Open homes can be an exciting window to the future for house hunters, but it's easy to get caught up in the moment and be distracted by surface details.
It's important to remember what you're looking for when you're viewing open homes, especially if they're busy. Forget your Pinterest mood boards for a moment and remember that buying a home is the biggest financial transaction that most people will ever make. You don't want to buy a lemon just because you liked the lampshades.
Don't lose sight of your Grand Designs dreams, but remember to focus on the practical aspect of buying a home. That means making sure it ticks all your boxes and that you're aware of any potential problems that could cost you money in the future. A checklist should be your best friend during this process.
The experts at settled.govt.nz want to help you get the most out of the open home process. Settled.govt.nz is brought to you by the Real Estate Authority, the independent regulator of New Zealand's real estate sector. Here's what they suggest are the five most important questions to ask at an open home:
1) Does this property tick all my boxes?
Make a list of your 'must-haves' before you head to any open homes. If you need three bedrooms, lots of storage space and easy access to public transport, writing these things down will make it less likely that you'll forget them at the first sight of a spa pool or double garage.
When you're at the property, imagine living there. What will your commute to work or school be like? Will your furniture fit? Is there enough outdoor space? Is the section fenced and safe for your pets? When does the sun hit the property? These are all important details that will make a big difference to your quality of life.
2) What's the neighbourhood like?
If you're not familiar with the surrounding neighbourhood, spend some time checking out local amenities, such as schools, shops and access to public transport.
If you like what you see after the open home, arrange to visit the property at different times of day, during the week and on the weekend. This will give you a sense of the neighbourhood's activity - is there a lot of hustle and bustle or is it a relatively quiet part of town? Does the neighbour's dog bark at every passer-by? Can you see you and your family fitting in there?
Be savvy about the future too. Contact the council to ask about upcoming zoning changes and any new developments planned nearby, as these could have an impact on traffic, noise, access and sun.
3) Is there anything you need to tell me about the house?
While licensed real estate agents work for the seller, they are legally required to tell you all they know about a property they are selling. They must tell you if they think there might be something wrong with the property that you should check out. Don't be afraid to ask them about any concerns you might have.
Questions can include things like: Is there any chance of flooding or erosion in this area? Are there building consents for any work that has been done on the property? Is it insulated? How much are the rates? Have there been any issues with water tightness or leaking?
Many owners are starting to provide information like LIM reports. Ask when these were produced to ensure they're up to date.
Remember too that you can visit the local council and ask to see the relevant property file, which may contain more information.
4) Have I checked for all the obvious issues?
Open homes can be busy and overwhelming, so you might want to make an appointment with the real estate agent to view the property again privately. This is a good chance to check the property thoroughly. Inside, look for any signs of damp or mould. Check the water pressure too!
Make sure that you check for quality building materials on the outside of the house, that the guttering and spouting are in good condition, and that retaining walls are intact. Inside the property, take a careful look at things like insulation and heating, floors, doors, windows and plumbing.
It can be tough keeping all of this top of mind while you're in the moment, so we recommend taking along a checklist to make sure you're covering the basics. Settled.govt.nz has a handy checklist that can help you keep track of what you need to keep an eye out for.
5) What's next?
Think you've found the house of your dreams? While open homes are a great source of information, going to one is just the first part of the home buying process. You'll need to dig a little deeper to make sure your potential new abode is up to scratch.
For example, you'll want to get an accredited property inspector to take a good look at the place.
If you're after more information about what to do at an open home - and what to do after you've been to one - head to settled.govt.nz.