Our thoughts are with our clients and communities throughout New Zealand as we work our way through the challenges created by COVID-19.
Whether you’re already on the market, needing to list your property for sale or wanting to buy, Harcourts continues to adjust real estate processes in response to the Government’s latest COVID-19 guidance, to ensure you can continue with your plans. Under Level 3, all Harcourts offices remain closed to the public and our staff will continue to work remotely; however, private viewings, by appointment, of homes for sale or rental properties can take place. Our sales consultants and property managers will be adhering to strict industry-wide protocols which will enable buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants to safely progress their property needs under alert Level 3. As always, we will continue to maintain the highest level of service to our clients, landlords and tenants. The health and wellbeing of our clients, staff and communities remain our highest priority. Please keep your families, friends and communities safe by continuing to stay strong and adhere to the rules under alert Level 3. We will continue to communicate with you. Please communicate with us. We are here to assist. New Zealanders award Harcourts Most Trusted Real Estate brand for the eighth year in a row4/29/2020 Reader’s Digest has announced its Most Trusted brands for 2020, and Harcourts, New Zealand’s largest and most enduring real estate brand, is honoured to be acknowledged once again for its commitment to serving its clients. For the eighth consecutive year, New Zealanders have voted Harcourts the Most Trusted real estate brand.
Harcourts Managing Director Bryan Thomson says that the Harcourts team right across the country is particularly humbled to receive this honour as the country continues to battle COVID-19. “Harcourts has been committed to helping New Zealanders with their property needs for 132 years”, says Thomson. “We’ve been through good times and we’ve been through some extremely difficult times with our clients. This would be one of the most challenging times they’ve ever faced, and now, more than ever, we need to trust and support one another.” “We will continue to earn the trust of New Zealanders in the coming months,” says Thomson, “by maintaining the highest level of service to our clients, landlords and tenants. Technology will play a big part in how we continue to deliver exceptional service and maintain the life-long relationships we’ve built with our clients and communities around the country.” “Being voted the Most Trusted real estate brand for eight years in a row is hugely important to our team and we don’t take that trust for granted. Thank you, New Zealand, we remain committed to you.” Sourced: Harcourts Press Release ![]() n The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has today welcomed the news from the Minister of Housing, the Hon. Dr Megan Woods, that private viewings, by appointment, of homes for sale or rental properties can take place under Alert Level 3 – with details and limits to be worked through. We will be sending detailed guidelines to our members as soon as we receive further information from the Government. The ability to buy, sell and move into homes is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders and our economy. The ability for purchasers to view a property for sale is critical to the sales and property management processes. Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at REINZ says: “We’re delighted to receive the news that private viewings can take place under Alert Level 3, and we look forward to receiving the further details we need over the coming days in order to make this happen. We are also pleased that the Government has listened to industry feedback. “This means that the thousands of people around the country who have been in limbo over the past few weeks can now move forward with their property transactions," points out Norwell. “For those individuals who have been unable to conduct pre-settlement inspections during the Level 4 lockdown period and have been paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in bridging finance each week, today’s announcement will come as a big relief,” continues Norwell. “Additionally, for the hundreds of tenants around the country who have been waiting to inspect a rental property so they have somewhere to live this will be much welcomed news. The same is true for landlords all across the country who have empty rental properties are desperate for some income in order to pay their mortgage,” concludes Norwell. Real estate services are critical to the New Zealand economy and account for approximately 13% of New Zealand's gross domestic product (GDP). As New Zealand navigates the effects of COVID-19, the professionally managed facilitation of property sales and purchases will be key to confidence and wellbeing and will help minimise the impact of the pandemic on our economy. Information sourced from REINZ Northern A&P Association bring the Northern Canterbury community together through events that showcase talented local farmers, growers, equestrians and much more.
