By Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ | March 2025

When well planned, you can attract multiple offers and a premium sale price any season if interest rates are low and you have prepared your garden and home presentation to stand out from competing listings. But there are additional things you can do to help ensure this happens.

It is well proven that a prepared seller can do well any time of year so if the time is right for you now, use our five tips below to help achieve a great result price and time-wise.

Find out how much it costs to sell a house so you can plan.

Tip #1  Prepare to choose a real estate agent wisely

Whether you are in selling Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring, your choice of real estate agent will have a direct impact on your sale price and days on market.

The method of sale you agree to use, the marketing and advertising plan, attention to details and the accuracy of their property appraisal are all fundamental to achieving an optimum sale price - if your estate agent has all the experience and capabilities you will need from them. There is a great deal more to selling real estate that many think which is why people change agents.

The most effective way to find the best real estate agent is to compare from a shortlist of agents who have been vetted - a genuine free service for New Zealanders selling property.

The average days on market nationally is currently 57 but the average days on market for vetted real estate agents is just 29. 

Find out the difference a vetted real estate agent can make.

Tip #2  Buying and selling in the same market can ease pressure

If you are buying and selling in the same economic market, you have less cause for concern as you might sell for less than you might have a year ago but you can also expect to pay a bit less for your new property than it would have cost a year ago. While you might get a bit less for your property, you will also probably be paying less commission - so keep that in mind. 

Tip #3  Who's in the market for buying houses?

Regardless of the time of year there are always buyers for the usual reasons such as getting onto the property ladder, downsizing, upsizing, upgrading, changing jobs to new locations, births, deaths, building new, wanting to invest, wanting a warmer home or being closer to family which has become more common in recent years.

Tip #4  How to sell for the best price

Sale prices are generally dependent on things like the structure/layout of the property, presentation, land size, aspect and location to name a few. But ultimately, house sale prices are heavily reliant on the competency of the real estate agent, their appraisal accuracy and method of sale used. Here is a checklist to help you better scrutinise free real estate appraisals.

As long as a property is listed with a suitable property agency and the real estate agent is capable, experienced, trusted and proven competent, your chances of the price you want increases.

Real estate agents who have been proven competent through our vetting process are more likely to have worked in difficult markets and have the attributes and negotiation skills required to get you the best result. 

Find out more about independently vetted agents.

Tip #5  Buyers need more help to purchase properties

Home buyers need more help to meet bank lending affordability and Loan to Value Ratio rules. This requires help from their real estate agent to liaise with banks, mortgage brokers, insurance companies, property valuers, lawyers, councils, tradespeople, Trusts and families - often at speed.

You may have a property zoned for development in Auckland and would like to know how to sell to developers or you may have tenants that wish to remain as tenants if the buyer is investing in your property. 

On many occasions, home buyers need to sell their existing home, so your sale and purchase agreement may be conditional upon that. The scenarios are many and a real estate agent must have the capability to manage conditions, often within tight timeframes.

A high level of knowledge, tact, integrity, competence, experience and negotiation are a minimum so make sure your real estate agent has been vetted - it can be very reassuring and can achieve the result you need. 

You can request a list of vetted agents to objectively compare here - a genuine free service for New Zealanders since 2009.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

Selling a house with a price advertised attracts conditional buyers who are unable to buy via the auction process. Sometimes they can attract higher sale prices.

With the price advertised, it can be easier for buyers to get finance from the bank because it is clear how much is needed and buyers know what they are budgeting for.

Having a price-listed house is a good tool to have in a flat market (as opposed to a rising one) because it gives certainty to all parties. It is also likely to attract the buyers who do not like tenders, auctions and deadline treaties where properties are marketed without a price.

When the market is hot and listings are in short supply, selling without a price can reach higher than expected sale prices but it's never a guarantee and heavily reliant on your choice of real estate agent. 

How to sell your home for a prime price can be confusing if inexperienced. This independent real estate advice might help you prepare.

In the current market, selling priced, by tender or deadline tends to be more favoured over auctions due to fewer buyers turning up at auctions. This is reflective of the market as we approach the Election.

When a price is listed, buyers and sellers can still enter into negotiation over the price while effective marketing serves to attract sufficient buyers to create the competition that will help push the price up.

Find out what it costs to sell a house in NZ currently.

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES CAN FAVOUR ONE METHOD OF SALE OVER OTHERS

The method of sale chosen can depend on the company you engage to sell your house as they can favour different methods.

Some real estate firms strongly favour auctions while others prefer selling by price or a Buyer Enquiry Over (BEO) price.

However, it is important to have a method of sale tailored to your particular property type, condition, location and value – there is no one size fits all. For example, you may be selling a rental and giving notice or selling a property zoned for development.

In the end, the successful method of sale comes down to your real estate agent’s capability to read the market, launch a good marketing campaign and skillfully work with buyers on your behalf to get the best possible sale price.

Find out how vetted real estate agents are best regardless of the method of sale

SELLING A HOUSE WITH A PRICE LISTED

When a house is advertised with a price, there is no deadline by which time the property has to be sold. This method also comes under the heading Private Treaty. The seller can accept an offer at any stage of the process.

Selling a house with a price will likely exclude a lot of unqualified buyers who can't afford your property but it can attract conditional buyers and investors who can be more sure of their yield formula.

It is probably the least stressful of all methods of sale because everyone knows where they are at.

Many buyers look specifically for priced properties and don't like auctions or tenders because of the lack of transparency around price. The caveat to that is when someone really loves a property there is added motivation to purchase regardless of sales method.

When listed with a price, buyers may make an offer under, on or over the price the property is being marketed with, and there is more room for conditions to be set. In auctions, the buyer can only make written unconditional offers.

BUYER ENQUIRY OVER (BEO) AND PRICE ON APPLICATION (POA)

With Buyer Enquiry Over (BEO), the property is listed with a price and buyers are directed to make the offer over that.

BEO eliminates the cheeky offers that can be made otherwise.

However, when listing as BEO, the seller is still aiming to get as much over that price as possible and needs to have confidence their real estate agent will find out how much a buyer is actually prepared to pay to secure a property, rather than just working with the minimum price.

Buyers will often ask the real estate agent what offer will “get it across the line”.

The real estate agent should be working for the vendor so knowing how a real estate agent is going to respond to that question is something you should understand from the outset. It is one of the questions you should ask of a prospective agent as it can make a big difference to your end result.

Vendors get more assurance their real estate agent is an outstanding performer when they choose an agent who has proven competent through agent vetting.

Sometimes a house will be priced but this isn't made public and prospective buyers will be directed to contact the real estate agent to learn the price – Price on Application (POE). This is simply as its name suggests.

SELLING A HOUSE WITH A LISTED PRICE - THE PROCESS

Once you have engaged a suitable real estate agent and have their appraisal and/or a registered valuation, your property will be marketed. Once the sale is live, besides the ongoing marketing, it goes through the following process:

• Offers: Buyers make a signed offer on the standard Sale and Purchase form.
• Buyer conditions: Buyers can make conditions such as an expiry date for the offer, subject to finance and/or a property inspection, or on condition of selling another property.
• Seller conditions: Sellers can also attach terms and conditions such as chattels to be included or excluded and a settlement date on which they will be ready to vacate the property.
• Multi offer process: The real estate agent should advise buyers if they are competing with other buyers – in which case it turns into a multi-offer process.
• Other offers: If a buyer makes a written offer, the real estate agent could ask other interested buyers if they also want to make an offer, although the first one needs to be presented to the vendor within a reasonable time and it should be checked for a sunset clause.
• Best offers: In a multi offer process all buyers submit their best offer.
• In writing: There must be legitimate offers in writing for it to be a multi-offer situation.
• Buyer competition: The multi-offer process is designed to create competition between potential buyers.
• Negotiation: The seller and the buyer may go back and forth negotiating on price and conditions before reaching an agreement. Entering negotiations does not mean you have to sell it.
• Ongoing marketing: The seller can continue to hold open homes while negotiating with buyers.
• Withdrawing offers: A buyer can withdraw their offer at any time before it has been agreed and signed by both sides.
• Verbal acceptances: A verbal acceptance from the seller is not binding.
• Property inspection: The seller may need to provide access to their property so the buyer can do a property inspection
• Meeting conditions: Any conditions to be met by either buyer or seller are worked through.
• Sale and Purchase Agreement: Make sure you have read and understand the sale and purchase agreement.
• Legal work: Once an agreement has gone unconditional, most of the communication continues between the buyer and seller’s lawyer or conveyancer.
• Deposit: The buyer’s deposit is paid.
• Signing: Once both have signed the sale and purchase agreement it is legally binding.
• Settlement: The final payment is made on the settlement date.

If you need help deciding what method of sale would best suit your property, Get in Touch or phone 0800 789 532. We can help - and it's a genuinely free service

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated October 9, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) & Awarded Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023 (PINZ)

New Zealand landlords must give 90 days’ (at least three months) notice if they want to end a tenancy to sell a property.

If selling the property with vacant possession, landlords have to give 90 days' notice to end a periodic or fixed term tenancy.

If the rental property is being sold as a going concern, with the current tenancy to continue, the landlord needs to let the tenants know about the intention to sell in writing - more on that scenario below.

However, if the still tenanted property is eventually sold to someone who requests that it be vacant on settlement, the landlord must still give at least 90 days written notice. This may affect the settlement date and must be a requirement of the sale going unconditional.

These changes to tenancy law were introduced in February 2021.

Here is an overview of real estate commission fees for selling a rental property

SELLING A RENTAL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

If you have rental properties to sell in one or several locations, Agent Finder NZ independently vets real estate agents for investors nationwide. Give us a call 0800 789 532 or send a message. It's a genuine free service New Zealand-wide.

Check the updated bright line rules effective from July 1, 2024

SELLING YOUR RENTAL WITH TENANTS IN PLACE

When letting tenants know you intend to sell the property with them still in place, you still need to put it in writing. It is a good idea as a courtesy to deliver the letter in person – but don’t turn up unannounced. 

If this is not physically practical, a phone call will suffice but ensure you follow this up with the letter of intention. Let them know well before the house goes on the market, taking into consideration that this will be a stressful time for your tenants.

Once the property sale has gone unconditional, if the place remains tenanted, the landlord provides the new owner with a copy of the tenancy agreement.

SOME RENT BETTER THAN NONE WHEN SELLING

It can be a good idea to offer a rent reduction to gain tenants’ co-operation to keep the property well presented during the sale process.

The rent you receive might be less but better than none at all compared to if you give notice to end the tenancy then list it for sale while empty. In the current market, the number of days on market can take longer so this is well worth considering.

This is also good practice if you are selling with the tenants in place as they will be there throughout the process.

TENANTS’ CONCERNS ABOUT VIEWINGS

Although the landlord owns the property, it is considered in tenancy law to be the tenants’ home which gives them certain rights.

Tenants are more likely to be receptive to ‘viewings by appointment’ rather than open homes. Discuss this with them prior to listing so there are no surprises.

Selling a rental property involves things tenants might view as intrusive such as real estate photographs of their possessions/home, buyer viewings or ‘real estate caravans’ whereby the appointed real estate agent will invite their team to view the property. (You may want to direct your real estate agent to take the tenants' perspective into account.)

You will need tenant permission to use photographs of their belongings.

PROS OF SELLING A RENTAL WITH TENANTS IN PLACE

-  Retaining tenants shows the property has a viable income making it attractive to other landlords, including mum and dad investors taking on a second property and becoming landlords for the first time. However you will want to consider the Healthy Homes obligations and deadlines.

-  Your rental income continues through the sale period (maybe at a reduced rate in exchange for the upkeep of presentation).

-  It’s often better for the tenant as they get to keep their home for longer.

SELLING A RENTAL ZONED FOR DEVELOPMENT

If your rental property is in Auckland and zoned for development, investors often prefer to have ongoing tenants until such time they are ready to proceed with any development which in many cases can take years. However selling properties zoned for development is a specialist area.

Find out more about selling a property zoned for development

PROS OF SELLING WITH VACANT POSESSION

-  If the tenants have left it makes it easier to do renovations, repairs and maintenance.

-  It is easier to home stage a vacant property (which helps drive more traffic).

-  Home staged vacant properties often sell faster offsetting the loss of rental income. 

-  The most effective method of sale can be chosen for your property type and the current market

-  Viewing times or open homes can more easily accommodate prospective buyers’ time pressures and preferences.

If you belong to a property investment group, offer to ask around for any vacant properties available on behalf of your tenants as an act of goodwill.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENCY AND AGENT

Selling a rental property can be unsettling for tenants.

Using a vetted real estate agent proven to have the experience for your property type and having the tact and integrity to work with you, your tenants, your lawyer and any buyers is integral.

For example, your rental property may be an apartment with a bodies corporate which requires a substantial amount of agent experience. It may be perceived to be at risk of leaking because it was built in the 'leaky home era'. There are many other examples that make selling each property unique.

To ensure a seamless experience and a superior result. Find out more about selling an apartment.

Once you have signed an agency contract to list your rental property for sale, an introduction to your tenants will help allay trust issues and help build a cooperative relationship.

We recommend using a vetted real estate agent to avoid potential conflicts

SELLING A RENTAL – KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Good communication with tenants is essential to a successful sale.
• Notice must be formalised in writing and in the legal time frame.
• A rent reduction for the sale duration might sweeten the process.
• You will need permission to enter the property – put any schedule of visits involving the sales process in writing.
• Tenants can’t refuse access but they can set conditions.
• Tenants can ask to be present at open homes or private viewings but a cooperative relationship might help avoid the need to do so.
• Different rules apply in a mortgagee sale.
• If you have not met the Healthy Homes Standards within the time frames required, factor this into your decisions.

Some New Zealand investors are exiting the property market due to the reduction in claimable mortgage interest rates, some are reducing their risk. The reasons are many.

If thinking of selling your rental property, we have 14 years’ experience helping landlords find the real estate agents best suited to rental property sales. Get in touch with us - we're here to help and it's a genuine free service.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated July 1, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) & Awarded Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

October 2024 - Real estate agencies all have different standards of management, recruitment, training and supervision - things that are not usually part of a property seller's research. 

People often tell us they're 'flying blind' when making such an important decision about which agency should sell their biggest asset, but there is free help and advice available.

AGENCY RECRUITMENT AND COMPLIANCE MATTERS

Industry supervision and compliance obligations, the real estate agents code of conduct and licensing under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 are all in place to protect buyers and sellers - you only get one chance to get it right first time to avoid having to change agencies which is not uncommon.

Real estate agency recruitment expectations of salespeople vary, as do the levels of competency and expertise on their teams. Some agencies opt for a higher volume of agents over fewer and vice versa.

These important matters ultimately fall on the company owners and the standards they instill across their teams. These are things that people generally will not know about when preparing to select a real estate agents.

Not all agencies or agents are suited to the different property types and not all real estate agents are accurate with their market appraisal values which can be misleading for the purposes of securing a listing. 

It literally pays to be more earnest about choosing a real estate agent and their commission fees.

Learn about real estate commission and fees or call 0800 789 532 for advice.

14+ YEARS' OVERVIEW ILLUMINATING

With 14 years of communications with thousands of Kiwi buyers and sellers, combined with our research, we know that higher standards of real estate service are dependent on a real estate company's management, in-house training and systematic supervision over and above the statute requirements.

Non-disclosure is still the cause of frequent complaints reported to the Real Estate Authority, but in many cases go unreported. This comes down to the agency's supervision systems and individual real estate agent integrity and/or experience. 

Looking for a real estate agent with proven integrity? Use a vetted real estate agent - a genuine free service in NZ.

MATCHING VENDORS TO REAL ESTATE AGENCIES VITAL

You may be selling a farm, a lifestyle block, or an apartment/unit. Your property may be in Auckland and zoned for development or you want to exit property investment and sell your rental portfolio.

AGENCY VETTING CRITERIA SECOND TO NONE & A FREE SERVICE

Although a real estate agency may have its own rules, ultimately you will be relying on the real estate agent conducting the sale on your behalf.

Objectively choosing a real estate agency and agent is something we can help you with as our agent vetting criteria is second to none nationwide and it's a genuine free service for New Zealanders.

It’s our business to help you find the best real estate company and agent and we do that by using comprehensive criteria to narrow down a shortlist tailor-made to your property, location and value.

Make sure you get this all-important decision right from the start to avoid having to change agencies down the track.

Request a list of vetted agents to compare now - a free service New Zealand wide or give us a call 0800 789 532.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated October 15, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) - Awarded Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023.

With around 1300 real estate agents in the Hamilton / Waikato area the job of finding the best one for your property should be approached with caution because skill level and experience varies greatly.

Many people will choose the first one they find or the one they used last time, but this is often not the best approach, especially considering you are entrusting them to the sale of what may well be your largest asset. 

We urge you to be fully informed about a real estate agent's capabilities - and this is something we can help you with - all at no cost.

You are entitled to a high level of competence and skill and we can help you find it.

People are usually seeking integrity, trustworthiness, relatability in their real estate agent - and above all experience at negotiating with buyers who want to drive the price down. 

The market appraisal is where the integrity of a real estate agent becomes most evident, as often the property value will be over-stated so you will choose them.

We are in a buyer's market right now so a more in depth knowledge about real estate companies, their agents and their ability to reach the right buyers, regionally, nationally or globally, in today's digital world has never been more important.

With nearly 1000 other vendors with Hamilton properties currently on the market all vying for a smaller pool of buyers, it literally pays to be ahead of the game.

FREE HELP IS HERE

Our service arms you with the tools to choose the most suitable real estate agent for your situation, location, property type and value. 

We will equip you with resources that protect you and help you make properly informed decisions - from signing an agency contract to signing a sale and purchase agreement and everything in between.

You may be worrying about how much real estate commission you will have to pay. But fees can be negotiable

FIND A COMPETENT AGENT FOR YOUR HAMILTON PROPERTY

We vet Hamilton real estate agents using specific criteria with 20 indicators across four categories - a vetting process that is unrivalled.

Whether you're selling a lifestyle block in Horsham Downs or Cambridge or a single dwelling, investment property, rental, unit or apartment in Hamilton, we can compile a shortlist of Hamilton real estate agents best suited to your property to ensure your sale price is the best it possibly can be. 

If you are downsizing or moving to a retirement village, we specialise in helping seniors.

We can help make sure your experience is a very good one. Don't just take our word for it, find out what others have to say about our free service.

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

We compile a shortlist of vetted Hamilton real estate agents and companies for you to compare. We also give you 'questions to ask real estate agents' to help you find out all you need to know, including important information you may not even be aware of. 

With our resources, help and advice, you can have confidence in your real estate agent's suitability, professional integrity and well-honed negotiation skills. You will also feel supported.

Agent Finder NZ specialises in finding the best estate agents in Hamilton - let us help you too.

Call 0800 789 532 to discuss or Get In Touch - a bespoke, genuine free service

Article updated February 15, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

With about 1000 real estate agents to choose from in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region, how will you know which one is the best one to manage your sale?

The task of finding the best one for your property should be approached with caution because skill level and experience varies greatly.

Some people choose the first one they find or the one they used last time, but this is not the best way to ensure you reach an optimum sale price.

We urge you to be fully informed about a real estate agent's capabilities which is something we can help you with - all at no cost.

You are entitled to a high level of competence and skill and we can help you find it.

People are looking for trustworthiness, relatability and integrity in their real estate agent. They also need someone who has experience at negotiating with haggling buyers. 

The integrity of a real estate agent is often revealed in their market appraisal as the property value is frequently over-estimated as an incentive to list with them.

We are in a buyer's market right now so a deeper knowledge about real estate companies, their agents and their ability to reach the right buyers, regionally, nationally or globally, in today's digital world has never been more important. 

There are about 1000 other vendors with Tauranga properties currently on the market all vying for a smaller pool of buyers.

HELP IS HERE - AND IT'S A FREE SERVICE

Our service gives you the tools to find the most suitable real estate agent for your situation, property type, value and location. 

We will arm you with the resources that protect and help you make fully informed decisions - from signing an agency contract to signing a sale and purchase agreement and everything in between.

You may be worrying about how much real estate commission you will have to pay. But fees can be negotiable

FIND A COMPETENT AGENT FOR YOUR TAURANGA PROPERTY

We vet Tauranga real estate agents using specific criteria involving 20 indicators across four categories - an unrivalled vetting process.

Whether you're selling a lifestyle block or a single dwelling, investment property, unit or apartment, we can compile a shortlist of Tauranga real estate agents best suited to your property to ensure you get the best sale price. 

Don't just take our word for it, find out what others have to say about our free service.

WHAT DOES OUR SERVICE ENTAIL?

We compile a shortlist of vetted Tauranga real estate agents and companies that you can then compare. We also supply you with 'questions to ask real estate agents' to help you gather information you may not even have thought of. 

With our advice, help and resources, you will have the assurance your real estate agent is not only suitable, but also has professional integrity and well-honed negotiation skills. You will also feel supported.

Agent Finder NZ specialises in finding the best estate agents in Tauranga - let us help you too.

Call 0800 789 532 to discuss or Get In Touch - a bespoke, genuine free service

Article updated February 15, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Using a vetted licensed real estate agent can make all the difference if you want to sell your property in a better than average timeframe and at an optimal sale price, 

Our bespoke service determines the most competent Wellington real estate agents tailored to your property type, value, location and circumstances, and it's a genuine free service to sellers.

Our process involves vetting real estate agents using specific criteria involving 20 indicators across four categories - we have been doing this nationwide for 15+ years and we know it works.

From Otaki to Hutt Valley, Island Bay to Wellington City, we can provide you with a shortlist of the best real estate agents for you to consider, compare, interview and obtain a free and accurate real estate appraisal from. 

Use this overview of real estate commission and other fees to get started.

REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL ACCURACY

It is essential that your property appraisal value is correct and some real estate agents are more accurate than others.

We urge you not to take a punt on the real estate agent you choose to sell your biggest asset - get it right the first time to avoid being pushed into price-reduced advertising, or having to re-list a second time around which is not uncommon.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AGENTS & DUE DILIGENCE HELP

Whether you have a rental property, a home or a luxury property needing international exposure, we can help you get the best possible result by providing you with a shortlist of vetted estate agents. Not only that but we can provide you with questions to ask real estate agents and the due diligence resources designed to protect and inform you every step of the way. 

Find out what other people have to say about Agent Finder NZ - a genuine free service.

Agent Finder NZ specialises in vetting Wellington real estate agents to help sellers prosper from their property sales.

Get started by calling 0800 789 532 to discuss or send us an enquiry - we're here to help.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Property Advisor of the Year 2023 | Property Institute of NZ (APAC)
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Page updated March 17, 2025 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

By Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ

When looking for a real estate agent, most people expect integrity, trustworthiness, relatability and above all experience at negotiating with haggling buyers.

With around 1600 real estate agents in the Christchurch area the task of finding the best agent for your property should be approached with caution because skill level, character and experience all vary greatly.

Many people often choose the first agent they come across or the one they used last time, but this is a gamble, not something you want to do with what may well be your largest asset. 

CAUTION URGED WHEN CHOOSING AN AGENT

When preparing to sell a house, we urge you to get fully informed about a real estate agent's integrity and capabilities using our vetting service - (all at no cost since 2009)

We include information about real estate commission, appraisal valuations and questions to ask agents so you will be more equipped than most to make properly informed decisions that will achieve the result you need.

