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Do you need a house inspection service before purchasing a rental property?

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So you’re thinking of purchasing a rental property to get your property portfolio started – congrats! Buying a new property and renting it out is an exciting venture. But it also comes with a whole lot of responsibility to look after the property and keep it in shape for your tenants. Before purchasing a rental property there are some things you might want to consider – including getting a house inspection service.

A healthy home

As a landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure the property is healthy and safe for your tenants. The house has to comply with healthy home standards and legislation – including heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, and draught stopping. 

Before purchasing a property to rent out, it’s important to check what insulation the home currently has, and whether it will be needing more to be compliant with healthy home standards. Similarly, the home has to be adequately ventilated to avoid dampness and mould, and windows and doorways have to be perfect to ensure no draughts can get in. 

To spot these things and figure out how much it will cost to get them up to standard, you’ll need to utilise a house inspection service. A qualified building inspector will be able to provide you with a comprehensive building report, so you can commit to the property with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Maintaining a rental

While a tenant has some responsibility to maintain the property, much of the onus falls on you. A rental property is like a car, and needs regular services to stand the test of time!

Washing the house once a year, cleaning the windows, cleaning heat pump filters, changing the water filters out periodically, ensuring it’s well ventilated… there’s a lot of things people tend to forget about. Just the other night, I discovered that my water pump had split and was spewing water everywhere! It’s often the things like that that tend to slip through our to-do list unnoticed when it comes to maintaining a property.

Utilising a house inspection service

When becoming a landlord, it’s not just the initial cost of the property you have to consider. The cost of maintaining the property and ensuring it’s a healthy place to live for your tenants is even more important.

The great thing is that it’s pretty easy to get an idea of the cost of maintaining a property using a qualified property inspector. An inspector can provide a thorough pre-purchase property inspection, identifying what work will need to be done to ensure the property complies with rental legislation and the cost to get the property up to scratch. Investing in a quality property inspection now can save you a lot of money in the future on maintenance, renovations, or unhappy tenants. 

Thinking of starting your own property portfolio? Find out more about a house inspection service.

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pre purchase property inspection on a new home

Pre purchase building inspections – should you consider doing a new home inspection?

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When people often think of pre purchase building inspections, they think they’re only for older homes or buildings. The reality is that any home, new or old, can have problems or inaccuracies invisible from the surface that might compromise its structure or safety. But how do you ensure that your new home is in perfect condition? And what kind of problems might your property inspector be looking out for in a new home inspection? 

Why can new homes sometimes have problems?

A brand new home always looks flawless, but that might just be because no one has lived in it yet to notice any problems. New homes haven’t yet stood the test of time, so it’s impossible to judge its quality and safety without a thorough building inspection.

As New Zealand’s population grows at an overwhelming rate, it feels like new homes and builds are going up left, right, and centre. While this delivery and production speed is great for those looking for places to live, it does mean that some of the finer details of building can be overlooked under the pressure of a tight deadline. I’ve definitely seen a real variation among the quality of builds during my time doing inspections across Auckland – from some that are pretty great to some that are frankly appalling!

Sometimes things can slip through the eyes of builders, contractors, or even Council (I’ve seen properties that have been given their Code of Compliance which shouldn’t have!). These missed opportunities and small mistakes are worth picking up before you make the move to save extensive repair costs in the long run.

Addressing problems in the building report

If a problem does arise in the property inspector’s building report, then you’ll have a chance to get things sorted before signing on the dotted line and moving in. New Zealand legislation fortunately protects people if building work isn’t done according to an agreed plan.

If a warranty has been breached and work hasn’t been done to a sufficient standard, then whoever was contracted to do the work must redo it, or pay someone else to. Depending on the situation, a contractor might also have to pay you for any loss of value to your property. The finer details depend on a whole list of factors, which you can find more about here. A property inspection completed before you’re set to move in will reveal any of these problems and give you plenty of time to work through a solution. 

Preparing through a property inspection

Building your own home, or purchasing a brand new one, is a big deal. It’s a hefty investment, so you want to be sure you’re not committing to your dream home that might turn into a nightmare! Arranging a property inspection with a qualified property inspector is the only sure way to do that. 

