Finding a new home
FINDING a new home can be fun, it should be, but it is important to ask the right questions and be well informed about the property you wish to purchase.
It is important that you do your own individual research before committing to purchase a property. You don't want to find out later that you could have made a better deal if you had known better.
Below is a list of things to consider before buying a new home.
1) Go to open homes as early as possible.
Try to go to open homes as soon as you can. That way, if you're really keen on a place, you've got time to see it again.
Also you've got more time to do your research such as reading all the necessary reports, conducting inspections, arranging your finance and getting the legal paperwork sorted.
2)Take the brochures away with you
Remember to take a pen so you can make your own notes about the property. When you've been through many open homes, it can be hard to remember which one had the breakfast bar and which one had the ensuite. Salespeople normally have a range of materials available for you take away from an open home
3)Look at the home privately
Don't be afraid to ring an agent for a private viewing. Even if the property has an open home advertised, you can sometimes visit a property privately. This is a good idea as you'll most likely have the agent's undivided attention and you might be able to use the opportunity to put in an offer before anyone else.
4)Talk to the neighbors around the area
They may be able to share information about the property and the surrounding area that the real estate agent doesn't have.
Source: https://www.asb.co.nz/home-loansmortgages/preparing-to-buy-home-guide