Buyer's agent explains why
Patience is the key when it comes to buying property in the current market, says an independent buyer’s agent.
Buyer’s Agent NZ is a dedicated boutique and independent company for the Queenstown and Wanaka regions and was founded by director Nicky Ramsden (pictured above). It is one of just a handful of dedicated buyers agency businesses in New Zealand.
Ramsden said she created the agency in 2004 to make the property-buying process smooth, simple, successful and enjoyable for home buyers.
She said things are now turning in the favour of New Zealand home buyers.
“More listings are hitting the market, so people do not need to make any rash decisions,” Ramsden said. “It is important to do your homework, be well organised when viewing properties and be prepared to make a purchase when the right home comes along. As a buyer’s agent, I work with mortgage advisers to help my clients get up to speed and be able to jump on the right property at the right time.”
Read more: Why now is the right time to buy a home
Ramsden said she makes sure her clients know exactly where they stand because once she reaches the negotiating process, she does not want to encounter any hiccups.
“You need to be decisive and not get into any multi-offer scenarios if you can help it,” she said. “In the meantime, you need to strike while the iron is hot and get your timing right. It is my job to do my due diligence for my clients and understand what my clients need and want in their new property.”
Ramsden said mortgage advisers should partner with a buyer’s agent.
“At the end of the day, we are working for the same clients, so keeping lines of communication open between all parties is really important,” she said. “As the adviser, it is important to make sure the client is not making any big financial life decisions until they can secure a property. I have had circumstances where I have said to clients to stay in their jobs rather than go out contracting because their finance will fall over.”
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Ramsden said she enjoyed building trust and forming connections with her clients.
“I treat my clients like friends or family and that is reciprocated,” she said. “I make sure I am aware of all the aspects in their life including any potential life changes and it is my job to remind them of their lending capacity to be able to buy. If, for example, my clients are considering dropping from two incomes to one, I need to be open and transparent with them to help them potentially avoid making a big financial mistake as I am advocating on their behalf.”
