[RoadRunner]

I have several questions related to searching for a home - any suggestions or advice is appreciated!!

If you want to look at a brand new home, do you need an agent? Or can you simply go to a trailer or office near the construction site and see the floor plans, prices, and so on? How do you find out about new developments? Some of the online real estate sites have info but most do not. Even the ones that list the house for sale do not include things like floorplans. How can you get that info?

If agents only work in certain (smallish) areas, what is the best way to see many homes in one day? I think someone mentioned that the Wed/Sat papers have listings of homes for sale, including times of open houses. Do you simply drive yourself from one to the next?

Are open houses generally held on Saturdays only?

Finally, does anyone have an agent to recommend in Wellington?

Again, thanks for any answers!
RoadRunner

[Beach Kiwi]

If you want to look at a brand new home, do you need an agent?

Not unless it is listed exclusively with their agency.

Or can you simply go to a trailer or office near the construction site and see the floor plans, prices, and so on?

If they have a set-up that 'allows' this you can. Sometimes they may operate out of a show home that also serves as an example of what they do.

How do you find out about new developments?…floorplans. How can you get that info?

Mostly through advertisements in the newspapers, if you're not also using an agent, that is. Sometimes they advertise on TV, but this only seems to happen with 'exclusive' developments, like beach resorts.

If agents only work in certain (smallish) areas, what is the best way to see many homes in one day?

Get a list of homes that you want to check out from each agent, then plan your day so that you can view the listings of each agent one after the other.

I think someone mentioned that the Wed/Sat papers have listings of homes for sale, including times of open houses. Do you simply drive yourself from one to the next?

Wednesday and Saturday do tend to be the main editions for real estate listings, with Saturday being the biggest by far. With open homes you just make your own way to them, as there are agents, or salesmen on site to answer your questions or to make a sale.

Are open houses generally held on Saturdays only?

Saturdays and Sundays mostly, for obvious reasons, but other days aren't unheard of.

Here are the websites of some of the major home building companies in New Zealand:

http://www.signaturehomes.co.nz/

http://www.jennian.co.nz/

http://www.davidreidhomes.co.nz/

http://www.cavalierhomes.com.au/index2.htm

http://www.khh.co.nz/

http://www.universal.co.nz/

[Glenda]

What great links Beach Kiwi. :yes

Have another one www.sovereignhomes.co.nz - though they don't give away as many of their designs online, we picked up a very impressive brochure whilst in the area.

[RoadRunner]

Beach,
Thanks so much! :yes

Awesome info as always! I really apprecite your help!
:nice1 :nice1 :nice1 :nice1

[Beach Kiwi]

You're welcome! :nice1