You're entitled to competence. Request a shortlist of the best agents in Christchurch - all at no cost.

FIND THE BEST AGENT FOR YOUR CHRISTCHURCH PROPERTY

We vet Christchurch real estate agents using specific criteria involving 20 indicators across four categories - a vetting process that is second to none.

Whether you're selling a lifestyle block in North Canterbury or Lincoln or a single dwelling, investment property or unit or apartment in Christchurch city, we can compile a shortlist of Christchurch real estate agents best suited to your property to ensure your sale price is the best it possibly can be. 

From West Melton to Sumner and everywhere in between, we can help make sure your experience is a very good one. Don't just take our word for it, find out what others have to say about our free service.

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

We provide you with a shortlist of vetted Christchurch real estate agents and companies for you to compare. This will be accompanied with 'questions to ask real estate agents' to help you gather all the information often not thought about. 

With our help, advice and resources, you can have confidence in your real estate agent's suitability, professional integrity and well-honed negotiation skills. You will also feel supported.

Agent Finder NZ specialises in finding the best estate agents in Christchurch - let us help you too.

Call 0800 789 532 to discuss or Get In Touch - a bespoke, genuine free service

Page updated April 10, 2025 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) | Property Advisor of the Year 2023

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

When looking for an Auckland real estate agent, the task of narrowing down the options isn't an easy one with 7200 real estate agents operating in the Auckland region.

When it comes to selling your Auckland property, what will you be looking for in a real estate agent? Trustworthiness? Relatability? Good communication skills? 

Or maybe you haven't given it much thought and would just choose the first one you come across.

There are around 11,000 other vendors with an Auckland property currently on the market vying for buyers. If they choose their agent randomly they can only expect random results.

But this is something that we can help you with.

You may be concerned about how much real estate commission you will have to pay. Here's a breakdown of costs.

IT'S ALL ABOUT AGENT COMPETENCE

We help property sellers by identifying the most competent real estate agents in the industry in your area, tailored to your property type, value, condition and location. This is a free service to sellers.

For 13 years' we have been vetting New Zealand agents using specific criteria which includes 20 indicators across four categories - we know it works.

Whether you are selling your North Shore luxury home with sea views, a lifestyle block in Riverhead, an inner Auckland city high rise apartment or a single dwelling we can compile a shortlist of Auckland real estate agents best suited to your property type to ensure your sale is a highly successful one.

We also help investors wanting to sell some or all of their property portfolio. If you have a property zoned for development we can point you in the right direction.
 

GENUINE FREE SERVICE FOR SELLERS SINCE 2009

We can compile a tailor made shortlist of vetted Auckland real estate agents and companies for you to compare.

We find the best agents for your property type and location so you can have confidence in their suitability, professional integrity and well honed negotiation skills.

Find out what other people have to say about Agent Finder NZ
 

Agent Finder NZ specialises in finding the best estate agents in Auckland

Call 0800 789 532 to discuss or Get In Touch - a bespoke, genuine free service

Article updated February 14, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Selling a business for an optimum sale price requires methodical preparation and a competent business broker for your business type.

Whether the business you are selling is a retail shop, a professional service, a hospitality business, trades business or selling products to industries, the preparation required is similar.

Finding the right business broker and company is often stressful and time consuming but there is free help available for New Zealanders selling a business.

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet

CREATING A BUSINESS INFORMATION MEMORANDUM (IM)

As part of your business sale, an Information Memorandum (IM) will need to be created for interested buyers.

This is part of the role of a licensed business broker / real estate agent. Before sharing your IM, real estate agents will require prospective purchasers to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The type of information needed for an Information Memorandum will include things such as:

1.  Your business purpose, strategy, features, benefits and opportunities that a buyer could further develop.
2.  Your customer profiles and staff overview
3.  Any building/land lease terms and agreements
4.  Profit and Loss Statements (last three years) provided by your accountant as evidence of projections, ROI, profit margins, stock on hand, product expiry dates/stock takes, purchasing and service contracts.
5.  List of business assets and depreciation schedules
6.  B2B contracts overview

The more information you provide to your business broker, the better they will represent it to buyers

Include An Overview of Financial Performance

Purchasers will want to understand your business's financial performance, assets and liabilities, depreciation and so on. 

For some business sellers this may be particularly worrying due to the downturn resulting from Covid, however people understand this is an issue for some industries and having the right business broker on board will be critical in helping you navigate this. If you have accounts prior to three years ago, have them at the ready too.

It is likely that interested parties will want an accountant to go over your financial performance figures for recent years. Their bank may also want to have this information if they are raising a bank loan.

This is all information that you should provide to your business broker at the outset so as to avoid any delays when a purchaser is ready to make the leap but doing their due diligence checks.

COMPARING BUSINESS BROKERS

When selling a business, preparation is the area where you have the greatest level of control and choosing the right real estate broker who is a good fit for you and your business is imperative.

Your choice of real estate broker should be someone who really ‘gets’ your business, possesses the tact and experience fundamental for selling it and the negotiation capability and creative thinking that will achieve the result you need.

Buyers will each have a different perspective about how they would operate the business or parts of. Therefore your broker must be a big picture thinker with the experience to solve challenges by creating solutions.

When signing an agency agreement, it can roll into several months so having a good relationship is fundamental. Choosing the right real estate agent at the outset is vital to avoid having to relist down the track.

A business broker requires a great deal more time and skill than a residential real estate agent. Strategic thinking, innovative brokers will need to promotion your business listing by targeting buyers for your industry and price range. 

We can vet and shortlist business brokers for your business type and location. We've been doing so for 12+ years - a genuine free service for Kiwis.

KEY BUSINESS ATTRIBUTES AND DISCLOSURES

Real Estate agents have a fiduciary duty to potential purchasers. This means that they must not mislead, provide false information, nor withhold information that a purchaser should be made aware of.

Your role is to help with this. Making a list of attributes is a good thing as it will act as a prompt for the business broker you select.

You should also note things that should be disclosed such as:

• any potential hurdles to a sale, such as family trusts or other financial impediments.
• easements, such as shared rights-of-way, shared water systems, access for power lines, etc.
• areas that may be contaminated, such as asbestos cladding.
• a list of all buildings and structures. This would include the offices, workshops, storage areas, etc.

Understand that there are as many reasons for selling a business as there are for someone to buy a business and all will have their separate motivations. Be prepared to listen and discuss. Expect to have to negotiate. And remember, success is where preparation and opportunity meet.

Agent Finder NZ has vetted property agents for 12+ years, all at no cost to New Zealand vendors. We will help ensure that you get matched to proven property experts specific to your sales needs.

Call us on 0800 789 532 about preparing to sell your business or send an inquiry

Article updated October 20, 2022 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service New Zealand 2018
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2020 for Wise Up NZ Property Hub
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 - New Zealand (BUILD - Real Estate & Property Awards)

If planning to sell your farm, it is imperative you use a vetted property agent and agency proven to be outstanding in your field of operation; but also in property law, industry rules designed to protect you, marketing and advertising and in particular, what methods of sale will work best for your farm, in your location and price range. Commission fees are also something to be planned for.

'Flying Blind' is a term many vendors refer to when looking for a real estate agent - so using our tips below will put you in the driving seat and at the greatest selling advantage from day one.

UNDERSTANDING THE FARM RELATIONSHIPS

You will be in a relationship with your property broker for a number of months so their communication skills combined with their expertise in finding buyers for your farm and location will matter a great deal. 

Choosing a rural property agent who 'fits' with you, your family and other decision-makers like your accountant and solicitor is paramount and something we can help you with. (We have specialised in independently vetting New Zealand real estate agents for vendors since 2009). 

OPPORTUNITIES NOT TO MISS

Qualified and competent rural real estate agents must have an in-depth knowledge of your operation to avoid buyers falling through the cracks. This is not everyone's forte.

But more than this, the point of enquiry from a potential buyer is a critical opportunity when selling a farm in New Zealand. Rural real estate agents need not only rural sales experience but they must excel at guiding buyers through an often complex, legislated process. Although they are working for you as the farm vendor, building relationships with potential buyers will certainly help smooth the process. 

To get started, you might like a shortlist of the best vetted rural agents near you who have the combination of skills and capability needed to sell your farm. With this in hand, you can objectively compare them and their strategies to ensure a top result. 

We specialise in vetting and shortlisting rural real estate agents - a genuine free service for selling farms NZ-wide. Call 0800 789 532 to learn more or send enquiry.

RURAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS OBLIGATED BY LAW

Understanding the industry rules for real estate agents which have been designed to protect you, combined with undertaking steps in preparation for the sale of your farm, will create the foundation on which everything else is reliant. 

This includes how long it takes to sell and what sale price you can achieve. It will also help you to make fully informed decisions at every step of the process - no surprises.

If you need help finding a rural property agent, request a shortlist to compare now.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RURAL AGENT IMPERATIVE

People often tell us they are flying blind when looking for a rural real estate agency and agent in NZ. It can be very stressful and time consuming.

Information about you and your farm required by agents to comply with the Anti Money Laundering Act and the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 can feel intrusive at times. 

If you have little or no experience about how to determine who is the best property agent for your farm, it pays to use our rural broker who uses stringent criteria to identify the best rural property agents in the industry in your area. We have 13+ years of vetting property agents for sellers nationwide, all at no cost. 

Rural property agents must be licensed and require a specialist skill set and/or tertiary qualifications specific to the farming industry and to your type of farm, be it dairy, beef, sheep, crops or forestry.

In today’s environment of climate change, purchasers of farms are more likely to have questions around the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and carbon credits if the property includes a forestry block, and also insurance for natural disasters. Rural property brokers need to be clear on such things as where the farm sits in terms of ETS registration and the current status of carbon credits. They need to be able to respond succinctly and in an advisory manner to assist purchasers. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RURAL AGENCY

Some companies have rural real estate agents along with residential and lifestyle agents and some companies specialise only in farms and lifestyle blocks. The variations are many but we have a good overview of these nationwide.

A real estate agent will write an Information Memorandum (IM) that can be shared with interested parties - and this takes a lot to prepare.

It takes a lot for a rural farm broker and firm to pass our vetting criteria.

REAL ESTATE COMMISSION FOR SELLING A FARM

Real estate commission for selling a farm is higher than for selling a house because a real estate agent has to research and understand your whole operation and be prepared to answer any questions from buyers. If you would like more information about commission and fees for selling a farm, call 0800 789 532 - this is something we can guide you about.

LISTING YOUR FARM TO SELL WITH AN IM

Once you list your farm with a rural real estate agent and sign an agency agreement, they will compile the (IM) Information Memorandum that describes to qualified buyers all the workings of the farm (following the signing of confidentiality clauses). You will also need to be up front about any disclosures you should make and provide all the documentation required. (see Overview of Selling a Farm below).

Topics you can help your rural land agent with are stock levels and number of paddocks, number of dwellings, soil type and so on.

Find out more about this on Overview of Selling a Farm - all freely available.

METHODS OF SALE FOR SELLING A FARM 

There are numerous methods of sale to choose from and the rural property agent you end up choosing should know what method would be best for your type of farm at that time, in your area.

The method of sale is something you can discuss, review and agree upon as you and your property agent finalise the marketing and advertising plan. 

The New Zealand Government has rules that real estate companies must comply with when advertising farms.

You are welcome to contact us for free advice about choosing a rural real estate agent or company on 0800 789 532.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated September 25, 2023 by Trish Willis - Agent Finder NZ director | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) and Awarded Independent Property Advisor Of The Year 2023

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose.

The most effective way to find the best real estate agent to sell a property in Point Chevalier is to request a list of professionally reviewed and vetted agents to compare objectively - those who have proven to be the best in the industry with a reputation for a high level of customer care and service. 

By requesting a shortlist of vetted agents you can compare their:

1.  Quality of real estate service, communication skills and trustworthiness

2.  Property appraisal values that are based on accurate data

3.  Digital marketing strategies to attract maximum buyer numbers

4.  Method of sale recommendation and explanation

5.  Real estate commission and advertising fees

You may be asking yourself whether you should list with the real estate agency in Point Chev that has the most properties for sale or the estate agent you purchased from? Do you take a friend’s recommendation, the cheapest agency or go with a big-brand real estate agency? 

We have over 12 years’ vetting licensed real estate agents throughout all of Auckland and as a result have a solid overview of real estate companies, compliance and customer service standards and estate agents' attributes and strengths required to achieve the best possible results for vendors. This is a decision to be very cautious about making.

Request a list of vetted real estate agents in Point Chevalier - a free service in NZ

METHOD OF SALE AFFECTS YOUR SALE PRICE

The methods of sale used in Point Chevalier and how these are marketed and managed by real estate agents hugely influences your sale price. 

Whether you are a seasoned or inexperienced house seller, real estate vetting in places like Point Chevalier is always worth doing well as your whole experience and equity will depend on this very decision. 

Some real estate companies favour a one size fits all approach for methods of sale, but every property is different and you should be made aware of what methods are currently most effective in Point Chevalier and choose the one that’s right for you and your property.

Find the best real estate agents Auckland-wide

TESTING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES IN PT CHEVALIER

There are a number of factors that will impact on how suited your real estate agent is to your property, and their level of competence to get you the best outcome, for example:

• Market appraisals must be realistic and not over-estimated to entice you to list with the real estate agent, while also capturing any special value particular to your property. Accurate property appraisals require proven agent competency and experience which is non-negotiable in our view.
• Do you know how to scrutinise a property appraisal and what real estate agents are obliged to provide and disclose to you? Here is a checklist to help you. 
• The term of a real estate agency contract should be explained to you but is often overlooked. It is usually 90 days unless otherwise stated or agreed. This contract term is negotiable and something we can help you understand in more depth.
• How much a real estate agent will cost to sell a house in Point Chevalier is determined by the company - some are much more negotiable than others. Property agents usually receive around 50% of the commission an agency charges although more senior agents receive a higher percentage.

Real estate agency work is highly regulated under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. The Act is designed to protect both buyers and sellers and the cost of selling a house is often a subject of contention.

We are here to guide you with the best real estate resources all centralised to help you keep costs to a minimum, have an optimum experience and achieve the result you need.

Need more info about Point Chevalier real estate agents? Get in touch - or call 0800 789 532 - it's a genuine free service

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Agent Agent Vetting Service New Zealand 2018
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021
• Best Indendent Real Estate Advisors 2022

Article updated November 7, 2022 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Selling your farm for a premium sale price is heavily reliant on three things:

1.   Choosing a rural property agent who is superior at valuing farms but also understands any generational attachments and can work with your family and/or Trustees over a long period of time.

2.   Ensuring that your estate agent has relevant agricultural qualifications, professional experience and specialist knowledge of your particular type of farm operation, for example dairy, sheep, beef, crops, viticulture or forestry. 

3.   The preparation you do in readiness for such a high value transaction.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT RURAL AGENT

Choosing the best rural property agent sets a strong foundation for an optimal experience and result. 

We help ensure you have a superior experience rather than an average one because we specialise in vetting rural property agents nationwide (since 2009) - all at no cost.

Following your enquiry and initial communications with us, we here at Agent Finder NZ will send you a shortlist of rural agents who meet our criteria, so you can objectively compare their areas of expertise for your farm type, project management capability, valuation experience and appraisal value, advertising strategies, services, commission fees and contracts without pressure or obligation. This information is vital to help you make such an important financial decision.

As one client recently shared about the rural property broker we vetted and they recently sold with: "The farm has been sold and at a good price. The real estate agents took time to ensure our family were well informed every step of the process and the experience felt manageable and understandable for us all. Thank you so much. F. G. Waikato

If you need help finding the best agent for selling your farm, call us on 0800 789 532 or send an enquiry - a genuine free service NZ-wide.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SELL A FARM?

Selling a farm generally takes longer to sell than a residential property. Some can take six months to a year or more, some more quickly. 

How fast your farm might take to sell depends on the location, value, type, condition and size but also the decisions you make about preparation and choosing a suitable real estate agent who specialises in your farm type. 

GETTING AN ACCURATE FARM APPRAISAL

Careful and well managed planning and advice by a strategic thinking farm specialist is invaluable to ensure you don't undersell the asset you have worked so very hard to create.

Selling your farm is likely to be one of the biggest transactions you and your family will undertake. It requires a lot of good communication, reliable advice and requires a great deal more information and preparation than a residential property.

Establishing the market value of your farm to produce an accurate market appraisal is likely front of mind. Choose the most suitable rural real estate agency with all the resources you need is imperative to get this right.

Request a list of specialist, vetted rural brokers - all at no cost. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELLING RURAL LAND

Making a great first impression will help sell the farm.

What will a prospective buyer see if they come to your property? Is it tidy with organized areas for buildings and equipment, or is it haphazard? Are the farm buildings and yards intact and presentable, or is there damage that needs repair?

Will a coat of paint spruce things up? Are there potholes to be filled? What condition are the fences in? Are there piles of rubbish, fallen trees or abandoned equipment lying around? These are the types of things that immediately affect the first impression a potential buyer will develop when they arrive to look at your farm.

It is crucial to engage a competent rural real estate agent who will market your farm in a way that optimises your sale price. Call 0800 789 532 for a confidential talk.

CREATE A TO DO LIST AND PRIORITISE IT

Farm Improvements

It is easy to overcapitalise with improvements, so think carefully about what changes or improvements you will make. Developing a to-do list and then attributing time and cost to each item will help you to prioritise improvements.

Sometimes ensuring the farm tracks are in good condition may be all that is required but know that prospective buyers will want to look at the condition of yards, fences and the pastures. They will check out the buildings, and the condition of the farm implements and quickly form an impression on the viability of the property, be it positive or otherwise.

Overview of the farm and location in detail

Rural real estate agents in your area will know about the community and schools, local farming amenities such as sale yards, freezing works and farm industry groups relevant to your type of farm, however they will rely on you to describe the operation scope such as:

• Current stock levels and number of paddocks
• Condition of infrastructure such as water races, fencing, run-off, protected areas, shelter belts, access tracks or roads
• Number and description of farm implements and chattels
• Soil type, condition and feeding systems
• Overview of elevation, views and climate
• Seasonal patterns of weather and impact
• Improvements made on farm including dwellings
• Think about some of the discussions you’ve had with your stock agent.

Farm record-keeping, online apps, automation and any other systems you keep can add to your credibility as a vendor.

Examples of farm documents to start collating for a rural property broker

If you don’t have these at hand, don’t worry, your real estate agent can advise you or obtain them for you – just collate what you can. Examples include: 

• Farm accounts for last three years
• Record of Title and total number of hectares
• A description of the land, fencing, land management use and purpose
• Water consents and supply agreements
• Nutrient Management and fertilizer history
• List and description of the farm buildings
• Health and safety plan
• Description of the farm dwellings, workshops, barns, shearing/milking sheds, water tanks, silage pits, etc.
• Resource consents and compliance records
• Property management memorandum (PIM)

Make sure that you can provide information about stock numbers, fertilizer applications, new pasture, supplementary feed, forestry blocks, effluent disposal, etc.

For Dairy Farms you will likely be asked about:

• Contracts for share milkers and dairy company contracts
• Dairy shed consents and inspection reports
• Discharges and effluence management
• Fertiliser management
• Vehicle access
• Soil contamination
• Irrigation systems
• Protected areas

NZ RULES FOR SELLING YOUR FARM 

You and your rural property agent are obligated to disclose information

Real estate agents have a fiduciary duty to potential purchasers. This means that they must not mislead, provide false information, nor withhold information that a purchaser should be made aware of. Your role is to help with this.

You should disclose such things as:

i)     Any potential hurdles to a sale, such as family trusts or other financial impediments.

ii)    Easements, such as shared rights-of-way, shared water bore systems, access for power lines, etc.

iii)   Covenants on the farm

iv)   Protected areas or sites of cultural or natural significance. For example, you should identify known Wahi Tapu areas such as Urupa (burial sites), as these will likely have restrictions placed upon them. Areas of natural bush, or public access tracks, for example, may be seen as a positive thing by a potential purchaser.

v)   Issues regarding boundaries. If there are issues, it will pay to use a professional surveyor to mark the farm out to avoid problems down the track.

vi)   Areas that may be contaminated, such as old sheep dips or effluent disposal.

It’s also helpful for potential buyers to know what local services and amenities are nearby, so think about the attributes beyond the farm too.

Overseas Investment Act 2005 - rules for advertising a farm for sale

Anyone selling a farm must ensure it is offered for sale to New Zealanders on the open market for a minimum period before entering into an agreement with an overseas buyer. Exemptions can be made but in limited circumstances.

How we can help you

We have specialised in vetting real estate agents for vendors since 2009 nationwide. We have a national overview of real estate companies and agents and our vetting criteria is second to none. 

Make sure you do your due diligence by requesting a list of rural property agents to compare objectively first. Call 0800 789 532 for a confidential talk.

Get in touch - we're here to help and it's a free service

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Property Advisor of the Year 2023 | Property Institute of NZ

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards

• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC

• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC

• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated November 26, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

Under the July 1, 2024 bright-line test changes, if you sell a residential property within two years of the purchase date, you are required to pay tax on any profit made through the property increasing in value. 

If you sell your property after two years of the purchase date, no capital gains tax will apply.

The family home and inherited property are exempt from the bright line test although the 'main home' criteria is defined by the IRD as living in it for 50% of the time you owned it.

For property investors who have been paying high interest rates but were holding out selling due to the previous 10-year bright line tax rules, you now have the option of selling without fear of an exhorbitent tax bill.

If you're thinking of selling a rental property, it pays to compare real estate agents and their contracts.

CHANGES TO CLAIMING INTEREST ON RENTAL PROPERTY 

Also effective from July 1, 2024, the Government has increased the percentage of interest claimable on rental properties to 80% of interest expenses and as of April 1, 2025, this will increase to 100% percent claimable.

With interest rates somewhat higher that in former years, this will come as quite a relief for many. However, the ability to cover expenses on a rental property week to week can still be a challenge.

How much real estate commission should I pay if I decide to sell my rental property?

BRIGHTLINE TEST IF SELLING A RENTAL WITHIN TWO YEARS

Income tax is due on a proportion of the profit made through the property increasing in value, calculated as follows:

• subtract the purchase price from the sale price

• subtract the cost of capital improvements the owner has made

• subtract the costs to buy and sell the property

HOUSE SALE PROFITS AFFECT WFF AND MORE

Any profit from a gain in property value that is considered taxable income (including under the bright-line test) also affects any other obligations or entitlements you have based on taxable income, such as student loan repayments, child support payments and Working for Families.

Thinking of selling your property? Find out how long it takes to sell a house

Agent Finder NZ Service Awards:

• Property Advisor of the Year 2023 (Property Institute of NZ - APAC)
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Updated November 25, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific financial or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose.

Auckland zoning rules should be taken into consideration when selling a house in Auckland due to the higher prices being paid by developers for properties which are now zoned for development.

Many Auckland home owners have experienced significant valuation increases in their family homes since the Unitary Plan became operative on 15 November 2016. 

The Unitary Plan rezoned a significant portion of Auckland and changed some houses from a single house zone to zoning allowing intensification for town housing and apartment developments.

The new zones include such categories as Terrace Housing and Apartments (THAB), Mixed Housing – Urban, Town Centre and Mixed Housing Suburban to name a few.

