House Hunting for Our First Home In New Zealand | Vlog

[@CarrieRad]

Did you all enjoy coming along on the day for house hunting? Let me know if you'd like to see episode 2? Also, I just realized that my house #2 preroll section got a little messed up in the edit.. technology fails me sometimes. Hopefully, you still enjoy it. :)

[@haanimely981]

Yees to episode 2

[@SadieZuch]

Love seeing your house hunting process! It's so true that oftentimes we don't see all the ups and downs that inevitably happen before the ~grand reveal~ ;) Yes to Episode 2

[@joannewinter7879]

Please don't be defeated. The right home will come along for you 2 and Lanka. If it feels like a home even with the crappy weather , YOU FOUND YOUR PERFECT PLACE . Go for it friends . You have found your little slice of paradice . Good luck beautiful people . ❤🙏😘

[@big_badaboom]

Unless I've just missed it, you haven't really explained why you are looking in that particular area. I'm curious. Is it just because you like it? Is it close to Alex's family?

[@pepta]

Yes episode 2 please!

[@AlexanderAyling]

I love your videos. Always so calming ❤️

[@jonas.zehnder]

Absolutely! Thank you for taking us with you and sharing the process. I continue to wish you guys good luck. I hope that you find your dream home asap♥️

[@lisasstitchingandsuch]

House hunting on a grey rainy winters day is probably the best actually because you see the property at it's worst, how dark and cold it will get if there is any drainage issues, like will the backyard turn into a muddy pond, or will the garage flood etc. Doesn't mean it's a no-go but does mean some cost/work to be done after purchase. We've bought both our homes in the middle of winter come to think of it. It's so true about the hard part of house hunting (I live in Auckland NZ). We are currently in house number 2 and consider this our forever home, we can't see a reason why we would ever move. However it took 6 months and the house was listed twice before we got it, at an auction, which we almost didn't bother going to, but ended up being the only eligible bidders. Sounds like an unlikely scenario but what happened when the house was first listed is we got no engagement from the agent, we were brushed off and ignored, so we kind of felt like they already had buyers that could pay more than us and we left it. Then 6 months later my sister contacted me and said I just saw that house you liked listed for sale again - different real estate company. So we still had that feeling that the house was out of our range and we probably wouldn't get it especially at an auction because the market was running hot. but the day before the auction the agent rang to see if we were attending and we said we were considering giving it a miss and she said well you guys might be the only bidders. So we went, ended up bidding against the owners and got the house at 60k below asking - and that was the issue in a nutshell the owners had over priced the property and put off most buyers including us actually at least once and almost twice!

[@lynette1717]

I read a post yesterday from Rachael Ray. Her and John bought a house in Italy, they fell in love with the land. The house looks nice from the outside, but it has no electricity, no running water and no plumbing. You never know what your going to fall in love with. Happy house hunting.

[@lisaandrews7125]

I loved this! The first few days of house hunting are so exciting, and every day after is a slog. I am not sure how it would differ in NZ, but in the U.S., once you are under contract, be prepared for last minute requests for information, unexpected document requirements and additional stress. The absolute best moment, though, is when you go to bed the first night in your new house. Keep watch for the signs the universe is already sending to you. You will know when you are home. Good luck!

[@lyndafitzgibbon6393]

Keep the faith Carrie..I live in the countryside there's nothing like it ..the trees birds ..something gud will turn up for ye I'm sure of it 🥰

[@clairedutoit4182]

Hawkes Bay is beautiful, it’s where I grew up. Keep the faith team, it will happen - your golden nugget is out there. You will love living in Hawkes Bay xx

[@emilyadams52]

My husband and I have been in our new home for almost two months now, but I remember this process and how taxing it was. We got very close on two homes and put in about 11 offers. We finally got a home that fit us and what we wanted almost to a tee; we gave up a half bath. Keep pressing forward. You guys are so lucky to have a place to stay and no set time to be out. It is worth the wait.

[@AmandaWeldon]

Oh my gosh Carrie and Alex I feel like me and my partner Scotty are at the same point. We are two people and a pup and know our family is going to expand (fingers crossed) in the next couple years and we so want a 3+ bedroom. It's such a long process but it's just such a gigantic investment! Haha so hard not to get attached when you're picturing your life unfold somewhere. I am loving this journey and I definitely am following suit with capturing our journey in a similar way. It's so important that we see the process versus just the finished result. Love you guys and I know it's going to turn out! Sending some love from Canada!

