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Real Estate Tips

There’s no need to be overwhelmed

There’s no need to be overwhelmed by the thought of putting your home on the market. I can guide you through the whole process step by step to make it simple, smooth, and stress-free. Pick up the phone and let’s get the ball rolling today!

If you’re buying ‘off the plan’

If you’re buying ‘off the plan’ and want certain features included, make sure these are recorded in the agreement you sign. If there are any disputes down the track, having everything laid out in black and white in your contract will be vital.

Rental Yield v Capital Gains

If you’re just starting to build an investment portfolio, it’s worth considering whether you primary aim is to generate rental yield or capital growth. A property in better condition may deliver more immediate returns, while one with more ‘potential’ could lead to bigger long-term gains.

Anton Pires Real Estate Don’t skip inspections

Don’t skip inspections: Before purchasing a property, always conduct a thorough inspection. Hire a professional home inspector to assess the condition of the property, identify potential issues or repairs, and estimate their costs. This information will help you make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

Important Home Tip

Check for leaks. Inspect the gutters for any leaks or holes that could lead to water seepage. Repair any damaged areas promptly using gutter sealant or patches.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting can extend the usability of the garden into the evening and create an inviting atmosphere. Install subtle lighting along pathways, near key garden features, or around the seating area to highlight the garden’s beauty during nighttime viewings.

Keep an open mind

When it comes to real estate, there are many different types of properties out there, and you never know when you might find your dream home or a great investment opportunity.

Don’t skip the paperwork

Real estate transactions involve a lot of paperwork, but it’s important to read everything carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing.

Before buying or selling real estate

it is important to do your research on the current market conditions. Look at recent sales and trends in the area to help determine a fair price.

Be patient when buying or selling a property

The real estate market can be unpredictable, and it may take some time to find the right property or buyer. Rushing into a transaction without proper research and due diligence can result in costly mistakes. Take your time to carefully consider your options, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from a trusted real estate agent.

Buying tip to remember Consider your long-term goal

Consider your long-term goals. Think about your long-term goals and how they fit into your real estate plans. If you’re planning to start a family, you’ll want to look for a property with enough space and good schools nearby.

Be prepared for negotiations

When you receive an offer on your home, be prepared to negotiate. Work with your real estate agent to understand the terms of the offer and come up with a counteroffer if necessary.

In the know

Financial literacy is an important part of the real estate journey – when you understand how your money works you’re in a much better position to make smart decisions. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to expand your knowledge

What is a "LIM report"?

Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports give you a summary of the information a Council knows about a specific property (such as any building consents previously granted, etc ).

Check the Geotech!

A Geotech report is a great idea if you’re thinking about buying a particular parcel of land. These reports will tell you everything you need to know about the stability of the section, providing you with an early heads-up if costly foundations and piling work is likely to be needed. Geotech reports are often required when you apply for a building consent too.

King of the curb

From the moment potential buyers first visit your property, you want them to feel like they’ve come home. Make your home the king of the curb with sparkling windows, tidy gutters, clear paths and a letterbox with a number that’s easy to see. If need be, consider giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint – when it comes to making a lasting impression, every detail counts!

Project time?

The next time you purchase a property, what will you be looking for? - A brand-new, fully-finished home - A renovated property where all the work’s been done - A DIY project you can sink your teeth into.

Contacts

One of the benefits of being a real estate agent is having lots of contact with very motivated buyers. It’s this advantage that could see me sell your home quickly, or perhaps before you even need to list it. Give me a call today if you’re thinking about selling and we can talk about what you’re looking for, then work together to get you there!

Prepared to Purchase

Things can move quickly when buying a home, so it’s a good idea to have a pre-approved loan before you start looking. Knowing how much you can borrow will help you search for properties in your price range. It’s also worth researching what support you might be eligible for – this could include the government’s First Home Grant or the ability to withdraw some of your KiwiSaver funds to use towards the deposit.

