These simple steps can greatly enhance your buying experience and increase your chances of making a successful purchase. By following these steps, you can feel more confident in your decision-making process.

1. Start by speaking with a financial professional or a finance consultant to determine the best loan options that suit your needs. This will help you understand your budget and get pre-qualified for a loan.

2. Create a shortlist of preferred suburbs that align with your lifestyle and affordability. Consider your accommodation requirements as well.

3. Research recent sales in your preferred suburbs to get a sense of the market prices. Attend open houses and inspect properties in the area to gain a better understanding of the market.

4. Establish a relationship with a real estate professional who specializes in your preferred area. Your sales consultant will provide you with additional information and help you register on their website to receive notifications for new listings.

5. Once you find a property that meets your requirements, ask your agent to send a copy of the Contract of Sale to your solicitor or conveyancer. They will review the contract on your behalf.

6. If you are interested in making an offer, reach out to your sales consultant promptly to avoid missing out on the property. They will guide you through the process and address any uncertainties you may have.

7. Consider arranging a building inspection through your solicitor or agent to identify any major defects in the property.

8. Based on your solicitor's advice and the building inspection report, you can make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase. Review the sale contract carefully before making a decision.

9. Once negotiations are finalized, you will need to sign the sale contract and typically pay a 10% deposit. The deposit will be held in a trust account until settlement and cannot be released until both parties agree. Contracts will be exchanged once all special conditions, buyer clauses, and finance clauses have been met. Settlement will occur on the agreed settlement date.

10. Prior to settlement day, it is advisable to conduct a final inspection to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you last inspected it and that all inclusions are as per the signed contract.

The Property Smart Guide to Buying and Selling Property in Queensland is available as a Consumer Resource from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading Website