you have the keys. I know that living here, it was 2 months before I noticed a hole in one of the windows. One other dodge-o real estate let us keep the property report (sole copy) for two years! It was like a guaranteed bond back, so we didn't remind them

Put the word out among family and friends etc that you're moving out - see what hand-me-down items you can get. Start out with a bit of second hand stuff, then you can update bit by bit down the track, so that you don't have a big outlay on "stuff" at the beginning. (I'm already mentally running through what I have!)

BC's in NSW, for reference.

[~clover~]

- The Share Housing Survival Guide - a bit more info. I know you're not sharing, but that explains how it works

you don't touch the money from DOH in NSW at all. They ring or fax the RE & let them know you've been approved, then they send the money to the bond board for you.
I've used it quite a few times myself & that savings would be good to hold onto.

[human bean]

Can't help with the Q sorry, but did want to say a huge congratulations woohoo!

[BlackCat]

On the ingoing inspection report (usually accompanied by photos now days) make sure you agree with everything and if you dont then make sure you note it down. I once had a 12 page 11pt writing attachment to a report for a house i rented, it was just that bad... It will help you if you have to dispute anything on leaving. Also take your own photos of the house if you can with a date stamp that way you aso have photo evidence should anything come up at the end of the tenancy.

And YAY!

[sweetgloss]

Oooo congratulations very exciting!!

There is one thing I wish someone had of told us - When doing your property condition report, go over everything with a fine tooth comb!! VERY important, dont rush it will take a few hours. Also take your own pictures of any damage/scratches etc.
You are liable for any damage not listed on the property report. So every small mark on the wall, small stain on the carpet, list it all. When doing the property report the Realestate Agent may just breeze through it, writing "good condition" here and there not looking properly. We found out our RE Agent did our property report when the power was still off, so no lights on :O

GoodLuck! x x