[@bajlandiabajlandia5898]

Very nice video showing house hunting in NZ. I wish you finding your dream house soon 😍!

[@helencarter4902]

I had a little smile when you guys got soaked as I'm sure I remember, when you told us about moving from LA to NZ, that you were looking forward to experiencing 4 seasons and rain! But maybe not quite so much in one go eh! Best of luck with your house hunting, you're right of course, you will find your place sooner or later. Onwards and upwards guys 😁

[@mdnickless]

A cycle of 3 sunny days, 3 rainy days, and 3 mixed days - that's a New Zealand winter!

[@amytomsick9409]

Thanks for sharing your house hunting journey! I’m from California & married a Kiwi and relocated to NZ in 2017. He already owned a home with a crosslease. Then just before Covid, we sold and bought a house in NZ again with a crosslease, so he could have less of a commute to work. We haven’t found it difficult owning a home with a crosslease. Both next door neighbors have been wonderful friends, but our properties have been completely separated in both the first & second house. I guess it depends on the situation, but I just wanted to share our positive experience with crossleases. We did go through a lot of house hunting (it does take so much time, energy & dedication). But thankfully we’re happy with where we ended up, but we had to be a bit flexible - in our new house, we’ve had to do a lot of landscaping and build a new deck, but both of us enjoy outdoor work. Best wishes to you both in your ongoing search & thank you so much for your inspiring videos!

[@laurakinney8538]

House hunting is so hard! Especially in a new place. Here's to hoping you find the perfect fit soon!

[@lrobson27]

you guys are doing it with such a great mindset! I drove by a house we had lost an offer on... and after we found our home we are in now I know how much tht house wouldn't have been better. Its a strange thing but for every house you don't get it means your closer to the one meant for you 💕

[@ShannonSaundersXO]

Oh gosh. This vlog took me back to when I was house hunting. I missed out on my dream home. I’ve driven by it twice and I’m so sad with what the new owners have done. However, my current home is delightful and even though I wasn’t completely in love when I put the offer in - it has definitely grown on me and I don’t see myself living anywhere else for a long while. Good luck with your search. ☺️

[@01fancynancy]

Going through this same thing in Nashville and it IS exhausting. We got all the feels in one house, put in a strong offer and wrote one heck of a letter to the current homeowners, and are now in the midst of packing up our lives to close in 10 days and move in! It WILL happen, but it does consume your very being while you're going through it.

[@SweetHeavensSunshine]

That was a fun vlog! I enjoyed seeing it, and would enjoy seeing another one!.. Also, you sound like you’re mind is thinking correctly, that the right house is out there for you. From personal experience, I’ve looked at many homes, and put in many offers, only to get outbid.. And I, like you, get attached to the properties that I put bids on, because it takes so many houses to look through, before the right one is found. So to not get is heartbreaking- because you’ve already pictured yourself living there and being so happy there... But from personal experience, after all the trial and error that I’ve gone through, I’m finally closing on my first home! Its bigger, more beautiful, and more perfect for me at this stage of my life than any of the other homes I put offers in on. It has everything on my wish list, whereas in retrospect- with the other houses- there was always one thing I was sacrificing. So just know, that right one is out there for you, and the experiences you’re having right now, will just help solidify more deeply what it is you love and need in the house, and help you to better assess finding the right one. I sent a little prayer for you guys. Wishing all the best!

[@mdnickless]

I thought I should explain a little about Crossleases. Firstly, there's no way your neighbour has the right to barbecue in your front yard! The way they work is that there is shared ownership over a number of properties, but you have a 999 year lease on the part you occupy. They did that quite a lot in New Zealand, because it was a cheaper way to subdivide land (that's no longer the case though). This explains why property #1 had a small yard. The disadvantage of a Crosslease would be if you wanted to carry out major building work. Then you would need permission from the other owners. Otherwise it makes no difference, except that they tend to be slightly cheaper, and you may end up getting a little more property for money.

[@jadebells]

Glad someone explained it! I still wouldn’t go for a cross lease though as having to get permission from the other owners to make any changes to the property could be annoying if you have difficult neighbours. Also could be harder to sell when the time comes as plenty of people are wary of cross leases.

[@mdnickless]

@@jadebells It's only an issue if you change the exterior: such as an extension, garage or sleepout. For those kinds of things you'd need building consent anyway, so this would be another box to tick. Inside, you can do whatever you like: knock down walls, refurbish the kitchen, etc. It shouldn't be harder to sell, since that's all in the value: you buy it for less and you sell it for less.

