Take time to look around and become familiar with the market. As a new migrant, you may wish to purchase a home immediately, because you feel this will help you and your family feel more settled. Although this is understandable, do not let the urge to settle or any sales pressure unduly hasten your decision. Buying a home is an important decision and should not be taken hastily. Once you have acquired a good knowledge of the local market and are sure you have found what you want, buying a home can be completed within three or four weeks.
Special property features are run in the Wednesday and Saturday editions of most major newspapers. A range of free publications providing illustrated property listings is also available from real estate companies. The Real Estate Institute provides national listings at: www.realestate.co.nz.
Most houses are sold through real estate agents who operate on sales commissions. These are agreed with the vendor before the property is offered for sale and generally vary between 1-3% of the sale price. Agents will make appointments for you to see specific properties - they will usually also provide transport if requested. You may use any number of agents, but when you decide to buy you will deal only with the agent managing the sale.
Open homes
People who are selling their houses often hold 'open homes' at the weekend so you can visit the house without having to make an appointment with the real estate agent. 'Open homes' are usually open for up to two hours - the times are advertised in the local paper and weekly real estate publications.
A real estate agent, not the owner, will be at the house during the 'open home'.
