Episode 24 :: What to look for if you're buying or renting - transcript

[Animated opening sequence, music and title: EECA ENERGYWISE: The Energy Spot]

Open on Jared standing outside a house, he says:

Hi, when looking for a home to buy or rent, it's important to make sure it has all you want - location...

We pull back to see that the house Jared is in front of is... a photo of a house in an estate agents window. Jared is actually within the photo.

We now pan to another photo in the estate agent's window - it's a bedroom Jared steps into the photo and says:

... the right number of bedrooms...

We see a photo of the living room, Jared is in it.

... and right-sized living areas.

We cut close to Jared as he says:

But there are other important things to think about.

In a series of cutaways, we see insulation, a heater, and a living room...

Does it have adequate insulation? How about the heating system? Is it damp? Will the living areas get enough sun?

We cut back to Jared, he holds up a power bill and says:

An energy efficient home will cost you less to run.

Jared sits down and opens his laptop. We see the cursor clicking on the ‘How Energy Efficient is your Home' tool button. We see a couple of pages from the tool.

So... before you sign on the dotted line, visit energywise.govt.nz. Use our interactive tool to ensure it's a warm, healthy, comfortable home, or to find out what needs to be done to get it that way. If you want a star rating of the home's performance, visit homestar.org.nz.

We cut back to Jared, he briefly holds up the checklist as he says:

Here's a tip, download our handy checklist, and take it with you.

We see a final shot of Jared standng outside the real estate agent's window. He's no longer within the photos.

Before you buy or rent your new home make sure that it's going to be warm, healthy and comfortable. Happy home hunting!

[Animated ending sequence and music, The Energy Spot]

Logo: Brought to you by EECA ENERGYWISE - THE POWER TO CHOOSE

Graphic: www.energywise.govt.nz

EECA recommends seeking professional advice where appropriate

Logo: New Zealand Government