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Know What To Look For Before Hiring A Real Estate Agent

Owning a home is part of the Kiwi Dream, and now is an excellent time to buy. Hopefully you have been saving and preparing so that you are financially ready. This is especially so as there are so few homes on the market right now that make it a seller’s market. Given the lack of properties available it is common sense to work with your local Ellerslie real estate agent to find the best prices on homes, but it is also very important that you are prepared and have done your research about the real estate industry and Ellerslie market in particular. Otherwise you could be misguided.

Ellerslie real estateThe first thing you should know is that you do not want to spend your entire budget on the actual purchase price. Most likely the home will need some repairs or you may want to upgrade appliances or rooms. If you spend your entire budget on the purchase you will have nothing left for your renovations. The joy over your new home will deteriorate quickly Nothing when you have to look at the old kitchen bench tops and worn carpet. Keep money aside for these renovations and even after the sale try not to spend all of your money in the initial renovations. You never know when a repair need is going to pop up.

When choosing your real estate agent be sure that he or she is willing to cooperate with you. They are the expert on the local Ellerslie property market and are expected to guide you through the real estate jungle, but you do not want an agent that will not listen to you. If you end up with a pushy agent that tries to convince you to purchase homes you do not like then drop them immediately and find another. It is important from your standpoint not to be a pushover as well. Be polite, but firm in your communication.

Here are a few tips in dealing with real estate agents. First, be very specific about what you want. Make a list, think through absolutely everything, and when they ask you what you are looking for be prepared to tell them. What are your future goals? Do you intend to start a family? Do you love entertaining many guests? It is important that they know your needs so they can show you appropriate homes. When it comes to your budget, it is recommended to give your agent a number that is a little below what you can actually spend. This way when it comes to being persuaded to take something a little beyond your budget you can and still be within your comfortable spending range. Most often in any negotiating situation the first numbers are not the final numbers.

Ellerlsie real estate agentWhen you do find the perfect home don’t get too excited. You need to have a thorough understanding of the contract and the deal itself. If your real estate agent puts pressure on you to take a deal before someone else does, take a step back. Creating a sense of urgency is a very old selling technique but a real estate agent who has integrity will not do that. The best real estate agents in Ellerslie, know that if they work with you and help you rather than forcing a sale, you will recommend them to other people and also return to them when you want to buy a new home.

Buying a house is a major decision and financial expense. It is important that you are very careful and that you understand every aspect of the deal. In addition the home should be thoroughly inspected. A good real estate agent will keep you from jumping into anything too soon. They should want you to be comfortable with the house you are buying. After all, you are going to live there for a long time.

 

http://markpatsy.co.nz/

Gas-Fitting – Engage A Professional North Shore Gas Fitter

North Shore gas fitting service

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The use of gas for domestic heating, cooking and hot water is increasing in the North Shore houses and commercial buildings. Gas fitting is therefore an increasingly important service that plumbing companies provide to their customers. Despite the Kiwi tendency to like to carry out renovations on their homes, the old Do-It-Yourself psyche, but with gas appliances, it is very risky to install these or any other gas burning equipment. This is most definitely a job where you need to call in a North Shore gas fitting company.

Why do you need a gas fitting company?

Gas is dangerous; end of story. It is one thing to put a new gas bottle on the barby but to install a complete set of gas pipes in a house, is difficult, especially in older homes. It is imperative that there are no leaks what-so-ever in any of the pipes or the joints. The slightest leak can allow gas to escape which can then very easily be ignited. Gas is highly combustible and even if you do not smoke, it can very easily be ignited causing an explosion in your home or office.

One of the problems is that the space you have to work in is often tight so you do not have room to turn the wrench or use other tools as well as you can in an open space. An experienced gas fitter will have not only the right tools to use but will also be used to using them in these more confined spaces. But perhaps even more importantly, the gas fitter will not cut any corners. When we do work on our homes ourselves, we are often tempted to let tings slide a little. You can get away with this if there are a few drips of paint or a cupboard door is not exactly square. But if you cut corners with gas appliances, then this can be fatal. A gas fitter will not do this as they have to ensure that any job they do in your home will pass inspection by any building assessors or by the Master Plumbers Association.

Different gas-fitting services

North Shore gas fitting

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The most common gas-fitting requirements on the North Shore include installing cooking hobs, heating systems and gas-fired water heaters. These can be in your home, working environment or even on your yacht.

Other services can support your DIY efforts. For example, if you have installed a central heating system, then you are strongly advised to have a gas fitter carry out the commissioning and testing of the entire system before the heating is turned on.

Better to be cautious to ensure safety

Annual service of gas appliances

It is imperative that you have an annual service of all your gas appliances, cookers, heaters and boilers. This is like preventative maintenance, just like on your car. A good North Shore gas fitting company will run a range of tests to look for any potential issues with the appliances and carry out any necessary repairs to protect your family or home. A yearly check and service is a small price to pay for the true peace you will get.

It is also worth bearing in mind that without having regular servicing and especially a check after the initial installation, your home may not be fully insured. Insurance companies look for the smallest way to get out of making pay-outs; do not let them off the hook by failing to have a gas-fitter to check your appliances.

Certified North Shore Gas Fitters

Be sure to only hire gas fitters who are certified by the Plumbers, Gas-fitters and Drain-layers’ Board.

To attain this accreditation, gas-fitters have to undergo rigourous assessment and ongoing training which other plumbers do not. Certified gas-fitters are obliged to carry a card affirming their accreditation. Ask to see the card so that you can be guaranteed that you are getting the best gas fitting advice and installation available.

Potentially, this is your life, so make sure you hire the best North Shore gas-fitters for your appliances and heating systems.

 

http://heronplumbing.co.nz/               www.heronplumbing.co.nz