What does the new Real Estate Agents Act, 2008 mean to buyers and sellers of real estate in New Zealand?

On November 17, 2009 the new Real Estate Agents Act, 2008 came into force. It is changing the face of real estate in New Zealand and how the business of buying and selling a home is conducted. For the better. Real estate agents need to be much more careful and professional in how they interact with both buyers and sellers. The Act gives buyers and sellers more rights, more power and, along with the real estate agents themselves, more responsibility.

This is the first in an occasional commentary on the Real Estate Agents Act and how it affects buyers, sellers and agents. You can find out more about the REAA here.

Should you disclose a defect in the house you want to sell?

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Ever heard of fish that climb ladders? And on Auckland’s North Shore? Well, neither had I until we met John Kearney.

We’ve been having our deck overhauled during the past couple of weeks. Apparently, it’s not as solid as we thought and much of it needs replacing. John Kearney, a skilled craftsman, is doing the job very ably, but the trouble is, he disappears every now and then, with little warning. The reason for this apparent slackness?

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Modern Architecture

Monsters! So much of modern architecture today seems to be about size . New homes for sale on the North Shore seem to be huge! 5 or even more bedrooms, media rooms and great big impersonal living areas. Architects seem to believe that they must get the biggest house they can on to increasingly smaller lots and all these houses seem to be so…….so……..the same! Boring, big, ugly boxes filled with oversized furniture and an oversized person or two.

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Forrest Hill was one of the first suburbs to be developed as the North Shore began to boom in the 1960’s and 70’s after the Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed. The Northern Motorway at that time ended at Tristram Avenue, and Forrest Hill soon became a suburb of choice for families wanting convenient and affordable homes.

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Are you considering whether to  sell now or wait until the market “kicks” back in after Waitangi Day? A few of my sellers are trying to decide when to sell. We are in a good market now, maybe it will be even better in February.

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Money Making Opportunity | Browns Bay | Auction

You’ll love this! Another 1960’s character do up and right next to Bay’s Christian Fellowship!

• Deceptively spacious with 3 bedroom plus study and more!!
• Separate guest accommodation or work from home
• Full site of 809m2 with flat garden
• Situated in such a handy location close to buses and in Rangi Zone
• Great buying for the astute investor or large families on a limited budget
• Must be sold as owners are relocating!!

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Last night marked the moment of truth for the marketing of 42/44 Spencer Road.

After 4 weeks on the market, with over 50 groups visiting the open homes it was time to auction the property. On Saturday last, a pre auction offer was made at $930,000, tempting to say the least. An offer that is close to the mark is always hard to resist. But with  half a dozen bidders patiently waiting for the auction on Wednesday the owner decided to wait. A nerve racking few days for sure but worth it in the end.

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Fastidious owners / Westlake Zone

Finding an affordable family home in a great school zone is not easy, especially when you want a single sex school. On the North Shore of Auckland there are only two single sex high schools, Westlake Girls and Westlake Boys. Both high schools have a terrific reputation, click on the links to find out more! All the other high schools are co-ed. Being close by is a must for many families and this home fits the bill. You can secure your entry into the highly prized Westlake School Zone with this easy-to-own Forrest Hill home, now!

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