[migratory birds]

Can any of you in Nelson/Golden Bay recommend a realtor (do you call them solicitors in the UK?) who has a good sense of aesthetic and doesn't bother showing us what's not worth looking at?

We'll be visiting the north end of the S Island for few days 19-25 Nov looking into communities and primary schools and hope to have a few hours with a realtor who can give us a glimpse of what's out there.

We'll be looking at renting first on arrival in Jan 08 but may purchase if the right place shows up with a realtor.

[thezorbster]

There are so many real estate agents here and within an office each one seems to have their set properties that they deal with so it is not quite so simple as meeting up with one agent who can show you lots of houses/areas. You would be best looking at realestate.co.nz or something to get an idea of properties you were interested in and then contacting the relevant agents. Try to plan your visit to tie in with a weekend if possible as there are a lot of open homes then. Also, I'm not sure what your line of work is but you mention Nelson and Golden Bay in your thread title. The start of Golden Bay is probably 1 1/2 - 2 hrs drive from Nelson so if you were planning to work in Nelson area it's not feasible to commute at all. If you did you would need a huge supply of sick bags as Takaka hill is the most nausea inducing drive I have ever experienced and certainly not one I could face on a daily basis!:no

[Moorf]

sarah@goldenbayproperty.com

Sarah-Jane Brown
Sales Consultant
Golden Bay First National
Work (03)5258800
Home (03)5259511
Mobile 0274222577

I get an email from her every week with updates - she was recommended to me by friends near Nelson. Worth contacting her - she seems to have alot of Takaka/Golden Bay properties and rural/beachside.

[migratory birds]

I appreciate the leads on open houses and Sarah Jane-Brown.

Moorf, have you considered helping expats relocate? You're often posting great leads on houses for sale and have good taste!

Yes, a friend tipped me off on the distance between Nelson and Golden Bay communities - thx, it helps to know driving distances/times BEFORE getting behind the wheel!

Thanks for the tip on Takaka Hill - I've heard about it not being a road one would want to travel on a regular basis! I appreciate knowing how it can affect some as my daughter can get very motion sick in the car - now I will be a bit more prepared (going slower, plenty of gum which seems to help, maybe frequent stops, oddly playing electronic games - which we don't yet own - while in the car helps prevent it completely)

[migratory birds]

P.S. I'm a naturopathic physician/homeopath/midwife specialising in family practise/paediatrics at the moment and am self-employed so I can take my work anywhere there's a need for it.

[thezorbster]

If there's anything else I can help you with on the area please just let me know and I'll help if I can. Definitely not an expert as still settling myself but we've visited a few areas and have rented out in the sticks about 40 mins drive from Nelson whilst we look for land or a house.

ps - I never thought I got travel sick until attempting Takaka hill. Both times we have had to stop because of me, whilst my daughter has been demanding snacks from the back seat! Have to admit the second time I did have a hangover - now that is definitely not recommended! No drinking the night before Takaka is now my motto!

[Moorf]

Moorf, have you considered helping expats relocate? You're often posting great leads on houses for sale and have good taste!

Yep, I had considered it, but I much prefer helping out folks on this forum as I'm not sure I could take money from people for giving them advice and support, which I'd have to do if I took it up as a business. :)