Selling your home is a big decision, so it’s important you get it right. That’s why we’ve created this quick overview of the various steps involved in selling property, so that you know where you stand every step of the way.
1. Picking your moment
Before your property goes on the market, there are a few questions to ask. Things like, “what kind of homes are selling?” or “in what areas?” or “what’s happening with interest rates, capital gain and rental prices and yields”.
We’ll make sure you understand all these things and have the answers you need before your house goes to market, helping you maximise your potential to sell your home. You might also like to visit our market reports section which contains the latest housing price and rental reports, or check out our sold properties to give you an understanding of market conditions.
The best way to get a feel for what your property is worth is by getting a free property appraisal.
Recommended reading: Selling a House 101 (online guide)
2. Choose a salesperson
Your salesperson will expose your property to the marketplace and negotiate with buyers on your behalf, so finding the right person is an important part of the process. Click here to find a salesperson.
3. Why choose real estate?
We are Hamilton specialists with more than 70 experienced residential salespeople. 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 gives you a better chance of getting a premium price. Learn more about the Lodge advantage.
4. Preparing your house for sale?
Before you put your house on the market, it’s important to know your competition, the market and make sure your house is looking its best.
The art of presenting a property for sale is an important one to master. Presentation is often the reason that two properties that appear the same on paper, sell for vastly different prices.
Use our House Preparation guide to get your home ready for sale
5. Finding a lawyer
Before you sell a property, we recommend that you seek 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 a solicitor before you sign.
How to find a solicitor?
If you don’t already have a lawyer, seeking advice from friends is a good place to start. Otherwise you can contact the New Zealand Law Society.
6. Choose how you want to sell
We will help you to work out the best way to sell your property that’s right for you and your house. Find out more about different selling methods and types of agencies. See our guide to real estate tenders and guide to auction sales.
7. Marketing your property
We pride ourselves on holding nothing back when it comes to promoting your property. Find out more about your marketing options with Lodge. Speak to a salesperson today.
Top selling tip - You can’t sell a secret
The more buyers who know your property is for sale, the greater the opportunity you have to achieve a premium price. For more information speak to a salesperson
8. Accepting an offer
By law, all written offers - irrespective of price - must be presented to you. Our salespeople will be there for advice and will help guide you through the process. Our salespeople are skilled negotiators and will work with the buyer, on your behalf, to get you the best price possible.
Once your offer has been accepted:
-
There may be conditions on the offer, such as the buyers being satisfied with a building report. If so, these will need to be met before the offer becomes unconditional
-
Once an agreement is unconditional, neither the buyer nor the seller can change their mind. The buyer must now pay the rest of the purchase price on the settlement day.
-
We'll hold your house keys at the Lodge office until your solicitor advises us, in writing, that the settlement has taken place.
-
Deposit payments are made by the buyer to the real estate agency. The agency is required by law to hold the money in an audited trust account and may only release the deposit when legally authorised to do so.
9. 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 takes possession - the keys - but that is not always the case. There’s a fair bit that goes on between unconditional and settlement, to help you understand the process see our page on From Sale to Settlement.
Thinking of selling?
Try our interactive Home Seller's Calculator to see how much it costs to prepare a house for sale.
