Complete checklist: What to do before, during, and after buying your first home

Short answer: Before: save, pre-approval, research. During: inspect, offer, due diligence. After: insure, move, connect, update address.

What this actually means in plain English

Before: Save deposit, check KiwiSaver, get pre-approval, research areas. During: View homes, make conditional offers, get inspections, review LIM, go unconditional. After: Arrange insurance, plan settlement, book movers, connect utilities, change address. Keep all documents for 7 years.

Key Facts

Before: Save deposit, check KiwiSaver balance, mortgage pre-approval
Before: Research neighbourhoods, attend open homes
During: Make conditional offers, building inspection, LIM
During: Lawyer review, finance confirmation
After: Insurance, settlement, movers, utilities
After: Change address, keep documents 7 years

Example

Before: Save $30,000 deposit,Check KiwiSaver eligibility,Get mortgage pre-approval

During: Make conditional offer,Building inspection ($600),Review LIM ($350)

After: Arrange insurance,Book movers ($1,500),Connect utilities

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