Wellington Buyers... What’s Your Property Speed-Dating Criteria?

Our last two updates covered tips to help buyers make better offers - without spending more money. A bit of extra effort to get to ‘cash offer’ status rather than conditional, or showing more flexibility on settlement dates for stressed-out vendors, can be a real game changer.

Yes, the market is slower in terms of median days to sell - but don’t be fooled. It's still competitive for well-located, sought-after homes. If you like it, chances are… someone else does too.

This week we spoke to a buyer who turned up to a 3-bedroom home (advertised as two doubles and a single) but said they needed four bedrooms. Another couple turned up at a 12pm open home out of breath, saying they’d already been through five others that morning. That’s got to be a record - given open homes only start from 11am. Efficient, yes. Also a solid way to combine house hunting with interval running and amateur rally driving. Headbands, activewear, and race numbers, anyone?

It’s a good reminder: clinical sniper buyers tend to outperform the run-and-gun house hunters who pop in and out without a plan. The former usually have a checklist sorted like ‘must-haves’ vs ‘nice-to-haves’. They’re also pre-approved, know their budget, are signed up for alerts, in contact with local agents, and shortlisting online. I kid you not… the most organised even arrive with a notebook in hand, ticking boxes and jotting down comments. Be still, my beating heart (I love a good checklist). And in couples, it’s always the organised one holding the pen.

However you do it, just make sure you’re ready to act when you find the one. If you’re saying, “I’ve just seen it but want to see all the others first,” keep in mind - someone else probably said that two weeks ago and might now be circling back with a lawyer and a LIM.  When you know… you know.  Sunday is coming. Start your engines and good luck out there.

Sellers - winter is actually a great time to list. Stock on the market shrinks, and yes, supply vs demand still applies. Many vendors think sunnier days sell homes. Plot spoiler: they don’t.  Want to chat or make a plan to get your place ready? Get in touch (027 518 0008 or leonie.snook@harcourts.co.nz).

No sales pitch, no fuss - just service.