[@juneterry8487]

Thanks Alex and Carrie for taking us on this part of your journey. It's good to see that you are also viewing homes that are not on your preferred list, but you will gain a lot of knowledge about interiors and exterior bits and pieces you like and what to steer clear of. By talking to different realtors in the open homes, it's surprising how many of them are aware of different properties that are not yet on the market but may be coming up soon. They can often keep a look out for other properties and maybe give you the jump on other buyers who are also looking for homes. Make sure you make the most of the all the realtors you speak to at the open homes, they can be a great resource for you. (Disclosure: Have been a realtor myself a few years ago. . wink wink..). With regard to the cross-lease situation. I used to find that one of the biggest issues that can arise is the shared access/driveway that is part of the property. Some owners can a bit of a pain in the bum when it comes to parking and blocking access. Please keep posting on this part of your journey. And remember, we are all with you every step of the way. Take care.

[@emmarussell5102]

So relatable for me haha we just went through this process 6months ago in hawke's bay as well ! Every time we walked into a house and they said it was under contract we just turned around and went to the next place so tough!

[@mrpaisleyshirt]

Definitely avoid crosslease properties in the suburbs, get a bit of space around you if you can. Even if you end up with a bit of work to do, it's better than ending up with noisy, close neighbors. My brother has a lifestyle property in Waipukurau, he says that's a nice part of Hawkes Bay.

[@jessicabicker9882]

Sending you lots of positive house hunting vibes! We were renting when house hunting a few years ago and our search lasted over 6 months. We just couldn’t find a house in our preferred location that felt right and included our must-have qualities for a while. But then everything came together! The same will happen for you!

[@sylviacramer-roberts5697]

We had been hunting for a year! Gave up. Managed to get approved for a higher amount but it's still really difficult. Open homes while working 40 hours a week is exhausting. Missing out on house after house is very defeating and draining. It's a lot of work to find a home that's for sure and this market just makes the process even harder

[@kadiyahsjournal]

Wow. Everyone I know who bought a home recently spoke about how exhausting the process was. Keeping my fingers crossed for you Alex and Lanka! Great video!

[@emilyjimly]

Thanks for sharing the good and the raw, Carrie! I loved seeing the different interiors. Keep the faith! Your perfect home is out there ✨

[@JessicaBurgo]

I hope that you guys find your perfect place to build lots of memories!

[@lb282012]

Really appreciated this video Carrie, thanks for being real

[@beckykaminsky4304]

This is so helpful! My boyfriend (future fiancé ;) ) and I are looking at houses and seeing you talk honestly about this makes me feel like I’m not alone! It’s so difficult to buy a house and I would love to learn more through you! I’ve always loved your videos and have been watching for years :) thank you for always being a kind, peaceful, and beautiful soul ❤️

[@bryanacamillebraxton4770]

Thanks for taking us along your house hunting journey! Sending good vibes from the US! ♥️Carrie, what are some new things you’ve learned about New Zealand culture since moving there?

[@hopenoland6656]

If there are ever any doubts or questions about it, then it’s probably not the right fit. You WILL know when it’s home. There’s more out there. I wish you both the best in your house search, it’s quite enjoyable to follow along, as it gives me ideas for my future home too. I can’t wait to see everything fall into place for y’all! Best wishes on the journey ahead ❤️

[@sharleneyyy4689]

Auckland born, but haven't lived in NZ for a while. Havelock North is dreamy, I feel that Hawkes Bay is kind of a local secret. I would love to come back to NZ one day but I will have to convince my Aussie partner to jump the Tasman! In the meantime I do look forward to living vicariously through you, good luck in your search, NZ housing has always been tough

[@amandamartelli8811]

A lot of people wait til spring to list their homes here so there should be a lot more choice coming up soon. Good luck!

[@paulawagstaff686]

There is no waiting in NZ, it is pretty much full on.

[@kayleeriley5934]

Carrie! I’ve been watching you for years and years. I think so highly of you and Alex! I just recently went through a breakup and would LOVE if you could do a video about heartbreak or where to go from here!!! Lovely video btw ❤️ xoxo

[@Andy_M986]

How about further North of Napier?some spectacular coastline up that way.

[@queens6583]

I enjoyed the ride and I have faith that your new home is just around the next corner.