Harcourts Four Seasons Realty is proud to support the Northern A&P Association with a donation through the Harcourts Foundation, which will provide a lifesaving automated external defibrillator for use by the showgrounds and all the people who use the facility. No matter what the cause, the Harcourts Foundation provides support to hundreds of organisations, enriching the lives of thousands of people in our communities. ![]() Rangiora Community Patrol are the eyes and ears of the New Zealand Police. Rangiora Community Patrol operate cameras, foot and car patrols within the Waimakariri area. Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd is proud to support the Rangiora Community Patrol with a donation through the Harcourts Foundation, which will supply a standard uniform to all members in accordance with the New Zealand head office. No matter what the cause, the Harcourts Foundation provides support to hundreds of organisations, enriching the lives of thousands of people in our communities. To find out more or apply for a grant, please visit: www.HarcourtsFoundation.org ![]() As it is with businesses throughout the country, our Harcourts Canterbury offices are now closed as we all unite Against Covid-19. Homes have always been at the centre of everything we do... though at the moment, we have a new definition for that, as our team members work from their own homes to provide you with all the service and support you might need. Covid-19 General Information Open homes It is unsafe to hold open homes at the present time. We encourage everyone to view properties online until circumstances change. Auctions All auctions are postponed. If you have your property listed for auction, you should have received a phone call from our sales consultant advising you of your options. If you wish to speak to someone, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Conditional contracts These can still be confirmed during lockdown provided no travel/face-to-face meetings are required. If the condition(s) cannot be met during the Alert Level 4 period, then both the buyer and seller should take legal advice and either extend the condition until after the lockdown period or cancel the contract. The party’s lawyers will make appropriate amendments to the contract to facilitate this. Pre-settlement inspections These are unable to take place in person during lockdown, however, if both parties agree, these could take place using video conferencing. Settlements During Alert Level 4, vendors and purchasers will not be able to move in and out of their homes. Our advice is for you to speak with your lawyer if you have a settlement pending. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has taken advice from the Auckland District Law Society and their recommendation is for settlements to be deferred until Level 4 restrictions are lifted. This advice is also relevant to section sales where there is no movement between properties. Covid-19: Residential Tenancies Act amendments On the 23rd of March 2020 the Minister of Finance announced a freeze of rent increases and an extension of no-cause terminations. This has been applied as law through the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Amendment Act. These measures will support Kiwis to stay in their rental properties with a six-month freeze on residential rent increases and increased protection from having tenancies terminated. What landlords and tenants need to know:
For full information on the new measures and what they mean for landlords and tenants, please visit:
As per the Governments announcement and with a nationwide business shut down taking place, all of our Harcourts Four Seasons offices will be closed until further notice.
We will be continuing to work from our homes.🏠 If you need any assistance please contact your Four Seasons consultant🙋♂️ or for general enquires: 📞0800 789 1011 | 📧 [email protected]z Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. Stay safe everyone! 💙 ![]() Belfast Plunket Group provide support services for the development, health and well-being of tamariki and whanau. Harcourts Four Seasons Realty Ltd is proud to support Belfast Plunket Group with a donation through the Harcourts Foundation which will provide a positive environment for families. No matter what the cause, the Harcourts Foundation provides support to hundreds of organisations, enriching the lives of thousands of people in our communities. ![]() North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled has been given a $1000 donation from Harcourts Rangiora sales consultant Amanda Smith and Harcourts Rangiora. The cheque was presented to the charity, by Amanda and the Harcourts Rangiora branch manager, John Tucker at its Rangiora base last Tuesday afternoon. Amanda said she decided to make the $650 donation after successfully bidding ``on an auction call within our office,'' and Harcourts Rangiora management had ``kindly topped it up'’ to make a donation of $1000. She has a close connection with the charity. ``I used to be the head coach for the more abled riders at North Canterbury Riding For the Disabled, and on call if they needed me,’’ Amanda said. ``I also think it is a very good cause as riding uses and strengthens core muscle stability, but also sensory and a sense of care and partnership with an equine/animal.’' Amanda has also informed the NCRDA administration team about the Harcourts Foundation, which has supported 732 charities since its inception in 2008. Every sale we make the agents donate into the Foundation. To find out more go to: https://harcourtsfoundation.org ![]() We are thrilled to be the Presenting Partner for the Pop Up Penguins events in Christchurch. This city-wide fundraising project for Cholmondeley Children’s Centre is strongly aligned with our values at Harcourts, and these plucky penguins will inspire civic pride, put smiles on faces and enhance the beauty of our great city. Learn more about the events at popuppenguins.co.nz |
James Twiss
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Greg Roberts
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Archives
September 2020
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