This new zoning was supported by local governments to help stem the housing shortage still being experienced across Auckland today. However, if your home is not suitable for development you may prefer to request a property appraisal from a residential real estate agent first or perhaps one of each so you can compare.

Whatever your preference, we are here to help by vetting and establishing the most competent property agents in the industry, specific to your property.

It is crucial to engage a real estate agent who will market your property in a way that optimises your sale price. Request a list of vetted agents to compare first.

IS MY PROPERTY SUITABLE FOR REDEVELOPMENT?

The question all home or investment property owners should be asking before selling is, ‘is my property suitable for redevelopment and does my zoning allow for this?’

By contacting Agent Finder NZ, we can very quickly answer this question for you and make sure you are pointed towards a specialist property agent who is experienced in dealing with these types of properties.

We have many examples where home owners have achieved hundreds of thousands of dollars more for their family homes by marketing them for development rather than using generic advertising methods and agents who do not understand the real value of these properties due to the specialist nature of the expertise involved.

Currently property investors are still very active and searching for suitable properties to invest in.

THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ADDED TO POTENTIAL PRICE

A good example of this was when a client came to Agent Finder NZ with a family home situated in one of Auckland's bays that they had owned for over 25 years. With the family now grown up it was time for the home to go onto the market.  

Agent Finder NZ advised them that although the house itself was saleable, the highest value for the property was in the land itself due to the zoning. The owners instructed a property development agent vetted by Agent Finder NZ who advertised the property as a stunning family home with expansive sea views as well as an iconic land development site.

At the end of the campaign the difference between offers and value was over $500,000 due to interest from developers. If Agent Finder NZ had not recognised the development potential the property would have been sold to a home owner and the existing vendor would have missed out on the additional half a million dollars.

Furthermore, it is not just zoning that Agent Finder NZ considers when looking at development sites, it is also the contour, demographics, underground utilities, shape of the site and access amongst other aspects. It takes you no more than a phone call to learn the potential of your property - and Agent Finder NZ is keen to help - all at no cost. Call 0800 789 532 to discuss or get your zone.

SELLING A HOUSE IN POINT CHEVALIER A GOOD CASE STUDY

This 1960s style brick home in average condition was on 936sqm of land zoned Residential Mixed Housing - Suburban allowing for townhouse developments up to two levels.

It was marketed for four weeks and received huge interest both locally and across the country, with some international interest as well.

Get in touch - we're here to help and it's a free service

Article updated 9 September 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) and awarded Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors NZ - 2022

The sale of your luxury home or lifestyle block will require the expertise of a real estate agent with proven experience in your price range, to conduct the sale effectively for the price you expect. 

Luxury homes are characterised by quality, refinement, and exclusivity. Although the definition may vary by market, one thing luxury properties have in common is the price tag. 

Choosing the right agent will set the foundation for a successful result so it's important to understand what to look for and expect of a luxury real estate agent when selling.

Find out what sets real estate agencies apart.

WHAT TO EXPECT OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENTS

When preparing to sell a luxury home, it is reassuring to know that your real estate agent has been vetted for you and proven exemplary in this field. For example:

A strategic approach to your property sale from the outset

More often than not, a strategic and project management approach ensures the whole process is effectively managed to a high standard throughout.

It also helps ensure that where appropriate, the real estate agency connects vital information that sells the whole lifestyle your home offers, not just a house/or lifestyle block in isolation. 

A high sense of duty and service to you

Luxury real estate agents have numerous responsibilities over and above the norm and this comes from industry experience and training by the real estate agency.

Examples of a real estate agents expertise and knowledge over and above the norm include:

• know how to reach international buyer networks through digital advertising and agency databases or connections.
• be able to handle what will be a multi-million-dollar deal – often via an international phone or video call.
• be able to navigate a complex property sale process and all the associated digital administration pre and post getting a sale and purchase agreement signed.
• have a high level of tact, communication and confidence when negotiating with high value buyers and their lawyers or trustees.
• have a high level of attention to sale and purchase contract details, dates, amounts, clauses, amendments and signatures of all owners.
• understand how to sell a property being sold or purchased by a trust.
• have knowledge of current New Zealand immigration policies.
• understand New Zealand taxation policies relating to capital gains.
• be able to advise on exchanging money and Stamp Duty.
• ensure anti-money laundering laws are adhered to.

Multiple offers from competing buyers is the ultimate position to be in.

YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING A LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT

Selling luxury real estate is different from selling any other type of property and sometimes take long. Having confidence your estate agent is imperative. 

We can guide you through the whole real estate process to help ensure you are properly informed about each step until the deal is sealed. 

We can also provide you with a free shortlist of vetted luxury property agents, specific to your property type, value and location. Doing so can make a big difference to your end result - the sale price.

Find out more about how we can helo - all at no cost or call 0800 789 532 to discuss finding a luxury property agent.

Confidence in your property appraisal 

When embarking on your property sale, establishing the sale price range starts with a real estate appraisal by an agent proven competent to do so.

The accuracy of your market appraisal sets the foundation for all your subsequent real estate decisions. That’s why getting 2-3 market appraisals then comparing them can be a valuable process to help you make the right decision about your real estate agent and agency choice.

All property agents are required to use relevant data and combine this with the unique qualities and location of the property which may be residential, a farm or a lifestyle block.

Some luxury homes are so unique in value, type or location and can be difficult to put a price tag on so many are advertised with no price. Buyers in the luxury market are not generally perturbed by no price marketing.

A luxury property agent will liaise with you about this and make a recommendation for which method of sale would best achieve the best price.

For greater assurance, request a shortlist of luxury real estate agents to compare first.

Confidence in your real estate agent

It is important that your luxury real estate agent works closely with you and for you, but also with your potential buyers.

A good real estate agent starts selling your property in subtle ways from the first conversation they have with buyers. Many real estate agents are not suited to this type of property sale.

Luxury home buyers are a much smaller subsection of the real estate market so any qualified potential buyers must be managed with integrity, care and insight to bring the sale over the line with the highest possible price within a good time frame.

Because luxury properties sell for millions of dollars, the room for financial error if the sale is mishandled is far more pronounced than for everyday properties.

The cost of getting it wrong can be life changing but that is something we can help you with by vetting and shortlisting suitable real estate agents for you to compare.

You can have confidence that Agent Finder NZ will:

• ensure you get the best high-end luxury real estate specialists to compare objectively

• put you in touch with proactive companies that target qualified buyers in your price range nationally and off-shore

• help you get the most accurate property valuation to ensure your property goes on the market in the right price bracket

• advise you about the specific sequence of steps that will get you well positioned before going to market

Get In Touch with Agent Finder NZ today or call free phone 0800 789 532. We offer an express service on request.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated March 22, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

A specialist industrial real estate agent can add value to your industrial asset to achieve a higher sales price. 

Selling an industrial property requires a specific skill set which should be handled by a real estate agent who specialises in this sector – not doing so could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost value. 

Industrial real estate is the strongest wing of the commercial sector which also includes commercial office, retail and development sites.

UPDATE ON AUCKLAND UNITARY PLAN REZONING

Are you planning to sell an Auckland property?

When selling an Auckland property, you should consider the impact of the Auckland Unitary Plan changes in zoning rules on the potential sale value. If your property has been rezoned with development potential, you could get a higher sale price due to interest from property developers.

With their deep pockets and motivation to develop the land for financial gain, they will usually put in higher bids. If you would like further information, get in touch or find out more here.
 

Here at Agent Finder NZ, we specialise in vetting and shortlisting competent commercial real estate strategists so you can compare them objectively. Call 0800 789 532 for more information.

VACANT OR TENANTED, OWNER OCCUPIER OR LANDLORD?

Key issues in selling an industrial property are whether it is vacant or tenanted. Are you an owner occupier or are you a landlord?

TENANTED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES

If a property is tenanted the agent is technically also selling a business because prospective buyers need to have confidence in taking on the tenant that has legal rights to stay on in the property.

Prospective owners will want assurance that the tenant is a sound proposition, in which case the property agent’s job is to justify their business. For example, strength of industry, operating experience, payment history and how embedded they are within the property and so on.

A specialist industrial property agent will also spend time with the vendor to look around the building, look at the lease, look at the pluses and minuses and make recommendations on what you need to do to dress up the property and in some cases the lease, to achieve the optimal sale price.

In many cases, a real estate agent who specialises in industrial sales can guide the vendor to present the property to market in a way that can add tens of thousands of dollars to the outcome of the sale.

OWNER/OCCUPIER PROPERTIES

An example of the different scenarios real estate agents would need experience in is an owner-occupier company that might be manufacturing kitchens from its own premises for instance.

The owner might want to sell the warehouse to inject money into business or for other reasons such as divorce, extending the family home or expanding the businesses into multiple locations and other premises, but still wanting to continue to use the existing building for the medium to long term future.

In this situation the property would be sold with a lease being put in place to protect the existing business while being made attractive not only to incoming investors but also to their bankers/funders. The specialist agent can prepare this document for the owners at no cost to ensure they extract the highest possible price for the property.

Incoming investors will be considering aspects of the lease such as net rent versus market rent, length of initial lease term, rights of renewals, type of guarantee, rent review mechanisms and so on. All these factors will be taken into consideration when pricing the property.

• The real estate agent would need expertise to set the rent at the right level. Setting rent over market prices would only result in investors discounting the yield and therefore only paying market price for the property but leaving the owner/occupier (now the tenant) to be paying rent that is too high and may impact negatively on their business. Setting the rent too low will result in loss of sale price as investors will still only pay the same yield for the property.
• This process is very different to what is required of a residential real estate agent.
• It is legally complex work requiring a real estate agent and commercial property agency who are closely in touch with the industrial property market, with a market research team that supports the agent’s work.

Request a vetted industrial property specialist for advice first. Send enquiry.

ADDING VALUE TO THE PROPERTY FIRST

A specialist industrial real estate agent will advise on how to add value to the property before it goes to market, a process that requires insider knowledge of the needs of industrial property buyers and banker/funder requirements.

Although not always the case, the time before going to market can be much longer than with a residential property. There might be a week or two of preparation before the property is launched onto the open market. This short time period can add substantial value to your assets. 

The real estate agent will also look at things like whether the building is generic, or purpose built. For instance:

• with a property fitted out with chillers if it’s unlikely, based on the agency’s research, that anyone will want this, the vendor would be advised to strip out the chillers back to bare shell before going to market to improve the site’s appeal. The agent can give advice as to whether this should be considered as part of the tenants ‘make good’ in the lease or how this should be handled to benefit the vendor.
• Stud height and general usability of the property, storage racking, whether there is room to drive fork lifts or hand jacks around, roller door exits that facilitate driving in and driving out – all are features that will determine how the site is marketed and something owners may not have given any thought to.

LOGISTICS OF SELLING INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

An industrial property agent will look at all the logistics such as:

• Motorway access, B-train friendliness, parking, container storage and de-canting stock, whether a high-profile property or one tucked away, all of which can determine what type of buyer it is marketed to.
• Earthquake ratings that can affect whether the purchaser gets funding, another scenario a specialist industrial real estate agent can help manage.
• Industrial properties that often have additions such as mezzanine floors or spray booths. Agents will advise on whether to remove unconsented work to smooth the sale process.

Marketing of an industrial property demands technical knowledge of district plans, zoning and what activities are permitted on this site. This is key to making sure the incoming business or owner can operate legally from this site.

SELLING UNIT TITLE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

Unit titles are another complex situation with body corporate rules on usage, while zonings, especially in Auckland, are important to understand before going to market. What are the permitted activities within that building? It all impacts on how the property is marketed to find the best possible buyer.

PROPERTIES RIPE FOR DEVELOPMENT

If the property is an industrial development site, specialist industrial property agencies have the expertise and partnership connections with planners, engineers and architects to help package the property for sale.

A planner can identify the permitted uses but a specialist agent can advise what types of units and sizes are in demand in this area either by tenants or owner/occupiers to assist the developers to create the most sellable product.

Industrial real estate agents will help ensure any prospective developer crunches the numbers and has an exit strategy to sell the units in an optimal time frame and highest possible value.

Request Agent Finder NZ to vet and shortlist suitable industrial real estate agents. We have been vetting property agents for over 10 years.

Send inquiry or call our director Trish Willis now on 0800 789 532 for more information – we’re here to help and it's a genuine free service.

Article published February 2, 2021 | Trish Willis

The quickest and least risky way to find a top real estate agent in Wellington is to compare licensed, vetted agents from a shortlist specifically tailored to your property type, value, location and situation.

Whether you are selling a property in Houghton Bay, Otaki, Hutt Valley or any suburb between, we have 14+ years' experience vetting licensed real estate agents throughout the Wellington region for sellers - all at no cost.

With over 1200 salespeople and 95 real estate agencies throughout Wellington, it can be very time consuming and difficult to make the right choice objectively. Comparing vetted real estate agents is something we can help you with - all at no cost.

Request a list of the best Wellington agents to compare now - a genuine free service.

VETTING ESTATE AGENTS PROVES COMPETENCE

People often assume the top Wellington real estate agents would be those that sell the most properties.  However, we know that the quality of service, agent integrity, agency standards and results they achieve for their vendors are a better measure. 

Whether you are selling your home, downsizing, have tenants to manage through the selling process, selling an apartment, investment portfolio or a lifestyle block, you can be reassured that an optimum sale price can be achieved when your chosen real estate agent has met our stringent criteria.

View what our Wellington clients valued most about us.

WE CAN QUICKLY SEND YOU A LIST OF WELLINGTON AGENTS

Our vetting of Wellington real estate agents is stringent and can take a lot of pressure off you, knowing that your due diligence is being done thoroughly. 

Your property may be unique for the area and hard to value. There will always be real estate agents who have a greater level of competence than others and it is our job to find that for you.

View examples of real estate fees here to plan your costs first.

REAL ESTATE AGENT INTEGRITY & KNOWLEDGE

Buying and selling requires real estate agents to have a high level of:

• Marketing properties digitally and especially if trying to tap into overseas buyers and ex-pats
• Industry competence and accuracy 
• Ability to interpret legal information
• Technical knowledge such as earthquake strengthening or apartment blocks
• Compliance obligations
• Negotiation skills
• Tact and interpersonal attributes

Despite the complexities, it is still relatively easy to become a licensed real estate agent in Wellington which is why vetting of licensed real estate agents is so important for you.

REAL ESTATE PROCESS MOST TESTING FOR AGENTS

Even if your property looks straight forward to sell, the buyer may have more complex issues requiring the assistance of a capable agent to manage each issue tactfully and within often tight timeframes.

Real estate agents assist buyers with mortgages, valuations, building inspections, acquisition of titles, LIMs, PIMs, Council compliance, surveys and interpret and communicate the meaning of content in these. They also coordinate with lawyers, most often under considerable pressure for time.

It is after the sale and purchase agreement has been signed, that is often the most testing part of the process for both sellers and agents, so all vendors need a real estate agent who is capable of diligently managing the process to completion or they risk the sale falling over.

The scope of a real estate agent's capability is essential for vendors. Call 0800 789 532 for advice first.

WE CAN HELP YOU MAKE FULLY INFORMED DECISIONS

Selling real estate in Wellington or any other place in New Zealand can be complex and choosing an unsuitable real estate agent can cost you dearly and result in your property lingering on the market.  Agent Finder NZ founded real estate agent vetting for this very reason.

We advise Wellington home sellers to lift their expectations of what defines a competent real estate agent. This is likely your biggest financial asset, so this is not the time to 'give someone a go' at selling your house.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU TODAY

Using our specialist real estate agent vetting service along with extra resources we share with you, will enable you to forge ahead with confidence. You will be much more likely to achieve a prime price within a good timeframe and have a satisfying experience. This a genuine free service to people selling a property in Wellington.

Agent Finder NZ service includes:

• A bespoke shortlist of real estate agents based on a stringent criterion
• A real estate agent questionnaire which will help you objectively compare real estate agents in Wellington from the shortlist of agents we give you. A lot can be gleaned from these questions.
• Helping you understand what to look out for in your comparative market appraisal so you can address any information gaps or issues with the sale price recommendation or method of sale.
• Helping you estimate how much real estate commission and fees you should pay.
• Equipping you with information to help you make informed real estate decisions throughout the whole process of selling your house, from signing a legally binding agency agreement to the sale and purchase agreement.
• If you are also buying a house, we can provide you with a thorough buying checklist that protects you.

Don't leave it to chance - send an inquiry - we're here to help and all at no cost.

"I was over the moon with the sale price we achieved, but more importantly the whole real estate process has been stress free! We found our real estate agent to be outstanding in his professionalism.  Thank you so much for recommending him to me... I was beginning to think that I was going to have a bit of a nightmare on my hands after spending a week talking with some other real estate agents who were selling in the area. Thank you for your agent recommendations".  - Jo

Page updated April 22, 2025 | Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Independent Property Advisor ot the Year 2023 - Property Institute of NZ
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022
• Awarded Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 - APAC
• Awarded Best Property Advice Hub - New Zealand 2021 - APAC

When tasked with selling a deceased estate property in New Zealand, the bulleted tips below will help ease the responsibility on families/executors, and achieve an optimal result. 

For example, the ownership may be in a Family Trust or in the name of a sibling(s) tasked with representing the whole family's best interests price-wise. The property may be 'over-furnished', be zoned for development, in a high value suburb, be sub-dividable or there may be a family member living in it wishing to remain there. The variables are many.

Siblings often living in different locations, have differing opinions on what real estate agency or agent is best to use, what the property is worth to sell, whether to get a property valuation, when to sell the house and how to avoid exhorbitant real estate commission and fees. All crucial decisions and information we have at our finger tips additional to vetting licensed real estate agents NZ-wide. 

We can help you prepare well to sell a deceased estate property in a streamlined manner with due diligence at the forefront.

Find out how we vet real estate agents at no cost to vendors.

TIPS TO PLAN FOR A DECEASED ESTATE SALE IN NZ

• Don’t market the home as a 'deceased estate' sale. It is far better to pick out its most attractive features and highlight those as you would for any other property sale such as the no. or size of rooms, location to schools or land size. Property features will likely attract a higher volume of interest.
• Do home stage the house to appeal to younger buyers, either by hiring professionals or doing it yourself. This is one of the cheapest yet most effective ways to sell a house for a prime price quickly most often halving the days on market.
• Understand what to look out for and be aware of in regard to real estate appraisals. You can use our real estate agent questionnaire to guide you through interviews with property agents.
• Compare real estate agents objectively and understand how much real estate commission you will pay before signing an agency agreement. We can advise you about all of these matters.
• Talk to your lawyer before signing an agency agreement as being a deceased estate, there may be special clauses required.

If you would like to discuss your property in confidence, call us on 0800 789 532. We're here to help and it's a free service.

AGREEING ON THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT

Vetting real estate agents using a stringent criteria has proven to be the most thorough way to establish competence. It can also take a lot of pressure off families when done objectively and professionally for them.

This is tailored to locations, property types, situations and values. For example, selling a deceased estate property in Auckland, you may want to know more about whether the property is zoned for development in the Unitary Plan and what impact that could have.

These are all matters we can advise you about so you can do your due diligence in an efficient, streamlined and thorough manner.

“Being a deceased estate, the real estate process was stressful enough without  'pushy' real estate agents approaching us …  having a professional, unbiased selection of three vetted real estate agents was a brilliant place to start.” Gay | North Shore

Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to compare or send an enquiry now.

Page updated November 29, 2023 | Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Independent Property Advisor 2023 | Property Institute of New Zealand

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards

• Best Property Advice Hub - APAC New Zealand 2021

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service New Zealand - 2018

Whether selling apartments, town houses, homes, tenanted properties, deceased estates, lifestyle blocks and farms or commercial properties, each and every property requires its own specific plan for achieving an optimal result.

Having advised Kiwis about preparing to sell different property types for over 12 years and most selling in half the average sale time frames, we are well positioned to guide you, all at no cost.

There is no one size fits all when selling real estate and we recommend vendors become more informed when selling different property types.

For example, knowing what preparation and documentation collation is required, correctly targetting marketing and advertising to ensure any investment in this is spent where it should be, understanding commission fee structures and comparing real estate companies and agents to ensure they have the in-house resources and expertise you and your buyers will need to complete a property, business or farm sale.

For the same reason a business would not employ a CEO to manage a high value company because of a personal recommendation, neither should vendors choose a property agent tasked with managing hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars for your property this way. 

The value of taking a 'vetting approach' to matching and selecting a suitable property agents or business brokers cannot be underestimated and having a national overview of the real estate industry, we can certainly guide you in the right direction.

Call 0800 789 532 should you wish to discuss your property in confidence first.

Find out how much it costs to sell a residential property in New Zealand.

MATCHING REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO PROPERTY TYPES

Real estate agents and companies all have expertise in different property types and choosing the right one can add thousands, often hundreds of thousands depending on the property type, to the sale outcome.

Conversely, the wrong choice of real estate agent could end up costing you dearly.

For instance a residential property zoned for development is very different in the type of real estate insider knowledge required. Investor buyers will have different agendas, criterion and yield formulas for assessing the feasibility of an investment in such a property. Therefore real estate agents need to have indepth understanding of selling such properties either way - to a residential buyer wanting a home or a developer wanting to invest.

Selling an apartment where unit titles and body corporates come into play is another ball game requiring solid knowledge of the legal structures and often tenancy laws if rented. Leaky apartments add another dimension to this.

Understanding how to get the most money when selling a deceased estate could add thousands to your bank balance, while selling a rental property may or may not come with tenants as occupants and should be handled tactfully.

Lifestyle blocks can sit on the market unless the unique circumstances surrounding them are properly understood - our 12 years of expertise in finding the right real estate agents for people has clearly shown there is a right way and a wrong way to sell a lifestyle property.

If you want to discuss your property type, call 0800 789 532 or send a message.

MARKETING DIFFERENT PROPERTY TYPES

Some properties should be marketed to international buyers to reach expats, investors and buyers in Singapore and Australia. These properties require specialist international real estate agents with the networks, knowledge of Government policies and marketing to reach the right type of buyers in what is a more limited buyer pool. The work and expertise required for off-shore buyers is often complex and relevance of real estate firms and agents cannot be underestimated.

There are numerous marketing platforms available in New Zealand that are under-utilised in our view. These are designed to target specific audiences relevant to your property type and value, and is something we can advise you about when you get in touch. 

Before you engage a real estate agent, perhaps the first one that pops into your head, or the one that sells the most properties - which contrary to what people might think, is not necessarily the agent that will get you the best price.

We have specialised in vetting real estate agents for over 12 years for vendors with many different property types so they can compare objectively, ask the right questions and choose the agency that is the best fit for them.

Request a bespoke shortlist of vetted real estate agents for your property - a genuine free service in NZ. 

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018
• Most Reliable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020
• Best Property Advice Hub 2021
• Independent, NZ owned and operated since 2009

Page updated September 9, 2022 by Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

There is a short 'grace period' after signing a real estate agency contract but once that deadline has passed, the process for changing real estate agents requires a more tailored approach, depending on the agency contract you signed. Each real estate agency has its own contract and every vendor has a unique situation that needs resolving.

You may have concerns about having to pay double commission, or more advertising money should you decide to switch agents. These are all things we can help guide you on.

A recent client of ours switched agencies after months on the market and sold well in 16 days with another - so it is possible - but there is a process to be aware of.

