For decades Kiwis have made a very good habit of helping each new generation to become "home owners". Twenty years ago this was frequently reflected in proud parents handing their offspring a "few thousand" for the needed down payment. It wasn't easy money, but it was possible money. Today with average house prices in the 350K range and banks requiring 20% down ($70,000 for a down payment, not the house!), it is becoming more and more difficult, if not downright impossible to "help the kids out".

We at Encore have been watching this problem develop over the last few years and think we have the beginnings of a plan and our plan is called the "Encore Legacy Program".

Remember the phrase, "What goes around, comes around?" that's exactly what the legacy program is all about. This program offers a steadily reducing commission for every real estate transaction you allow Encore to assist. At any time you can then pass this reduced commission to your kids and let them reap the benefits. Once they are in their own "first home" they can transfer the benefit right back to you. And when you have "downsized" and are no longer in the real estate cycle, just transfer it permanently to the kids and let them and their kids benefit, for decades to come.

This benefit does not require working with the same agent, so each transaction benefits you, regardless of which Encore agent is providing the service. It is our hope that other real estate companies will follow suit, but whether or not they do, it is here now through Encore.