And remember that, even if you don’t discover issues while you’re living there, whatever you buy today you’ll have to sell tomorrow. Better to know upfront that your brand new build has been done well so you don’t get any nasty surprises when it comes time to sell!

Interested in finding out more information about a property inspection on a new build? Have a read of our old blog that dives a bit deeper. Or, if you’re wanting to get your pre purchase building inspection started, get a quote below. 

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The Property Inspectors

When should you call in The Property Inspectors?

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A property inspection is absolutely essential in any house-buying process. Knowing the condition of your potential new home is hugely important before taking your purchase any further – but it can sometimes be confusing to know where a property inspection fits in. When you’re next purchasing a home, when should you call in The Property Inspectors?

Get the expert advice right from the beginning

It’s best to get the right advice as early in the process as possible from the people who know what they’re talking about. Think you’ve found your ideal home? Before committing to anything, get in contact with a lawyer and a qualified property inspector. 

Getting a property inspection right at the beginning saves you time – it’s better to find out if something is wrong with the house early and before legally committing to the purchase! At The Property Inspectors, the results of our property inspection reports ensure you know entirely what you’re buying into and don’t encounter any nasty surprises, meaning you can be certain you’re moving into a safe and secure new home. A home inspection can also help you develop a budget for repairs and figure out whether it’s a home you can afford to take on. 

Surrounding yourself with the experts saves you stress, time, and money in the long run. Working with people you can trust makes the sometimes difficult house buying process a whole lot more enjoyable knowing you’re in the right hands – find out more about building your best property network in one of our previous blogs. 

How The Property Inspectors can help

After a house or building inspection, your property inspector will provide you with a property inspection report based on their assessments (you can find a sample report here). The report will give you an idea of the overall condition of the home, any serious issues you should be aware of right now, and what might cause some concern in the future. At The Property Inspectors, we’re able to notice the things that others might miss, which gives you the best overview of your potential new home. Only once you’ve got all the information in front of you should you make the call to commit to your new place and sign on the dotted line. 

An inspection no matter the house

A lot of people might think a house inspection is only necessary for old homes, or homes that look like they might need a bit of work. In reality, any home (no matter how it looks superficially) can have deeper problems that might create a whole lot of hassle in the future. Even brand-new homes require a house inspection – with the speed new homes are being built these days, the overlooking of small details and other inconsistencies happen more often than you might think. 

If you’re getting ready to purchase your first home, or looking for a new one, be sure to have a property inspection at the top of your to-do list – no matter how great the house might look. At The Property Inspectors, we’ve got over a decade of proven experience to help kickstart your home buying process and ensure your new home isn’t going to give you any nasty surprises. Get in touch to get the property inspection process started.

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Protecting your most important asset: keys to getting the right insurance

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House insurance should always be at the top of your to-do list in the house buying process – but how do you go about protecting one of your biggest investments? It can be overwhelming knowing how to get the best insurance – or even understanding what goes into creating your insurance policy. 

To get a better idea of the home insurance process, I spoke to Kane Butler – Company Director and General Manager of Distribution and Partnerships at Wayne Grayson and Associates and Fire and General Specialist for Trebla. He’s been in the business for 24 years so knows the ins and outs of both sides of the process!

What factors will impact your house insurance?

Insurers will pay attention to the whole property when deciding on an insurance policy, but their criteria focuses on a few things in particular. 

“Probably the first one is the condition of the house,” says Kane. “If the house itself is rundown, or needs a lot of work, then the insurers are going to be a little apprehensive to take it on.”

An insurer will also consider whether the property is on town or tank water, its weather-tightness, the house’s location and its age. While it doesn’t mean an old house or a house on tank water is uninsurable, these factors can all have an impact on the cost of insurance. 

Unconsented works are another consideration. If a house has any unrecorded work done, then there’ll certainly be some questions about the robustness of the home. To find out more about unconsented works, have a read of our last blog on DIY jobs and building consent. 