We have guided many sellers through the process of switching real estate agents over the years. We are independent of all real estate companies, have a national overview of the industry and have won several awards for our services dedicated to helping vendors. 

To discuss your situation in confidence, call 0800 789 532 - this is a genuine free property advice hub for Kiwis.

TIME FRAMES FOR CANCELLING AN AGENCY AGREEMENT

There is a cooling down period after signing an agency agreement with a real estate company.

• If you change your mind immediately after signing, you can cancel the agreement by 5pm on the first working day after the real estate agent has given you a signed copy.
• The agent is required to provide you with a copy of the agency agreement with both signatures within 48 hours of you signing it. You must cancel it in writing, for example, by letter or email. Keep a record of this.
• If you have signed a sole agency agreement after being approached unsolicited by a real estate agent, you will have five working days to cancel and it does not need to be in writing.

However, if a real estate agent carries out any work before the agency agreement being terminated that results in the sale of the property, the agreement will be legally binding.

Cancelling an agency agreement part way through your contract

What happens once a sole agency agreement is cancelled depends on what the agreement says, however real estate agents must still have advised you about the possibility of paying double commission.

• A second agent will have no control over any previous agency agreement.
• Vendors should keep a copy of the previous real estate agency agreement.

If you are dissatisfied with your real estate agent, you can request to cancel the contract in writing. Most - but not all - agencies resist this. This is something we can advise you on.

If you need discreet help, send a confidential enquiry.

Cancelling sole or general real estate agency agreement

You may have either a sole agency agreement (where you list with only one agency)  or a general agency agreement (where you can list with several). If it's a general agreement, it will specify the notice period for cancelling so that the agency can conclude any introductions. However, in our experience, you are far better to list with one vetted real estate agent rather than multiple.

• Cancelling a sole agency agreement means it becomes a general agency agreement. You’ll need to cancel this too if you don’t want to continue with the agency.
• There is nothing in the Act or Code that specifies how long the notice period for the cancellation of a general agency agreement should be. Industry practice is usually between 7 and 14 days.
• Question if a notice period for termination is longer than 14 days.
• If you sign a sole agency agreement for a term of more than 90 days, either you or the agency can end the agreement after 90 days. This must be done in writing.
• If you sell your home privately within six months of the agency agreement coming to an end (either sole or general agency), to a person introduced by the agency or where the agency was instrumental in the sale, the vendor is liable to pay the agent commission.
• After six months you are not liable to pay commission.
• In rural transactions in this situation you are liable for commission up to a year.
• It may not be possible to cancel a sole agency agreement unless the agency agrees to release you, however, you can take your property off the market until the real estate agency agreement expires.

​

AVOID BEING LIABLE FOR PAYING DOUBLE COMMISSION

Beware before signing an agency agreement – the peril of paying double commission

If you terminate an agency agreement due to being unhappy with your real estate agent, you need to be aware of when double commission could be due – to your former agent and your current one.

If the first agency has done work that contributes to the sale of your property – for instance finding a buyer who later goes onto purchase it via the second agency, you may still have to pay the first real estate agency commission.

In this instance the commission would be shared between the first and second agents.

You should check with your new real estate agent about the risk of paying two commissions.

The original agreement must be cancelled in writing with a date that is to come into effect.

REASONS FOR SWITCHING REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Common reasons for switching real estate agents when selling and making complaints include, but are not limited to:

• Over-estimating property appraisal values to secure an agency contract then pressuring vendors to price-reduce-advertise afterwards.
• The absence of real estate market appraisals 'in writing' or not providing a signed copy of the agency agreement within the required timeframe of 48 hours from the time of the vendor signing this.
• Real estate agent misconduct pertaining to disclosure of personal or professional conflicts of interest.
• Not presenting vendors with sale and purchase agreement offers to buy.
• Collection of deposits not managed to industry rules which can result in contracts falling over.
• Insufficient knowledge and experience of the real estate agent for specific property types for example, lifestyle blocks, apartments, sub-dividable sections or high value properties requiring a more international marketing campaign.
• Property descriptions and photograph quality not agreed with the vendor but used for advertising.
• The competence of the real estate agent when working with buyers to complete tasks within time frames.
• Real estate agent unreliability or conduct at open homes, undue pressure to accept a low price or lack of communication.

These are all examples of actual unofficial complaints vendors have confided to us but there are many more.

Listing with a real estate agent who has been vetted and proven competent provides greater assurance to avoid these or similar scenarios. 

INDUSTRY AUTHORITY CLAUSES HELP

Standard Clauses were developed jointly by the Real Estate Authority and the Real Estate Institute of NZ to create greater certainty around the scenario of double real estate commission being charged to vendors.

Before signing a real estate agency contract to list a property for sale, real estate agents must advise the vendor on the circumstances in which full commission would need to be paid to more than one agent.

When an agency agreement is terminated, your real estate agent is required to provide you with a written list of the names of prospective buyers the agent would claim a commission on if they ended up buying the property. This includes people who attended viewings.

Not all real estate agents are using the standard clauses designed to create greater clarity around double commission scenarios, but all must advise vendors of the possibility of double commission in the event of an agency agreement termination.

HELP AVAILABLE FOR CHANGING REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Buyers’ and sellers’ personal situations combined with agents needing to comply with the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 can make real estate work complex. 

We’ve been helping New Zealand home sellers for over a decade. Many have changed real estate agents with our support and have often sold quickly after a new agent has taken over.

If you are worried that you are not with the right real estate agent, we can give you free guidance on how to remedy the situation.

If you want to discuss your property in person, call us on 0800 789 532 – we’re here to help, and it’s free.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Property Advisor of the Year 2023 | Property Institute of NZ
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Page updated October 29, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Pla, who is originally from Thailand, is our go to person for operational support, especially on the technology side of things.

She has the gift of being able to quickly solve problems, primarily technical-related, and her calm persona is an asset to Agent Finder NZ.

This greatly assists our marketing on the many social media platforms we use to share the knowledge our two websites provide, empowering New Zealanders on their property journey whether owning, investing in, buying or selling a property.

Pla is not only a valuable team member who helps our business continue to evolve, her Thai lunches are delicious!

And besides being an amazing cook, she is also a photographer and dedicated mother to her two beautiful children.

​If your bank is warning you about selling your house by mortgagee sale, you can still aim for a prime sale price to get the best possible equity - but don't leave it too late.

If you're not being forced, but it's heading that way, reach out to us because we've been helping Kiwis achieve optimum house sale prices for over 14 years.

A house sale price by mortgagee sale is often bottom dollar and that's what we will help you prevent. We understand that being in a mortgagee sale predicament can be both heart breaking and terrifying.

Take control, otherwise if a mortgagee sale is imminent, your bank and their appointed real estate agents will start to take control of the sale process and ultimately the price.

If this sounds familiar for you or someone you know, call 0800 789 532 for free advice.

PRE-EMPTING A FORCED MORTGAGEE SALE

It surprises us how many mortgagee sales are advertised as a Mortgagee Sale instead of featuring the property’s draw cards like big bedrooms, a sub-dividable section or a great view.

An advertising heading 'mortgagee sale' screams out “bottom dollar”, but unfortunately for you, the mortgagor, banks and real estate agents appointed by them, are not obliged to state the features and benefits of your property. The bank wants their money back and quickly. This is how it mostly works.

YOUR BANK WILL CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT - NOT YOU

With the aim of recouping their money, a bank will appoint a real estate agent and valuer. You will unlikely have time to do any improvements to help add any value. This is the consequence of putting off the inevitable.

The Banking Ombudsman website states: "The bank does not have to wait for the best time to sell the property or improve the property before a mortgagee sale. A mortgagee sale for a price less than the current market value usually does not in itself establish a breach of the bank’s obligation". That is, if they have sought a valuation and the offer to purchase is reasonable.

It also mentions that "sometimes mortgagors complain that the bank’s real estate agent was incompetent and marketed the property poorly. If the real estate agent followed a reasonable marketing plan, the property was appropriately advertised and was reasonably available to potential purchasers to view, we are likely to find that the sales process was fair. Real estate agents are able to advertise a property as a mortgagee sale".

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AVOID A CHEAP 'MORTGAGEE SALE'

If you are getting close to a mortgagee sale situation and want the best sale price for your house, get in touch with us first. Alternatively, ask your bank to make contact with our company director Trish Willis directly.

Our help will include finding a competent real estate agent who can sell your house quickly, but at a premium price rather than a mortgagee price. It may be just the help you need. We also have checklists and resources at hand that protect you as a seller.

With over 14 years watching the real estate industry and agents, we know what competencies and qualities to look for - you are our client and we will guide and protect you - all at no cost at all.

If you are in financial strife as a result of rising interest rates, the cost of living, or other reason - ask for free advice before it's too late.

HOW TO ACHIEVE A PRIME PRICE IN A MORTGAGEE SALE 

Choose a real estate agent who has been vetted by us will give you the best chance. An agent who is 'in your corner', has empathy, is proven competent, fastidious about contract administration, a confident price negotiator and has above average communication and digital marketing skills, especially when the going gets tough is one you can expect. One who can achieve a sale in a short timeframe to satisfy the bank and enable you to achieve the best of two possible outcomes.

YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS - BOTH WILL SELL FAST BUT WITH DIFFERENT RESULTS

You can choose a fast 'mortgagee sale' controlled by your bank OR a fast sale with a proven, reputable agent in your corner who uses a process that achieves optimum equity for you.

Whilst media commentary about the state of real estate prices is generally negative, price increases last month when compared to the same time last year increased in 10 regions. These include: Auckland +$30,000, Taranaki +$41,000, Bay of Plenty +$27,500, Hawkes Bay +$15,000, Manawatu/Whanganui +$32,000, Marlborough +$50,000, Tasman +$29,000, Canterbury +$30,000, West Coast +$35,000 and Southland +$17,000.

It literally pays to get an accurate real estate appraisal for your property type, price range and location - it may not be as grim as you think.

Our vetting of real estate agents has achieved fast sales at excellent prices as evidenced in our Agent Finder NZ reviews. Send a confidential email to our director now: trish.willis@agentfinder.co.nz 

If you want to talk to a lawyer, we can send you a list of specialist property lawyers in your area - just ask.

We can help if you or your bank make contact early enough - send inquiry - this is a genuine free service that helps Kiwi vendors

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 - New Zealand
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021
• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service New Zealand 2018
• Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023 (PINZ)

Updated July 2, 2024 by Trish Willis, Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

You may have been targeted by a real estate agent arriving on your doorstep uninvited offering to sell your house because they have a buyer interested in your property - right now!  And if you just sign this listing agreement, they can get them through for a viewing. Yeah right. 

There is much to consider including when will be the best time to sell your house. 

By landing on this page, you have likely encountered a door-knocker or cold caller and you are wanting some advice about whether to give them a go or not. Some agents can be very convincing so you need to be clear about how to respond because good real estate agents do not usually take this approach.

You may not have even thought about selling your house prior to that moment, or seriously considered it, but the estate agent was ‘such a nice person’. Hold it right there and be warned, this is the riskiest and least diligent way to sell a house and it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. 

If this situation has made you think seriously about selling your home, do it once and do it right with the least pain by finding out more about where to start when selling a house 

If you need free advice, call 0800 789 532, we are happy to help.

Real estate agents are trained to get listings (not using this method in particular) but some will go to any lengths to get one, sometimes unashamedly scouring death notices of the elderly and approaching the family soon afterwards. We know this because we have been told this by those families.

SALE PRICE SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? IT PROBABLY IS

If the door-knocker has suggested they can get a sale price that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Our rule of thumb is to get two to three free real estate appraisals first so you can compare them objectively and make the right decision in your own time rather than be cornered by one property agent.  

In our view, real estate appraisals form the foundation of the whole real estate process. All other decisions are based on its accuracy so be warned, door-knockers are more likely than most, to not follow due process.

HOW TO SPOT A RISKY SITUATION

• Do you feel comfortable about signing an agency agreement with this agent?
• Have they recommended you get legal advice?
• Do you have a written property appraisal to establish your home's value for selling?
• Have they provided you with a list of all expenses including commission and fees?
• Have they provided you with the Guide to Signing An Agency Agreement or the Code of Conduct?
• This list could be a lot longer but if your answer is 'no' to any of these questions, say 'no thank you' and ask us for help. 

Real estate agents are required under their Code of Conduct to recommend that you seek legal advice before signing an agency agreement and before signing a sale and purchase agreement.

DO NOT SIGN AN AGENCY AGREEMENT WITHOUT PRIOR DUE DILIGENCE

Never agree to sell your home or start marketing it for sale unless you have signed an agency agreement.

Only sign an agency agreement to sell your home with a real estate agent when you have done your due diligence. 

Request a copy of the Guide to Signing An Agency Agreement now.

An overview of the correct procedure is:

• At your invitation, a real estate agent views the indoors and outdoors of your home.
• They then carry out research to compare your house to recent sales in the area and current comparable properties for sale in the area. They will also take into account special features that could add value or issues that may lower the value.
• Based on this, the real estate agent recommends a sale price range for advertising purposes, in writing.
• The agent will return to go through the appraisal in detail with you and explain how they reached that price estimate. 
• They are obliged also to explain their real estate commission and fees and recommend a method of sale (auction, tender, negotiation etc)
• The agent will outline a marketing and advertising plan including the cost - this must be in writing and signed as approved by you. Any amendments to this must also be signed by you
• You will receive industry guides and the Real Estate Authority Code of Conduct
• The real estate agent should always recommend you seek legal advice

If you sign an agency agreement with a real estate agent then have regrets, there is a cooling down period. 

Selling an apartment, whether in Auckland or any other New Zealand city, is a different real estate process to selling a house and requires the skills of an apartment specialist to ensure you are protected.

There are many issues to consider, from selling a leaky apartment to understanding unit titles, and accessing the relevant real estate expertise for critical advice on valuations, tax, building inspections and finding real estate agents who are adequately experienced in selling an apartment.

All these things need to be carefully managed because following rules around apartment sale disclosure and understanding the complexities of tax could make a huge difference to the outcome.

Selling your Auckland apartment? Find a real estate agent with apartment expertise.

APARTMENT SELLING COSTS TO BUDGET FOR

Besides real estate commission and fees, there are other costs you should budget for:

• Body Corporates may charge for information needed for disclosure statements.
• There may be lost rent if an apartment needs to be empty during the sale process.
• If the apartment is tenanted, you could offer your tenants a reduced rent for the real estate sale period to encourage their co-operation.
• Taxes will be incurred in some instances (see more below).
• Property Lawyer fees for the conveyancing process
• Home staging (reputed to add value to the sale price.)
• Repairs and maintenance that ensure everything meets compliance obligations and adds value.
• If any defects are uncovered by the LIM or building report, you can either fix or disclose. It is often easier to deal with a problem before a house goes on to the market.

Worried about your leaky apartment? Find out about selling a leaky apartment

TAX ON INVESTORS SELLING APARTMENTS

Zero rated apartments

Many people buy apartments with a lease to a management company included in the purchase.

This often comes with a guaranteed rental arrangement. These apartments are often also sold as "going concerns.”

This type of apartment comes with conditions. You need to know what these are to avoid an unexpected GST bill when you sell your apartment.

IRD recommends talking with a tax professional before you make a decision about selling your investment apartment or changing its use.

If you sell your zero-rated apartment with the original management agreement in place to a GST-registered buyer your apartment might still be a going concern. In this case you probably don't have to pay GST on the sale.

You may have to pay GST if you sell your apartment and:

• the original agreement has expired, and you haven't negotiated another lease with the management company, or
• you change the way it’s used, eg, you or a member of your family moved into the apartment or you rent it yourself to tenants.

Bright-line test for property investors

If you purchase any residential property and sell it within five years (two years for properties purchased on or after October 1, 2015 through to March 28, 2018) or 10 years for properties bought after March 27, 2021, the sale may be taxable.

Find out more about capital gains tax

GET HELP TO SELL YOUR APARTMENT 

The process of selling an apartment successfully, regardless of its pristine or poor condition, starts with your preparation and most importantly, your choice of real estate agent and legal advice because you are almost wholly reliant on what they advise you.

Request a shortlist of apartment specialists now – it’s a free service

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated March 6, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

OTHER POPULAR PAGES

• How to Sell Your House or Apartment Fast
• Independent Real Estate Advice
• Selling a House From Abroad

There are important things to be aware of ahead of time when preparing to sell an apartment that has, or may have leaky building issues.

If you own a unit in a leaky apartment building, you may have concerns around whether to repair and stay on, repair and sell, or sell prior to repair at a lower price.

If you suspect weather tightness issues due to your building’s age or cladding, your real estate agent is obliged to disclose the potential risk to prospective buyers and include it in their property information pack with other material.

THE GOOD NEWS: LEAKY APARTMENT BUYERS DO EXIST!

• There are still buyers for leaky building apartments, usually risk calculating investors and developers.
• Leaky apartment buyers look for buildings where the scope of damage and repair costs are known and Body Corporate levies to cover repairs are already set.
• If repairs are too expensive, look at renting your apartment out until land values improve enough to off-set the cost.

PREPARE FOR THE SALE OF A LEAKY APARTMENT

• Evidence to support weather tightness can include building reports, specialist weather-tightness reports, council files and a LIM report.
• Consider obtaining a building inspection from a Licensed Building Surveyor before you put your property on the market.
• Get a registered valuation for the property in its current condition.
• Sometimes testing will be necessarily invasive, holes in walls for instance. Find out what is involved before the process begins.

REPAIR OR SELL YOUR APARTMENT?

Repairs to leaky apartment buildings can take years, tying you to an investment you may have lost the love for.

Some sell their apartments and cut their losses. This can mean selling for well below what the apartment should be worth, emphasizing the need to get an accurate value by a real estate agent who is an apartment specialist.

Managing the sale of a leaky building apartment requires the utmost transparency, care and due diligence. We can’t emphasise enough the value of using the right professional services.

• We can help you find real estate agents who are apartment specialists. We offer a free service to sellers, providing a short list of the best apartment selling agents for your location.
• We can also provide you with an industry list of specialists such as property lawyers, valuers and building inspectors who can help you navigate the sales process.

Need help selling your leaky apartment? Get in Touch now.

OTHER APARTMENT BUILDING DEFECTS - ASBESTOS

Asbestos removal can be costly depending on how much there is. Do you repair before sale or sell it as is?

You must reveal anything you know about contamination and must not mislead a potential buyer.

Make sure you, your lawyer, your building surveyor and your real estate agent are all on the same page about this.

Request A Shortlist of Real Estate Apartment Specialists

Request An Industry List of Specialist Property Lawyers

Request An Industry List of Licensed Building Inspectors

Request An Industry List of Licensed Property Valuers

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated February 16, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

There are several areas in which selling an apartment differs from selling other types of property and where apartment sellers need to be cautious about attending to the rules.

Below we highlight some areas where due diligence must be done by sellers.

Full disclosure is a legal obligation for apartment sales. Because the disclosure obligation lies with the owner of the property, you should actively participate with your real estate agent in preparing the disclosure statements.

Under the Unit Titles Act 2010 people must meet four different types of disclosure requirements when selling an apartment. 

Real estate agencies are required by law to have vendors sign a document acknowledging full disclosure.

Not all real estate agents have experience selling apartments so it is important to choose one that can guide you safely through the process.

Find out about selling a rental

Agent Finder NZ can help you find the best real estate agent for your apartment and location. Get in touch - it's a free service.

EXAMPLES OF APARTMENT SALE DISCLOSURES

• Weather-tightness issues. See Selling a Leaky Apartment.
• Items to be included for sale which are faulty.
• Building consents and code compliance certificates.

If you know about issues and don't disclose them, then you may later be held liable by the purchaser.

UNIT TITLES ACT: FOUR TYPES OF DISCLOSURE

Pre-contract disclosure: Apartment sellers must provide a statement to buyers before signing a sale and purchase agreement covering: 

• Unit titles
• Your unit
• Body Corporate levies
• Weather-tightness both for the unit and common property
• Funds held by the Body Corporate

  

Pre-settlement disclosure: Required once a sale and purchase agreement is on the table, but before it has settled. It shows the period levies are paid until and any amounts owing to the Body Corporate.

Additional disclosure: If requested by the buyer (buyer meets the cost). For instance, summaries of the long-term maintenance plan, details of regular expenses and the Body Corporate’s current contracts.

Turn-over disclosure: Not about the unit for sale. This is a statement provided by the original owner or developer to the Body Corporate.

DUE DILIGENCE WHEN SELLING AN APARTMENT

Managing the sale of an apartment requires care and due diligence throughout what can be a complicated process.

The process of selling an apartment successfully starts with your preparation and most importantly, your choice of real estate agent and legal advice because you are reliant wholly on what they advise you.

Fortunately there are professionals with the right expertise, and we can help put you in touch with them.

Also Read: How to Sell An Apartment

Planning to sell your apartment? Get our free help to find an experienced real estate agent. Contact us or phone 0800 789 532

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated March 3, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

Other popular pages:

• Questions to ask real estate agents
• Step by step process of selling a house
• Real estate agents who can sell quickly

Selling an apartment is different to selling a house and requires extra due diligence and documentation.

Knowing where to start can often be a stumbling block, from collating legal and body corporate reports to choosing a suitable real estate agent.

With the benefit of a 13 year overview, we can guide you through the preparation process to make sure you have the foundation on which all your other decisions will be based.

Whether you are selling an apartment in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or anywhere else, the same rules for foundation setting apply.

Selling an apartment​ is a step by step process, which if well planned and done diligently, will ensure the best possible outcome.

If you need help finding an apartment specialist, get in touch - we're here to help, all at no cost.

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR APARTMENT

You may be in the luxury apartment category or at the budget end. The building may be in perfect condition or have some imperfections, or worse.

Your apartment may be unaffected by issues in your apartment block that others have been burdened with. There are many variables and scenarios.

Whatever the case, being honest about your apartment is a legal responsibility.

You could be liable for legal action if you omit or provide misleading, or false information - even if you honestly believed the information was correct - so it’s important to get things right, especially documentation, and you will need the right people to help you collate this. Find out more about disclosure obligations when selling an apartment.

CREATE YOUR TEAM OF APARTMENT SPECIALISTS

Selling an apartment requires a coordinated team effort. 

Each apartment block is unique and will come with its unique legal documentation, ownership structures, challenges and issues. Some may have a 'leaky' history and those that don't may be perceived as being leaky.

There are a number of industry professionals you will need involved in the sale of your apartment including real estate agents, lawyers and licensed valuers as we explain below.

Learn about the hidden costs of selling an apartment.

Find out more about selling a leaky apartment

CONFIDENCE IN YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT'S ADVICE

It is important that you find a real estate agent who specialises in selling apartments, so you can rely on their advice about:

• the most effective methods of sale, in the market, at that time.
• a marketing strategy using multiple platforms.
• an advertising or digital campaign to reach qualified buyers.
• real estate commission and fees.
• signing an agency agreement giving the company license to sell your apartment over a specified period.

We specialise in finding real estate agents with integrity to sell apartments - request a list of agents to compare now.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH IS BEST

The legal documentation required for an apartment sale can be cumbersome and complex to coordinate, interpret and manage so engaging a real estate agent inexperienced in apartment sales is not advisable. 

Real estate agents with good project management skills are worth their weight in gold.

Also, your real estate agent is obligated to provide verification of any verbal or written information that describes your apartment or the apartment block.

