Selwyn Times: December 18, 2019

13
Looking for a Property?
What really counts
You are in the market for a new property,
scrolling the Internet, examining
properties for sale and zeroing in on
those with potential. They might be
in locations that offer cheaper land,
larger houses, or convenience to work
or school. You may have visited show
homes and open homes becoming
confused, overwhelmed or swept
away with emotional factors like having
everything new, or extra features such
as three car garaging.
To be happy with your choice, list the
features that you need, considering:
; Family space – Is there room for
the children to play indoors and
for television and entertainment
units? Should this be open plan or
separated?
; Kitchen – What needs to be in your
kitchen? How serious are you about
a butler’s pantry? Is it a whim or
something that offers a practical
solution to the way you use your
kitchen?
; Bedroom sizes – What are optimum
sizes? Smaller bedrooms may
translate to slightly lower building
costs while extra space can be
useful. When looking at existing
homes, consider whether the size of
each bedroom is sufficient.
; Garaging – A standard double
garage once two cars are parked
there offers little space for the toys.
What toys do you have and could
they live with the lawnmower in a
garden shed, a cheaper option to
three car garaging? If the budget
allows and a larger garage with
workshop is important, make it a
selection priority.
; Size of land – Lifestyle properties
offer space for children, pets,
hobbies, an expansive garden and
perhaps a home-run business but
they require work so are not for
everyone and a compact section
might be more sensible if a tight
budget or busy lifestyle.
; Bathrooms – Second and third
bathrooms are great in homes with
teenagers and a wet shower room is
ideal for young children. A bath might
be fashionable though is often not
used and its absence could mean a
more spacious bathroom.
; Laundry – Would a laundry in the
garage do the job?
; Storage – How much storage do you
need? Weigh up what can truly be
stored in the garage once vehicles
are in, a preference in winter.
Garages vary in size so check the
size to ensure your vehicles will fit.
Look also at where else the house
offers storage capacity such as in
hall cupboards, a large hot water
cylinder cupboard, wardrobes (check
their width and depth), walk-in robe,
attic storage trusses, as well as the
potential for hooks and shelving in
the garage for bikes, tools, garden
equipment and even kayaks.
; Off-street parking – How many
vehicles can be parked on the
driveway? Will this space be
sufficient?
; Garden - Is there sufficient space
for your children to play or for
entertaining?
A checklist will allow you to determine
what will suit your needs, the point of
the exercise, saving you time looking at
properties or potential house designs
while assisting you to decide whether
to buy a new or existing home with
both options having advantages and
disadvantages.
RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL
OPEN HOME
OPEN HOME
DARFIELD 25 Piako Drive
Opportunity To Live The Good Life
Five-year-old, two-storey home on a large 7124sqm section.
Two bedrooms and bathroom downstairs and upstairs is a
large master with en suite, office space and an additional
open-plan area suitable for extra bedrooms or additional
living. Double garage, large workshop and open-bay shed.
$765,000 GST Inclusive
VIEW Sunday 1.00-1.30pm
Min Cookson
M 027 249 5417
E min.cookson@pggwrightson.co.nz
pggwre.co.nz/DAR31624
OPEN HOME
GLENTUNNEL
A Rare Gem in a Tranquil, Park Like Setting!
This idyllic property is home to a very well-maintained
1920's villa. Full of character and charm with the
added convenience of modern-day touches on a
tranquil and expansive 3,930sqm section. Three
bedrooms, bathroom, toilet, laundry, open-plan
kitchen/dining, and spacious living room. Feature
timber panelling, floors, leadlight windows, and french
doors are complemented by quality furnishings
throughout. Double and single garages, greenhouse,
raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, fish pond and views
across rural farmland. You will never want to leave!
DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY
GST Inclusive
(Unless Sold Prior)
Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 23 January
VIEW Sunday 11.00-11.30am
Karen Hennessy
M 027 967 0186
E karen.hennessy@pggwrightson.co.nz
DARFIELD 12 Snowdon Place
Family Time
Two-storey home on a mature 920m2 section. Four to six
bedrooms, two bathrooms, and open-plan living spaces with
a large mezzanine floor area upstairs. Large two-car garage,
inground 9 x 4m swimming pool, well-fenced and secure.
Walking distance to the local shops and schools.
$515,000 GST Inclusive
VIEW Sunday 12.00-12.30pm
Min Cookson
M 027 249 5417
E min.cookson@pggwrightson.co.nz
pggwre.co.nz/DAR31679
pggwre.co.nz/DAR31589
PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008
Helping grow the country