When people start their property journey, the first stop is often an open home. They fall in love with a kitchen, picture their furniture in the lounge and only later think, “I’d better talk to a lawyer.” By then, the paperwork is already on the table, conditions are rushed, and key protections can be missed.

Kristy Jones from Denham Bramwell Lawyers sees it every week. “The most important thing is seeking legal advice as early as possible,” she says. Before you even start house hunting, a lawyer can help you plan the right steps, connect you with trusted mortgage brokers and financial advisors, and make sure your first offer sets you up for success rather than stress.

Why timing is so important

By the time an agreement is in front of you at an open home, decisions can feel urgent. Real estate agents are keen to move things forward, but those standard clauses may not suit your situation. A lawyer can review the contract before you sign and adjust it so you are properly protected. That might mean refining a finance clause, adding a building report condition or ensuring timelines match your KiwiSaver withdrawal process.

Kristy explains that it is not just about putting conditions in place. “There are often clauses inserted by a real estate agent that might need to be amended to ensure that you’re sufficiently protected and that’s where we can step in and help.”

The hidden strength of early conversations

Sitting down with a lawyer before your first open home gives you more than legal language explained. It gives you strategy. You will learn what conditions suit your budget, whether a due diligence clause makes sense, and how to frame your offer so it is competitive yet safe.

When multiple buyers are competing, a strong but balanced offer can be the difference between success and disappointment. Kristy puts it simply: you want to put your best foot forward, but at the same time protect yourself. That balance is much easier to strike with advice on day one.

More than just a signature on paper

A sale and purchase agreement is not just a formality. It is a binding contract, and once you go unconditional you are locked in. Failing to meet finance obligations or missing inspection deadlines can have costly consequences. Getting legal advice upfront ensures you fully understand what you are agreeing to and what steps you will need to take.

As Kristy notes, lawyers also bring connections. “We deal with mortgage brokers and financial advisors and banks and real estate agents all day every day,” she says. Approaching your lawyer first means you are stepping into the process with a team behind you, not just a single perspective.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.