Selling your home is a big decision, so it’s important you get it right.
Be prepared – decide to sell The first step you need to take is to decide when or if you want to sell. Whatever your reason for sale might be, the best way to get a feel for what your property is worth is by getting a free property appraisal.
Choose your salesperson Your salesperson will market your property and negotiate with buyers on your behalf, so finding the right person is an important part of the process. Further in this booklet you will find a guide to help you choose the one who’s right for you.
Why choose Barfoot & Thompson? We have over 1400 salespeople across Auckland and Northland who are all working for you. All our salespeople are free to introduce their buyers to your property, which gives us greater reach and selling power. This, in turn, gives your home more exposure and offers you a better chance of getting a premium price.
Finding a lawyer Before you sell a property, we recommend that you get your own independent legal advice. Finding the right lawyer is an important part of the buying and selling process. Agency and Sale and Purchase Agreements are legally binding, so consult before you sign. If you don’t already have a lawyer, you can contact Auckland District Law Society or the New Zealand Law Society.
Choose how you want to sell When interviewing your agent, ask about different selling methods and types of agencies. Your salesperson will help you work out the best way to sell your property, the way that is right for you and your house.
Marketing your property Marketing your property on the internet is vital. Make sure you engage a salesperson who is knowledgeable about and experienced in online marketing.
Accepting an offer By law, all written offers, regardless of price, must be presented to you. Your salesperson will be there to help guide you through the process and offer advice. Barfoot & Thompson salespeople are skilled negotiators and will work with the buyer, on your behalf, to get you the best price possible.Once you accept an offer: There may be conditions on the offer, such as the buyer’s satisfaction with a building report. These will need to be met before the offer becomes unconditional. Once an agreement is unconditional, neither the buyer nor the seller can change his or her mind, and the buyer must pay the rest of the purchase price on the settlement day. Deposit payments are made by the buyer to the real estate agency, which is required by law to hold the money in an audited trust account, releasing it only when legally authorised to do so.
Settlement Settlement day is the date on which the balance for the property is paid. Usually it is the same date as the date the buyer gets the possession of the keys. The keys to your house will be held at the Barfoot & Thompson office until your solicitor advises us in writing that the settlement has taken place. Only then will they be passed onto the buyer.
