Navigating through the world of property can often feel pretty overwhelming, but not when you’re alone!
This industry lends itself to so many knowledgeable professionals who know the market, the rules, and all of the key hacks to ensure you get the best deal when it comes to buying, borrowing, subdividing, renting, and much more.
Whether you’re a seasoned home buyer looking to grow your property portfolio, or a first home buyer looking to get their foot in the door, this article will talk you through exactly what these property professionals do and can help you with, so that you can feel confident in taking your next steps on your property journey – wherever they may lead you!
Mortgage Advisers
Mortgage Advisers, commonly known as Mortgage Brokers, are the navigators of the property-buying journey, helping you find the best financing options for your unique situation.
When you’re considering purchasing a property, a Mortgage Adviser should be the first person to talk to.
They’ll give you an idea of what you can afford and the purchase price a lender might approve. If your finances aren’t in a position to get the lending you need, a Mortgage Broker will give you step-by-step instructions about what you need to do to get ready.
Once you’re finances are ready, instead of dealing with multiple lenders yourself, a Mortgage Adviser will help you present your situation to multiple lenders through how you put together your home loan application.
They act as the middle person, comparing loan options, negotiating better terms, and guiding you through the entire mortgage application process.
They make sense of all the jargon, highlight the pros and cons of different loans, and ensure you secure a deal that fits your budget and goals, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor.
At Futurebound, our Mortgage Advisers are also mortgage elimination specialists. They’re experts in helping you to put a plan in place to pay a 30-year mortgage in 07-10 years.
This means they provide home loan structure advice and provide a repayment strategy that matches your financial goals, so you can save $200,000+ of mortgage interest and be freehold decades ahead of schedule.
For first-time home buyers, Mortgage Brokers provide invaluable advice on budgeting, pre-approval, and understanding the total costs of buying a home—not just the deposit but also ongoing expenses like insurance and interest rates.
Property investors, on the other hand, benefit from a Mortgage Broker’s insights into leveraging equity, finding interest-only loans, and structuring mortgages to maximize cash flow and minimize tax obligations.
A good Mortgage Adviser tailors their advice to your circumstances, helping you make informed decisions that set you up for long-term success.
Learn more about a Mortgage Adviser’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-mortgage-brokers/
Real Estate Agents:
Real Estate Agents are like your personal guides to the property market.
Whether buying or selling, agents make the whole process simpler and less stressful with their expertise and local knowledge.
They have three main roles: listing agents, selling agents, and buyer’s agents.
Listing agents work with sellers to get a property on the market and showcase it to potential buyers.
Selling agents work with buyers, representing the seller’s interests while closing deals.
They handle the whole process, from pricing your property right to marketing it like a star and managing viewings to attract eager buyers.
Most real estate agents in NZ are the listing and selling agent. They are representing the vendor (seller), so be careful when you’re looking to buy a home. The selling agent’s job is to get the best price for the seller – not you.
This means you’ll need to know how to negotiate with the selling agent and the rules around how they are selling the home: by tender, buyer enquiry, etc.
Buyer’s agents, though, are all about the buyer. They’re dedicated to finding the perfect property for buyers and ensuring they get the best deal possible.
They work as property hunters and negotiators, helping you find homes that match your wish list while securing the best price.
They take what could be a chaotic, emotional rollercoaster and turn it into a smooth, well-guided journey.
Knowing which type of real estate agent you’re dealing with can help you understand who’s working on whose side and find the right pro for your goals.
Learn more about a real estate agent’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-real-estate/
Top Real Estate Agent Tips:
For home buyers, here are a few tips to make your search smoother: start with mortgage pre-approval so you know what you can afford, then dive into open houses and property tours with an open mind.
Your buyer’s agent is your best friend in this process—they can help you spot gems and avoid money pits, so don’t hesitate to ask all the questions.
Sellers, on the other hand, should focus on first impressions. Clean, declutter, and even consider a bit of staging to make your home stand out.
Pricing is key, too—a good listing agent can help you set a price that attracts interest without leaving money on the table.
Conveyancers:
A conveyancer is your behind-the-scenes hero in the property-buying journey.
They handle all the legal and administrative tasks involved in transferring property ownership, ensuring that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed.
From reviewing the sale and purchase agreement to conducting title searches and sorting out any red flags (like unexpected easements or covenants), a conveyancer protects you from potential pitfalls that could cost you dearly when it comes to purchasing a home.
They also manage the settlement process, ensuring funds are transferred correctly, and help you understand legal terms and conditions, saving you from surprises down the line.
Ultimately, by making sure every aspect of the transaction is watertight, conveyancers save you money and stress, making the path to property ownership as smooth as possible.
While it might seem like a notable expense on top of a (very costly) house purchase, consider it an investment in peace of mind. The upfront cost can save you from expensive errors, legal disputes, and hidden fees that could arise if paperwork is mishandled.
Many conveyancers offer fixed fees, so you know upfront what you’re committing to without any surprises.
When putting in an offer on a house in New Zealand, a few common mistakes can complicate or even derail your purchase. First, not including a ‘due diligence’ clause is risky. This clause allows you to fully investigate the property (including building inspections, financing, and legal reviews) before committing to the purchase.
Another mistake can be rushing into an offer and making it unconditional as you feel like you may miss out otherwise – it’s important to ensure that the house is going to be a sound investment, whether for family or tenants, and that building issues aren’t going to come out of the woodwork later on.
