For information on the Real Estate Agents Authority goto http://www.reaa.govt.nz - Assiting both consumers (both buying and selling property) and those who work in the real estate industry.

Buying     |     Selling    |    Choosing an Agent

Buying a Home


Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding home buying can feel endless.

You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service.

There are not many times in your life that you spend such large amounts of money so don't stress have fun and enjoy it!

Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord through home buying.

  • Use a real estate professional.
    An important first step is to select a professional agent to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations.

    Your RE/MAX Agent can guide you through every step of home buying.

  • Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

  • Prequalify for a loan.
    Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.

  • Outline what you want.
    The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

  • Visit properties.
    Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX Agent to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.

  • Know the features that help or hurt resale.
    For example: In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell.

    Your RE/MAX professional can point out features that hurt or help resale value.

  • Rate the houses you tour.
    After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.

  • Make an offer.
    Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let your RE/MAX Agent guide you through this sensitive home buying process. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your RE/MAX agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.

  • Solicitors.
    Once your offer has been accepted by the Vendor your RE/MAX Agent will send the originals of the paperwork you have signed to your Solicitor. Your Solicitor will then get you in for a chat to check that you have everything in order to complete the contract, and will also check all of the legal details of the property you are purchasing to see that all is in order.

  • You may want a home inspection or a LIM
    After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems,but these must be kept in context to the age of the home and the price you are paying.If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork.

    It is also possible to apply to the City council for a (Land information Memorandum) this gives you information on permits etc. The cost of a LIM is You can also go to the city council to look at their records, this costs about $10 to $20.00.

  • Close.
    Before your closing date,( the date you move) make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your RE/MAX agent and your Solicitor will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.

  • Prepare for life in your new home.
    Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address.


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Selling a Home


As a real estate seller, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your RE/MAX Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

Guidelines for the real estate seller


  • Make the most of that first impression
    A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free garden help real estate sellers put their best foot forward and make prospects feel welcome. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's Spring colour makes your home look cheerful.

    The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of the real estate seller's home, the better.

  • Invest a few hours for future dividends
    Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Tidy the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor touch-ups and redecorating. Real estate sellers can benefit from updating the hardware on kitchen cabinets, adding new slipcovers to sofas and keeping a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway. These are some of the simple touches that can go a long way. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to help get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great the real estate seller's home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."

  • Check taps and bulbs
    Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned-out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let those problems detract from what's right with your home.

  • Don't shut out a sale
    If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on the real estate seller's part can smooth the way toward a sale.

  • Think safety
    Real estate sellers learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller blades on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as safe as possible for visitors.

  • Make room for space
    Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Real estate sellers should make sure attics and basements are clean and free of unnecessary items.

  • Consider your closets
    The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

  • Make your bathroom sparkle
    Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, real estate sellers should display the best towels, mats and shower curtains.

  • Create dream bedrooms
    Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must if real estate sellers want buyers to be able to imagine relaxing there.

  • Open up in the daytime
    Let the sun shine in! Real estate sellers should pull back curtains and drapes so that prospects can see how bright and cheery the home is.

  • Lighten up at night
    Turn on the excitement buy turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

  • Avoid crowded scenes
    Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Real estate sellers should keep the company present to a minimum.

  • Watch your pets
    Dogs and cars are great companions, but not when real estate sellers are showing their homes. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty or Spot outside, or at least out of the way.

  • Think volume
    Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time for a real estate seller to show the home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

  • Relax
    It's best if you're not there when your home is being shown. However if that's not possible, be friendly - but it's not necessary to force conversation. Prospects want to view the home with minimal distraction from the real estate seller.

  • Don't apologize
    No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the situation.

  • Keep a low profile
    Nobody knows a home better than the real estate seller. But RE/MAX Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

  • Don't turn your home into a second-hand store
    When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

  • Defer to experience - It's the Experience
    When prospective buyers want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate. As the real estate seller, you might feel tempted to weigh in, but your two cents could cost you much more.

  • Help your agent
    RE/MAX Associates have an easier time selling homes if showings are scheduled through their offices. And real estate sellers appreciate the results.


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Working With Your Real Estate Agent


Selecting the right real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider a professional's background, personality and responsiveness. Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your real estate agent.

How to choose a real estate agent
When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't waste time and resources - decide what's most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. Are you buying or selling a house? an apartment? A rural property? Raw land? An investment property? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide, a RE/MAX Associate can help you.

Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a RE/MAX agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.

Moving far away? Right here on remax.com, you can begin to meet and greet RE/MAX agents from all around the world who can offer the same great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, languages they speak. You'll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.

What to ask in the interview
If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.

If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your property and then put together a comprehensive customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can't suggest a single strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates.

Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to office hours and whether you'll be invited to stay in touch via a cell phone or e-mail. We at RE/MAX know the importance of communication and our Vendors have 24hour access by way of our online Vendor login where you can read on a regular basis what has been happening with your home and also communicate easily with your RE/MAX Agent who will be notified automatically by text when you put a message online.

Ask how long the real estate agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate experience.

Ask about designations. Interest in continuing education is a strong indicator of motivation and professionalism.

Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it's priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.

Ask the real estate agent what his or her fee structure is. At RE/MAX we have a very competitive fee structure and you will be charged no fee until your property is SOLD. As Marketing is a key component in obtaining the best price for your home your RE/MAX Agent will discuss marketing packages with you prior to sale. If you are unsatisfied with a prospect's plans or personality, thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you and repeat the process with another real estate agent. It can be time-consuming, but it's worthwhile.

Once you've found the right real estate agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your real estate agent get you the best deal.

How to work with your real estate agent
If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those you know best that others might overlook. Give this to your real estate agent, who may be able to use the information in marketing materials or when talking with potential buyers.

When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral colors.) If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.

If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10 and give it to your real estate agent. You can always revise the list, but give your real estate agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.

Food for thought
Office environment can say a lot about a businessperson. Is it clean and organized? Do the office hours make it easily accessible? Are staff members pleasant and helpful? Your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word. Hiring a Real Estate Agent will give you the best advantage. Although many practitioners work part time, RE/MAX Associates are industry professionals who can provide their complete attention and expertise. This gives you an enormous advantage. Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy. Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.