[@lenkaontherun]

Your dream house is out there! ❤️

[@harjitsingh4049]

Don’t be upset if you didn’t get that house you put an offer for, something really nice must be awaiting for you guys, good luck 😊

[@NyxAtNight9029]

When we were house hunting a few years ago, we had a lot of bad luck in the fall/winter. Once spring rolled around, holy smokes! So many houses came onto the market! In our area, at least, people tend to sell near the end of the school year/beginning of summer. So, if your realtors are telling you that new things will be popping up soon, that's a good sign! We had actually driven by this house (lots of space, a barn, a shop, stables, 5 acres) a few times in the fall wishing something like it would come on the market. And then our realtor called and told us the house was going on sale and he'd gotten us a preview! Have faith and stay optimistic!

[@paulawagstaff686]

THAT was a few years ago...The market is NOT the same right now. It is busy.

[@NyxAtNight9029]

@@paulawagstaff686 I realize that. But, at the same time, we bought our first home in 2007, during the height of the craziest real estate market in decades. We felt so much pressure to find a house before our wedding that we settled for the first one that accepted our offer. Huge mistake--especially once we ran into some of the issues Carrie discusses in her vlog such as an expanding family, not so great location, etc. When we bought our second home, we learned to be patient, to wait for the right property and not to get caught up in the frenzy of a hot market. We're currently looking at a vacation home but have chosen to wait after feeling the same pressure as 2007. Mortgages are a big deal, and I wouldn't want anyone to feel trapped or rushed into something just because the market is busy.

[@susanhammond2724]

Enjoyed coming along on your house viewing. Would love to see another episode. I hope you find your perfect home. It must be so hard when you find what you really want and then lose it. It's been 30 years since we bought our house and it was never my dream home. Hoping one day to find it. The housing market is so crazy these days. Take care and Happy House Hunting. 🙂

[@paulawagstaff686]

Yes...agreed no real 'off season' as another commentor stated.

[@jamiecarter2192]

I LOVED this video - thanks so much for sharing part of your house hunting journey. It was interesting seeing what's out there, what the process is like, because I'm someone who might start this process later in the year and I don't know much about it. It's helping prepare me for it! And you're so right, people don't share the hardship that comes along with finding a home, so I'm glad you guys are sharing it. Thanks so much for this and good luck guys - your perfect home will come when the time is right x

[@yogaliaflow9345]

Carrie I’ve been watching yours and Alex’s videos for years! Always appreciating the content you guys share.🥰 This video really shows your inner strength in remaining positive and hopeful during this process.💞 Thank you for sharing.🙏🏽

[@JosieSueG]

I have not yet purchased a home but plan to within the next few years. Thank you for your openness 💓 keeping you guys in my prayers

[@jessicadelrosario1412]

Your content is so lovely and calming. Hugs to you both on your house journey!

[@noelinecampbell8146]

😂Laughed at you two trying to find that cafe! The accent must always be considered when seeking directions😂 When I moved from NZ to Canada I struggled so much to be understood. I’d call my hubby’s work and ask to speak to Marc, and have a guy named Mac would pick up. Apparently we don’t pronounce our r’s so well😂

[@icarocavalheiro4421]

Keep it up guys.. you’ll find “the one” soon! Good luck

[@infinit3ly]

I feel your struggles completely. My partner and I are going through this same process in Scotland. We are looking for something similar, 3 beds in a rural location and it's so hard!

[@cuteSquee]

I feel really bad for anyone having to go through the house buying process, especially at the moment. I know my personality and I know I would get attached to a house that I put an offer on (how can you not when you're investing so much money) and I know the emotions I would feel when not getting the house, I feel very lucky we were able to build our first home. Hope you find a place soon, we're in Hastings and absolutely love it here.

[@galoreofbooks6216]

We brought a 2 bedroom unit and it out grew us when our 2nd child was 3 years old but it gave us lots of financial freedom with being a cheap unit now we are in a 3 bedroom i homeschool here in nz and could do with 2 lounges .

[@shaniahmorehu8696]

I Absolutely love your channel and your content! Thank you for bringing us on your journey

[@jenruffley3210]

We love havelock North. Almost ended up moving there but choose tauranga instead. Everywhere is crazy I do feel for you guys. You will get there xx

[@thirstymercfan]

Hey guys, love the channel Carrie, great to see you in my birth home nz. I’ve just recently been through the process and bought a house. Have you thought about getting a buyers advocate it will save you a lot of time you can take to them about your non negotiables. The6 can also help to get you in to view properties before they hit the market.

[@minnowx7099]

We don’t have buyer’s advocates in nz.

[@leafkat7827]

Can’t believe housing is also crazy in New Zealand! It’s definitely not an easy journey but it’s nice that you guys have each other go go thru it with 💕✨ best of luck!