You can get an idea about your potential home and the factors that may make insurance more expensive through a property inspection. A property report will help you know even before approaching a broker if the house’s insurance is likely to be too expensive for your budget. Arranging a property inspection before committing to any policies means you can avoid the cost of signing a sale and purchase agreement and doing due diligence, only to find your insurance will be too expensive.

Some insurers are more strict on certain things than others, which is why it’s best to assess all your options and ask the experts before committing to one policy in particular. 

How do insurers assess a property?

To understand and assess a property, insurers often have systems in place to access information. Software allows insurers to easily plug in most addresses and immediately be able to see all the latest building information. Generally, they won’t go out and see a property in person unless there’s a really specific reason – they’ll get the majority of details they need from records or from the client.

Is a house ever uninsurable?

It’s very rare that a house is ever completely uninsurable. In the last 12 months, Kane can only recall two situations in which a house has been rejected from cover entirely. Often, the properties that are rejected already have existing claims on for landslides or leaky buildings. 

If a home does have a problem, the insurance premium won’t necessarily increase. Instead, the cover may be restricted. A house that’s had a previous landslip, for example, might be insured without landslip cover. Alternatively, the insurance policy might place a higher excess on the property. 

“We can generally get around problems and get the house covered,” says Kane. “If there are problems with a house, then there are normally other policies we’ve put in place where there might be a restriction, endorsements, or warranties.”

“Because of the relationships that we have with insurers, it’s easier for me to have a conversation with one of them and work out a solution. If someone was going directly to an insurer, they would have a lot more trouble than what we do.”

How do I get the best insurance policy for my home?

Put simply – talk to an expert.

“It’s a broker’s job to help get the right insurance for you,” explains Kane. “Knowing how to talk to insurers and negotiate a deal is a big thing, which is what an experienced broker is an expert at.”

Additionally, price should never be the only consideration when deciding on insurance. 

“A house is the biggest asset you’re ever going to purchase, so why would you not insure it properly? For a few hundred dollars more a year, you’re better off making sure you’ve got the best cover around. There are differences in cover out there, and they can make an even bigger difference when you have a claim.”

Never try and tackle insurance alone – it’s always best to stick with the experts! Insurance brokers like Kane can always ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your particular property. No property is stock standard, so why would you settle for stock standard insurance?

DIY jobs: How can they affect a building inspection report?

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We Kiwis love a bit of DIY. For a lot of things, there’s nothing that a bit of duct tape and number 8 wire can’t fix. But unfortunately, DIYs on a house are a different matter. Unapproved DIYs can severely impact how a house appears in a building inspection report – which might in turn impact the house’s value and its potential buyers. 

It’s so important to be clued up about DIY jobs, the regulations and rules they require and how they might affect your home in the long run. Asking yourself a couple of questions before picking up the hammer can make all the difference. 

Do I need building consent?

You might be surprised at the amount of DIY jobs that actually require building or resource consents – particularly if you’re changing the layout of your home or adding space through a garage or deck. Anything you do has to meet the Building Code requirements. So while you can do a project like a fence or retaining wall yourself, you may require a building consent from your local council, it might also be prudent to check boundary pegs to ensure you are building on your side of the boundary. 

If you’ve got even the smallest bit of doubt, it’s best to contact the council and ask directly – they’ll be able to tell you what’s what so you can be sure you’re not doing any jobs that are going to get you into trouble later!

A common issue I see in properties is the improper installation of pergolas. A lot of people add them for shade, but they also often add to the site coverage (which normally requires council permission and isn’t always allowed). Most of the time, the council turns a blind eye. But sometimes you might be asked to take it down if it’s considered too close to a boundary or affects site coverage – like the whole ordeal one man went through last year on his property. 

DIYs are fun, and if you’ve got the skills, permission and resources, they can save you a whole heap of money. But it’s always best to approach them with caution and make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row before getting to work. 

What are you/your lender/your lawyer comfy with?

It’s also important to consider what your lender and lawyer are comfortable and happy with – as well as yourself. 

