Step 2 | Offers

1. ConTact the Real Estate Agent (Agent)

The process for making an offer varies depending upon the method chosen by the Vendor/Seller for selling the property e.g. buying by auction versus buying by tender is quite different. To learn more about the various methods of purchasing a property, click here.

Regardless of the process chosen by the Vendor, the first step in making an offer is to contact the Agent and advise him/her of your interest and interest in making an offer. The form of the offer will typically be the template Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate prepared by the Auckland District Law Society. To learn more about the Sale and Purchase Agreement (Agreement), click here.

2. Advise the Agent who your Lawyer IS

When you contact the Agent, advise him/her who your lawyer is and ask them to send a copy of the Agreement to your lawyer to review.

3. ConTact your lawyer

Upon receipt of the Agreement, your lawyer will get in contact with you to discuss the terms of your offer.

If you make a conditional offer, conditions could include making your offer subject to a favourable building inspection or a valuation, confirming your financial arrangements, or selling your own property etc.

The seller can also attach conditions to the sale, for example, changing the settlement date, or specifying the details of the chattels that come with the house.

4. Make an Offer

Once you have agreed the terms of your offer, you need to sign and present a copy to the Agent who will present it to the seller. The seller will consider your offer and decide whether to:

  • accept your offer and sign the Agreement.

  • reject your offer. In this case, you may decide you want to put in another offer. The seller doesn’t have to tell you why your first offer wasn’t accepted.

  • negotiate your offer. The seller may decide to make changes to the Agreement, which the agent will point out to you. You may go back and forth with the seller a few times before you finally agree on terms you are both happy with. Or, you may simple decline the counter offer and terminate the negotiation.

Only once the offer is accepted by the Vendor will the Agreement be signed.