Next steps after your offer has been accepted: A complete checklist
Congratulations on your offer being accepted! Now, it’s time to navigate the next steps with confidence.
This checklist shows you everything you need to do after your offer has been accepted until settlement day, from deciding on a mortgage structure to organising movers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process!
Pay the Deposit
Ensure you pay the deposit within the timeframe specified in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. This is typically paid to the real estate agent’s trust account or your solicitor’s trust account, depending on the agreement.
Hire a Conveyancing Lawyer or Solicitor
If you haven’t already, hire a property lawyer to handle the transfer of ownership, and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Confirm Your Financing
Finalise your mortgage structure and provide any outstanding documentation (e.g., deposit statements) to your Moneybox lending advisor. You will receive an email from our advisor with a recommendation for structure options.
Confirm your settlement date with your advisor and ensure your loan is ready for drawdown on settlement day.
Organise House & Contents Insurance
Arrange house insurance to take effect from the settlement date (or earlier if specified in the agreement). Most lenders require evidence of house insurance before mortgage funds are released.
Add contents insurance to cover your belongings (if applicable).
Organise Personal Insurance
Having at least one form of personal insurance – such as income protection, mortgage protection, life insurance, etc – is part of being a responsible homeowner.
Review or arrange personal insurance to ensure you can meet your mortgage payments and financial obligations, no matter what life brings.
Prepare a Household Budget
Create a household budget to prepare for all costs that come with homeownership – mortgage repayments, insurance premiums, rates, utilities, maintenance and more.
Schedule a Pre-Settlement Inspection
Book your pre-settlement inspection with the real estate agent, ideally a day or two before settlement.
Check that the property is in the agreed condition, including any fixtures, fittings, and chattels outlined in the agreement.
Prepare for Mortgage Drawdown
Work with your solicitor to ensure they have completed all lender requirements and are ready to draw down funds on settlement day.
Confirm that the loan amount matches the required settlement figure, including adjustments for rates, utilities, or any other apportionments.
Prepare for Moving Day
Book movers and plan your moving day logistics.
Start packing early and label boxes for easy unpacking.
Update Your Address and Utilities
Notify providers such as electricity, gas, internet, water, and council services to update or set up your new accounts.
Update your address with NZ Post for mail redirection, as well as with banks, IRD, and other key services.
Check Your KiwiSaver Withdrawal (if applicable)
If you’re using KiwiSaver funds for your deposit or settlement, ensure your solicitor has submitted the withdrawal request to your KiwiSaver provider and that the funds will be available on time.
Review Settlement Statement
Your solicitor will provide a settlement statement showing the final amount due on settlement day, including adjustments for rates, water, or body corporate fees (if applicable). Review this carefully and ensure funds are ready.
Celebrate and Settle In!
Once settlement is complete and keys are in hand, celebrate your new home and start settling in.