Some lenders have been known to refuse to lend if any non-compliant DIY jobs have been done on a house, even if the work is perfect. Each lender has their own criteria – so that’s why I’d always recommend checking with them as well as the council. 

I know of a young couple in West Auckland who were super excited to be buying their first home. The only problem was that the home had a carport that had been converted into a garage. The lender made them take the door off before agreeing to lend – adding a whole lot of unnecessary fuss and stress to what could have been an easy process.

How does a building inspection report fit in?

During a building inspection, we’ll highlight anything that we think might cause an issue – and some shoddily done DIY could definitely feature in that. Likewise, if there’s anything we think wouldn’t be compliant, we’ll make a note about it. From a buyer’s perspective, this is great – as it highlights exactly what might cause you issues with your lawyer or lender. From a seller’s perspective, that’s why it’s so important to ensure any DIY is compliant.

One note about property inspections though – it’s not our job to compare what we see to the property file. If you’re getting an inspection done, it’s so important that you compare your building inspection report and what’s on the site with the original property file. This will ensure you pick up on any unapproved renovations or additions to the house. A house is a big investment – you want to be sure you know everything about it before signing the dotted line!

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Building your network of property professionals

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Working in the property inspection industry, I get the chance to meet and work with some great people. I’m pleased to have Simone Jonelle – Sales Manager at Bayleys Ellerslie and a longtime friend of mine – on the blog to share her expertise on the property industry.

The old saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Over time, I’ve learnt that it takes a village when it comes to buying or selling a home as well!

During the often stressful experience of buying or selling a property (and even more so in the current environment), it’s so important to surround yourself with experts of the industry. Working with people who have experience, knowledge, and skills will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. The reality is that no single person can know absolutely everything about the process, so building yourself a strong and varied network of knowledgeable people you trust is essential. 

So, which experts should be a part of your network when you next buy or sell?

A lawyer

There’s no way you should even consider purchasing a new home without a lawyer. Having a good lawyer to run you through the process, provide guidance, and check all the paperwork, ensures that you – and your investment – are protected. 

A mortgage broker

Understanding and managing a mortgage is a complicated process – especially if it’s your first home. You don’t always get the best deals from the bank, so an intelligent broker with the know-how will be able to find the best deal and mortgage structure for you. 

An insurance broker

An experienced insurance broker can ensure that both your income and mortgage are covered, and will always provide you with the best advice tailored to your situation. 

A property inspector

Purchasing or selling or home is a hefty investment, and you want to be sure you aren’t making a commitment to a home that’s going to give you any problems in the future. A qualified property inspector will be able to provide you with a comprehensive report and any advice on the state of your property, so you can be sure you’re going ahead knowing the condition of your purchase. 

A real estate agent

While some people like to go it alone, a professional and experienced real estate agent will make both the buying and selling experience so much easier. A real estate agent who understands your needs, wants, and style can take you to places you might not have even considered, or can get you into properties as soon as they’re listed. 

Why genuine relationships are so important

Relationships are at the heart of the property industry. Genuine relationships that involve the same interests, passions, and understanding can make your house selling and purchasing journeys so much more enjoyable and a lot less draining – especially when you know you are in expert hands. 

And you’ll be in much better shape for when you do next purchase or sell if you build those relationships and networks now. It’s never too early to start asking around and doing your research to figure out who your nearest experts are and who you might like to have alongside you. Building your network of knowledgeable, experienced and passionate individuals in the industry can take a little time, but it will make a whole heap of difference in the long run. 

What’s in the cost? How a quote for a property inspection report is calculated

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So you’ve found your ideal home. Everything looks perfect, the real estate agent is happy, and you’re keen to move into your new place. Not sure if the cost of a property inspection report is going to be worth waiting a little longer to sign on the dotted line?

I get it… buying a house is already a pretty big investment, and spending any more money on a home inspection might feel like the last thing you want to do. But, it’s important to enter into any agreements 100% prepared, which is why an inspection is so important. Here, I’ve outlined why a property inspection report costs what it does – and why the results outweigh any cost!

Time, time, time!

