“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Buyer’s Guide

Why work with a agent to help you buy property?

A buyer’s agent works exclusively for you, helping you find, evaluate, and secure the right property, often before it hits the public market.

  • They can uncover off-market listings and provide early access to new opportunities.

  • They analyse value and negotiate to help you avoid overpaying.

  • They can coordinate inspections, reports, and communication with your lawyer and lender.

  • They save time and stress, guiding you through every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

How Buyer’s Agents Get Paid?

In our area, buyers typically don’t pay their agent directly.

  • When a buyer’s agent helps a buyer purchase a property listed by another agency, the listing agent may agree to share their commission. This is called a conjunction (or conjunctive deal).

  • The seller pays the commission, which is then split between the listing agency and the buyer’s agent, the total commission amount does not increase.

  • This allows buyers to have professional representation at no extra cost.

What is an offer?

Simply put, an offer is a written proposal from a buyer to purchase a property.

  • Your agent will generate a legal document called a Sale and Purchase Agreement, stating your price, as well as specific terms and conditions.

  • Always get legal advice first – once the seller signs, the Sale and Purchase Agreement is legally binding.

  • Offer methods include:

    • Auction – The highest bidder above the reserve wins. Have finance and due diligence completed first, as only an unconditional offer will be considered at auction.

    • Tender – Submit your best written offer before the deadline.

    • Negotiation / Deadline Sale / Advertised Price – You can add conditions such as finance or inspection clauses.

  • Multi-offer process – If multiple offers are made, submit your strongest offer, as you may not get a second chance.

Conditional vs Unconditional

A conditional offer includes clauses that must be met before the sale becomes final.

These may include, but are not limited to:

  • securing finance approval

  • selling a current home

  • solicitor’s approval of the agreement

  • completing a building inspection

  • reviewing the LIM report or council file

  • obtaining insurance

    For a conditional offer, the deposit is typically paid once all conditions are met and the sale becomes unconditional.

    An unconditional offer means you are agreeing to purchase the property as is, with no conditions. Once accepted, you are legally committed to the purchase.

    For an unconditional offer, the deposit is usually paid immediately after both parties sign the agreement.

    The deposit is held in the real estate agency’s trust account until settlement.

From Offer Acceptance to Settlement

Your agent will submit your offer to the listing agent, who then presents it to the vendor. The seller may accept your offer or negotiate changes.

Once both parties have signed the agreement, you now have a legally accepted offer.

Meeting conditions

  • If your offer is conditional, you will have a set timeframe to complete each requirement.

  • Your lawyer or agent will help track these dates and communicate progress.

  • Once all conditions are satisfied, your lawyer will confirm that the contract is now unconditional, meaning the sale will proceed to settlement.

    Confirm finance and insurance

  • Provide your lender with all necessary property documents.

  • Most banks require confirmation of insurance before settlement.

  • Your lawyer and lender will coordinate loan documentation and payment arrangements.

    Pre-settlement inspection

  • A few days before settlement, arrange a final inspection to confirm the property’s condition.

  • Check that agreed chattels remain in place and that the home is clean, tidy, and in the same condition as when the offer was accepted.

    Settlement day

  • On settlement day, your lawyer and bank transfer the purchase funds to the seller’s lawyer.

  • Once payment is complete, ownership of the property is legally transferred to your name.

    Collect keys and move in!

  • After settlement is confirmed by the solicitors, the agent will release the keys to you on that same day, usually sometime in the afternoon.

  • Because settlements can take time to process, it’s best to plan your move for later that day or the following day.

At Collab Realty, we believe buying a home should feel clear, supported, and exciting. It’s more than a transaction, it’s your next chapter. We’re here to make it happen, together.

Your agent.

Christine Regan chose Collab because it aligns with her personal, results-driven approach. Arriving from Los Angeles, she consistently ranked in the top 10% of over 500 top-producing agents in one of the world’s most competitive markets and earned multiple industry awards for excellence in sales and client service.

She knows every property has a story, a growing family, a new chapter, a fresh start. With sharp market insight, expert pricing, and negotiation skills, Christine makes homes shine and clients feel supported.

No self-importance. No old-school methods. Just bold thinking, genuine care, and exceptional results, the kind that keep clients referring their friends and family.

Christine Regan

Residential Sales Consultant

027 213 3468

Christine.Regan@collabrealtry.co.nz

Need More Help?

Visit settled.govt.nz for guides, checklists, and tools.
If you have concerns about a real estate professional, contact the Real Estate Authority (REA):
0800 367 7322 • info@rea.govt.nz • rea.govt.nz