Learn more about a conveyancer’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-conveyancers/
Insurance Advisers
Insurance advisers are like your property’s personal bodyguards, helping you get the right protection for your new home or investment.
They know the ins and outs of all things insurance—whether it’s basic home coverage, contents, or special landlord insurance to keep your rental property safe. For investors, landlord insurance can be a lifesaver, covering tenant mishaps and potential income loss.
Insurance advisers work with multiple insurance companies to get you the very best deal when it comes to your insurance needs.
The best time to line up house insurance? Right before closing! Since lenders need proof of insurance before finalizing your loan, getting it sorted early means you’re covered from day one and can avoid any last-minute hold-ups.
Top Insurance Tips:
First-time buyers, here’s a tip: make sure your insurance covers the full cost to rebuild, not just the purchase price. And bundling your home and contents policies might save you some cash.
Mortgage protection insurance is also another thing to consider, similar to income protection insurance, it covers your payments if you get sick and cannot work.
For property investors, landlord insurance is a must—it covers tenant risks that standard policies won’t. Regularly reviewing your insurance with your adviser keeps your coverage on point as property values and tenant situations change. With the right advice, you can rest easy knowing your property is protected from the start!
Learn more about an insurance adviser’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-insurance/
Surveyors & Land Development Consultants
Have a piece of land you are thinking about developing? Land development is pretty complex. Surveyors and land development consultants are like the secret sauce in the property-buying recipe.
They don’t just measure boundaries—they’re the eyes that look deeper into land stability, zoning rules, and all the nitty-gritty details you might miss on your own.
With their expertise, buyers get the full story on a property, protecting themselves from unexpected surprises and giving them the confidence to move forward, whether they’re buying a family home or planning their dream development. It’s like having a property detective on your team, making sure every piece of the puzzle fits.
Land development consultants bring serious value by helping you untangle the complicated world of planning, design, and compliance. Need to know if that empty backyard has subdivision potential? Wondering how to handle council consents? They’ve got it covered.
By handling feasibility studies and guiding clients through approvals, surveyors and consultants simplify every step of the process, saving you time, money, and a lot of stress. When it comes to projects like subdividing land, their guidance makes all the difference, turning overwhelming tasks into achievable plans.
In New Zealand, the cost of a surveyor or land development consultant really depends on what you’re using their services for. It could be a simple task like working out the boundary of your property, or something more complex like subdividing your property into two or more separate titles.
Most consultants offer an initial chat to discuss your project and provide a quote so you can plan ahead without any surprises.
Learn more about a surveyors role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-surveyors
Accountants
Accountants are the unsung heroes in the property-buying process. When it comes to buying a house, they offer invaluable insight into the financial and tax implications of the purchase, helping you understand the full picture beyond just the sale price.
Accountants work with you to determine what you can afford, explain any tax benefits or obligations, and even help structure loans to make the investment as financially efficient as possible, particularly if you’re a sole trader or own your own business.
If you’re buying a property as an investment, their role becomes even more crucial, as they can advise on deductions, depreciation, and the best structure to maximize returns while minimizing your tax bill.
People often come to accountants at key stages of their property journey. Some reach out at the very beginning to set a budget and understand their financial position, while others wait until they’ve found a property and need guidance on the tax and financing aspects.
For investors, accountants are often involved from day one to create a tax-effective plan, often revisiting strategies annually to make sure their property portfolio is performing well financially.
Ideally, it’s best to get an accountant involved as early as possible, as they can save you money by identifying potential deductions, optimizing financing, and helping you avoid any costly tax pitfalls from the start.
For property investors, a few tips can make all the difference. First, keep thorough records of all expenses related to the property, as these can be used for tax deductions later.
Second, work closely with your accountant to understand depreciation rules; you may be able to claim depreciation on certain assets within your property, which can add up to significant tax savings.
Finally, think long-term when it comes to structuring your investments—whether it’s setting up a family trust, a company, or another legal entity, an accountant can guide you toward the best structure to protect your assets and plan for future growth.
With the right planning and accounting advice, investors can maximize returns and make informed financial decisions that lead to long-term property success.
Learn more about a accountant’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-accountants/
Property Managers:
Property managers are the behind-the-scenes experts who keep rental properties running smoothly, making life easier for landlords and tenants alike. They handle the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a rental property, from finding reliable tenants and handling rent payments to addressing maintenance issues.
By acting as the main point of contact, property managers allow landlords to enjoy the benefits of property ownership without the constant hands-on involvement, freeing up time and reducing stress.
For tenants, property managers are the go-to support for questions and requests, which helps foster positive landlord-tenant relationships.
For landlords, property managers provide immense value by maximizing their investment’s potential. They use their expertise to set competitive rent rates, ensuring properties are priced well for the market while maximizing returns.
Property managers also handle tenant screening, selecting individuals with good rental histories to reduce the risk of late payments or damage. Their knowledge of landlord-tenant laws helps keep landlords compliant with regulations, minimizing legal risks.
By keeping an eye on the property and addressing issues as they arise, property managers help maintain property value over time.
Learn more about a property manager’s role here: https://futurebound.co.nz/resources_property-pros-property-manager/
If you need some help with purchasing your first home, next home, or an investment property, or just have a few more questions for us, then click the button below. Keen to know more about how these property pros can help you? Click on the videos above to view each interviewee’s contact details.
