I want to buy a house in Tirau!

[klingon]

My Dad's just found out he's really sick... like REALLY sick... and he lives 1 hour north of Kaitaia, and Kaitaia Hospital hasn't even got a CT scanner. Anyway, I'm trying to encourage him and Mum to move to Tirau. Why Tirau? Because it's the only place in the country my Dad will consider moving to! Also it's way closer to me so I can help care for him in his last few weeks/months of life (told you he was sick). And near to Waikato Hospital.

And maybe Mum might be able to make some friends before Dad dies, so she can have a bit of a support network. Where they live now is way too isolated, and soon she won't be able to drive any more and will be stuck out in the wop-wops on her own.

So anyway I'm looking for a house to buy in Tirau. (They definitely don't want to rent.) I've never bought a house before so it's hard to know where to start. I'm thinking between the family we should be able to rustle up a bit of a deposit, and I'll find a way of paying the mortgage.

What they need:
- 3 bedrooms
- Bright & sunny
- Some kind of heating - ideally a fireplace
- Private (they're used to living on 10 acres and the idea of looking out the window and seeing a neighbour peering back horrifies them)
- Dad wants to live on a hill so he can look out and see into the distance - he's starting to get panic attacks when he feels trapped and enclosed.

How you can help:
Do you know anyone who's thinking of selling a house in Tirau?
Do you live nearby? Can you keep an eye out for "for sale" signs?
Do you have any tips for me as a first-home buyer?!

Thanks!
klingon

[Madness]

TradeMe?? (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&mcat=0350-5748-&sidebar=1&132=PROPERTY&selected135=13&selected136=&134=14&135=&153=Tirau&29=&122=0&122=0&49=0&49=0&x=66&y=1)

[Blackbird]

Quite a few on www.realenz.co.nz, just checked


Tirau isn't far from us and is a go ahead place. Very sorry to hear about your Dad.

[klingon]

Thanks Madness. I've looked on Trademe and I'm going to see two houses tomorrow :)

I'll also drive around Tirau and see if I can see other "For Sale" signs and get a bit of a feel for the place.

[Mully]

Do you have any tips for me as a first-home buyer?!


Sorry to hear about your Dad.

Tips:
Get a lawyer involved.
Talk to a mortgage broker or the mortgage manager at the bank to see what they can do $$ wise.

[trumpy]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. My mother is in the same position, so understand how you feel. Fortunately we were able to build a second house on our property so have both Mum and Dad close for support.

I have an Auckland office as well (as Taupo) and I spend a couple of days a week there so I generally go through Tirau twice a week, every week. If you want me to have a "quick squizz" at any properties (possibly take photo's etc) let me know and I'll do my best to help.
cheers.

[NotaGoth]

All I can suggest... Not a house on a hill.. Not a two story, or a house where you have to walk up and down a stairway to get in and out... Get something with a flat backyard, and nice big deck...

Why..

Personal experience.. My old man was basically a prisoner in his own home for the last year of his life...

I hope things pan out for your family.. Goodluck finding somewhere where he can be comfortable..

[klingon]

Quite a few on www.realenz.co.nz, just checked

Thanks Blackbird, I hadn't seen that site. Lots to look at on there!


Sorry to hear about your Dad.

Tips:
Get a lawyer involved.
Talk to a mortgage broker or the mortgage manager at the bank to see what they can do $$ wise.

Thanks for the tips Mully. Will do.


Sorry to hear about your Dad. My mother is in the same position, so understand how you feel. Fortunately we were able to build a second house on our property so have both Mum and Dad close for support.

I have an Auckland office as well (as Taupo) and I spend a couple of days a week there so I generally go through Tirau twice a week, every week. If you want me to have a "quick squizz" at any properties (possibly take photo's etc) let me know and I'll do my best to help.
cheers.

Excellent! Thanks for your kind offer :) I will definitely keep it in mind.

[shafty]

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

Tips:
Get a lawyer involved.
Talk to a mortgage broker or the mortgage manager at the bank to see what they can do $$ wise.

I strongly recommend a good Mortgage Broker, NOT going to a Bank; That way independant advice and better rates are assured. All the best with your project.

[Mully]

I strongly recommend a good Mortgage Broker, NOT going to a Bank; That way independant advice and better rates are assured.

I'd agree. I'd also avoid the one with the catchy jingle on the radio and TV. His contractors are a bit pushy and don't always do what is best for you.

I know an independent one in Auckland, not sure if she can help in Tirau (don't see why not though) PM me for her details if you want them.

[Mystery]

Hi Klingon
I hope you have that Volty up and running again after your bin.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, never a good thing to have to go through! I think that getting a house that suits your Dad and gives your Mum an opportunity to make new friends and get some support is awesome jesture on the part of you and your family! :yes: Good luck with the house hunting!