First-Time Buyer Priority Planner
Your Home Buying Priorities
Before meeting with an estate agent, define your non-negotiables and deal-breakers. This helps you communicate clearly and find the right home for your needs.
What features MUST your home have? (e.g., backyard for dog, walk to train station)
What would make a property unacceptable? (e.g., Needs major repairs, noisy location)
Talking to an estate agent doesn’t have to feel like walking into a high-pressure sales room. Most people feel nervous the first time they meet one - especially if they’re buying their first home. But estate agents aren’t there to trick you. They’re there to help you find a home that fits your life, your budget, and your needs. The key is knowing what to ask, what to watch for, and how to make the conversation work for you.
Start with a clear idea of what you want
Before you even pick up the phone, take five minutes to write down what matters most. Not just "a three-bedroom house," but specifics: Do you need a backyard for your dog? Are you okay with an older home that needs work? Do you want to walk to a train station or a park? Write down your top three non-negotiables and your deal-breakers.When you meet an estate agent, they’ll ask you questions. If you’ve thought this through, you’ll sound confident - not because you know everything, but because you know what you’re looking for. Estate agents respect buyers who are clear. It saves everyone time.
Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience
Not all estate agents are the same. Some specialize in first-time buyers. Others focus on luxury homes or investment properties. Ask them directly: "What percentage of your clients are first-time buyers?" and "How many homes like mine have you sold in the last six months?"They should be able to give you numbers. If they say "a lot" or "quite a few," ask for examples. A good agent will pull up recent sales - maybe even show you photos of homes they sold in your target suburb. If they hesitate or can’t answer, keep looking.
Ask about their process - not just the property
Many people focus only on the homes the agent shows them. But the real value is in how they handle the whole process. Ask:- How do you handle offers and negotiations?
- Do you work with solicitors or mortgage brokers I can trust?
- What’s your average time from offer to settlement?
- Have you handled buyers with my type of financing (e.g., first-home buyer grant, KiwiSaver withdrawal)?
These questions show you’re serious. They also tell you if the agent has systems in place - not just a list of houses.
Watch how they listen
A great estate agent doesn’t just talk. They listen. If you mention you’re worried about rising interest rates, they should respond with options: "Some buyers lock in rates early," or "I’ve seen clients use fixed-rate terms to manage cash flow."If they only say "That’s a good point" and move on to the next house, they’re not helping you plan. They’re just showing listings. Pay attention to how they react when you say something unexpected - like "I might need to rent out a room later." A skilled agent will adjust their search based on your future needs, not just your current ones.
Check their local knowledge
In Auckland, a house in Mt. Roskill isn’t the same as one in Onehunga - even if they look similar. Ask:- What’s the average time homes sit on the market in this suburb?
- Are there any upcoming council projects (like roadworks or new schools) that could affect value?
- What’s the noise level like at night? Is there a bus route nearby?
These aren’t silly questions. They’re the kind of things you won’t find on a listing. A local agent will know about the construction starting on the corner next month, or how the new footpath in Glen Innes is already boosting foot traffic.
Get references - not just reviews
Online reviews help, but they’re not enough. Ask: "Can I speak to one of your past first-time buyer clients?" Most agents will say yes. Call them. Ask: "Did they help you feel in control?" "Did they explain the paperwork?" "Did they follow up when they said they would?"If they can’t give you a reference, that’s a red flag. Real estate is personal. You’re trusting someone with one of the biggest decisions of your life. You deserve to hear from someone who’s been there.
Don’t sign anything on the first meeting
Some agents will push you to sign an exclusive buyer agreement right away. Don’t. Not unless you’re 100% sure. You can always sign later. But once you sign, you’re tied to them - even if you find a better fit.Instead, say: "I’d like to see how you work over the next few weeks. Can we start with a trial period?" Most reputable agents will agree. If they get upset, walk away.
Bring a notebook - and a friend
Take notes. Write down the address, the price, the condition, and what the agent said about each. After three or four homes, you’ll forget the details. A notebook keeps you grounded.Bring someone you trust - a partner, a parent, a friend who’s bought before. They’ll notice things you miss. Maybe the agent said "the kitchen is modern," but your friend notices the cabinets are peeling. That’s worth knowing.
Know the red flags
Here’s what to watch out for:- They push you toward a specific mortgage broker they "work with." That’s a conflict of interest.
- They avoid talking about fees or commissions.
- They say "this is the best deal you’ll ever get" - there’s no such thing.
- They don’t explain the Contract of Sale or the LIM report.
- They discourage you from getting your own building inspection.
If any of these happen, it’s time to find someone else. Your peace of mind matters more than convenience.
What to expect after the first meeting
A good estate agent will follow up within 24 hours. They’ll send you:- A shortlist of homes matching your criteria
- Links to LIM reports and property history
- Estimated monthly costs (rates, insurance, maintenance)
- Next steps - like when viewings are scheduled
If they don’t, it’s not personal. It’s a sign they’re overwhelmed - or not organized enough to help you properly.
Remember: You’re the client
Estate agents work for you. Not the seller. Not the bank. Not the developer. You’re paying for their time and expertise - even if you don’t pay them directly. Their commission comes from the seller, but their loyalty should be to you.Don’t apologize for asking questions. Don’t feel guilty for taking your time. The right agent will appreciate that. The wrong one will make you feel like you’re too much trouble.
Buying your first home is a big step. But it doesn’t have to be scary. With the right estate agent, it can be one of the most empowering experiences you’ll have.