[@CarrieRad]

It seems like it's everywhere in the world right now. I guess 2020 really showed people how important home is.

[@luluday88]

Haha had to laugh at the bbq in the backyard situation. There are quite a few crosslease sections in NZ, my first house was on one. Nobody goes on your land and does whatever they want, we just don't think that way here and I guess for that reason it never not felt like a joint land, just felt like our own. The only real issue would be if you wanted to do anything to your land then you needed your neighbours consent (like installing Fiber which our neighbours signed off on with no issue) and unless your neighbours are real a**holes then their shouldn't ever be a problem. Food for thought if you come across a house you love but it's cross lease 😊

[@luluday88]

Never felt like joined land**

[@Laura.v.b]

ahhh house hunting in NZ fun fun. I live on a cross lease property, it hasn't been a problem at all.....as long as you don't annoy them too much your land is your land. you can always pay to make it not cross lease, which will increase value of the property when you go to sell. But obviously if you can get something thats not cross lease....WAY BETTEr

[@bellanas]

Love your vids :) Did you know that you can get a lot more for your buck in the South Island? Maybe this doesn't work for you but North Island prices are a lot more than in the South Island.

[@tinatehaate296]

Might be easier buying some land there is some rural land or land by the coast for sale you could possibly build something you want, I ended up going that route due to the fact I was getting into bidding wars and exceeding my budget. Hope this helps you on your journey to house hunting.

[@noelcarter2100]

Yes keep the house hunting videos ❤️

[@robyn3083]

I am going through the same thing searching for a house in Canada. The market here is absolutely insane. To make matters more stressful I am also pregnant!

[@drenee65]

Have you thought about buying a piece of land and building your home to your specific needs and wants??? Good luck finding yoir hearts desires 🏡

[@indianstudywithme8255]

Getting a house for myself...which i can call my own home would be the biggest things in the whole world...a dream come true... Wish i could afford it someday soon. Happy house hunting ❤️❤️

[@Andy_M986]

Haunting 😅😅😅😅

[@bethlawrence8362]

Hi Carrie, I was born and bred in Hawkes Bay (Ongaonga, central Hawkes Bay). I am moving home in the next 6 months from London. I am curious which towns you are looking at apart from Havelock North?

[@daniellewilliams1679]

If you guys haven't been already, Pixie Bowl in Havlock North is Amazing for breakfast!

[@CarrieRad]

We've seen that! We are heading back this weekend so we will have to check it out. :) Thanks for the recommendation.

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

You like your caravan. At the moment there are only the three of you. You are also new to NZ, so still have a lot to see. Perhaps make the most of your current independence and buy a house bus. Gives you somewhere to live and you can take your time travelling the country and seeing the sites. Who knows what you may find

[@douglaschell1132]

try matamata NZ.

[@marinaoliveira8989]

I don't know if it's just me, but I'm not receiving notifications from you're channel 😭 (super excited to see this video though)

[@mattieclan8957]

Is it viable for you to get a section to build?

[@gregmcnab9004]

No way my sisters looking in the same area. Happy house hunting

[@timothyrooney3457]

You guys will find a house soon!

[@CarrieRad]

Thank you!! We have faith we will super soon too! :)

[@leafkat7827]

Can’t for you to start your new chapter in NY! Excited for NY content 💕✨

[@CarrieRad]

Love NY but not moving there any time soon :)

[@Andy_M986]

Positive affirmations,"I will be sitting in front of the fire in our house real soon", or picture what you want,the universe will find ways for it to happen, always works for me.

[@laurarobson9430]

Lol the accent translation thing is so relatable 😂

[@Megan7088-6]

House #2 had a nice cat "yeh get a cat" you two 🤞🏽 deserve a cat, Lanka would love a mate 🐕🐈 you could adopt and give a homeless cat or kitten a place in your home 💖 you'll find what your looking for and like your smiles your home will be beautiful 😁😁 👌🏽

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

Beware what you set your heart upon. For it surely shall be yours. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

[@Aliyasface]

Am l the only one who just discovered this channel

[@Andy_M986]

Yes.🙃🙂

[@stargazer5073]

Wait for a market correction, before you buy. YES, have 4 kids...the world needs more good people.

[@minnowx7099]

There may never be a market correction. I think we are already seeing a slowdown in price rises but I don’t think there will be a drop. House prices are rising across the globe. There is a shortage of housing stock in NZ. It is starting to be addressed but may take a number of years.

[@hiswords1715]

_Come to Me precious soul, you are deeply loved ~ Jesus_