Absence of this can end badly, so check that everything your real estate agent communicates to buyers is substantiated.

Your lawyer won’t be present at viewings, so it is important the real estate agent has this covered.

Misrepresentation of a property is an issue that can end up with the Real Estate Authority’s complaints assessment committee.

Request a shortlist of vetted apartment specialists for your location. 

CONFIDENCE IN HOW MUCH YOUR APARTMENT IS WORTH

If you have doubt about the accuracy of your real estate agent's appraisal of your apartment's value, we recommend getting a full valuation report by a registered valuer who specialises in apartments.

This can help put your mind at rest and put you on the same page as your property agent.

It also gives your agent more leverage when negotiating a sale price with buyers, especially if the buyer’s offer is lower than the registered valuation or appraisal value.

It is not advisable to rely on an automated algorithm for valuing any property type intended for sale. Valuing property is a specialist area and getting it wrong can be very costly in more ways than one.

We can send you a list of licensed valuers of apartments

CONFIDENCE IN YOUR PROPERTY LAWYER

We recommend that you use a specialist property lawyer who, along with you, should work as a team with the building owner, your real estate agent, the valuer, banks, insurers, buyers, the buyer’s lawyer, building surveyors and more.

Ask for a list of specialist property lawyers in your location.

If you need help selling your apartment get in touch - we're here to help.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Page updated February 16, 2023 | Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

Tracy is a journalist who has, from 1981, worked in the New Zealand mainstream print media, on a number of daily and community newspapers.

In the mid 1990s she began transferring her skills to the world of internet publishing, and was co-founder of online based Garnet Publishing in 1998. In more recent years she has edited, and been Chief Reporter, on a network of four Fairfax community papers.

In 2016 Tracy returned to the digital world as web editor for Agent Finder NZ and Wise Up NZ. She is up to date with both print and digital, and also social media marketing, including on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

She has a keen interest in goings on in the property world, and has lived anywhere and everywhere from a Victorian apartment in inner Sydney to a stylish '70s house on Norfolk Island with the best views in the Pacific, to a small town New Zealand Victorian villa with native bush garden.

 Among her favourite pastimes are browsing real estate websites, poring over beautiful house and garden images and working on her own current renovation project.

Being properly informed about what influences a good or bad real estate experience when selling a house can result in tens of thousands of dollars in price difference, often more.

If you are a property owner who has decided to sell your house, don't risk handing it over to the first real estate agent that comes along or sends you a flyer in the mail. You only get one chance to do it well.

You should expect the best practice real estate service available regardless of whether you are selling a home of average value or a luxury house.

Don't compromise on real estate standards - ever. It's a legal process, often complex and often underestimated.

If you have been thinking 'I need to sell my home for the best possible price' - and aren't we all - our advice on how to sell a house successfully will help you get there.

Read our glowing testimonials here.

If you are under pressure to sell urgently, get an experienced real estate agent broker to vet agents for you, or call 0800 789 532 anytime to get started now.

SELLING A HOUSE IS A COMPLEX PROCESS

Selling real estate can often be complex, requiring advanced expertise, sometimes at an unexpected point in the process - including toward the end when you thought you were home and hosed.

A property agency must have systems and policies in place to conduct the sale of your home without errors, starting from the accuracy of an appraisal and interpreting legal documents, to supporting you with meeting the conditions in the sale and purchase agreement. 

It is especially important the agent has a solid grasp of all the legalities involved. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing when it comes to legal documentation with potentially dire consequences for both vendor and buyer. Legal documents include such things as LIMS, PIMS, Easements, Survey Plans, Titles and Taxation Payable.

DATA REVEALS RISK FACTORS WHEN SELLING A HOUSE

Data collated by Agent Finder since 2009 has revealed there are a set of 'risk indicators' that will help you gauge ahead of time if your house will be difficult to sell, and what you can do to ensure it will sell for an optimum price, within the shortest possible time. 

If a house meets more than one of the 'risk indicators', this can threaten a successful sale, even if after failing to sell, it is remarketed with a competent property agency.

However, the good news is you can manage these risks. If you are intending to sell your house, doing your due diligence now will help avert the need to relist a second time, which can end up being disheartening and very expensive.
 

THE RIGHT WAY TO SELL YOUR HOME FIRST TIME

Reasons why some properties become difficult to sell include inaccurate property appraisals or vendor price expectations, poor presentation, poor marketing, or code of compliance issues - but not necessarily due to selling at the wrong time of year. If you believe spring and summer are the best times to sell a house, you might be surprised by our findings.

Before you start to look for a real estate agent, talk to us first about how to maximise the success and sale price of your house sale. We are happy to help support you through this process, and better still, it is a free service.

What are buyers looking for? Understand the top 10 criteria.

SELLING AN AUCKLAND PROPERTY

When selling an Auckland property, you should consider the impact of the Auckland Unitary Plan changes in zoning rules on the potential sale value of your home. If your home has been rezoned with development potential, you could get a higher sale price due to interest from property developers so the marketing campaign could take them into account.

With their deeper pockets and motivation to develop the land for financial gain (their return on the land after development will be higher than it would be if kept as a family home) they will usually put in higher bids.

In this situation it is important to use a real estate agent with the experience and connections to reach these buyers.

It's a personal decision on the seller's part whether they want to go this route, but can be worth looking into, with a dual marketing campaign directed at both home buyers and property investors. If you would like further information, get in touch or find out more here.

Different property types benefit from the expertise of different real estate agents. 

TO SELL A HOUSE WELL YOU NEED THE RIGHT AGENT

Every vendor has different skills, experience and knowledge when it comes to selling a house.  Some have minimal or no real estate experience at all but that may have no effect on the amount of commission charged.

Getting the sale of your home wrong can be very costly, so getting it right the first time is crucial.

Our years of experience working with house sellers has driven home the need for a real estate agent who has been vetted and proven competent in selling your type of property, in your location. Getting the right agent will maximise your sale price, save unnecessary expenses and minimise the sale time.

There is no one-size-fits-all which is why we have been specialising in vetting real estate agents for people selling a house since 2009, at no cost to the vendor. 
 

REAL ESTATE RESOURCES THAT PROTECT YOU

Things can go wrong but they can also go wonderfully right - just make sure you get a vetted property agent, one who has been short-listed specifically for your type of home in your location.

We not only vet agents, we will also arm you with information specifically directed at helping you make smarter decisions about selling a house for the highest sale price. That includes resources that will protect you from things going wrong.

We will help you:

• Take steps to protect yourself from being liable for two commissions to two different agencies
• Understand the type of agency agreement contract you are signing up for
• Be aware of the different commission rates for rural, lifestyle and residential agency agreement contracts

This free service is priceless - it can make a big difference to both your experience and your equity.

If you need to sell your house quickly and for a prime price - let us help. Get In Touch or call 0800 789 532 now.

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Article updated April 30, 2021 | Trish Willis

When preparing to sell a property, it is important to be aware of industry best practice for property appraisals before you sign a real estate agency agreement as these standards are designed to protect you.

1.   Accuracy: An appraisal estimate of a property's real estate value is often the deciding point about whether to sell or not, so the accuracy of this rates high in terms of importance. Done well it's a good starting point but we recommend using the tips below to scrutinise the appraisal in detail. 

2.   Competence: The difference between a property appraisal value at the outset and a sale price at the end depends on the experience and competence of a real estate agent for the property type and location. You might prefer to use an objectively vetted real estate agent for greater assurance.

3.   Avoid Price Reductions: Ensure the accuracy of your intended sale price and use these tips for selling a house to aim for more, rather than over-estimating the sale price at the outset and ending up with a price reduction. 

4.   Legal Obligation: A real estate appraiser is obliged under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 to establish an accurate sale price range with which to advertise your house. That means not over-valuing to entice you to list with them which is still common unfortunately.

5.   Factual Data: A property appraisal is primarily based on recent and current sales data, an inspection of your house and land, the location and the current real estate and economic climate. If your property is zoned for development, this will need to be factored in.

6.   Searching by price: Even if you decide to advertise your house for sale without a price and choose an auction or tender, a property appraiser will still have to enter a price range into websites. This means when home buyers are searching for properties it will show up in the right price search range. 

Real estate appraisals should be tailored to different property types.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A PROPERTY APPRAISAL?

A property appraisal is a legal document prepared by a licensed real estate agent, the appraiser, for the purposes of informing you about what you could expect in terms of a sale price in the current market and how they would go about achieving that.

Appraisals are provided by real estate agents for free (but if it’s inaccurate it can end up being costly).

Real estate appraisal checklist:

• An appraisal must be provided to you in writing by a licensed property appraiser. Verbal appraisals are not acceptable, ever.
• It must realistically reflect current real estate and economic market conditions.
• It must be supported by comparable information on sales of similar properties in similar locations.
• Where no comparable data exists, the real estate agent must explain this in the appraisal document.
• The price used to advertise your house for sale must be reflective of the price expectations agreed with you as the vendor.
• Any amendments to an advertised sale price must be approved by you in writing. Assume nothing and keep your eye on the ball.

THE PROPERTY APPRAISAL PROCESS IN STEPS

A professionally vetted real estate agent provides a home seller with greater confidence in getting an accurate sale price indication. This is what we do as a free service for New Zealand home sellers.

It is recommended that you get at least two property appraisals so you can compare services and costs.

We can provide information about keeping all your real estate costs to a minimum including commission and fees.

Once you have decided which real estate agent or agents you would like to appraise your property they will visit and you can give them the guided tour.

When you have reviewed all appraisals and met with each property appraiser you will be able to compare them using Agent Finder NZ's questionnaire. Users of our questionnaire are the most informed home sellers in New Zealand.

"We are very relieved and very happy with our real estate agent, thank you for your recommendation and your help. Both of you have helped make it a relatively stress free and painless process.

The agent managed to get us a good pre auction offer so it has happened very quickly. We are all happy. Thanks again." -  Nick 

Request a shortlist of vetted property appraisers to compare now.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Page updated February 14, 2025 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

If selling your property and needing impartial advice from a real estate broker and help to identify agents 'proven' reliable, you've come to the right place. 

We have been New Zealand's awarded, independent real estate agent broker for property sellers for over a decade. 

With a history of advising vendors impartially about how they can influence premium sale prices within good timeframes, we know that demanding best practice agent conduct and being properly informed throughout the whole process is paramount.

INDUSTRY ETHICS AND RULES DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOU

Real estate agents are advising vendors every day about how to sell their properties. The advice you receive will affect your sale price and therefore must be accurate and reliable. 

There are many decisions to make about choosing a competent real estate agent and process is important. For example:

• What method of sale will generate the best sale price in the current market? Tender? Auction? Priced? Private Treaty? By Negotiation? 
• What should you do if a real estate agent suggests selling your property 'off-market'? 
• What price range will be used for loading your property onto real estate platforms so your property will be seen by the right buyers? Even if you choose 'no price marketing', a price range still has to be entered onto websites.
• How to you know if the real estate agent has used appropriate comparable properties to establish a price range? 
• What is required to be included in a real estate appraisal? 
• How much real estate commission will I pay to a real estate company? How much does a real estate agent get?
• How much should you spend on advertising?
• What questions should I ask a real estate agent when they view my property?
• Are open homes or private viewings more effective? Does the value of your home influence a decision one way or the other?
• How do you avoid paying two real estate commission fees?
• What documents are real estate agents obliged to get my signatures on? Does this include amendments to auction authorities, amendments to marketing or advertising?

There are many important matters to understand and as your real estate broker, we can guide you with the most current resources and information at the very time you need it. 

We can provide you with both a shortlist of vetted real estate agent proven competent and all the information you will need for a satisfying experience and result. Get in touch.

A RECENT REVIEW OF AGENT FINDER NZ

Once the house was on the market it sold within the week.  Truly amazing!  Thank you for putting us in touch with our agent.  He was fantastic to deal with.  Very clear in his communication and kept us informed at every step of the process.  He gave us great advice on preparing the property for market and we ended up in a multi-offer situation and were very happy with the outcome."  K. Woods.

Scroll down for more reviews about Agent Finder NZ. 

Page Updated 28 July, 2021

Want some advice first? Call 0800 789 532 - we're here to help. No obligation and a free service.

This independent real estate forum answers the most commonly asked questions about preparing to sell a house in New Zealand. Our trusted service and advice is based on 13 years' overview of the real estate industry in New Zealand, but is freely available to property sellers. 

It's specifically designed to help Kiwis do better due diligence when selling, which ultimately achieves higher sale prices, faster sales and satisfying real estate experiences.

You can access everything you need to know about commission and fees, the process of selling a house, property appraisals and when the best time to sell a house is - and much more - to help you be on the front foot.

The flowchart below is a game changer. It centralises the most reputable NZ resources produced by Government and NGO agencies and other property bodies for each stage of the selling journey. 

But first, scroll down to view the commonly asked real estate questions.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS EMPOWER SELLERS

This Real Estate Forum pre-empts and prevents commonly occuring problems many face when part way through a property sale.

Now in our 13th year of equipping Kiwi vendors with the real estate guidance they have each needed, you might want to read our many reviews. 

Find out why comparing real estate agents makes such a difference.

Question:  How much does it cost to sell a house? - Examples of commission and fees and lots of tips

Question   What should a property appraisal include? - What to look for in your house appraisal and standards you should expect

Question:  What is the process of selling a house? - Covers everything from preparation to settlement all on one page

Question: How to sell a property zoned for development in Auckland? - Specialist advice to help you get the most equity out of your property

Question:  When is the best time to sell a house? - What to take into account at the time

Question:  How can I get the best possible sale price for my house? - Easy tips that help your property stand out from competing properties

Question:  How to find the best real estate agent? - What you should know about finding the right real estate agent for you and your property

Question:  What questions to ask a real estate agent? - Some curly questions not usually asked but should be

Question:  How to find an international real estate agent in NZ? - Higher value properties have a lot to gain here

Question:  How much does a real estate agent get paid from commission? - How real estate commission is divvied up by real estate agencies

Question:  How to sell my house quickly? - Numerous tips to help achieve a fast sale at a premium price

Question:  Should I get an independent valuation to sell my home? - Explains the options and when a valuation could be helpful

Question:  Is home styling or home staging worth doing? - Yes always - on average it can add around 10-15% onto an expected sale price

Question:  How to sell a house in four weeks? - Quick fixes to help you achieve a fast property sale

Need help? Get in touch or call 0800 789 532 or start a Live Chat now - we're here to help and it's a genuine free service.

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated March 15, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Request an agent shortlist

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC
• Article updated April 12, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

When starting the process of selling a house, people often want to do research first, but it can be a challenge to get reputable expert advice on finding a real estate agent that isn't simplified data crunching.

Furthermore, experience tells us that it's almost impossible to be completely informed about selling a house. Most information that will help you sell (or buy) well and do your due diligence is fragmented across multiple websites, making the task time consuming and often confusing. 

This is often the point at which people revert to old habits of 'leaving it all up to the agent' who popped a flyer in your letter box or was referred by a friend. In ten years of helping vendors, we have found this is the riskiest and least diligent way to choose a real estate agent if your hope is to have a satisfying experience and sell your house for the optimum sale price.

Agent Finder NZ was established in 2009 to solve this exact problem. You might like to read about Our Mission first or see some real estate reviews about us.  

Unlike in other instances where real estate agents are recommended based solely on highest number of sales or sales prices, Agent Finder NZ offers a comprehensive service that establishes the integrity of an agent on a broader range of factors than just the numbers, including how they conduct their business. Agent Finder is the only place where people will get a full real estate vetting service.

EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE INVESTORS OR PROPERTY SELLERS

With knowledge of the house selling process, you know the value of doing your due diligence and using a real estate agent who has been proven to be competent.

But with time often in short supply, thousands of Kiwis like you use Agent Finder NZ to objectively vet real estate agents.

Request a free shortlist and information to start your due diligence, quickly if needed.

A SAFE PLACE FOR INEXPERIENCED HOME SELLERS

If you have had little experience selling a house, you have come to a safe place to help you better understand the whole process from beginning to end.

The sale of what may be your biggest financial asset is not to be gambled with, but many do, often unknowingly due to inexperience.

The real estate world has changed a lot over the years and hundreds of thousands of dollars - your home's value - is at stake.

However, we can step you through the whole process quickly and carefully. We have simplified The Process Of Selling A House from the 'thinking about it' stage to the 'handing over the keys' stage. This 5-step, one page chart centralises the most reputable property resources produced by government, boards, authorities, societies and Agent Finder NZ in one place making selling your house methodical, quick and easy. It empowers you to make properly informed decisions, fast if need be.

It is important to understand the impact of signing agreements, budgets, marketing plans, contracts and of not getting legal advice. You will find this chart very resourceful - share it with your friends if you think it might help them too.

Selling real estate is now a complex process but using vetted real estate agents who meet our criteria can make a big difference to your end result. Being long established and independent of all real estate brands, we will ensure you have a greater advantage over others with competing properties for sale.

"Our agent was everything you said! So friendly, professional and took the time to listen and guide us through the whole process. I will definitely be recommending your service to any friends or colleagues that intend to sell their properties in the future. 

Thank you so much for your part in this sometimes stressful endeavour, selling a family home.  You offer a great service, thank you again". 

P Gallear

WHERE TO START WHEN SELLING YOUR HOUSE

On each page of this website, you will see a Get Info Pack. This is a great pack for inexperienced home sellers that you can download for free.

We also have some really great resources about selling your home with some great advice and lots of short articles about:

• How to achieve the best sale price
• How to present your home for sale
• How much real estate commission and fees are
• How to compare real estate agents
• When is the best time to sell a house?
• and lots more

If you would rather skip the reading and get help now, that's fine too.

We can guide you through the whole real estate process - Get In Touch or call us on 0800 789 532.

Article updated May, 2021 | Trish Willis

Starting the process of finding real estate websites in NZ?

With 900 NZ real estate companies and over 15,000 licensed real estate agents, getting accurate information, when you most need it is arduous.

We sort the wheat from the chaff in the NZ real estate industry, by independently vetting real estate websites and agents nationally, and locally for you.

When starting the real estate process, we provide you with credible and free pre-market information and advice - due diligence without all the hassle, quickly.

We encourage you to start your real estate journey with these 10 tips that will help your home to sell for the optimum sale price within four weeks.

You can also download our Sell Smarter Kit packed with advice, especially helpful for inexperienced home sellers in NZ.

In a mistrusted industry, our integrity and guarantees to home sellers are unparalleled and why many clients rave about Agent Finder NZ.

We guarantee you:

• Agent Finder is 100% independent and free, no obligation for NZ property sellers. 
• Professional, bespoke service with a decade of experience advising home sellers how to achieve highest sale prices in shortest timeframes.
• Agent Finder does not have any affiliations with any real estate buying or selling brands in New Zealand
• Agent Finder is not a subscription based business, nor does it allow estate agent logins for self promotion
• You will not have uninvited real estate agents knocking on your door
• A fair and transparent process
• We always aim to provide a better than expected service, tailored to each home seller and property type
• As member of the NZ Business Excellence Foundation, excellence in service is our highest priority

If you would like to find out more about us, how it works, or want help getting started with finding a top performing real estate agent - call now 0800 789 532 or send us an email: info@agentfinder.co.nz.

What's included in this Free Service

• Independent, genuine vetting and shortlisting of real estate agents and companies tailored to you, your property type and location.
• Questions you should be asking real estate agents at interviews that are often overlooked
• Advice about getting accurate property appraisals, pricing your home and/or valuations
• Advice about how to negotiate and pay the lowest real estate fees and commission
• Resources about signing an agency agreement and a sale and purchase agreement and everything in between
• Informative resources related to your particular property type, that protect and properly inform you, at the time you most need it
• Advice and support throughout the whole process should you require it using our Live Chat, email or free phone 0800 789 532, 7 days per week.
• Buyer beware information for purchasing your next property - a must have.

In the year 2016-2017, the average day on market for Agent Finder clients was just 23 days. Let us help you get started on your real estate journey with confidence. 

Get Started - Contact Us First

This freely available checklist will help you pay the cheapest real estate commission without compromising on quality. It will also help reduce or prevent other fees. 

We also include how to potentially add 10-15% onto an expected sale price.

If the amount of equity you are left with at the end of the real estate process is your focus, you've come to the right place. 

The combined value of the 10 recommendations below has added tens of thousands of dollars to our clients' bottom lines for over a decade. For higher value properties, the difference has added hundreds of thousands to sale prices.

View examples of real estate commission for various price ranges to get your starting point first.

We emphasise the most common, often unforeseen and costly real estate mistakes, problems and solutions so you will have a greater advantage than others, including:

a)  Ways to offset real estate expenses

b)  Ways to add value to your house sale price

c)  How to increase your asking sale price

d)  Ways to attract more home buyers and more offers to purchase

e)  How to avoid negotiating the sale price downwards

f)  How to avoid incurring unforeseen and unbudgeted expenses by using a vetted real estate agent.

Find out more about vetted real estate agents in New Zealand.

1. NEGOTIATE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION WITH YOUR AGENT

The Problems

Paying real estate commission and fees are possibly the most dreaded part of selling a house in New Zealand but individual real estate agents only receive about 50% of the commission fee that will be charged. 

Home sellers are often unsure if commission is negotiable because agents can give the impression that it's not. For some companies, that may be the case as they all have different company policies about real estate commission percentages.

You are well within your rights to discuss negotiating commission percentages with a real estate agent.

The Solution

Discuss commission fees and all other expenses involved in selling a property so you have the whole picture. The best time to do that is when you have your property appraisals in front of you which often includes discounts, complementary services and other savings that can be made.

Real estate agents are required to disclose all costs prior to signing an agency agreement to sell - no surprises!

You don't pay any real estate commission to an agency until you have a signed an unconditional sale and purchase agreement so initially all that is required may be advertising expenses and many real estate agents help out with this. If you need help with this, get in touch or call 0800 789 532.

What To Do

• Don’t choose a property agent based on commission fees alone. This is a risk and can end up way more expensive in the end. Real estate agent competence wins every time.
• You could negotiate a reduced commission rate if your home sells within the first 2-3 weeks. 

Make sure you choose suitably qualified property appraisers to ensure accuracy of the sale price ranges they recommend, then choose one.

MORE FACTS, TIPS & ADVICE ABOUT PAYING REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

How much is real estate commission? This covers fees, percentages, example calculations and how agencies divide commission

Negotiating real estate commission and fees plus ball park advertising costs, marketing costs, incentives offered, tips and trips to avoid

Examples of real estate agents' expenses and  legal responsibilities, real estate company and compliance.

2. NEGOTIATE ADVERTISING EXPENSES WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

The Problem

Real estate advertising packages provided by real estate agents are considered expensive by sellers and payment is most often required up front.

Newspaper advertising is one of the most expensive advertising options but is used less often in today's market as digital packages take hold.

Home sellers often believe advertising should be paid for by the real estate agents because of the commission charged. Find out just how real estate commission is divvied up by companies and what an agent’s responsibilities are to sellers.

Home sellers often don’t realise that you need to ‘invest’ to get some payback. As a percentage of the value of your property, the advertising budget is a smaller investment than often believed when seeing it from an investor perspective.

The Solution

Advertising costs are all negotiable.

Think carefully about whether newspaper advertising for your property in your area and price range is really necessary. 

Most real estate agents will pay for website, social media marketing and standard brochures for you. Some offer substantial discounts and complementary advertising, but not all do.