When you think of how long a property inspection might take, you might just consider the time spent on site doing the inspection and making notes. Any property inspector however can tell you that’s just the beginning! Writing up a report and ensuring that everything is correct is a hefty task, and one that requires a lot of attention to detail. 

The level of risk can also affect the cost of an inspection. If your property inspector is experienced, they’ll know immediately which houses are high risk and will take more time, and which are low risk. High risk properties will always cost a little more, just because there’s a lot more that needs checking.

It’s all in the details

With property inspections, there’s certainly not a one-size report that fits all. The cost of a building inspection can vary considerably depending on the age or size of the property, as well as the cladding and complexity of the home. There’s a lot of small details that can also make a big difference to the time it’ll take to finish a house inspection – a 2 bedroom bungalow can be no different cost wise to a 4 bedroom bungalow, but could be significantly different compared to a small 2 bedroom unit.

The quality of report

With most things, you get what you pay for. A property inspection report is no different. If you’re wanting a quality, in-depth and comprehensive report from a qualified inspector, you can’t be expecting it for a couple hundred dollars. 

A property inspection report might seem costly, but just consider the cost of going without one. It might save a bit of money now, but it certainly won’t save you anything in the long run if your new home has an expensive problem you don’t discover until after moving in!

Having the peace of mind that your new home is safe with no hidden problems is a priceless feeling amongst the hustle and bustle of moving. I wouldn’t even question it – the cost of a home inspection is always worth it compared to the cost of big repairs.

Have any more questions about a quote for your potential property? Get in touch with us for some honest advice.

Get a free quote for your pre-purchase property inspection now:

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Rental rule changes: what they mean for investors and how a property inspection report can make all the difference

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For both investors and tenants, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the be all and end all of anything involving a rental property. Having stayed mostly the same since its introduction in 1986, any changes to it are going to have a huge impact on the responsibilities landlords and tenants have to each other.

And with a new decade comes new rental rules, apparently. Last November the government announced a whole heap of ‘practical changes’ to the act in order to make renting fairer and more secure for tenants, and they’re set to be rolled out within the first half of this year. So, how will these changes affect investors and how can a property inspection report help? 

What’s changing and why?

The main amendments to the RTA are: 

  • Limiting rent increases to once every 12 months rather than every six months.
  • The banning of rental bidding.
  • Ending no-cause evictions (at the moment, periodic tenancies can be terminated without a reason as long as the landlord provides 90 days notice – now, the RTA will have a set list of possible reasons for termination). 
  • Letting tenants make minor changes or add small fittings to the property (like baby proofing, hanging pictures or installing fire alarms). 
  • An increase to financial penalties (the Tenancy Tribunal can now award compensation or order work to be done up to the value of $100,000 instead of $50,000). 

The reality is that when the act was first introduced in the 80s, renting was generally a temporary situation for many people. But with house prices rising increasingly in recent years, there are now around 1.5 million New Zealanders living in rental properties – and plenty of those will spend their entire lifetimes in rented homes. With more and more people relying on rentals, the government decided that it was time for changes to make renting more fair and secure for tenants (in theory).

What does this all mean for investors?

While all of these changes make renting more comfortable for tenants, they also mean that as an investor, you’ll have less control over what is a pretty hefty investment. The main concern is around the lack of no-cause evictions and how it’ll become much more difficult to evict anti-social tenants. It will mean you’ll have to be more selective about who you have living in your properties and approach new tenancies with a bit more caution then you might already. 

What can you do from here?

While some commentators predict some investors will sell up because of the law changes, there’s no need to make any rash decisions. New Zealand still has a growing population and a strong economy, which bodes well for the future of the property market. They’ll always be people looking for rental properties, and with the right precautions and preparation, property investing should still be relatively smooth sailing.

To prepare yourself for the changes, it’s best to be a bit more vigilant. That might mean doing more extensive interviews with possible tenants, as well as having a building inspection completed on any property you’re looking to purchase as an investment.

