Buying Tips

This list touches on a few key points you need to consider when buying a home. For more information or guidance, call me anytime on 027 487 1705 or contact me by email.

Finance

It is always best to establish how much you can afford to spend on your new home before you start to look. Whether you go through a mortgage broker or bank manager, make sure you do your homework before you go and see them. Banks will want to know what you currently earn and a budget of what you currently spend to ensure there is enough difference to service your loan. As a Real Estate consultant, I have access to great mortgage brokers that can help you begin this journey.

What do you want? ... Using Your Real Estate Consultant

You would be surprised how many people buy the first property they look at with a real estate consultant. You don’t always have to look at 40+ properties to find one that suits you, IF you have already narrowed down what it is that you and your family need. You can also save a lot of time by sitting down with your real estate consultant and discussing what your requirements are. A great consultant will listen and ask about criteria that you may not have thought about. Tell them which of your criteria you are willing to be flexible with and which you are not. 

They will then find properties that are on the market or, in some cases, soon to be on the market that meet your needs. I always use my knowledge, passion and experience to help my clients figure out what is vital for them and their family so I can help them find their dream home.

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Inspecting Potential Homes

• When looking through a potential home, take your time! 
  
• Pause at the gate and take in the first impression
• As you walk through the home, imagine what it would look like with your furniture in it. Would it fit?
• Sit down in the living areas and have a good look at everything. Ceilings, light fittings, floors and views. 
• Calculate where the sun will come in during winter and summer.
• Walk right around the exterior of the house.
• What maintenance needs to be done? Can you do it yourself or do you need to budget to get a professional to do it?
• Ask about proximity to local schools and bus routes.
• Most of all, how does it fit with your needs?

Found A House You Love?

If you are interested in a property, it may be time to get a professionals opinion.

A Land Information Memoranda (LIM) is a comprehensive report containing all relevant information the Council knows about the property or section. This can include what structures have or haven’t been approved and signed off by the council or potential developments planned for nearby. No one wants to move in the day construction on the new motorway begins just over the fence!

Get a builder in to do a proper inspection. Walk through the property with them and ask them any questions you may have. They know what can be done cheaply, what may need to be budgeted, what can be easily changed and what can’t.

settled.govt.nz

Buying and not sure what to do when? Click to open the Buyer Journey Guide below:

Ask, ask, ask...

I have years of training and experience in the residential property market. Don’t be afraid to ask me questions, and lots of them! My biggest wish is for you to find a home you will be happy in for many years to come – let me work with you to help you achieve your Real Estate goals!

“We appreciated Leigh professionalism, her positive and confident support, her regular, reassuring communications. We enjoyed how personable Leigh is, how attentive and intuitive she responded to our needs. Leigh helped to defuse a stressful time for us.”
Tony and Eva Hay