Selwyn Times: December 18, 2019

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14 Your guide to all things Real Estate in the <strong>Selwyn</strong> District Securing your home these holidays There have been a number of burglaries and thefts in the district more recently. This emphasises the need to secure your property when away as well as when home. Assets can be replaceable, treasured keepsakes conveying irreplaceable memories, not so. Motor vehicles and electronics are often the target but it is surprising what a thief will take. The thought of someone entering our home is unsettling, the mess and damage left behind a real hassle. Even when well insured, there is a cost: the excess, loss of a no claim bonus; write-down of an asset’s value; the inconvenience of no wheels or other possessions; the wait time before insurance pay out; and the time involved in looking for replacement items. These are good reasons to make our homes as secure as possible. The adage: ‘if they want to get in, they will’ is true yet some thieves are opportunistic, looking for easy targets. Simple ways to secure your home and vehicles are: • Lock your house and garage when going out, heading away or at home. • Keep vehicles locked when in the driveway or on the street, never leaving the keys in them and ensuring valuables, bags or other tempting items are hidden. • Shut all windows at night and when going out or away; especially those accessible from the street. • Activate any alarm system keeping the codes confidential. Never share the master code. Set temporary codes for guests and when issuing a key to a neighbour or trusted tradesperson. • Padlock sheds with all tools inside so they cannot be used for breaking-in. • Lock firearms in an out-of-the-way place then secure the key in a separate location. • Organise a house sitter or ask a neighbour, family member or friend to keep an eye on your property and clear the letterbox. Alternatively, put a stop on your mail with NZ Post. • If away longer than two weeks, arrange for a neighbour or contractor to mow the lawns. • Secure the spa and swimming pools, locking covers or draining them. More serious ways to protect your home include: • Fitting sensor lights. • Installing lockable security doors. • Installing an alarm system. • Installing security surveillance cameras like those where you can download an APP onto your cell phone so you can remotely view your home while away. These are ideal when you are not likely to have power or Internet access. • Fit an automated irrigation system on a timer, programming it to turn on each day. This will give the impression someone is home and keep your plants healthy. Burglaries can be opportunist due to lax security. Locking doors and windows helps. Setting the alarm is common sense – if the facility is there, why not use it. Adopting other security measures can be worth the effort and might keep your home safe over the holidays. Fit an automated irrigation system. Arrange to have your lawns mowed. Keep your home & vehicles locked.
15 What to ask at an open home It’s easy to get carried away when you’re searching through property listings for the house of your dreams. But if you’re not careful, home buying can become a nightmare. “Buying a property is a complex and potentially stressful process, not least because it involves such a scary amount of money,” says Kevin Lampen-Smith, chief executive at the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA). “It’s smart to do as much as you can to reduce the risk of unwelcome surprises or unexpected costs further down the line.” In the first instance, Lampen-Smith recommends drawing up a list of questions to ask about properties you’re interested in. “Remember that you can ask the real estate agent anything you like about the property,” he says. “They are also required to tell you everything they know and not withhold any details.” If you’re not sure what to ask, here’s a handy list of questions. Open homes can be busy, so ask the agent if you can talk on the phone, or send questions via email. - Have there been any issues with the property, such as earthquake damage or water-tightness? - Are there any offers on the property, or have any contracts been cancelled by potential buyers? - How long has it been on the market? What is the seller’s preferred settlement date? - What maintenance, repairs or improvements have been carried out? Do these have permits? - Is there a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) available or a building report prepared by an accredited property surveyor? - Is the property well-maintained? What condition are the roof, piles, wiring, and plumbing in? - Is the property insulated? If so, to what degree (eg walls, underfloor, ceiling)? - Is there any risk of methamphetamine (P) contamination? - If there is a body corporate (usually for apartments), what does that entail? - Are there any issues with neighbours or planned developments? “If you are seriously considering making an offer, you will need to do your own research and seek professional advice. It may well become your home, so you need to know as much about it as possible to save unhappy surprises later,” Lampen-Smith says. “Knowing the right questions to ask is a good starting point.” This Week’s Thursday 19Th december 11.00am - 11.30am 81 Faringdon Boulevard, Rolleston Ray White Rolleston 1.30pm - 2.00pm 606 Springston Rolleston Road, Rolleston Ray White West Melton 11.30am - 12.00pm 2 Royston Common, West Melton 1.30pm - 2.00pm 50 Strauss Drive, Rolleston 12.00pm - 12.30pm 26 Othello Drive, Rolleston Harcourts Rolleston 11.45am - 12.15pm Harcourts Rolleston 105 Faringdon Boulevard, Rolleston 1.45pm - 2.15pm Ray White Rolleston 4/545 Maddisons Road, Weedons 12.00pm - 12.45pm 1.00pm - 1.30pm 2.00pm - 2:.30pm 129 Johnson Road, West Melton Harcourts Rolleston 12 Donatello Drive, Rolleston Harcourts Rolleston 103B Lowes Road, Rolleston Harcourts Rolleston 12.00pm - 12.45pm 12.30pm - 1.00pm 1.00pm - 1.30pm Ray White Rolleston 129 Johnson Road, West Melton Harcourts Rolleston 9 Campion Place, Rolleston Ray White Rolleston 34 Prebblewood Drive, Prebbleton 1.45pm - 2.15pm 2.30pm - 3.00pm 2.30pm - 3.00pm Harcourts Rolleston 12 Donatello Drive, Rolleston Harcourts Rolleston 43 Vernon Drive, Lincoln Bayleys Canterbury 20 Millstream Drive, Lincoln Bayleys Canterbury Ray White Rolleston sunday 22nd december 1.00pm - 1.30pm 34 Park Lane, Rolleston Harcourts Rolleston 2.30pm - 3.15pm 703 Robinsons Rd, Broadfield Ray White West Melton 11.00am - 11.30am 4/214 Orahuna Road, Tai Tapu Bayleys Canterbury 1.00pm - 1.30pm 14 Delorean Drive Property Brokers 3.30pm - 4.00pm 150 Springs Road, Hornby Ray White Rolleston CHECK OUT THE SELWYN TIMES PROPERTY DIRECTORY EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR THE BEST OF PROPERTY IN THE SELWYN DISTRICT For full details of all Open Homes, please contact the Real Estate companies RAY WHITE Rolleston 03 347 9988 www.rwRolleston.co.nz WEST MELTON 03 347 9933 www.rwwestmelton.co.nz LINCOLN 03 325 7299 www.rwlincoln.co.nz PROPERTY BROKERS www.propertybrokers.co.nz Rolleston 03 929 0306 BAYLEYS CANTERBURY 03 375 4700 www.bayleys.co.nz HARCOURTS www.fourseasons.harcourts.co.nz HARCOURTS HORNBY 03 349 9919 HARCOURTS Rolleston 03 347 4711 HARCOURTS LINCOLN 03 662 9933 MATSON & ALLAN www.marealestate.co.nz Rolleston 03 347 9949 DARFIELD 03 3<strong>18</strong> 8204 LEESTON 03 324 3704
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Selwyn Times: December 18, 2019

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