A building inspection not only gives you an idea of the general condition of the property, it also lets you know what kind of work might need to be done in the future to meet tenant needs. A thorough property inspection report completed by a qualified inspector can identify problems before they get too serious and ensure that you’re not over-capitalising on something that will cost you more in the future, avoiding a messy and potentially expensive situation. 

Property laws can sometimes be a bit of a balancing act between what’s best for the tenant and what’s best for the landlord, and these particular changes may be leaning towards benefitting the tenant more than you right now. But, being a property investor and a landlord has always been a challenging yet rewarding job – and there’s no reason you can’t keep reaping the rewards.

Get a free quote for your pre-purchase property inspection now:

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What a lawyer helps with when you’re purchasing a new home

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The process of purchasing your new home can often be an intimidating one. There’s plenty of jargon, complicated procedures, and a big financial commitment involved. Having a lawyer along for the ride is crucial – but what exactly are they looking for when they’re helping you complete your purchase? 

While you don’t need to understand the ins and outs of everything a lawyer will be looking at (we don’t all have law degrees!), it can be helpful to have some idea of what documents they’re going through. After speaking to my lawyer, Campbell McGill of Duncan King Law, about why property inspections are so important, I asked him for his expertise around what a lawyer looks at throughout the purchase process.

Certificate of Title

The Certificate of Title is the key legal component of any house purchase. It’s a significant document that identifies the ownership of a property, and has different subsections depending on the type of property in question. 

Campbell will normally pay particular attention to unique aspects that are registered on the title, such as easements, rights of way, and whether any other people may have an interest in the land. He’ll also check the cross-lease plan, and that the shape of the house in the plan matches the house in real life.

Terms of contracts

A lawyer will review the terms of the contract between the parties involved in the purchase. They’ll ensure the right bit of land is being bought, that all references match up, and that you know what the agreement might be conditional on – so that you’re fully aware of what you’re getting into before going ahead with the purchase. 

LIM reports

Campbell will also go through any other documents that are sent to him, like a LIM report. LIM – short for a Land Information Memorandum – is a document that summarises all the information the local council has on a property. It’ll normally include information about resource and building consent, and whether the property has had any alterations. It might mention the presence of any hazardous substances, whether there any overdue rates on the property, and any plumbing and drainage information. 

The agreement for sale and purchase will explain any tenancies on the property and the chattels that are included with the house – such as the stove, light fixtures, and curtains. It’s important to be familiar with all the chattel details so you know exactly what is and isn’t included in your new home!

A lawyer will spend time reviewing all of these documents thoroughly, and they’ll report back if they think there’s anything out of order. 

“The right advice about the documents is immensely important before taking any other steps,” says Campbell. “Otherwise you can run into problems later.”

What happens if you don’t get the right advice?

The most common mistake people make when purchasing a home is signing an unconditional agreement without taking the right precautions – whether that’s not getting advice from your lawyer about the documents mentioned previously, or not getting a pre-purchase property inspection. 

Signing an unconditional agreement is exactly like what it sounds. It means you absolutely have to complete the purchase of the home, unless there are unusual exceptional circumstances.

“Even so, after signing the agreement you have a serious obligation to satisfy your conditions,” explains Campbell. “You can’t just sign it and change your mind, as in extreme cases the vendor can ask for proof that you can’t meet the particular condition.” 

For example, if you say you couldn’t get finance to complete the purchase, a vendor may require you to provide proof from your bank to ensure there is no way the agreement can be met. It’s a pretty serious document, and should never be entered into lightly.

Not getting a property inspection on the house – or not fully understanding it when you’ve had one done – will mean you’re likely to encounter some serious problems after signing the unconditional agreement. Something seriously wrong with the property, such as unconsented building works, may mean you’ll struggle to obtain insurance or a loan from the bank. This will result in you being stuck in a bit of a limbo, which is not exactly the welcome you’d like to your brand new home!

Purchasing a new home is a big commitment, so make sure you know what you’re getting into. Getting the proper advice from a property lawyer right from the get go, and asking questions about anything you’re unsure of, will mean the journey to your brand new home should be as smooth as possible. 

