DESKTOP
MOBILE
According to Derek von Sturmer of Professionals Real Estate Point Chev, preparation is everything. Getting started early means less stress, fewer surprises, and a better chance of securing the home you really want.
These tips will help you get organised now, so when the time comes, you’re ready to move.
1. Don’t wait until you’re under pressure
Many sellers don’t realise they’re not ready until it’s too late. As Derek von Sturmer explains, many people will wait until they find a property they want to buy, but by that point, they haven’t prepared and can’t move quickly enough to secure it.
2. Get curious before you get committed
You don’t have to be ready to list to start learning. Derek suggests going to open homes, speaking with agents, and inviting someone to look through your property. These early steps help you get clarity before you commit to anything.
3. Book a no-pressure appraisal
An initial visit from an agent shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch. According to Derek, it’s about walking away with confidence, feeling like the person you spoke to can genuinely support and guide you. That clarity makes all the difference when it’s time to take the next step.
4. Ask for help early
Even if a formal listing is months away, starting the conversation early means you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Derek and his team offer a service designed to take the pressure off, so clients can keep living their lives while the prep work happens in the background.
5. Be ready before the market heats up
Market conditions can shift quickly. As interest rates drop, more buyers enter the market, and competition increases across all price points. Derek notes that being ready ahead of time gives you an edge when your ideal property hits the market.
The bottom line
Start small. Start now. The earlier you prepare, the more confident and in control you’ll feel when the right opportunity appears, and the less likely you are to watch it slip away.
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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Derek von Sturmer, a seasoned real estate expert with over two decades of experience helping Kiwis buy and sell homes. Known for his no-nonsense honesty and deep community roots, Derek unpacks the critical role trust plays in the relationship between homeowners and their agents, especially during one of life’s most stressful decisions.
Search similar articles
According to Derek von Sturmer of Professionals Real Estate Point Chev, preparation is everything. Getting started early means less stress, fewer surprises, and a better chance of securing the home you really want.
These tips will help you get organised now, so when the time comes, you’re ready to move.
1. Don’t wait until you’re under pressure
Many sellers don’t realise they’re not ready until it’s too late. As Derek von Sturmer explains, many people will wait until they find a property they want to buy, but by that point, they haven’t prepared and can’t move quickly enough to secure it.
2. Get curious before you get committed
You don’t have to be ready to list to start learning. Derek suggests going to open homes, speaking with agents, and inviting someone to look through your property. These early steps help you get clarity before you commit to anything.
3. Book a no-pressure appraisal
An initial visit from an agent shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch. According to Derek, it’s about walking away with confidence, feeling like the person you spoke to can genuinely support and guide you. That clarity makes all the difference when it’s time to take the next step.
4. Ask for help early
Even if a formal listing is months away, starting the conversation early means you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Derek and his team offer a service designed to take the pressure off, so clients can keep living their lives while the prep work happens in the background.
5. Be ready before the market heats up
Market conditions can shift quickly. As interest rates drop, more buyers enter the market, and competition increases across all price points. Derek notes that being ready ahead of time gives you an edge when your ideal property hits the market.
The bottom line
Start small. Start now. The earlier you prepare, the more confident and in control you’ll feel when the right opportunity appears, and the less likely you are to watch it slip away.
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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Derek von Sturmer, a seasoned real estate expert with over two decades of experience helping Kiwis buy and sell homes. Known for his no-nonsense honesty and deep community roots, Derek unpacks the critical role trust plays in the relationship between homeowners and their agents, especially during one of life’s most stressful decisions.
Search similar articles
Related Articles
Top tips for inspecting the roof (even if you’re not a roofing expert)
Learn five simple ways to check a roof’s condition without climbing a ladder, plus what to look for and when to call in the pros.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.