Here at GettingHome, we’re all about ‘Empowering First Home Buyers’.
But what does an empowered home buyer actually look like?
Someone who can go out and buy their first home with complete confidence, knowing they’re making the right decision.
And how do you achieve that?
By equipping yourself with as much knowledge as possible. We’re talking about the most important purchase you’ll ever make, after all.
In the spirit of this, here are five free (and awesome) resources that’ll help you along the way to being an empowered first home buyer.
1. Auckland Council Website
Why it’s great:
Very recently updated and improved for easy searching.
You’ll find (among many other features):
Order a LIM report
Order Property Information File
Find the cost of rates
Auckland Unitary Plan zoning maps
Meaning of each zone here
Informational Newsletters all the goings-on in Auckland (these are excellent BTW).
How it helps:
Before committing your life savings to a property, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re buying into. This website will help you with your research process before purchasing. Auckland Council homepage.
2. New Zealand Herald Insights
Why it’s great:
A really quick snapshot of median values in the suburbs you’re interested in. Published September 2017 and updated periodically.
What you’ll find:
Current median value by suburb and change in e-value since 2014.
How it helps:
The homes reflect the middle value of homes selling by area. Many will sell for less and yes, many will sell for more. But it’ll give you a gauge.
3. A real estate salesperson
Why they’re (or can be) great:
Agents are talking about and seeing property all day, every day. They see trends and many focus on small ‘farm area’, so they should know their area inside out.
You might get:
- A suggestion for a minor improvement you may never have thought of. For example, removing a wall to create an open plan area.
- Insight into the type of buyers purchasing locally.
- Reputation of the local school.
- A fabulous local cafe!
During my time as an agent I was always surprised at how few people asked for my opinion on a property. But I didn’t take it personally!
How it’ll help:
Agents can be especially useful to you if you’re buying in a suburb you’re not familiar with.
Hey, you don’t even have to be interested in the home to ask a bunch of questions! Just be sure to verify all of the information for yourself.
4. Google Maps
Why it’s great:
Real estate photography is usually….creative.
Don’t waste your time, energy and petrol going to visit an open home for a property thats going to be a definite NO for you. Like having a pylon in the backyard.
What you’ll find:
Satellite and street view: check out the house itself, neighbours and immediate area.
Traffic: see how long your commute would take you at various times of day.
Public transport: check out the time and frequency of buses, trains or ferries to/from the places you’ll need to go.
How it’ll help:
Eliminate a definite no immediately. But be sure not to discount a good property! If the home fits your general criteria, check it out.
5. Trade Me Property Insights
While sometimes the figures are way out, this algorithm based site can give you a general guide as to what a home may be worth.
Why it’s great:
An instant general, rough, price estimate of a home.
What you’ll find:
Search by address to see what Trade Me Insights thinks a home might be worth.
How it helps:
Will give you a general, rough idea of what that property could be worth.
I recommend that you ask an agent to provide recent sales statistics that you can research for yourself. Going to a bunch open homes in your area/s of interest will also help you quickly get a gauge of what a home may be worth.
Bonus! GettingHome First Home Buyers Insider
Why it’s great:
#shamelessplug. Newsletter and informative blog post delivered to your email weekly.
What you’ll find:
Original insights, tips, sales stats and useful information for Auckland first home buyers.
How it helps:
Knowledge is power. You want to be in a position where you can buy your first home from a place of complete confidence, knowing you’re making the right decision. This will help.
