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2146 days ago

Tips For Buying Your Next Home

Garry Tranter from Price My House for Free Limited

Kia Ora Neighbours!

Six tips to help you with your journey on the property ladder.

1. DECIDE WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR
Before selling, figure out what your next steps are going to be. Are you upsizing or downsizing? Are you aiming to become mortgage-free? Or do you have pre-approval on a new loan? Then you can start investigating the number of homes in your search area that fit the bill and how much they may cost you.

2. PURPOSE
Why are you considering a move? Are you looking for a larger, long-term family home? Are you willing to sacrifice a longer commute time for a better lifestyle? Or are you looking for a property to invest in, with a good capital gain forecast? A long-term plan vs a short-term investment will each paint a different picture.

3. PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
It’s important to think ahead when buying a home – around seven years is a good benchmark. Your kids will become teens, your teens will leave home (or not) or your parents may need to move in as they grow older. Ask yourself “will this home still work for me in seven years’ time?”.

4. EMPLOYMENT
Factor in your current commute times and travel costs, but also think down the line. For example, right now you may be a young couple both working full time, but are you preparing to start a family? If one person will stay home with the child, it makes sense to purchase a home closer to the other person’s office.

5. DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE
Just like a first-time buyer, it’s important to do your due diligence. That means the usual LIMs and building reports, but should also include things like a meth test. Make good use of your real estate agent – they are a wealth of knowledge not only about the home, but the local area.

6. KEEP AN EYE ON THE MARKET
Your property journey doesn’t end once you’ve signed on the dotted line and moved into your new place. For most New Zealanders, a home is the biggest investment made in a lifetime and, in many cases, it’s relied upon to help fund retirement. So, like any big investment, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on trends or changes in the market. The realestate.co.nz New Zealand Property Report or REINZ sales data are two handy sources of information.

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

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How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
  • 26.8% I love it!
    26.8% Complete
  • 31.3% Only in designated areas
    31.3% Complete
  • 41.9% No, it should be outdoors only.
    41.9% Complete
3144 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.3% Yes
    70.3% Complete
  • 26.9% No
    26.9% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
866 votes
1 day ago

Happy Friday everyone, here's a riddle to round out your week 🥳

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

You measure my life in hours, and I serve you by expiring.
I'm quick when I'm thin and slow when I'm fat.
The wind is my enemy.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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