Before you make
an offer

Most buyers don't lose deals because of price - they lose them because they're not ready.

This will help you avoid costly mistakes, get the right professionals and secure the property you want.

01. Getting ready

Before making an offer, most buyers will

• Confirm how much they can borrow and structure it correctly from the start  
• Understand their deposit and budget
• Speak with a lawyer to understand the legal side of the process

Most buyers leave this until after finding a property and it slows them down when it matters most.

Professionals commonly involved:
- Mortgage Adviser
- Property lawyer

2. making an offer

Find the right home and ensure its legally sound

• The agent prepares a Sale & Purchase Agreement
• You decide on price and conditions
• Conditions often include finance, inspections, LIM report etc - the right professionals can help with this  

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is setting the wrong conditions.

The way your offer is structured impacts your chances of securing the property.

Professionals commonly involved:
- Property Lawyer
- Mortgage Adviser
- Building Inspector

Get Your Free Buyer Plan

03. offer is accepted

Offer accepted - the agreement becomes conditional

This is where key checks happen before the purchase becomes final:

• Building inspection
• Finance confirmation
• Insurance approval
• Legal checks

Delays at this stage are one of the common reasons deals fall over.

Professionals commonly involved:
- Building inspector
- Insurance adviser
- Property lawyer

Get Your Free Buyer Plan

04. Unconditional Offer & Pre-Settlement

All conditions are met - You're now Unconditional

This is the point where everything becomes legally binding.

This is major milestone - the deal is now locked in.

• Lawyers confirm unconditional status
• Deposit is paid to the vendors
• Settlement preperation begins
• Bank lending finalised

Everything needs to be set up correctly before this point - changes after this are extremely limited.

Professionals commonly involved:
- Insurance Adviser
- Property Lawyer
- Mortgage Adviser

05.Settlement Day

Get the keys
and move in

Settlement day is when ownership officially transfers:

• Remaining bank funds are transferred to the solicitor
• Legal ownership changes
• Get the keys - time to celebrate!

This is the final step - everything completed earlier ensures a smooth handover

06.Post-Settlement Support

Turn your house
into a home

Once you’ve moved in, many homeowners start planning the next steps;

• Renovations or improvements
• Setting up power, internet, and utilities
• Purchase furniture or appliances

This is where having the right connections saves time, money and unnecessary stress.

Common connections;

- Renovation specialists and trusted trades
- Power, internet, and gas providers
- Furniture and appliance deals

Moving Day Tips

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. The Concierge coordinates everything for you — from movers to utility connections — so you can enjoy a smooth move.

  • Secure reliable, vetted movers early.
  • Manage utility disconnections and new setups in one place.
  • Prepare a "first night" essentials box.
  • Label boxes clearly for an easier unpack.

Let us take care of it all so you don’t have to.

Cost to Sell Breakdown

Many sellers underestimate the hidden costs involved. The Concierge guides you through them clearly and helps plan your budget with trusted professionals.

  • Agent fees and marketing expenses.
  • Legal and conveyancing costs.
  • Staging and presentation investments.
  • LIM and compliance reports.
  • Moving and setup expenses.

Plan every cost confidently with one partner overseeing it all.

Quick FAQs

Answers to the most common questions — all in one place.

  • What’s a LIM report?
    A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) is a council report showing key info about a property — consents, zoning, hazards, rates, and more.
  • What is bridging finance?
    A short-term loan that helps you buy a new home before your current one sells.
  • When should I engage a lawyer?
    Before signing anything — they’ll check the contract, LIM, title, and handle settlement.

Need help making it happen?

Renovation & Value Tips

Smart updates can transform your sale price. The Concierge connects you to the best trades and stagers — all coordinated for maximum impact.Refresh kitchens and bathrooms with simple, modern upgrades.

  • Repaint and improve lighting for a brighter, more inviting feel.
  • Refresh kitchens and bathrooms with simple, modern upgrades.
  • Boost curb appeal through garden and entrance updates.
  • Stage rooms to help buyers imagine living in your space.

Need help making it happen?

Tips for Making an Offer & Negotiating

Making an offer can feel intimidating — but with the right approach and expert support, it becomes a confident, strategic move. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Get pre-approved first — shows you’re serious and ready to move quickly.
  • 💡 Know your numbers — research recent sales and understand true market value.
  • 🤝 Start strong but flexible — a fair first offer makes you credible but leaves room to move.
  • Set a clear deadline — avoid drawn-out negotiations by adding an expiry to your offer.
  • 🔄 Consider flexible terms — settlement dates or deposit timing can be just as powerful as price.
  • 🧑‍💼 Lean on your experts — mortgage advisers, lawyers, and agents all help protect your interests.

Want help crafting the perfect offer and negotiating confidently?

Mortgage calculator

Planning to buy a home in NZ? Use these mortgage calculators to estimate repayments and compare loan options:

  • 🏡 ASB – Fast repayment insights
  • 🏡 ANZ – Explore rates & terms
  • 🏡 Westpac
  • 🏡 BNZ – Try different deposit sizes