Some advertising will have standard costs that property agents have no power to reduce, although they do get discounts. Make sure these discounts are your gain, not theirs.

What To Do

• Make sure you formally approve and sign off all advertising material and any amendments made. Mistakes do get made.
• Ask your real estate agent if they will refund all the advertising budget once you have an unconditional sale price. This can be worth quite a bit to you in the end.
• Ask your agent about online-only and other advertising options that will have the greatest buyer reach while minimising the costs.
• If your house sells quickly, make sure any unused advertising paid up front is refunded.
• Use recommendations below to keep advertising costs to a minimum, especially the shorter contract period.

3. DON'T TAKE RISKS WHEN CHOOSING A REAL ESTATE AGENT

The Problems

The impact of choosing the wrong real estate agent effects everything else you do throughout the whole selling process. The financial gains, or losses from this single choice can be life-changing.

Many people discuss their upcoming property sale with the nearest real estate agent, who can then make it hard for them to back out of signing up with that agent. This is especially so when property listings are in short supply.

Selling a property with your most local real estate agency is not necessarily the best way to choose a real estate agent.

The Solution

Only discuss selling your house with a real estate agent who has proven to be the most competent, for your property type, location and situation.

That’s not an agent who sells the most real estate, but one who gets the best sale prices for home sellers.

Selling a house in this digital world broadens the real estate agent options from which to choose. It is common for real estate agents to sell across multiple suburbs.

Agents that sell across multiple geographical locations also have databases of buyers from multiple locations. This exposes your house sale to a larger buyer population. 

Be aware that there is a legal cooling off period for vendors if they have been pressured to sign an agency agreement. This allows them to cancel that contract within the specified period.

What To Do

• Firstly, get agents professionally vetted and short listed for you to review before you start the process selling your house.
• Understand more about the appraisal process and in particular, the appraiser.
• If you need to sell quickly, the same day Express Service has brought relief to many home sellers. As one client reported: 
• “It was a seamless way for us to review several real estate agents quickly. Your service took a lot of the legwork and guesswork out of the selling process”.
• Use the Agent Finder Questionnaire, to help you decide which real estate agent is right for you, your property and location, as if you were employing them for a job.
• Agent Finder NZ vets real estate agents and provides a 17-point questionnaire for sellers to ask agents that has undoubtedly empowered many home sellers.
• The financial benefit of doing this impacts on all points a) to f) above.

New Zealand's Real Estate Forum Q & A's

4. DETERMINE THE CORRECT SALE PRICE RANGE FROM THE OUTSET

The Problems

Two of the main reasons a house does not sell, are due to either vendors having an over-inflated sale price expectation of their home or using an over-inflated appraisal by an real estate agent to gain a listing, which, in a tough market, is more likely to occur.

Either way, sale price reductions can be expected to quickly follow unrealistic sale prices being asked.

Unfortunately, keen home buyers who showed interest at the beginning have come and gone. Find out why the first day on the market is your most important day of all.

Another problem with an incorrect price expectation is that it doesn’t always become an issue until you are disagreeing with your agent over a disappointing offer on a sale and purchase agreement. This is typically the point at which price reductions begin to occur, along with the trust you have in your agent.

After the emotional and financial investment, you’ve put into the whole real estate process, it can be very disheartening, sometimes financially life changing.

This is all completely preventable with better sale price accuracy.

The Solution

Relying on a property appraisal conducted by a competent, vetted real estate agent. This can provide you with better accuracy for your sale price.

Independent, professional valuations can often be well worth the expense.

Independent valuations also provide greater leverage for an agent when it comes to negotiating your sale price with a buyer.

A $700.00 investment in a home valuation can make tens of thousands of dollars differences to your bottom line because it provides buyers and sellers more confidence when negotiating.

What To Do

• Only get a real estate appraisal from an agent proven to be competent. 
• Get the sale price range of your house sorted with your vetted real estate agent before you go live on line.
• Obtain a professional property valuation by an independent licenced valuer so you have more price power in the negotiation process.
• Use all recommendations below to help elevate the potential sale price wherever possible.
• If your real estate appraisal looks too good to be true, it might be. Get this sorted first and start with the real estate agent's rationale for their recommended price range.

5. WAYS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME AND YOUR SALE PRICE

The Problem

Your real estate appraisal doesn’t ‘price up’ like you hoped it would.

Property inspection reports can show up issues that could put a ready-to-confirm conditional buyer off your property.

Buyers’ property inspection reports raise issues with the integrity of the property, and that gives them more power to negotiate the price downwards.

The Solution

A competent real estate agent will advise you what areas of home improvement create the most value and what to leave alone so you don’t over-invest. There will be things you can do that cost nothing. Start with those.

The added benefit of doing this will tick more boxes if a buyer gets a property inspection report done.

It is better that you pre-empt issues, than put a buyer off when your sale and purchase agreement is ready to go unconditional. A building inspection report, is most often a condition of sale.

What To Do

• Ask your real estate agent, what rooms or areas of the property will increase the buyer’s perception of value and work on those first.
• Get a property inspection checklist, and do whatever repairs and maintenance you can legally yourself. The payback from being forewarned can far exceed the cost of any repairs and maintenance expenses.
• Get any outstanding codes of compliance signed off.

6. HOW HOME STAGING CAN ADD 10-15% ONTO YOUR SALE PRICE

The Problem

A poor impression of a house can impact directly on the volume of buyers and consequently limit your price potential.

Some properties don’t sell at all, or take months to do so because they are poorly presented to the buyer market.

The Solution

Home styling has proven to be one of THE MOST influential ways to elevate a buyer’s perception of a home’s value, regardless of the market, location or price range. 

Real estate agents often report that home styling can add 10-15% onto an expected sale price because the updated presentation attracts a higher volume of buyers, who have been 'wowed'.

When a person really loves a property, they are more likely to pay more for it, especially when they know other offers are on the table. Nothing like a bit of competition to raise the stakes.

You only get one chance to make a good impression on buyers, so make it work for you.

What To Do

• For an empty house, hiring beautiful furniture can cost around $2k for 4-5 weeks but on a $500k property, this can potentially generate $50k more in a sale price.
• Home styling using your existing furnishings costs nothing, just some time, to declutter and re-style.
• If using a vetted agent, send in some photos to info@agentfinder.co.nz for free advice tailored to your property. This can make you tens of thousands more in a sale price and it’s also free.

7. HAVE MORE CONTROL WHEN INTERVIEWING REAL ESTATE AGENTS

The Problem

Inexperienced home sellers don’t get enough practice at interviewing real estate agents so are heavily reliant on what an agent tells them.

Real estate agents are primarily the information gatekeepers, good or otherwise. 

Many home sellers report that real estate agents put them under pressure to list, are pushy and dominate the conversation. This occurs more often in a tight market when house listings are in short supply. 

The elderly downsizing first time, and inexperienced home sellers are more likely to be pressured by real estate agents and more at risk of making ill-informed decisions. 

The Solution

The Agent Finder Questionnaire focuses on 17 keys areas and help to ensure that nothing is omitted, accuracy and information is transparent.

If nothing else, the agent knows you’re ‘onto it’, which must be a good thing for you.

What To Do

• If you are inexperienced at selling a home, Agent Finder NZ can help protect you throughout the whole process, starting wtih vetting competent agents for you, for free. Get in touch for help or advice.
• Use the Agent Finder NZ questionnaire to help you to ask prospective agents all the questions you should, up front, and when you most need it, to make good decisions going forward. This is free for Agent Finder NZ clients to use.
• Only interview agents you know are competent and vetted for you and your property type, so you don’t take risks or waste your valuable time.

8. CHOOSE THE RIGHT METHOD OF SALE TO OPTIMISE BUYER INQUIRY

The Problem

This is important to get right as you will hear many stories and versions of what works best. Auction, Tender, Deadline Treaty, Priced for Sale.

Inexperienced home sellers mostly trust the recommendation of their real estate agent because they know little about the effectiveness of each method.

The Solution

A competent agent will recommend the most effective method of sale for you in the current market, for your property type and allow for any pressures you may have timewise.

Make sure you understand and consider all the methods of sale to make the right decision and consider the impact of each one on your sale price and time on the market.

What To Do

• Discuss all the options thoroughly with your selected real estate agent and don’t be pressured by their agendas.
• Use the Agent Questionnaire to help you with these questions.
• Vetted agents will be focussed on the method of sale that generates the best sale price for you.

9. NEGOTIATE THE TERM OF YOUR AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY

The Problem

Most people don’t realise that unless you state otherwise, the term of an agency agreement with a real estate company is for 90 days.  

Most people also don’t realise that the contract is with the company, not the individual agent.

Real estate is a legal and often complex process. Home sellers often underestimate the competencies needed of an agent to conduct a real estate sale.

If you regret your choice of agent, you can get stuck with them for the 90-day contract unless you’ve stated otherwise.

Going to market a second time around can be a costly affair.

The Solution

It’s easy to extend an agency agreement but it can be hard to get out of one early if you want to.

When considering the term of an agency contact, allow time from the date you sign an agency agreement for the agent to do their due diligence in getting everything in order legally and otherwise prior to when marketing starts.

For example: shortening the term to 60 days helps put the pressure on the agent to get it sold quickly if need be, gives you more flexibility if you need to change your agent: and should allow for some preparation preparation time. 

A deadline can also put pressure on buyers to act more quickly.

What To Do

• Consider carefully, the term of your agency agreement and don’t be pressured about this. You can choose any practical number of days you like but be realistic for your property type.
• A shorter sale timeframe can also reduce the amount of advertising investment needed.
• Opting for signing an agency agreement with a vetted agent provides greater assurance for you.

10. GENERATE MAXIMUM INQUIRIES WITH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS

The Problem

Poor real estate photography can ruin the whole campaign, and especially your sale price. Remember that these pictures are competing with thousands of others.

We find poorer standards of photography in provincial and rural areas mostly, although it happens larger cities as well.

A property should give the impression that it’s worth what price is being asked for. This does not always occur.

The Solution

Professional photography is cheap at around $200.00 yet has the most impact on how much interest can be generated for your house sale.

Photography can have the same impact as home styling – the wow factor. Put the two together, and you make it harder for other properties to compete with yours.

What To Do

• Real estate agents aren’t photographers, use a professional. 
• Use other recommendations in this article​

Need help preparing to sell your home?

We can help you achieve the best possible result - the cheapest expenses and the best sale price.

"Thank you so much for your part in this sometimes stressful endeavour, selling a family home.  You offer a great real estate advisory service, thank you again". P. Gallear, Tauranga

Get In Touch Now or Call 0800 789 532 - it's a genuine free service for sellers.

Article updated September 10, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) | About

• Awarded Property Advisor of the Year 2023 by the Property Institute of NZ
• Awarded Best Property Advice Hub NZ 2021
• Awarded Best Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018

We have created this guide to step you through the process of selling a property, including getting property appraisals, hiring real estate agents, marketing, signing a sale and purchase agreement and getting legal advice.

See our Buying & Selling Made Easy flowchart below for an easy to grasp picture of the selling a house process.

It centralises the most reputable Government and non-Government property information in one easy to find place, covering property valuations, tax, building inspections, real estate commission and more to help you be better prepared than most other vendors to achieve the best possible sale price.

If planning to sell a property call 0800 789 532, we can help you get started - it's a free service

BUYING & SELLING FLOWCHART - FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

There are only five steps, each requiring a small number of actions that will help you adequately plan and ensure you achieve an optimum result and overall experience. 

Our Buying & Selling Made Easy guide to the process of selling a house covers:

1. Preparation, how much commission will cost and how to reach a prime sale price.

2.  How to compare real estate agents and choose the best one for your property type and location.

3.  Approving a marketing plan, sale and purchase agreements and negotiations with buyers.

4.  Understanding all the legal documents.

5.  The process of buying your next house including different property types.

Whatever type of property you have we can direct you to the information you need at the time you most need it. 

Use Live Chat for a quick answer to your questions now

REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND AGENCY AGREEMENTS

We vet real estate agents for home sellers for free as it's a proven way to make sure you get the best possible price in the shortest timeframe.

Finding a real estate agent - Finding the right real estate agent can be like finding a needle in a haystack. We specialise in vetting licensed, competent real estate agents who are the best for your property type, value and location. 

Interviewing property agents - Find out more about interviewing real estate agents using our Agent Questionnaire, a process which will help you get off on the right foot. Questions you should ask vary for different property types, for instance whether your property is zoned for development, or is a lifestyle block, an apartment or a rental property.

Getting and comparing property appraisals - When you have 2-3 free property appraisals from the vetted agents we have short listed for you, you can compare them, including how they propose to achieve the best sale price for you. Appraisals should include an explanation of the method of sale and what marketing they recommend, and it's a legal requirement they be in writing. Take your time to consider these.

Signing an agency agreement - Once you have decided on a real estate agent, you sign an Agency Agreement and sign off on the commisson fee. Make sure you check the commission and the term of contract. Both are negotiable. 

We know our agent vetting process works - because we get so much positive feedback - see our many testimonials from happy sellers.

Request a shortlist of vetted licensed agents in your area.

THE PROCESS OF MARKETING A PROPERTY 

Marketing and advertising - Your real estate agent will provide you with an itemised marketing and digital advertising plan with associated costs. Subsequent amendments should be signed off by you. 

Photography - Once your property is ready to show buyers, the agent will organise a professional photographer. The photos play a big role in attracting potential buyers to come and view the property.

Website content - Your real estate agent will enter the property details into the various real estate sales websites. They must enter a sale price range to ensure it finds the right market - even if the price is not visible to the buyer - so be clear about what that is at the outset.

Open homes or private viewings - Discuss your preference with your agent.

Communication with your real estate agent - Agents should provide you with regular reports regarding enquiries and what action they will take to move the sale along, especially after buyer viewings.

If you choose no price marketing such as auction or tender, ask your agent whether they will disclose any price guide to buyers. How will they handle questions about the price? 

HOUSE SOLD AND MOVING ON

Getting a sale - Your real estate agent will present buyers' offers to you on a Sale and Purchase Agreement. Your lawyer should check it prior to signing.

Get moving - Changing your address for utilities like phone, power and gas, and Government services like Inland Revenue is now very streamlined online. When you're ready, we can provide you with a Moving Checklist.

Buying your next property - If buying another property, we can provide you with a guide that's designed to protect you.

Get In Touch for advice or call 0800 789 532 anytime

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated April 6, 2023 by Trish Willis - Agent Finder NZ director | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

When buying a house, this checklist and advice will:

1.  Help guide you through the buying process

2.  Alert you to due diligence checks not to omit

3.  Help prevent you from 'buyer's regret'

4.  Include what buyers look for in a house

Whether you are buying a house from within New Zealand or from Australia, navigating the process can be a minefield so we have centralised key information you'll need including: 

What legal documents and contracts are required such as sale and purchase agreements, AML documents, Property Titles, Plans, Maps and Surveys that would show covenants, easements, boundary lines and verify ownership.

How to establish the value of your offer to buy a house

When to get a pre-purchase building inspection to check weather-tightness, moisture levels inside and under the flooring, methamphetamine, electrical wiring and level of insulation. An inspection will include more however.

How to spot a conflict of interest.

IF SELLING AND BUYING A HOUSE SIMULTANEOUSLY

Establish how much your home is worth to sell first

• The fastest and no-cost way to find this out is with a free market appraisal by a competent real estate agent. Even better, getting two or three appraisals will establish with greater certainty what you can expect to sell for. 
• You will need to engage a competent real estate agent who will not only provide an accurate market appraisal, but also work hard for you to get the best sale price, as quickly as possible. Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to compare first.
• You will also need to factor into your budget how much real estate marketing, advertising and commission and fees will cost.
• Find a professional tradesman you can rely on to conduct repairs and maintenance jobs that will pass a building inspection

You may want to make a checklist of over-due repairs and maintenance or improvements that will help add value when selling your house. Build these into your costs. Be mindful that there are legal limitations around DIY work. If you’re not sure about what these are, just ask. 

What you should know about getting a free property appraisal first.

Includes advertising, marketing & auction costs

Every New Zealand real estate company has its own structure for charging agency commission fees, marketing and advertising costs when selling a house, a lifestyle block, a farm or a business. 

Some agents offer complementary real estate advertising, some not. Some will deduct advertising costs from the real estate commission fees to relieve you of the up-front expenses.

Real estate advertising costs all vary but are negotiable, however not all real estate agents will negotiate. This is something we can help you with.

This is an overview of real estate commission fees for selling a residential property.

Negotiating real estate commission

It is important to negotiate commission fees prior signing any agency agreement with an agent on behalf of their company, however, it is also possible to re-negotiate their fees at the point of sale if needed. Some agents will only negotiate at the point of sale when all the cards are on the table.

Licensed real estate agents are obliged to provide accurate market appraisals upon which the advertising costs and commission fees can be clearly outlined and planned for - no surprises.

The safest option for obtaining an accurate property appraisal is to first engage a vetted real estate agent or a registered valuer. A real estate market appraisal is provided free.

If you need help finding an agent with integrity, call 0800 789 532 - it's a genuine free vetting service NZ-wide.

Collate all costs before negotiating real estate commission

You can't sell a secret, so real estate advertising costs are a necessity to expose your property or business to the broadest buyer markets and qualified buyers for your price range or property type. 

Real estate agents are obliged to provide you with an itemised summary of advertising fees recommended which you need to sign off. Check these and any amendments which should also be signed by you. When asked, some vendors don't actually know exactly how their advertising budget is being spent so take care with this.

To be sure, request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents so you can compare agents objectively.

The cost of selling a house can vary but generally includes:

• Commission fees – payable only on an unconditional sale. Real estate agents' fees mostly average from 2.5% to 3.95% but only on the first $400-$500k. Anything above that is at a reduced percentage of 2% to 2.5% mostly. These fees vary a lot depending on the service offering by the company which we have found also varies alot throughout New Zealand.
• Auctioneer fees (if your chosen method of sale) – mostly payable up front and at the time of signing an agency agreement and costs in the vicinity of $800. Some companies do not charge a fee at all and online auctions are much more common.
• Administration fee – usually $500 payable with the real estate commission when the property is unconditional.
• Photography – around $200 - $300 for still images. Some real estate companies provide complementary professional photography but be sure to establish that you own the photos should you need them again. 
• Video production – prices vary considerably and are payable directly to the videographer via an invoice addressed to you or to the agent. The agent must disclose any commission added but most just pass the actual fee on.
• Aerial images - these will vary and the cost is reasonable although inconsistent
• Full market valuation – this costs upwards of around $700 payable directly to an independently chosen registered valuer via an invoice addressed to you. The valuation must be addressed to you if you need to rely on it at a later date.
• Real estate advertising costs can range from around $600 to $10,000 for luxury homes although $800-$2000 is most common.

Advertising fees are payable directly to the advertiser via invoices addressed directly to you or your real estate agent. 

Paying GST on real estate commission in New Zealand is standard.

Real estate marketing platforms are property-specific

Some real estate agents now use modern digital platforms specific for individual properties, but most just list properties on standard real estate websites.

Digital platforms are low-cost and designed specifically for the purpose of targeting more qualified buyers in your location and price range. 

They are considered to be more effective than hard copy advertising which can be expensive but it's important to consider all advertising methods in the context of a complete property marketing plan.

A competent real estate agent should present you with an advertising plan to sign off on.

Real Estate Agent's obligation to a vendor

Once an agent has appraised a property you are selling, they are legally obliged to provide you with the following in writing:

• a comparative market appraisal
• a recommended method of sale
• a marketing and advertising plan
• an itemised summary of all expenses

The research and production of all this information should be provided to you at no cost.

Marketing and advertising incentives that may be offered 

• Some real estate agents will refund the cost of marketing from the real estate commission paid on an unconditional sale.
• Some real estate agents will provide most of the marketing expenses complementary.
• Some real estate agents might negotiate with you for lower commission and fees on a quick sale that required less work.
• Some real estate agents pay for 100% of marketing but be clear about exactly what it entails and whether it will be sufficient to get your property sold - check the small print.

You might find this article will help you negotiate commission and fees with a real estate agent. 

Selling a house - tips and tricks

Eleven years of data has enabled us to determine a pattern properties most at risk of not selling.

Inaccurate property appraisals and/or the unrealistic price expectations of vendors can ruin the sale, your relationship with the agent and the overall strategy to sell your property. 

• If the agent's estimate in your appraisal seems too good to be true, it might be. 

• All real estate costs are negotiable.

• Be careful not to jump over pounds to save pennies.

• The hidden or unforeseen costs of a poor real estate experience or a low sale price can have far greater financial impact than the commission cost alone.

• An unsold property at the end of a real estate agency contract is something to avoid but unfortunately it happens, mostly unnecessarily. Plan ahead and choose your real estate agent with your business hat on rather than for personal reasons.

Be sure that you and your agent are on the same page about sale price before you list.

How to avoid loss, offset costs and optimise your sale price

• The total cost of selling a houses can be expensive so when investing in the process, consider the opportunities and pitfalls and ensure you do everything right the first time around.
• The cost of selling a second time can end up being much more than what you were trying to save in the first place by saving on commission.
• If how much equity you are left with is your priority, then focus first on selecting the right real estate agent. The monetary value of a vetted real estate agent with strong marketing and negotiation skills can far outweigh the cost of commission.  
• Focus on what you can do to elevate buyer perception of your home rather than bicker over a percentage point. 
• Ensure you know how to avoid paying double commission.
• Negotiate real estate commission and other expenses with your agent but not at the expense of competence.

*All estimates and figures in this article are written as a guide and general information only. Each real estate company has its own cost structures to sellers.

If you need help navigating the cost of real estate commission and fees, you've come to the right place for help. 

For advice or a shortlist of vetted real estate agents, get in touch or call 0800 789 532 to discuss - we're here to help.

Article updated March 12, 2025 | Trish Willis, Director of Agent Finder NZ

The best way to compare real estate agents is by comparing their market appraisal valuations of your property, recommended methods of sale, real estate commission fees, their digital marketing expertise and negotiation skills.

The questions you need to ask will be dependent on the type of property you are selling for example, a high value home needing to reach national international buyers, a lifestyle block, a rental property or your home. This is something we can advise you about - all at no cost.

REAL ESTATE AGENCY COMPARISONS

It is vital that real estate companies have quality systems and policies in place and comply with their legal obligations and industry codes of conduct that protect buyers and sellers.

Some real estate agencies will do this better than others as evidenced by the numbers of complaints made to the Real Estate Authority each year.

VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS - A FREE SERVICE

We vet and compare real estate agents and agencies (a free service) using four categories and over 20 indicators so you can have confidence in any real estate agent we have ranked as the best.

By using our expertise, finding an agent doesn't have to be an arduous process for you. Having over 14 years specialising in this work gives us a national overview of real estate company cultures and standards of practice and conduct - insight that has been very telling.

Request a shortlist of real estate agents to compare now.

WE RESEARCH AGENTS WHO MEET OUR CRITERIA - YOU COMPARE 

We provide you with a vetted shortlist of the most competent real estate agents to interview and compare. You should use a systematic approach to interviewing them, so you can compare apples with apples, with your head and not your heart.

We can provide you with our comprehensive Interview Questionnaire to help make interviewing and deciding easy. Reviews from past clients have proven beyond doubt that our questionnaire is an empowering resource.