Learn the lingo – "Escape clause"

In a conditional contract, you may see the term "cash-out clause". A cash-out clause, or escape clause, means the seller can keep marketing a property and receiving offers from other parties once a conditional offer has been made by a potential buyer. If more offers are received from other potential buyers, the seller can give the first buyer a fixed period of time to confirm the contract. If not confirmed within the time frame, the contract can be canceled.

Initial Impressions

It’s the outside of your home that buyers see first. Spend a weekend in the garden to tidy plants and sweep paths, driveways and entries. Remove cobwebs from gutterings and windows. Shift extra cars, trailers and caravans from the driveway to make the area look as spacious as possible.

Your New Build Budget

Key components which will have a major impact on the price of your new build include… - Type (and amount of) exterior cladding - Total area of windows - Amount of structural support needed - Interior wall area - Roof style/pitch

Selling a tenanted home

Selling a home with tenants in it? There are a few things to note: you must advise the tenants prior to the process starting, in writing. You must also get permission from the tenants to access the house for all aspects of the sale process: photography, valuation, building inspections, open homes, and more. It is within their right to refuse open homes. A good relationship with tenants is key to a smooth sale process, and many landlords will reduce the rent during this time as compensation for the inconvenience.

How do I get a mortgage?

You have a couple of options: - You can work directly with a bank (make sure you speak to several to get the best deal) - You can use a mortgage broker who will shop around on your behalf There are some excellent resources on www.sorted.org.nz/guides to help find the right option for you

How to get pre- approved for a home loan?

A lender will want to see details around your budget, including: 4. Your deposit: you need to prove you have enough saved up for your deposit. This will likely involve bank statements, details around KiwiSaver (if this is your first home), and anything else contributing to the deposit sum.

How to get pre- approved for a home loan?

A lender will want to see details around your budget, including:
3. Your debt: this will include credit cards, overdraft, hire purchases, student loans and similar. They’ll want to know what you owe, and when you expect to remove these debts.

How to get pre- approved for a home loan?

A lender will want to see details around your budget, including: 2. Your expenses: Lenders will gauge what could impact your ability to meet repayments on the loan.

How to get pre- approved for a home loan?

A lender will want to see details around your budget, including: 1. Your income: Lenders want to see recent payslips, or recent financial statements from your accountant if you’re self-employed.

Why Invest in Real Estate?

One of the reason to invest in real estate is stability. Many people are hesitant to invest in property because of high prices and the state of the current housing market. In reality, property is far less volatile than other forms of investment.

Mistake to Avoid When Selling your House

Setting an Unrealistic Price. Remember the comparative market analysis you or your agent did when you bought your home to determine a fair offering price? Buyers will do this for your home, too, so as a seller you should be one step ahead of them. You may think your home is worth more, but remember to set a realistic price based on comparable homes in the area.

How Do I Sell My Home Fast?

If you need to sell your home quickly, consider the short-term improvements to both the interior and exterior of your home. Consider hiring a real estate agent (will take care of staging, photography and marketing strategies) . Be prepared to have flexibility on sale terms and conditions.

Property Appraisal

One of the key functions of a real estate agent is to give potential clients a clear indication of what their property is worth, often referred to as “Property Appraisal”. There are many factors that an agent will take into consideration when appraising a property, some of the more important ones are:
- actual worth of the property
- added value that will increase sale value
- sales strategy
- marketing

Always check for Maintenance issues

Don’t be afraid to be upfront and ask the real estate agent about any known issues with the property. It is in your interests to ask as many questions as you can. Likewise, consider arranging a separate visit from a trusted and qualified builder to give you their opinion on the condition of the property. It is recommended that your offer for purchase has a condition added to reflect obtaining a builder’s report.

Conditional Agreement

This is a legally binding contract, but it is subject to conditions being satisfied, usually by the purchaser. The conditions will be detailed in the agreement and may, for example, require that you are able to sell your existing home by a set date or to arrange finance by a certain date. Conditions can also be included by the purchaser that require the seller to do something by a specified date.

Anton Pires Real Estate

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