bUYING A HOUSE
What you need to know:

  1. The Sale & Purchase Agreement is hard to follow and there’s lots of fine print.  There could be hidden complications - so don't sign the Agreement without consulting with a lawyer - we are highly experienced with such matters (40 + years but who's counting?) so give us a call​.
  2. Should I get a LIM, a Building Report and an Electrical Report?  Yes, Yes and Yes...it will cost you up front, and it's not that cheap, but if you don't it could cost you far more in the long run.  We always recommend you get a LIM report in particular, as there could be matters relating to the property sitting with various Council departments, and you won't know that unless you get a LIM Report.  
  3. What other clauses should I include in the Purchase Agreement?  We don't know until we talk to you.  Give us a call so we can provide you with qualified advice.
  4. Are you selling another house to buy this one?  If so, does the Agreement protect your interests?  We need to view it to make sure it does.  A rule of thumb, don't sign until a lawyer has viewed it.
  5. I.D. - we need to know who you are!  We need photocopies of your current passport, [or your drivers licence and another form of government issued identification], and an up-to-date utilities bill showing your name and the address of the property you current live at.  We also need to know where you’re getting the money from to buy the house.  Sound hard?  Don’t worry, we will guide you through this.
  6. Are you a first home buyer? Do you have KiwiSaver?  If so, you will need to complete an application as a first home buyer to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds.  This is confusing, and you will probably need our help.  Remember, you should not be using your KiwiSaver funds for the deposit!  If you are relying on this you will run into complications.  Click the below link for more information about this process.
  7. Do you want to apply for a Home Start Grant?  You can, if you have KiwiSaver funds and have been contributing regularly.  If you don't have KiwiSaver, sorry but you can't apply for a Home Start Grant.  Click the below link for more information.
  8. What is a Welcome Home Loan?  Three banks offer this service - it is specifically tailored towards first home buyers, and may allow you to loan up to 90% or even higher to purchase your home.  There are a number of requirements, and they will need a lot of information from you, so you need to be organised!
  9. Should I use a Mortgage Broker?  That is up to you.  If it is the first time you have bought a home then it could be a good idea.  They will hold your hand through the process, and best of all, mortgage brokers don’t usually charge you.  Lucky for you the Bank pays the mortgage broker!  If you’re still not sure about using a mortgage broker then we will be happy to discuss it with you.  
  10. How much is it going to cost?  Well, that depends - Is it a cross-lease title?  Is a body corporate involved? Are there easements on the title?  Are you first home buyers?  Do you need finance?  Are you buying land and building a house?  Are you buying through a Company? Basically, the more issues there are, the more it will cost.  If you want a quote we are happy to oblige, but you need to call us and let us know what's involved, and that way there's no hidden costs that might pop up later and give you a nasty surprise!  It's better to have the job done right to protect yourself, and your family.  We think value for money is better than doing it on the cheap, so if you agree then give us a call.

This may be the biggest transaction of your life.  Why skimp on advice and then find unexpected problems?  We are here to make the process as easy as possible and guide you through any issues, and frankly, our experience is hard to beat.


SELLING A HOUSE

What you need to know:
  1. The Agreement can be hard to follow, and there could be hidden complications - so don't sign the Agreement without consulting with a lawyer - for example, are you buying another house?  Does the Agreement protect your interests?  Do your confirmation dates line up? We need to check it so bring it in to us for a look. 
  2. I.D - we need to know who you are!  We need photocopies of your passport, (or your drivers licence and another form of government issued identification), a utilities bill showing your name and the address of the property you current live at, and proof of ownership - a recent rates demand for the property you are selling.
  3. How much will it cost?  Property sales are usually straightforward and simple, but a rule of thumb for you, the longer it takes us to do the work, the more it will cost.  That means if it doesn't take long, it won't be expensive, but if it take more time, then you know you're getting good value and we are looking out for your interests.  Our time is valuable too and we need to charge for that.  If you want a quote we are happy to oblige, but you need to call us and let us know what's involved.  

If you want more information, click any of the links below.  Please provide your email address, and your phone number too if you like.  You don't have to do anything else!  We will email you, without any commitment from you, to see how we can help.