GREATER CONFIDENCE IN VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Usually when selling there are multiple tasks to juggle and you need to have confidence before you sign an agency agreement that your agent is trained and up to date on everything to do with real estate agency legal and policy obligations and standards. This is what makes your choice of both the company and the agent important.

All property agents must have the level of competence to coordinate multiple tasks, many of them legal, often at short notice and with tight deadlines.

How much do you really know about a real estate agent's competence, negotiation skills or how they will manage your particular sale if unexpected complications arise? It might not be complications at your end, but perhaps the buyer's end.

If the agent is vetted by Agent Finder NZ, you can rest assured of their competence.

Call 0800 789 532 for advice - this is a genuine free service nationwide.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE SKILLS REQUIRED OF AGENTS

When a real estate agent presents you with a buyer's signed sale and purchase agreement and you accept, it's the next phase of the process that tests the agent's competence - but unfortunately you won't know how good they are until then. 

You have to ask yourself if your real estate agent is someone who can confidently and tactfully liaise with home buyers, investors with yield-related formulas, valuers, lawyers, surveyors, planners, councils, banks, insurance companies, builders, building inspectors, tenants and neighbours. 

Real estate agent administrative responsibilities are now bigger than ever and attention to detail on methods of sale, conditions and settlement dates, amounts, amendments, clauses and deposits are all important. While the purchaser may have a lawyer, they will also be asking your real estate agent questions at property viewings and any answers need to be correct. If not, it can all fall over very quickly - just when you think you have a sale.

Given your biggest asset is on the line, let us help you achieve the best sale price and experience by connecting you to the most competent agents in your area with the reach to buyers you need. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose, plus it's a genuine free service.

Agent Finder is New Zealand's trusted agent vetting service - Request An Agent Shortlist to compare now.

Page updated April 15, 2025 | Trish Willis - Member of the Property Institute NZ & awarded Independent Property Advisor 2023

In February 2025, the national average number of days to sell a house was 54 which is three additional days year on year. 

(Scroll for proven advice about selling a property faster than average.)

Wellington had the biggest reduction of days on market by 14 when compared to January 2025 and Taranaki followed with nine fewer days on market compared to January 2025.

Days on market for properties listed by vetted real estate agents in today's market is usually only 29-31 days on average.

The most reliable way to achieve a faster than average sale at a price you expect is to use a vetted, licensed real estate agent proven to be competent in all the areas you will need, for example:

A real estate appraiser is required to:

• Provide an accurate property value range using appropriate comparisons in your location.
• Know how to leverage digital technologies to help create buyer competition and expedite an optimum result.
• Know which method of sale will achieve the optimal price in a faster than average timeframe at that point in time.
• Have the knowledge and experience to manage legal contracts you will be asked to sign such as Marketing Plans, an Agency Agreement (including a commission estimate) and subsequently a Sale and Purchase Agreement. (Omissions and errors in these are often the root cause of why sellers change agencies - find out more about changing agencies.)
• Provide you with advice that you can rely on as your decisions will be dependent on that advice.

Get informed about commission fees.

How long after the sale does it take to get paid?

Vendors do not receive final payment from the property sale until settlement day. Buyer deposits are generally held in real estate agency or solicitors' trust accounts.

The settlement date is agreed between buyers and sellers (with legal advice) at the time of signing the sale and purchase agreement.

When are commission fees paid to the agency?

• Real estate agencies receive a deposit from buyers when a sale and purchase agreement is signed. This can be negotiated.
• Real estate commission can be paid to real estate company or lawyer trust accounts from the deposit when a property sale goes unconditional.

How to sell a house faster than average

 The following recommendations are well proven, simple ways to influence how long it will take to sell your house.

1. USE A PROVEN COMPETENT VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENT 

If you want the best achievable sale price, be more diligent about selecting a real estate agent rather than choosing the agent who sold you the property, a friend of a friend or the agency with the most listings. These are not the wisest reasons for choosing who will sell your biggest financial asset.

If you expect a real estate agent with the competencies essential for selling properties in todays market, use a vetted licensed real estate agent. This will not only give you the best chance at selling for an optimum price and faster than average, but provide assurance that your agent has the integrity, communication skills and ability to close a sale with interested buyers.

We have a proven 15+ year track record for vetting real estate agents to get property sellers the best possible sales result. Our vetting criteria independently and objectively establishes credibility and competence across a range of areas.

Comparing 2-3 real estate agents is a good place to start

Request your real estate agent shortlist. It is wise to interview two or three to compare:

• their appraisal values (see advice about scrutinising real estate appraisals below.)
• method of sale recommendations such as tender, by negotiation, priced, auction or buyer enquiry over (BEO).
• marketing strategies to reach maximum interest from buyers regionally, nationally and globally
• the cost of advertising and real estate agency commission and fees. 
• which real estate agency and agent is the best 'fit' for you and your property type/location/price range.
• their agency contracts (don't assume anything - read the fine print)

We can provide you with questions to ask real estate agents to help you make a fully informed decision. Get in touch.

Premium sale prices don't just happen - these will only be achieved with effective management by an astute agent and their real estate agency's standards of practice.

Our clients' properties have mostly sold in half the average time for the areas in which they are located and have done since our inception in 2009.

2. METHOD OF SALE INFLUENCES SETTLEMENT DAY

Method of sale has proven to be an important decision whether you're selling a residential home, a lifestyle block or a farm.

Methods of sale can achieve both a faster property sale and expedite the settlement date. 

Methods of sale managed effectively by your real estate agent can achieve two things:

• They should ramp up a higher volume of interested buyers
• Agents should then manage the competition between buyers to achieve the optimum price - the agent is working for you. 

Essentially this is what various methods of sale are designed to do. Take your time to understand them thoroughly, and ask the agent to explain why they have chosen the method they have. The method can vary depending on market conditions, property and location.

When real estate agents are under pressure to conduct your property sale within a tight timeframe, you need to be sure you have listed with the best real estate agent available. (No 4 below explains how you can avoid a preventable scenario that can cause long drawn-out sales and settlements.)

If you would like help to prepare to sell your property - call us on 0800 789 532. This is a genuine free service NZ-wide.

3. HOW HOME STAGING CAN INCREASE THE SALE PRICE

If you are selling a property that has been home staged or re-styled using your existing furnishings, your real estate agent will be more likely to attract multiple offers and sell within 3-4 weeks. Often sooner.

This has been well proven and real estate agents have consistently reported that home staging a house can add 10-15% onto an expected sale price.

4. THE REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL DILEMMA 

We are hearing more often of real estate agents over-estimating property values in their Comparative Market Appraisals (CMA) to entice you to list with them.

This behaviour is often a subject of justifiable complaint to the Real Estate Authority. It should not be tolerated and the practice can result in repeated price reductions and pressure on vendors - a stress to avoid.

Many New Zealanders have approached us about changing their existing real estate agents to one who has been vetted. Find out about changing real estate agents if you are already listed.

It doesn't have to be this way and is a scenario Agent Finder NZ helps vendors avoid as evidenced in our many reviews.

Get in touch for a shortlist of vetted real estate agents first - we're here to help and it's a free service.

Agent Finder NZ Service Awards:

• Awarded Property Advisor of the Year 2023 - Property Institute of New Zealand
• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Page updated March 17, 2025 by Trish Willis | Agent Finder NZ director | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) 

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

Combining information from property valuations and real estate appraisals after you have prepared both the interior and exterior is the most reliable and least risky way to establish the right price for selling your home. Most people start with a free real estate appraisal and if in doubt, obtain a registered valuation.

There are four key factors that help will help ensure your home is priced accurately from the outset:

1)  Your choice of real estate agent and their ability to accurately price your home in their real estate appraisal.

2)  Using the most appropriate method of sale to generate a high volume of qualified buyer interest in your price range.

3)  The extent to which you prepare your home to sell. For example, minor improvements, repairs, maintenance and home staging can make a significant difference to the price a home can sell for.

4)  Identifying any risks that could make selling your house challenging and managing them. For example, unconsented work.

 Find out more about what we do and how we can help you.

PROBLEMS TO AVOID WHEN PRICING YOUR HOME

INACCURATE PROPERTY APPRAISALS

Real estate agents can sometimes over-estimate the price of your home to entice you to list with them - this is conduct frowned upon by the Real Estate Authority.

However, in contrast to this, a solid and fact-based property appraisal can also be reflective of a real estate agent’s competence and the strength of the data they are using.

For greater assurance about the sale price accuracy, you can use a real estate agent who has been vetted by us for competency.

Learn more about property appraisals

GOING TO MARKET AT THE WRONG PRICE

Marketing and advertising the sale of a home with an incorrect sale price range is one of the leading reasons why a property doesn’t sell at all.

This can be because the owner's price expectations are unrealistic, or the real estate agent has inflated the price of the home in the market appraisal.

Sometimes home sellers have a sale price in mind that is just not possible to reach, even by the most competent real estate agents. This is one of the leading reasons why a house can sit unsold for months on end, or years in some cases.

If you rely on a market appraisal conducted by a real estate agent which is inaccurate from the outset, price reductions are inevitable and stressful, so getting it right the first time around is imperative.

Request a shortlist of vetted agents that you can compare for an accurate appraisal

HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOUSE TO SELL FAST

1. PRICE YOUR HOME ACCURATELY BUT AIM FOR MORE

It is always best to establish the sale price of your home as accurately as possible and aim for more with a proven marketing strategy. 

2. USE A VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENT PROVEN TO BE COMPETENT

We can help by vetting and shortlisting the best real estate agents for your property type and location. Read our testimonials. 

3. CHOOSE THE BEST METHOD OF SALE 

There are numerous methods of sale available and real estate agents are obliged to explain each method to you.

You may decide along with your real estate agent to test buyer perceptions of the price they are prepared to pay by using tender or auction methods of sale - although real estate websites still require a sale price range to be entered.

When buyers are searching online for properties for sale, search queries often include a price range so entering the correct information ensures yours pops up in the right searches.

Getting feedback from viewers at open homes is also used by real estate agents to help them establish a sale price but this is not considered the most reliable source of information unless it’s a particularly unique property with minimal or no comparative local data to use.

4. PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY VALUATIONS AID PRICE CERTAINTY

There are many variables when pricing your home to sell and getting a professional valuation can:

• Highlight what areas and improvements could help to increase the value
• Provide greater confidence and negotiation leverage at the point of sale
• Prevent continual price reductions

Registered property valuers will use online data available to them, but they also do an on-site inspection which will result in a more accurate sale price.

Chattels, new kitchen, bathroom upgrades, new flooring or roof, insulation installed, laundry upgrades, rewiring, new plumbing, landscaping or a new deck can all help increase the price of your home.

If you have already received a real estate agent's appraisal, a registered valuation will reveal any weaknesses in their suggested figure.

An accurate and full valuation can equate to many tens of thousands of dollars extra in the final sale price.

The first day your property goes live online almost always attracts the highest number of viewers of any other day so it’s important you have the right valuation from the start.

We believe it is best to use a real estate agent who has proven valuation expertise to avoid attracting one who over-promises and under-delivers. If a property agent's sale price recommendation sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. HOME STAGING CAN MARKEDLY INFLUENCE YOUR SALE PRICE

It has been well proven that Home Staging is one of the cheapest, most effective ways of achieving an optimum sale price. Real estate agents often comment that they believe this can add 10-15% onto the expected sale price of a house.

Home Staging using your existing furnishings or hiring furniture for an empty home is one of the most effective, low-cost ways to help elevate a buyer's perception of value.

Home staging impacts in the following ways:

• It makes a property stand out from competing listings in your price range and location
• Wow factor attracts higher volumes of viewers to open homes or private viewings
• It optimises the perception of value to buyers
• It often attracts multiple offers and helps to sell in half the average sale time frame for the area

Buyer competition is the ultimate situation because it enables a real estate agent to negotiate upwards, rather than downwards. It can help to generate a better than expected sale price. 

If you need advice about selling your home, get in touch now.

Page updated November, 2022 | By Trish Willis Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Estate Agent Vetting Service NZ 2018
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub for Wise Up NZ 2020
• Best Property Advice Hub NZ 2021
• Independent, NZ owned and operated since 2009

Usually when setting out on the home selling journey, a question at the forefront of our minds is 'how much will the real estate agent cost?'

But perhaps an even more important consideration for the successful sale of your property is whether the firm is made up of competent estate agents.

Many people believe that all real estate agents do is stick a sign at the gate, over-charge fees and sell a house at any price. 

However, real estate agency work is an often complex process that requires careful administration of multiple legal documents. It's a process that can change lives for better or worse depending on how well it's done.

If you're thinking about finding an agent and want to understand what real estate agent expenses are and why, it’s well summarised here so read on. 

BEHIND THE SCENES OF A REAL ESTATE AGENCY

EXPECTATIONS OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS

1. Real estate agents and agencies must abide by legal responsibilities.

All real estate agents come under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and therefore the Government watchdog, the Real Estate Authority (REA).

Real estate work is a legal process with multiple legal documents required during the sales process. It must be conducted in a methodical order as required by the Government watchdog.

To comply with the rules and guidelines of the REA, real estate agents can be held to account, fined, censured or lose their licence to operate if it is proven by the REA, a Complaints Assessment Committee or the Tribunal that they:

• Deliberately or unknowingly misled consumers.
• Failed to do adequate research about a property.
• Appraised a property at a value considered to be unachievable, for the purposes of acquiring (buying) your listing.
• Failed to disclose any conflict of interest in a property as either a buyer or a seller.
• Omitted obtaining signatures of all property owners.
• Attempted to market or sell the property without providing a written property appraisal.
• Attempted to sell the property without a signed agency agreement with the vendor.
• Misquoted financial information about a property, for example rental capacity, body corporate fees or levies.
• Failed to recommend consumers use a lawyer when buying or selling property.
• Failed to recommend that a seller get an independent valuation should the real estate agent or someone they are related to whether family or business wish to buy a property listed by them.
• Made any changes to an agreed marketing plan without the written approval of the vendor.
• Made false claims about the condition of a property, the integrity of building material or quality of build.
• Disclosed confidential information about a buyer or seller to their client.
• Failed to comply with the REA rules pertaining to the different methods of sale and negotiation.
• Prepared contracts that are defective.
• Misled or failed to establish correct property boundaries.
• Failed to put offers in writing on a sale and purchase agreement.
• Failed to disclose any issues with neighbours that may impact a decision to purchase a property.
• Made unsubstantiated representations or failed to check what are considered to be facts about a property, for example if told it's architecturally designed, they must obtain proof of this, most especially if these words are used in the marketing material.
• Made a change to a sale and purchase agreement without all required signatures.
• On-sold a property (known as ‘flipping’ ) after having just sold it, without recommending to the first vendors of the property that they should get an independent valuation.
• Recommended property valuations be conducted by a valuation company they have an alliance with.

If you need help finding a competent agent who has the integrity to help and advise you, get in touch now.

REAL ESTATE COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES

2. Company principals, branch managers or any real estate agent licensee in a position of supervision or management are required to:

• Provide adequate supervision and training to produce competent agents.
• Ensure all those licensed complete annual training as required by the REA.
• Ensure all real estate agents and licensees understand legal documentation (agents are required by the REA to encourage all buyers and sellers to seek legal advice because agents are not lawyers but are dealing with legal matters on behalf of consumers).
• Provide adequate supervision for real estate agents, especially those who work remotely which has become more common since Covid.
• Have policies and processes in place so all agents comply with the REA Act 2008 and the Code of Conduct which was jointly developed with the REINZ to maximise agent competence throughout the industry.
• Ensure that all real estate agents have sound knowledge of legislation relevant to real estate agency work.
• Oversee that all their real estate agents keep their licences current with the REA.

Request a list of vetted real estate agents here - it's a genuine free service.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT

4. It pays to know more about a real estate agent’s conduct, standards, history and competence levels.

Established in 2009, Agent Finder NZ specialises in vetting real estate agents using over 20 indicators across four categories. Most of our clients sell in half the average time or even less.

Find out how long it takes to sell a house.

Agent Finder NZ determines which real estate agents provide the greatest sale price potential and present the least risk in terms of conduct and competence. Agent Finder NZ is a bespoke, New Zealand-wide service that uses a rigorous selection criteria – and it’s free.

When there is so much at stake financially, it pays to know more about your real estate agent.

ARE A HIGH SALES VOLUME THE BEST INDICATOR OF THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT?

5. Are real estate agents that sell the most properties the best?

Consumers seem to find comfort in using agents that sell a high volume of properties. But what numbers don’t tell you about are things like customer experience and agent diligence, competence, conduct or negotiation skills. In fact it doesn’t actually tell you whether they achieve the highest sale prices for their vendors. All it tells you is the number they sold.

Real estate agent vetting is the best safety net for consumers when looking for real estate agents to sell their properties.

THE LOWDOWN ON REAL ESTATE AGENT COMMISSION

6. What percentage is the commission charge?

Commission fees are usually around 2.95 per cent to 3.95 per cent on average, but usually only for the first $400,000 to $500,000. For anything above that, it drops to around two per cent. For properties of very high value, exceeding $1M, the commission can be substantial so you should try negotiating before you sign a listing authority.

7. How commission gets divided up.

• Real estate agents receive around 50 per cent of any commission charged.
• Some will receive a greater percentage for higher levels of seniority or performance and each company has its own structure.
• Commission is negotiable although not all real estate agents will agree to negotiate. Find out more about commission rates and opportunities to negotiate commission.

REAL ESTATE AGENT EXPENSES

8. Costs that have to come out of the company commission include:

• Franchise fees
• Commercial office rental
• Operational overheads including support staff
• Systematic staff training for company policies, compliance and regulations
• Marketing and advertising of their own company
• Asset purchases to run their companies

9. Costs that have to come out of a real estate agent’s commission include time spent:

• With lawyers, mortgage brokers, insurance companies and body corporates to help facilitate a sale
• Researching and preparing a comparative market appraisal, marketing plan and method of sale
• Coordinating the legal administration related to various methods of sale
• Visiting you on multiple occasions for amendments, signatures and presentation of offers
• Doing open homes or private viewings which includes follow-up phone calls to all of them and you
• Writing reports for their vendors about interest gained
• Acquisition and preparation of legal paperwork including titles, listing authorities, sale and purchase agreements, clauses, government valuations, independent valuations, engineering reports or methamphetamine testing
• Assisting and advising vendors on property presentation
• Preparing marketing and advertising material
• Downloading information into multiple websites that advertise your property

Other real estate agent expenses include:

• Secretarial services for some
• Operational overheads
• Licensing fees for the Real Estate Authority (mandatory) and the Real Estate Institute of NZ (optional)

REAL ESTATE COMMISSION: THE UPSHOT

1.  For sure, it’s really expensive, but there are ways to negotiate and offset expenses to reduce it – think it through.

2.  Use a thoroughly vetted real estate agent rather than waste your time on ones you know nothing about. At stake are your assets, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3.  Be prepared and informed before you meet any real estate agents – use Agent Finder’s interview questionnaire to help compare apples with apples.

4.  Consider the real estate agent’s expenses and don’t assume your agent gets all the commission, they don’t.

5.  Plan to negotiate logically, rather than winging it.

6.  Get everything in writing; verbal appraisals are not okay.

7.  Use a property lawyer – they see things that the ordinary consumer doesn’t and might save your bacon.

Remember the agent doesn’t receive any payment at all until a property goes unconditional and if it doesn’t sell at all, you pay no commission.

EXPECT A QUALITY REAL ESTATE AGENT EXPERIENCE

We are independent of real estate agents and are therefore in a position to give unbiased free advice about the best real estate agent to handle the sale of your house.

Agent Finder NZ can point you in the direction of quality real estate agents who will ensure your sale is handled in a fully professional way. It's 100 per cent free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Save this article to favourites so you can refer to it later, get in touch or give us a call on 0800 789 532

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated February 22, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

Disclaimer: The content of this researched article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional or legal advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose

We independently vet real estate agents for expatriats living abroad and have been doing so since 2009.

As New Zealand's only specialist, free service that vets agents and provides advice and reputable information about selling a property, you will receive all the information you need to make fully informed decisions.

Many of our clients have been expats living abroad or even just out of the district and affirm Agent Finder NZ provides them with greater confidence in the process. Check out what they say here.

Our clients are the most informed property sellers in NZ because of the standard of services, centralised, relevant information and advice we offer all from under 'one roof'. 

ACHIEVING THE OPTIMUM SALE PRICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY

Whether you are looking for NZ real estate agents that attract national or international buyers for a luxury home, tenanted apartment blocks, a lifestyle block or a humble home - we provide a tailored approach to you and your property located anywhere in New Zealand. 

We have helped connect many ex-pats living abroad to the most competent and astute real estate agents. We understand the issues you face and the information you need to be properly informed. 

Agent Finder NZ is a brand agnostic, no-obligation and free service to ex-pat vendors and undoubtedly the safest way to establish the best real estate companies and agents to sell your property.

If you would like a shortlist of vetted real estate agents or selling advice - get in touch - we would love to help.

Free vetting of real estate agents for time-deprived sellers is not only a major time-saver but has to proven make a substantial difference to property sale prices, sale time frames and experiences. For many it has been life-changing in the most positive way.

When time is short, and to-do lists are expanding, stress levels can be high. This can cause people to let due diligence slip when sifting through real estate companies and agents. 

In New Zealand it is relatively easy to become a real estate agent so this adds another layer of checks not included in the licensing process.

Find out more about what real estate vetting entails and why it's a genuine free service.

DUE DILIGENCE JUST GOT A LOT EASIER, FASTER

More time-deprived professionals are turning to Agent Finder NZ for three main reasons:

• The sheer volume of real estate agents operating 
• Low levels of confidence in the real estate industry
• They want to do due diligence but lack time 
• They can depend on our ten years of providing this service (which was awarded in 2018 by APAC).

The thought of wading through the multitudes of real estate agents and companies is a daunting thought - who will you trust to sell your biggest asset? 

SPECIALIST REAL ESTATE VETTING A SAFER OPTION

Vetting real estate agents using our stringent criteria has well proven to reduce the risk of choosing the wrong agent when selling a property. 

Additionally, real estate vetting keeps the agents more honest at every stage of the process. They're aware they're being watched by another independent body and that's good for you.

If you rate selling your property one of the biggest legal and financial transactions in your life, consider outsourcing the vetting of agents - it's free, quick, transparent and only takes a call or an email, it's that easy.

Get in touch or call 0800 789 532 to find out more.

WHERE IS THE RISK?

Property sellers are most at risk of making poor decisions by reverting to old cliche habits like 'he's got lots of listings so he must be okay'.

The volume of listings only tell you numbers, which don't tell you if those real estate agents that get the most listings use methods of sale that will get the best sale prices.

Methods of sale a vital decision and impacts on sale prices.

Property sellers should know a lot more about a real estate agent before they list a property for sale. Independently vetted agents tailored to property types, price ranges and locations is the only real 'safe' way to start the process. 

An additional benefit of using Agent Finder NZ is that you have a sense empowerment to get you through the process. Too often it's the other way around, with the agent being in charge.

Check out some of our reviews.

MARKET APPRAISALS BASED ON FACT NOT HOPE

The most common initial thoughts about selling properties include 'how much can I get for my house?' Then you'll likely think, 'let's get an agent in to give us a market appraisal - they're free right?' 

