How do I find out what my house is worth?

There are two proven methods to getting a home value estimate: a home appraisal and a valuation. Home appraisals are conducted by real estate agents and provides an educated estimated value of your home, based on the experience of the real estate agent and current market trends. A home appraisal is typically done for free. Registered valuations are conducted by a licensed and registered valuer where they perform a similar assessment, but they are done by an independent and qualified valuer for a typical price range of $500 to $800.

How do I present my home?

You may have heard of, or seen, some of the techniques vendors use to maximise their home's appeal, from the effective 'declutter and clean', to the simple 'finishing touches' (fresh flowers for example). The art of presenting a property for sale is an important one to master. Presentation is often the reason that two properties that appear the same on paper, sell for vastly different prices. Physical appearance, atmosphere and the space you create are the three critical factors which affect the emotional response of a buyer to your home.

What do I need to do before I can put my house on the market?

Before you put your house on the market, there are several important documents and disclosures you need to provide. The first is an agency agreement; This document is provided by your real estate agent and it contains the key details of the parties involved in the sale of your property: you, the agent and your lawyer. Until you sign this, your agent cannot act on your behalf to sell your home. Regardless of what kind of home sale method you choose (e.g. auction, fixed), you should also disclose information to your agent when you put your home up for sale such as certificates for any building work, building consents and code of compliance.

How do I prepare for an open home?

Creating the optimum open home experience for buyers maximise your sale opportunity. Open homes are a popular way for buyers to view your property and see if it is right for them. To help your home become the one buyers fall in love with, clear the clutter and neutralise any unpleasant odours to leave a good first impression.

What are the different ways I can sell my house?

You may have noticed that houses are frequently sold in different ways, depending on market conditions and the unique aspects of the property. Marketing your property with a price is the traditional approach to selling real estate and lends itself to negotiations. Often, however, you have less chance of selling for a premium since the given price acts as a 'ceiling', and buyers will therefore attempt to negotiate down, not up. Selling without a price can be conducted by auction, tender, or by simply advertising without stating a price. Auctions are fast, simple, and place a deadline on the buyer to make a decision. Auctions, by their very nature, are a dynamic and positive way of arranging a quick and uncomplicated transfer of your property for the best price. A real estate tender is a method of selling a property through the process of private and confidential offers made by a set deadline. A tender works particularly well when either the seller needs to consult with a number of people, when buyers may need to undertake considerable due diligence before finalising the sale, or when one party may have considerably more interest in buying the property than the general market.

Why should you choose us to sell your property?

Our number one objective is to get you the best possible price for your property – preferably in the shortest possible time, with the minimum of fuss. Selling your property is among the most significant challenges you'll face, both on a personal, and financial level. We've developed a carefully planned approach that gives you a professional, stress-free, and ultimately profitable, experience. Cathy and her team have a proven track record of more than 30 years specialising in Hamilton Real Estate, request a free appraisal today.

What is it like to live in Hamilton?

North East Hamilton Suburbs boast enviable town planning initiatives; cycleways, walkways, green corridors, river walks and excellent connections to Auckland and the city centre. With no less than 5 Decile 10 primary schools (one under construction) and zoning for the new $200M ‘State of the Art’ Junior and Senior High School and Sports Complex families are flocking to buy or rent.

Should I buy a house in Hamilton?

Hamilton continues to enjoy the highest capital gains per annum in a very fast-growing city that has 2 Inland Ports under construction, an Adventure Park, proposed new Medical School at the University of Waikato, an Airport and the recent injection of a $1b Housing Infrastructure Fund from Central Government. Hamilton is also the new home of the NZ Sevens World Series. With a population of 165,400, and gross domestic production of $7.8b per annum astute investors recognize an excellent opportunity in a city that has seen exponential building growth in the last 2 years.

Where should I buy a house in Hamilton?

Buying new is best with all new builds having double-glazing, new building code insulation, and superior building standards it makes sense to buy new. Hamilton Lodge Agent Cathy O’Shea has 5 townhouse developments for sale in key locations around Hamilton ideal for investors, and 9 brand new homes ready to live in or tenant in the booming North East.