Frequently Asked Questions for Sellers

Straight answers, smart insights, and practical advice from experienced Auckland agents Sarah Tiplady and Julie Kelman-Poto. Helping Central Auckland homeowners feel confident, informed, and supported throughout the selling process.

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We know the process can feel overwhelming. The best first step is to have a no-pressure conversation with someone who’s been there before. We’ll help you understand your options, timing, market conditions, and whether selling now is the right move — or something to plan for later.

Hot Tip: Talk to us early. We can save you time, money, and stress by helping you avoid unnecessary spending on things that won’t impact your sale price.

Once you’ve signed an agency agreement, any sale — even to a friend — usually still requires commission to be paid. More importantly, your agent’s job is to protect you: making sure the right clauses, disclosures, and legal protections are in place to prevent future problems.

Hot Tip: Use your agent. We’ll handle the legal details, remove awkward conversations about price, and keep everyone protected — including your friendships.

Yes — marketing is a crucial investment in getting your home seen, loved, and sold. It covers hard costs like professional photography, videography, Trade Me, Realestate.co.nz, Google and Meta advertising, signboards, and brochures — all paid directly to suppliers, not us.

You can pay upfront or use a deferred payment platform. We’ll recommend a plan that matches your property and your goals.

Hot Tip: Marketing is the tool that gets your home found at the most important time. It’s not where to cut corners — it’s what ensures you get the best result.

Yes. Our standard Harcourts rate is:
• 3.95% on the first $500,000
• 2.5% on the balance
• $750 admin fee
(All plus GST.)

But we’re always happy to have a conversation. If you’ve had another quote or are selling multiple properties, let’s chat. We’ll tailor something that works for you.

Hot Tip: We’re in the business of talking about money. Don’t be shy — ask us.

They’re a decent starting point, but not always reliable. These online tools rely on past sales and council data — not how your home feels, how well it presents, or current buyer activity.

We’ll give you a tailored appraisal using up-to-date local sales, buyer insights, and on-the-ground knowledge.

Hot Tip: Online valuations are just data — not decisions. Talk to someone who knows what’s really selling now.

Great homes sell all year. Spring and summer are busy, but smart sellers often launch just before the market wakes up — like early January or late winter.

Hot Tip: Timing is less about the season and more about your goals, your home’s presentation, and how much competition you’ll face.

It depends. Selling first gives you financial certainty and makes you a cash buyer. But if you’ve found a home you love, buying conditionally could be right.

Hot Tip: We’ll walk you through both paths so you can make a clear, confident decision — not a rushed one.

Usually not. Most buyers prefer to do their own reports. But if your property has monolithic cladding or past weathertightness issues, it can help to get one upfront.

Hot Tip: Some buyers need a building report for their lender. We can advise when it’s a good idea — and connect you with reputable inspectors.

CVs aren’t market value — they’re just a council rating tool. They don’t reflect renovations, buyer demand, or even always accurate floor plans.

If your CV is way off — especially if it doesn’t reflect updates or includes incorrect info — we’ll advise whether to challenge it, or how to reframe it in your marketing.

Hot Tip: CVs are just one data point. If yours is clearly out of step, we’ll help you put it in context — or recommend you challenge it.

Sellers must disclose anything that could affect a buyer’s decision — like unconsented work, flooding history, or planned developments.

We’ll guide you through what to declare and how to present it professionally.

Hot Tip: Think of disclosures as protection — they help avoid issues post-sale and keep the process clean.

With care, clarity, and professionalism. We’ve managed many estate and family sales with multiple parties. We communicate clearly with everyone, stay neutral, and keep things moving smoothly.

Hot Tip: When things are sensitive or complicated, experience counts. We’ll keep everyone informed — and everything calm.

Potentially — depending on zoning, land size, access and overlays. We work with a wide developer and investor network and can assess your home’s potential.

Hot Tip: Even if you’re living in it, your property might be future development gold. We’ll help you explore all options.

Not necessarily. Small updates — decluttering, staging, paint, gardens — often deliver more value than expensive renovations. We’ll help you prioritise where it counts.

Hot Tip: Sometimes styled cushions and a tidy front lawn will earn you more than a new kitchen. Let us advise where to focus.

Very quickly if your home is ready. Once we sign the agreement, photography can be booked within days and we can go live soon after. But we’ll never rush you — presentation matters.

Hot Tip: We’ll move as fast as you’re comfortable — while ensuring your home hits the market at its absolute best.

Maybe — but they’re not always sticky-beaks. Neighbours often know someone looking. We manage open homes with multiple team members and monitor who’s coming through.

Hot Tip: Neighbours can be helpful — but don’t talk price with anyone. Let your agent handle those conversations.

Yes — most sellers meet two or three agents. It’s about finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

Hot Tip: Trust your gut. The best agent isn’t just the most polished — it’s the one who listens and truly has your back.

It’s best to stay vague. Even well-meaning friends and neighbours can repeat things unintentionally. Let us handle those conversations.

Hot Tip: Loose lips can cost you thousands. Price strategy is best left to your agent.

Yes. Buyers must sign a formal multi-offer declaration, and the process is tightly managed for fairness and transparency.

Hot Tip: Multi-offers are real — and powerful. They often lead to stronger prices and better conditions.

Maybe. Auctions can drive strong, unconditional results — especially in competitive markets. But they’re not for every home.

Hot Tip: We’ll guide you on whether auction is right — or if a different method suits your goals better.

Perfect. Many of our clients started with a friendly, no-pressure chat. We’re happy to offer advice, timing suggestions, or just talk through your options.

Hot Tip: No obligation. No push. Just experienced insight when you’re ready.

Absolutely. We welcome conjunctionals — meaning other agents can bring buyers to your home, even though we’re your main agent.

Hot Tip: More agents means more opportunities. We make it easy for others to work with us — and with you.

You’ll work directly with Sarah, Julie and Winnie. We don’t pass your campaign to juniors or disappear after you sign.

Hot Tip: When it’s your most valuable asset, you want senior, experienced agents by your side — every step.

You’re not just paying to “list” your property — you’re hiring a team to manage strategy, pricing, presentation, compliance, buyer handling, and negotiation — to get you the best result.

With us, you get:
• A business owner (Julie) and licensed agent overseeing compliance
• A marketing and sales expert (Sarah) with over 12 years’ experience
• A hands-on team who helps you present and stage your home
• Open homes hosted by us — not handed off
• Access to buyers, developers and re-targeted digital campaigns
• Honesty, transparency, and support from day one

Hot Tip: You’re not hiring a listing agent — you’re hiring an experienced selling team.