Free seminar aims to simplify buying property in Waimate
Buying property can feel complicated - things like interest rates, lending rules, building reports, insurance and LIMs can make the whole process feel overwhelming.
Add in national headlines about housing affordability, and it’s easy to assume home ownership is out of reach altogether.
But local property professionals say Waimate is a bit different.
They’ve organised a free seminar next month aimed at helping people better understand the local market, finance and home-buying process.
Waimate property experts Jules and Dionne say understanding the local market can make all the difference.
Local agents Julie-Anne (Jules) and Dionne from Red Hot Real Estate have teamed up with mortgage adviser Hayley Rice from Agile and Loan Market for the event.
To be held upstairs at The Waimate Kitchen & Bar, the evening is designed to be relaxed and practical - a chance to hear from local experts, ask questions and get a clearer idea of what’s involved in buying property.
Dionne wants people to leave the seminar with confidence and a plan.
“You’ll know your next three steps - who to talk to, what to check, and how to position yourself to buy well in Waimate. “
What makes Waimate different
Waimate property has been getting attention for all the right reasons lately. More people are swapping big mortgages and city pressure for a more affordable way of life.
Here, you can still get a great property under $500,000. But it’s not just affordability drawing people in.
Positioned between Timaru and Ōamaru - and roughly halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin - Its location is another reason people are taking notice. For locals, it’s a short drive to the lakes in the summer and ski fields in the winter. Some of the best locations in the South Island are options for weekends away, including Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch.
There’s the village lifestyle - weekends at the farmers market, catching up with friends for brunch, an extensive network of walking and biking tracks, strong local art scene. Plus, a new 67km shared use trail is under development.
There are great schooling options and major employers either locally or within easy commuting distance.
That combination has been reflected in recent activity in the local property market.
“The Waimate market has been relatively active over the past month,” Jules says.
“Average house values are sitting around $450,000 to $470,000, and median sale prices over the last year are up around 13 to 15 percent year-on-year.”
Weekends in Waimate start with stocking up at the local farmers market.
How real estate agents can help buyers
Jules and Dionne say good agents not only help buyers navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes, but also understand the finer details of a location that don’t appear in online listings.
“We’ll give you the relevant information, help you understand the process, and guide you on what due diligence to do, how to structure an offer that’s competitive but sensible, and how to negotiate conditions so you’re protected.”
It also helps working with agents who have firsthand experience buying, selling and building homes themselves.
The pair say one of the biggest mistakes first-home buyers make is focusing too heavily on cosmetic appearance while overlooking more serious issues.
“Look past dated décor, ugly curtains, wall colours, tired carpet and basic landscaping. Those things are cosmetic and fixable,” they say.
“But don’t ignore structural movement, moisture readings, roofing condition, wiring, plumbing, or uncertainty around titles and consents.”
What role do mortgage brokers play
For many first-home buyers, finance is the part of the process that feels the most intimidating.
That’s where mortgage adviserHayley Rice from Agile and Loan Market says brokers can help simplify things.
“Buying a property can feel overwhelming at first,” Hayley says.
“We’re big supporters. We don’t use jargon and we hold people’s hand through the process.”
Hayley says one of the advantages of working with a broker is access to a wider range of lending products and lenders than buyers would typically see approaching a single bank.
“We don’t try and put a square peg in a round hole - it’s not going to work,” she says.
“We work with more than 30 different lenders, so we can help find the right fit for different situations.”
That can include lending products many buyers may not realise exist.
Hayley points to renovation lending packages currently available through some banks, including low-interest loans for home improvements, along with interest free options designed to help people building on sections.
The event will be held upstairs at The Waimate Kitchen & Bar, just one example of investment breathing new life into Waimate’s historic buildings.
What to expect from the evening
The seminar will cover what’s happening in the Waimate property market, finance tips, bank requirements, using equity, the home-buying process and common mistakes buyers should avoid.
Attendees will also get insight into how mortgage brokers work on behalf of buyers - comparing lenders, helping structure loans and finding lending options suited to different situations.
“A practical, no-jargon evening, Dionne says.
“We’ll cover what’s really happening in the local market, how lending settings affect your budget, step-by-step due diligence, offer strategies and common traps to avoid.
“You’ll get checklists, recent local case studies, and time for Q&A so you can ask the curly ones.”
The seminar will be held upstairs at The Waimate Kitchen & Bar, on Tuesday 9 June from 6pm to 7pm, with a complimentary drink on arrival.
