Do You Need a Realtor? | SellMyHomeNZ

When Do You Need a Realtor?

Not every home sale requires a real estate agent. Here's how to decide what's right for your situation.

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You Definitely Need a Realtor If:

Your property is worth over $800,000
You're dealing with a complex sale (subdivision, leasehold, etc.)
You have no experience with property sales
You're time-poor or stressed about the process
Your property has unique challenges (structural issues, etc.)
You need to coordinate with mortgage timing

⚖️

You Might Need a Realtor If:

Your property is worth $400,000-$800,000
You have some property experience but want professional marketing
You're uncertain about current market conditions
You want access to their network of buyers
You need help with negotiation strategies
You want professional photography and marketing

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You Can Sell Yourself If:

Your property is straightforward and under $400,000
You have previous property sale experience
You have time to manage the entire process
You're confident with negotiation and paperwork
You have a buyer already lined up
You understand legal requirements and contracts

Interactive Decision Quiz

Answer a few questions to get personalized recommendations for your situation

What's the estimated value of your property?

Under $400,000

$400,000 - $600,000

$600,000 - $800,000

Over $800,000

How much property sale experience do you have?

This is my first time selling

I've sold 1 property before

I've sold 2-3 properties

I'm experienced with property sales

How much time can you dedicate to the sale process?

Very little - I'm extremely busy

Limited time on weekends only

Moderate time - few hours per week

Plenty of time to manage everything

How would you describe your property?

Standard family home in good condition

Needs some work but fundamentally sound

Unique property or challenging location

Complex sale (leasehold, subdivision, major issues)

How confident are you with negotiation and contracts?

Very confident - I handle business deals regularly

Somewhat confident - I can learn as I go

Not very confident - I prefer expert help

Not confident at all - I need professional guidance

Red Flags vs Green Flags

Know how to spot professional realtors from cowboys in the NZ market

🚨 Red Flags - Avoid These Agents

Promises unrealistic sale prices to win your listing
Pressures you to sign immediately without explanation
Can't provide recent comparable sales data
Has no professional references or testimonials
Charges excessive upfront fees
Poor communication - doesn't return calls promptly
No clear marketing strategy or timeline
Not registered with the Real Estate Authority (REA)

✅ Green Flags - Quality Professional Signs

Provides detailed market analysis with recent comparables
Has strong local market knowledge and recent sales
Offers clear, comprehensive marketing strategy
Registered with REA with clean disciplinary record
Provides references from recent clients
Explains fees transparently with no hidden costs
Communicates regularly with clear timelines
Uses professional photography and marketing materials

💸 Commission & Fee Red Flags

Demands payment regardless of sale outcome
Won't explain what services are included
Charges separately for "basic" marketing
No written agreement on commission structure
Vague about additional costs and fees
Significantly higher than market rates without justification

💰 Fair Commission Practices

Transparent about all costs upfront
Commission only paid on successful sale
Competitive rates (typically 2.5-4% + GST in NZ)
Clear breakdown of what's included
Professional marketing included in commission
Written agreement with all terms clearly stated

Realtor Evaluation Checklist

Use this checklist when interviewing potential real estate agents

REA Registration Check
Verify they're registered with the Real Estate Authority and check their disciplinary record online

Local Market Knowledge
Can they discuss recent sales in your area and current market trends?

Marketing Strategy
Do they have a clear plan for photography, online listings, open homes, and targeted marketing?

Recent Sales Performance
Ask for examples of recent sales - how long on market, sale price vs. listing price

Client References
Can they provide contacts for recent sellers (with permission)?

Communication Style
Do they respond promptly and communicate in a way that works for you?

Realistic Pricing
Do their price estimates align with recent comparable sales data?

Professional Presentation
Are they well-presented, punctual, and do they have professional marketing materials?

Clear Agreement Terms
Do they provide written terms covering commission, marketing period, and exit clauses?

Support Team
Do they have administrative support and backup systems for when they're unavailable?

Should You Use a Realtor to Sell Your Home?