Getting a free real estate appraisal can be anything but free if you get it from the wrong agent, in fact it can cost tens of thousands in your sale price.

Although real estate agents are obliged to provide accurate market appraisals, there can be over-valuing or using other tactics to get you to list with them. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Find out what you should expect in a property appraisal.

INFORMATION GATE-KEEPING CAN HINDER YOUR SALE PRICE

Real estate agents are primarily the information gate keepers, and what they share with you sometimes includes only what they're legally obliged to share with you. Some provide more and others provide less.

Real estate involves multiple legal documents requiring a high level of knowledge, competency and conduct to ensure you are protected, but vendors often don't know what information they need to be aware of.

This makes them even more reliant on their agent's advice or information.

Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents or fill in the enquiry form below - we're here to help.

Updated August 4, 2021  by Trish Willis

If you are looking for real estate agent websites, chances are you're looking to sell your property and wondering how much commission you will have to pay.

It's important to be aware that when trying to choose a real estate agent, they don't all fit all properties or people so it's hard to tell from a list of agents on a website which one is really right for you.

With 900 real estate companies and 16,000 real estate agents in New Zealand, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to navigate your way around. It can be overwhelming and time consuming.

Added to that is an aggressive online environment with real estate companies, individual agents and even computerised 'software' (yes, software - more about that later!) all vying for your business.

In regard to real estate agent websites, it's important to know whether what you think you are being offered is genuinely what you are getting.

When you use Agent Finder NZ's personalised vetting service, you can be assured the short list of real estate agents you get will be suited to your property type and location and your marketing will be done on the best real estate property listing websites.

NB: Most real estate agents now sell across numerous suburbs in places like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch which means they have access to a wider network of buyers.

Agent Finder NZ has been vetting real estate agents for a decade. Find out more about what we do - it's a free service for property sellers.

SURPRISE FINDINGS ON REAL ESTATE AGENT WEBSITES

We conducted research on what real estate agent websites were available in New Zealand and discovered the following potential pitfalls:

• Fourteen of the websites we found allowed agents to log in, self-promote and receive automated referrals (details about people like you) based on what the agent wrote about themselves. Agent Finder NZ does not have an agent log in such as this. We find the best real estate agents through our personal networks.

• In some cases, numerous agents have access to your contact details before you know anything about them.

• Three websites were just automated software systems but it wasn't evident that was the case.

• Only five websites provided information about who was behind the business.

• One website was a moving company.

There are numerous other automated websites offering 'free valuations' which are often real estate agents appearing to be a valuation service.

NB: None of our research included real estate websites that list properties for sale, only those listing agents.

In our opinion, it is very important for you to be aware of who is behind the service you are engaging to find a real estate agent.

Real estate agent screening is vital to ensure you don't end up down the wrong path.

Learn about the best real estate agents for different property types.

BEWARE OF AUTOMATED REAL ESTATE AGENT WEBSITES

It is now common across all industries for credible websites to have an About Us page that provides the legal company name, information about who heads the company, some organisational history, vision, goals or similar.  

If these things are missing from a site, that is an indicator you may not be dealing with a credible service. The quality of the contact details should help you decided whether you are putting what is probably your biggest asset in the hands of a nobody or a somebody.

The value of 'no pressure' and integrity of service cannot be underestimated.

Download your free copy of The Process Of Selling A House Made Easy - no login required.

In real estate, the losses and gains can be life changing. Putting your home worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hands of just any real estate agent website could be a gamble.

Of course there are websites that sell goods globally for clothing or electronic items without About Us or other details, but these are not items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, like your home.

We can advise you how to get started or download your Sell Smarter Kit in the box to the right (below on mobile).

Call Agent Finder NZ on 0800 789 532 or email us today.

Other popular articles:

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• It's not all about the commission

Article updated April 27, 2021 | Trish Willis

If needing to sell your property urgently, this well proven formula can help sell properties super-fast and most importantly at premium sale prices. It includes:

a) how to price your home to sell fast

b) how to choose a real estate agent proven competent, quickly 

c) what method of sale will be most effective for a speedy sale

d) how to home stage using your existing furnishings. Home staging alone is reputed to add 10-15% onto an expected sale price.

When all combined, this is a good formula to achieve the urgency you need.

First, find how much real estate commission will cost.

HELP FINDING AN ESTATE AGENT WITH INTEGRITY

You are entitled to competence. You will need to find a real estate agent suited to your particular property type, value and location. For example, you may have a house that will require an international marketing campaign. 

You will also need a market appraisal that you can absolutely rely on for accuracy. This is fundamental to get right and we recommend you obtain 2-3 house appraisals to compare.

We can help you get this done quickly as we have been vetting New Zealand real estate agents and agencies for over a decade using a stringent criteria.

Our criteria establishes the very best New Zealand real estate agents who can be trusted to conduct property sales with integrity.

Real estate agents have a lot of legal responsibilities to comply with the Real Estate Agents Act, the industry Code of Conduct and must have policies and systems in place to protect both sellers and buyers.

Find out more about how we can help you.

NZ'S MOST REPUTABLE HUB OF REAL ESTATE INFO

When using Agent Finder NZ, you will have an advantage over other home sellers with competing properties for sale.

You might only need help finding a real estate agent quickly but this is a sample of the help we can provide - all at no cost.

• A short list of vetted, competent real estate agents tailored to you, your location and property type - you decide
• What to look out for in real estate appraisals
• Tips about negotiating fees and commission and when
• What questions you should ask a real estate agent 
• Quick Links to the most reputable due diligence resources about tax, legal advice, title documents, valuations, how to negotiate with buyers and more
• Real Estate Industry guides about methods of sale and signing contracts that protect you
• Property advice for an emergency home makeover if you need one
• Where to get the most accurate property valuations 

Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents to compare or call 0800 789 532

Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated August 27, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) & awarded Property Advisor of the Year 2023

Many home sellers under pressure to sell their property quickly need to make real estate decisions fast but often that comes at a cost.

Having access to the whole process in achievable steps ensures you cover off your due diligence, in order and helps ensure that a quick sale can be achieved and at a prime price.

This is something we have been helping New Zealanders through for over a decade, firstly by vetting real estate agents for them. (You might want to check some of our many reviews that verify the relief we have provided, all at no cost.) 

If you need a shortlist of vetted real estate agents urgently, send an enquiry - we're here to help.

ALL THE HELP YOU NEED, ALL IN ONE PLACE

Over the course of a decade, we have assembled together in one place all the New Zealand home selling advice and resources you may need, quickly accessible and all free. 

In addition to this and vetting New Zealand real estate agents all at no cost, we also have also collated and freely share information about real estate commission and fees so vendors can quickly work out the costs involved. Transparency is key.

NO NEED TO COMPROMISE A PREMIUM SALE PRICE 

When it comes to property types and vendors there is no one size fits all, so the more you can tell us, the more tailored a service we can provide you, ultimately helping ensure that quick sale you need without any compromise on sale price.

In fact, some real estate campaigns use a variety of methods of sale that have a deadline by which buyers need to get their own due diligence done. This can certainly expedite a property sale but needs careful management by real estate agents.

Your real estate agent (and their lawyer) will likely be the ones to help ensure the deadlines can be met and with the best effort to prevent conditional sale and purchase agreements. There are often 'fish-hooks' in real estate and not all real estate agents are equal in integrity, compliance with the Real Estate Act 2008 or skill. The fish hooks may be your buyer's issue or it could be something unexpected from a building inspection report. The situations are many.

If you need some advice, call us on 0800 789 532 to discuss - this is a genuine free service for New Zealand vendors.

4 EASY STEPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE QUICKLY

We have specialised in finding the best real estate agents for home sellers throughout New Zealand for 13 years.

We engage in an indepth vetting process searching for good conduct history and a high measure of competence and experience - as a minimum.

It is important to compare real estate agents objectively and this is something we can help you with - and it is all a genuine free service.

See what we have helped Kiwis achieve from their property sales

HAVING A SOLID GRASP OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Real estate agency work is a legal and often complex process, with multiple legal documents required during the sales process and timeframes to be met under a lot of pressure.

All legal documents need to be correctly understood by you, amended if required, clauses added or deleted and must be filled in correctly.

Your real estate agent has an obligation to explain fully everything they ask you to sign. They must have an indepth understanding of real estate work and their responsibilities to you. They are working for you.

The safest way to establish who the best real estate agent is to sell your property is having them vetted by us - all at no cost.

You should always expect the highest standard of real estate competence and practice.

WHAT TO EXPECT (OR NOT) OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS

There were 271 formal complaints made to the Real Estate Agent's Authority in the 2021/2022 years.

Real estate agents can be held to account, fined, censured or lose their licence to operate if it is proven by the REA, a Complaints Assessment Committee or the Tribunal that they peform their duties poorly.

The following represents some examples, of the responsibilities of real estate agents.

-    You must not be misled by your real estate agent

-    Agents are required to do adequate research about your property and inform you of any findings

-    They should appraise your property, at a value considered to be achievable, and not over-estimate it for the purposes of acquiring (buying) your listing

-    They must dislose any conflict of interest in your property

-    They must not attempt to market or sell tyour property without providing you with a written property appraisal

-    They cannot attempt to sell your property without a signed agency agreement with you as the seller

-    They must not misquote financial information about your property to a buyer, for example, the rental capacity, body corporate fees or levies

-    They must not make any changes to a marketing plan already agreed with you, without your written approval 

-    They must not make any false claims to buyers about the condition of your property, the integrity of building material or quality of build

-    They must put all offers in writing to you, on a sale and purchase agreement - no exceptions

Find out more about what we do to help vendors.

REAL ESTATE CONTRACTS AND AMENDMENTS TO BE SIGNED

It has come to our notice that some real estate agents are omitting client signatures for amendments made to real estate agreements, contracts or other documents.

This is not a problem just created by new agents but rather, more by agents who should have known better after many years in the industry.

Some of these omissions are the subject of official complaints made to the Real Estate Authority as the consequences can be significant.

PROFESSIONALLY VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS, PROVIDED FREE

If selling a house, an apartment, an investment portfolio or a lifestyle block, Agent Finder NZ is the safest way to choose the best real estate agent, let us help you too.

Request A Shortlist Of Vetted Agents | E: info@agentfinder.co.nz | P: 0800 789 532

Article Updated October 7, 2021 by Trish Willis

As a seasoned independent observer of the real estate industry, we can tell you everything you need to know about real estate commission and fees including expenses that can be avoided if you knew what to look for.

Real estate commission generally ranges from 2.5% to 3.95% of your sale price up to the first $400-$500k then 2%-2.5% on the remainder of the sale price plus GST.

To find out what your commission is likely to be, see commission percentages for a range of sale prices.

Another helpful resource is our list of 10 ways to pay the lowest real estate commission while the six most common reasons a house doesn't sell will help you avoid the unnecessary expense of having to relist your home.

One of the costs of selling a house is the advertising needed to market your house to buyers. Different real estate agents may offer incentives for you to list with them, such as covering marketing costs or refunding them at the close of an unconditional sale.

If you need to sell your house quickly or want advice first, call 0800 789 532, we're happy to help and it's a free service.

ADVERTISING COSTS, NEGOTIATING COMMISSION AND CONTRACT TERMS

• Question whether you need to do any newspaper advertising as this can be very expensive. Is it worth it, in your area, in the current market and in your price range? Around 90% of people search for properties online.
• The longer you sit on the market unsold, the more advertising you will need to pay for. How long you sit on the market will be down to your choice of agent and their competency. Have you done your due diligence?
• You might want to consider a shorter contract period to put a bit of pressure on the agent over the sale time frame. The term of the contract is up to you.
• Question what your agent will tell interested parties when questioned about price. Many buyers ask an agent representing a seller, what price you would sell for or 'what will get it across the line?' With the wrong agent, this could end up getting you the minimum you discussed which can cost you tens of thousands, so this is an important issue to discuss with your agent.
• Not paying attention to your curbside and home presentation can cost more than the commission. Agents often say good presentation can add 10 to 15 per cent onto an estimated sale price. This alone can get you tens of thousands more for the least amount of cost, if any at all. If you need help, email us some photos of your property and we can provide you with some advice to get started at no cost. It's all part of our free service. 
• You are able to negotiate real estate commission with your agent.
• You may also be able to negotiate with the agent, a refund of the marketing expenses upon an unconditional sale and purchase agreement. Overall, this can reduce your total costs substantially.
• Commission fees may vary from place to place, but a lower commission does not always end up meaning more money in your bank at the end of a sale.

APAC Insider Award for Best Estate Agent Vetting Service in New Zealand 2018

NZ Law Society publication 2014

Chrischurch Mail, Newspaper 2011

Keeping On Editorial

As an independent real estate advisor we tell people who are selling a house to make sure they know the ins and outs and that means understanding what 'due diligence' is needed to protect them.

One of the issues often faced is about disclosure, or lack of, because failure to reveal important property information to the buyer in pursuit of a better price can have costly consequences for both buyer and seller. 

If you are looking for advice about a situation or want general real estate tips or advice we are happy to help. Call 0800 789 532 or contact us here.

DISCLOSURE WHEN SELLING AN APARTMENT

With building standards and cladding issues of recent years hitting the headlines, standards around disclosure specifc to selling an apartment have been put in place. It is important to understand what is required.

In a New Zealand example, a real estate agent's decision not to disclose information about a house resulted in the buyer being disadvantaged.  

It is understood the vendor instructed the real estate agent to disclose important information to the buyer that would have impacted their view of the property, and therefore the property value.

However the agent did not disclose the information. The likely upshot was the buyer paid too much in this instance. 

If you have information that should be disclosed to prospective buyers, to be sure it gets communicated, you might want to do this in writing and get it signed. We recommend you use a property lawyer to do this for you. 

To find out more about disclosure, read on below.

Need to find out more about the real estate process and ensure you do due diligence? We are expert real estate advisors, independent of all real estate agent brands. 

To find out where to start when selling your home, we can advise you on the right process to take to get the best price in the optimum time frame.

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-DISCLOSURE WHEN SELLING A HOUSE

Complaints to the Real Estate Authority 

When a case like the above occurs, in the first instance, complaints can be made to the Real Estate Authority (REA). If deemed necessary, the REA can then refer the complaint to a Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).  

Where more serious misconduct has been determined, the CAC can refer cases to the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal.

The Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal is appointed by the Ministry of Justice to investigate the most serious cases relating to real estate agent misconduct or appeals.

It has the power to order licensed agents or salespeople to pay fines up to $15,000, or order compensation up to $100,000 for financial loss to complainants. The Tribunal also has the power to suspend or cancel a real estate agent's licence.

Deliberate omission or non-disclosure to an agent by a seller about a property may end up costing you legal fees in addition to any remuneration owed to the purchasers should complainants take a case against you using the legal system.

NON-DISCLOSURE RULE OF THUMB

Don't mislead your agent or buyers, the consequences can be life changing for everyone involved.

Depending on the real estate agent, any property information that should be disclosed can be managed well - or poorly.

To ensure you have the best possible real estate agent to represent you and your type of property, we can short-list agents based on a specific criteria for your property type.

We can also connect you to people and resources that will help you manage issues that require disclosure. This is a free service so ask for help if you need it.

Find Out More | 0800 789 532 | info@agentfinder.co.nz

OTHER POPULAR PAGES

• Download your Sell Smarter Kit 2017
• Agents must be licensed to do real estate work
• The process of selling a house in five steps

Do you know what questions to ask a real estate agent to find out if they are the right one for you?  Along with the free shortlist of vetted real estate agents we provide home sellers, Agent Finder NZ has developed a comprehensive Questionnaire to help you narrow down the choice.

Our Questionnaire enables you to be more in control and confident, especially when it comes to discussing real estate commission and fees.

When you are selling what is probably your most significant financial asset, it's important you do due diligence.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ASKING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 

Often to their disadvantage, home sellers choose a real estate agent based on old habits like word of mouth or letterbox flyers, without really knowing much about an agent's conduct, or competence to negotiate an optimum sale price.

They believe that because they will be paying so much in fees and commission, they should just be able to hand everything over to the agent. While you should be able to, taking your eye off the ball comes with risk and can end in regret.

Selling a house can be daunting but it's at the point of choosing your real estate agent that the fate of your property sale is determined. 

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If you need help or an advocate on your side - Get In Touch - we're here to help

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PROVEN COMPETENCE MINIMUM BENCHMARK FOR CHOOSING AN AGENT TO INTERVIEW

Intuition and gut feeling can go some way in helping you to choose the most suitably qualified real estate agent, but only when the initial quality benchmark has been established.

The rule of thumb is to use a vetted real estate agent proven competent. It's a free service.

WHAT BENCHMARK DOES AGENT FINDER NZ USE FOR VETTING AGENTS?

With thirteen years of research, monitoring and listening to home sellers, Agent Finder NZ has established a high standard based on 20 indicators across four categories. This helps us find the most competent marketers, negotiators and communicators in the real estate industry.

Our due diligence on your behalf will put you at a much greater advantage than those who wing it. We have developed and proven the formula that achieves optimum prices and short sale time frames. Find Out More.

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Find out more about questioning real estate agents

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REAL ESTATE VETTING A RELIEF FOR SELLERS

Most Kiwis infrequently sell a house and although they might have a desire for due diligence, many settle for what they think is the hassle-free or convenient option - but which sometimes in the end isn't.

In the 2021-2022 year, the Real Estate Authority (REA) received 271 complaints and 1,108 complaint enquiries resulting in 107 decisions being issued by Complaints Assessment Committees and 22 decisions  issued by the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Authority. 

Seeking out excellence in real estate practice and standards by choosing a vetted agent can make what can be a daunting process much easier.

• Agent Finder NZ establishes agent competence using a proven benchmarking process
• Our centralised and streamlined real estate resources empower you to do your due diligence easily
• Best practice real estate expectations achieve optimum sale prices, more efficiently

We know that due diligence will influence your overall experience and optimise your sale price.  Here's what some other sellers have said.

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If you would like a short list of vetted agents and our Agent Questionnaire to help you choose, Get In Touch or phone 0800 789 532. It's a free service.

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Agent Finder NZ Awards:

• Best Independent Real Estate Advisors 2022 | BUILD 2022 Real Estate & Property Awards
• Best Property Advice Hub New Zealand 2021 | APAC
• Most Reputable Property Advice Hub New Zealand for Wise Up NZ 2020 | APAC
• Best Real Estate Agent Vetting Service 2018 | APAC

Article updated March 22, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

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When selling a lifestyle property, you will need to compare real estate agencies and agents, their appraisal values, the agency contract fine-print and their commission and other fees. Equally important you also need to compare methods of sale and decide on the best one suited to your location, value and type of lifestyle block.

Being thorough with your planning and lifestyle property agency choice will set the strong foundation needed for a positive real estate experience and sale result within a good timeframe. This is something we can help you with.

Testimonial: "Thanks so much for all this information and the leg work you have done, wonderful!  We are thrilled we have found the Agent Finder service you offer, it's been a huge weight off my shoulders. Many thanks." - R. Weston 

How to choose the best lifestyle agency

Here at Agent Finder NZ, we have specialised in vetting lifestyle agencies and agents for sellers since 2009, all at no cost.

We can provide you with a tailored shortlist of suitably qualified lifestyle agencies and agents in your area, who meet our stringent criteria. 

It is wise to request 2-3 property appraisals so you can compare the agents' experience, service standards, advertising strategies, negotiation capability and where appropriate international exposure for your property. 

Request a shortlist of vetted lifestyle agents - a genuine free service NZ-wide.

Extra planning tips for selling your lifestyle property

You will already know that lifestyle blocks each have their own unique selling points, quirks, legal descriptions and challenges such as easements, covenants, bores, pump houses and boundaries to name a few.

You may have a luxury lifestyle block, a grazing block or be surrounded by larger farms requiring your agent to have a deeper knowledge of council planning rules including sub-divisions.

Lifestyle property sales can be complex, often unexpectedly, so finding lifestyle real estate agents who are proven experts in your type of property is vital.

Too often, agents have insufficient experience in lifestyle block sales and over-estimate the value in their market appraisal. Ultimately this results in prolonged time on market which could have been avoided.

Learn about real estate commission and fees

Property appraisal accuracy matters

A property appraisal should justify how the agent established the value range which will be entered into the real estate marketing websites. If it's incorrect, it will attract buyers in the wrong price range.

The agent should also describe clearly how they will reach maximum qualified buyers in your price range. You must agree to a marketing plan, sign off on it and agree to any amendments throughout the campaign. 

Our expertise is in scrutinising the many lifestyle property agencies and agents in your district/region to ensure you will get an accurate appraisal - and not be tempted by an agent giving an inflated value to entice you to list with them.

The ideal position to achieve a premium price is to have buyers competing for your property. If priced too high you will have less buyer interest because buyers are savvy to market values and can shop around.

If you need help, call us on 0800 789 532 - we're here to help, all at no cost.

Why buyers need help to purchase your property

Property buyers require a lot more help in today's market and it is up to the seller's real estate agent to help make sure that your conditions of sale are met and on time.

There could be code of compliance issues, or bore pump, easement or boundary/fencing issues with neighbours. The reasons are varied and often technical.

A solid grasp of all the legalities involved is essential and limited knowledge of legal documentation can be dire for both you and your buyer. Examples include LIMS, PIMS, Easements, Bores, Survey Plans, Titles or Taxation Payable. It is important to use a property lawyer.

As you prepare to interview real estate agencies, be aware there is information specific to lifestyle blocks that you should check before signing a real estate agency agreement and we are happy to help advise you through this process. We've been doing this since 2009 and have considerable oversight nationwide.

Read some client reviews from prior lifestyle sellers in  Rolleston, Christchurch, Auckland and the Coromandel. We have many more.

There is no one-size-fits-all which is why we apply a bespoke approach to researching lifestyle property real estate agents for owners of all types of property, from small or bareland, to luxury lifestyle.

Get In Touch or call 0800 789 532 - we live on a lifestyle block (with two pet emus) so we understand them.

Page updated April 10, 2025 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) & Awarded Independent Property Advisor of the Year 2023

When you set out to find a real estate agent, it's important to ensure they have a current licence before you sign an agency agreement.

In New Zealand it is illegal to carry out real estate agency work without a licence. 

Checking whether an agent is licensed is one of the checks we make as part of our free real estate agent vetting service, so feel free to contact us for help.

Learn more about how to compare real estate agents.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT REAL ESTATE AGENTS

You might think any of the negative real estate stories we hear about won't happen to you, but, as an example, between one recent three year period over 1300 complaints were made about real estate agent work to the Real Estate Authority (REA) - so things do go wrong regularly.

Each year, agents must renew their real estate licence with the REA but occasionally some don't and their registration lapses. 

This is just one of the checks required to ensure your real estate experience will be of a high standard.

We have been vetting real estate agents since 2009 so we have invaluable insight into what goes in to achieving an optimum sale price, quickly. We select agents based on 20+ indicators across five categories to ensure that the free short list of agents we recommend to you are the best in the industry for your type of property in your location.

Agents can specialise in different property types, whether a house, apartment, lifestyle property, luxury property and so on. 

• Find an Auckland real estate agent
• Find a Wellington real estate agent
• Find a Christchurch real estate agent

No matter where you are in New Zealand, or your property type, we can help. Contact us or phone now on 0800 789 532.

Article updated May 11, 2021 | Trish Willis

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