First Keys Course Lessons
Overview
The First Keys Course gives first home buyers and newcomers to New Zealand the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate a complex property market. Buying a home here can feel overwhelming with unfamiliar terminology, different title types, and a wide range of sales methods.
You’ll learn how to assess properties thoroughly, understand contracts, protect your deposit, and avoid the traps that catch thousands of buyers every year. This is the essential foundation every buyer needs before stepping into open homes, talking to agents, or signing anything.
Over twelve lessons, you will be guided through each step of your property journey. Easy to follow video lessons show you how the New Zealand property market works, what to look for and how to protect yourself at every stage.
If you want to stop guessing, stop relying on salespeople, and finally understand how the process really works, this course gives you the knowledge and tools to make smart, safe decisions from day one. It’s everything you wish someone had told you before you started looking, delivered in a way that’s simple, practical, and empowering.
01
Types of Property Ownership
This lesson explains what the Record of Title is, what’s in it, and why it matters. You’ll learn about freehold, cross lease, leasehold, and unit titles. You’ll understand key legal terms like easements, covenants, and caveats. You will choose the type of ownership you want, and will understand the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
02
Choose your Vintage (1880s - 2020s)
From the elegant villas of the late 1800s to today’s modern, energy‑efficient homes, this lesson walks you through the strengths, weaknesses, and risks of each building era. By the end, you’ll know which type of property suits you, and what to watch out for.
03
Refine your Search Criteria
You will learn how to assess properties based on what truly matters to you, making comparisons easier and decisions more objective. You will have a clear, customised framework to streamline your search and focus on homes that genuinely fit your needs.
04
Build your Team
Build a trusted team of professionals to support you throughout your journey. You will need a property lawyer, mortgage advisor, insurance broker, and property inspector. In this lesson you will discover how they operate and where to find them. We’ll give you all the questions to ask to find the right fit for you. With this support network in place, you will be ready to move confidently and decisively in a competitive market.
05
How property is sold / Buying Strategies
This lesson puts you in control and increases your chance of securing the property you want. By the end of this lesson you will understand the different ways that property is sold in New Zealand, along with strategies for how to approach each one. We explore set price sales, deadline sales, price by negotiation, auction, tender, private sales, mortgagee auctions, and off-market sales. Each one has its own rules, timeline, and negotiation approach.
06
Setting up your Property Search
This lesson shows you the practical steps in setting up a property search and where to look for opportunities. You will learn how to use property listing sites, how to set up searches and receive timely updates on new listings. Explore less visible opportunities such as pocket listings and off market properties which can offer better value and less competition. By the end of this lesson you will approach the search with confidence and a clear plan.
07
Viewing Properties
This lesson helps you prepare for open homes and private viewings. By using the open home checklist and the private viewing questionnaire your viewings become laser focussed, rather than just a casual walk through. By asking the right questions you can make decisions based on evidence rather than first impressions. You will learn how to use LARA - a tool that helps you assess and compare properties against your preferences.
08
Negotiate to WIN / Strategies
You will be given the confidence and skills to negotiate effectively when buying property. Learn about the power dynamics between buyers, sellers, and agents, and how to establish what a property is truly worth. Understand vendor finance and gain insight into how multi‑offer situations arise and how to avoid them. By the end of this lesson you will come away with a clear framework for approaching negotiations.
09
Sale & Purchase Agreements
In this lesson you are introduced to the Sale and Purchase Agreement and the common conditions buyers include to protect themselves. You will come away with a basic understanding of the Sale and Purchase Agreement and the confidence to secure the best possible outcome while protecting your interests.
10
Decoding Due Diligence
In this lesson you will learn how to review a Record of Title, a LIM report and a property file. You will understand the risks of unconsented alterations, weathertightness issues, and how a prepurchase inspection can uncover problems. You will learn how to assess hazards and natural risks that could affect long-term value and safety. You will find out about Council zoning, future development, crime, and many more factors that may impact your decision to buy.
You will have access to due diligence checklists for all types of property titles. These will guide you through the due diligence process and show you how to do a lot of the due diligence yourself. By the endo of this lesson you will approach due diligence in a structured way - so that you can make confident, well-informed decisions.
11
From Contract to Keys
In this lesson you will learn what happens after your agreement goes unconditional and how to prepare for the important steps leading up to settlement. You will be guided through the pre settlement inspection and what happens on settlement day, from the transfer of funds to receiving the keys.
This lesson covers the practical side of moving in and getting settled, helping you transition smoothly into your new home. By the end you will know exactly what to expect in the final stage of the buying process and how to approach it with confidence.
12
BONUS MODULE - Buying Off-the-Plan
Many people that buy off-the-plan are exposed to high pressure sales tactics that have them signing a pre-sales contract before they have had it checked by a property lawyer. They have no idea what they have signed and how risky it is, until it’s too late.
Buying off-the-plan may appear attractive, especially with developer incentives like cashback or deposit contributions, but they come with considerable risks and very little room for negotiation. In this lesson I explain the risks and the clauses commonly found in these pre-sale contracts.
Take control of your learning experience. Tailor your education to fit your schedule and learn at your own pace. Whether you're at home or on the go, access invaluable resources anytime, anywhere. Register today to gain access to all the knowledge, templates and tools you need to buy a home you won't regret.
Register today for $399 incl GST
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Use the referral code and afterpay through the Stripe payment option and make just 4 payments of $90
Once you register you will be issued with a unique referral code and when your freinds or family sign up for a course and use your code, a $40 payment will be made to your stripe or paypal account. There is no limit to the number of people who use your unique code.
Learn the steps and avoid the traps: Protect your money, your rights, and your peace of mind. Register now.