Get a free quote for your pre-purchase property inspection now:

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Your property season checklist

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As the year winds down, it’s time to relax and reflect – for some people anyway! In the property industry, the summer real estate season is just beginning and it’s as busy as ever. Summer is always a good time to consider selling, so there are plenty of homes on the market. 

Selling or purchasing a home can be stressful whenever, but it’s difficult to manage the process when you’re also wanting to spend time enjoying the gorgeous summer days. Nobody wants to miss out on the best time of year by being overloaded with paperwork and to-do lists, so we’ve put together a checklist to help you out – whether you’re purchasing or selling. 

Purchasing a new home

Purchasing a new home can often be pretty daunting – especially if you’re new to the property market. We’ve highlighted the main things you need to get sorted before you sign below the dotted line – so you can spend less time stressing and more time out in the sun. 

  1. Figure out your price range
    • Have a look at your income and your expenses to know what you can afford and what you’ll be able to repay. A financial advisor or mortgage broker can also provide some professional advice as to what price you should be considering. 
  2. Talk to a lawyer
    • It’s important to have a lawyer’s insight throughout your property purchase. They can help you understand the ins and out of your potential new home before you sign any unconditional agreements and make a commitment. 
  3. Get your finance pre-approved
    • Do some research on different banks or talk to a mortgage broker so they can find the best mortgage rate for you. It’s no easy decision, so take the time to find the right agreement – sometimes people find a better deal at a different bank from their usual. 
  4. Pay attention to all the fine print
    • Read anything multiple times before signing it to make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re getting yourself into. A home is an expensive commitment – one that most of us will only make once or twice in our life – so you want to make sure it’s right!
  5. Get a property inspection before committing to your chosen property
    • While you may have fallen in love with the perfect property, you never know what problems the house might have. Get a professional property inspector to run an experienced eye over the home to identify any problems before committing to it.
  6. Now you can fall in love with your property!
    • We’ve often seen people get too emotionally attached to their potential home before finding out it’s got some irreparable problems. If you’ve had all the proper advice from your lawyer and a thorough report from a property inspector, then you’re good to go! Get ready to bid or make an offer, and fall in love with your new home. 

Selling a home

Selling your home is a long process and something you need to start thinking about well in advance. We’ve created a checklist of most of the main things you should be doing to get your home ready to sell. 

  1. Check that no non-permitted or non-consented work has been done on your property
    • Have a look at your home’s property file from your local council – it’ll have all the information about every bit of work that’s been done to your property so you can check everything matches up. Have a look at our previous blog all about non-consented work to find out more. 
  2. Sort any repairs to your home
    • Have any loose door knobs or cracked tiles you’ve been meaning to fix for ages? Get those sorted before you sell to add value to your home. 
  3. Give your home some TLC
    • Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or a polish can make all the difference for a potential buyer. Have a look around your home and identify any areas that might need a little bit of extra love. 
  4. Talk to a real estate agent
    • A real estate agent will get the process moving forward, meaning you can relax and enjoy your summer as much as possible. Once you’ve decided on a method of selling – exclusive listing, auction, tender or open listing – they can help sort the rest. 
  5. Get a pre-sale property inspection
    • Although property inspections are normally completed for buyers, it can save you a whole heap of hassle to get a pre-sale property inspection before selling. That way, you’ll get an idea of what needs to be fixed and what buyers may try to use when negotiating – so you won’t have any nasty surprises!
  6. Consider staging
    • You might want to think about staging – even a few rooms – if your home is particularly high value. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are normally areas that people give a little spruce-up. 
  7. Get the final utilities sorted
    • Once your house has been sold (congrats!), the work isn’t entirely over. There’s the pre-settlement inspection, a final check that all utilities have been paid or sorted, the move-out, and a quick clean to make sure your home is nice for its new owners. 
  8. All sorted? Hand over the keys, relax, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Whether you’re purchasing or selling a home, following a checklist and keeping on top of things will ensure the process is as stress-free as possible. With years of experience in the Auckland property market, The Property Inspectors have the experienced eyes to make sure your home is good to go this summer property season, so get a free property inspection quote now.

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