HOW TO CHOOSE A LIFESTYLE PROPERTY AGENCY

15 March 2023 - If selling a lifestyle property, you will already know that each one has its 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.

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.

Choosing the right method of sale and establishing market value accurately at the outset will set the right foundation. 

Too often, estate 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.


CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE AGENT 1ST TIME ROUND

Here at Agent Finder NZ, we have specialised in vetting lifestyle agencies for sellers since 2009, all at no cost to the seller.

We can provide you with a tailored shortlist of suitably qualified lifestyle estate agents in your area, who meet our stringent criteria. 

It is wise to request 2-3 property appraisals so you can compare the real estate agents' experience, service standards, marketing strategies, commission and fees and most importantly, the estimate of value they recommend.


SCRUTINISE THE PROPERTY APPRAISALS

A property appraisal should justify how the agent established the value range which is entered into websites for the purposes of advertising. If it's incorrect, it will attract buyers in the wrong price range.

The estate 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 identify who has the greatest capacity to attract the best offers from lifestyle property buyers - from near and far, preferably in a competitive offer situation. This is the ultimate position to be in to reach an optimum sale price.


If you need help finding a lifestyle property agency - call 0800 789 532 - we're here to help, all at no cost.


MANAGING LIFESTYLE PROPERTY SALES NO SMALL FEAT

Sometimes, just at the very end of the real estate process when you think you have a done deal, it falls over.

Due diligence by a real estate agent from beginning to end is essential when selling lifestyle blocks or farms in New Zealand.

The most common reasons why lifestyle properties become difficult to sell include:

  • inaccurate property appraisals
  • unrealistic vendor price expectations 
  • poor presentation and/or advertising quality
  • poor preparation and/or follow-up with buyers by a real estate agent

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 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.aerial view of a lifestyle block for sale in New Zealand on a sunny day.

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 for 13 years and have considerable oversight nationwide.


LIFESTYLE AGENCIES MUST HAVE SYSTEMS THAT PROTECT YOU 

A real estate agency must have systems and policies in place to conduct the sale of your lifestyle property without errors. This begins with the accuracy of an appraisal (market value) and follows through to interpreting legal documents and supporting you with meeting the conditions in the sale and purchase agreement. 

Often things go wrong in real estate deals and frequently for the silliest of reasons that were totally preventable. You should have confidence that your real estate agent is proven and on their guard throughout the whole process. 

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.


Read some client reviews from  Rolleston, Christchurch, Auckland and the Coromandel. We have many more.


THE 'RIGHT' PROPERTY AGENT BETTER THAN THE FASTEST

Emu walking in snow on a lifestyle block in Canterbury New ZealandThere is no one-size-fits-all which is why we apply a bespoke approach to researching lifestyle property real estate agents for vendors selling all types, from small to luxury lifestyle properties.

Some lifestyle properties are more proactively marketed to international buyers which can help increase buyer enquiries.

Throughout the Covid era, many were purchased sight unseen by ex-pats.

 


Ms Weston's commendation: 

'Thanks so much for all this information and the leg work you have done, wonderful!  We are thrilled we have found your real estate company and the service you offer, it's been a weight off my shoulders.

Many thanks, R. Weston 


REAL ESTATE RESOURCES THAT PROTECT YOU

sheep dog peeking out of kennel on a lifestyle block in NZ

Things can go wrong but things do go right, especially when a vetted property agent has been engaged for the specific lifestyle property they were shortlisted for. 

We not only vet property agents, but we equip you with information that protects you from things going wrong and empowers you to make smarter decisions about selling your lifestyle property for the highest sale price.

Our resources guide you on signing up with a lifestyle property agency and help you with the sale and purchase agreement.

Don't underestimate the value of this information - it can make a significant difference to both your experience and your equity. We can help.


Get In Touch or call 0800 789 532 - we live on a lifestyle block so we understand them.

 

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)

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