If you’re starting to think about selling your home, you probably have questions: Where do I start? Who do I talk to? What are my options? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from that first thought to getting your property on the market. Whether you're aiming to upgrade, downsize, separate, retire, or relocate, this post will help you approach the selling journey with more clarity and confidence.

 

Step 1: Clarify Your Motivation

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Selling a home is a significant decision, emotionally and financially. It’s important to begin by understanding your own “why.”

Ask yourself:

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• Why am I thinking of selling now?

• Is this a lifestyle move (e.g. needing more space, relocating for work)?

• Am I trying to reduce debt or free up capital for retirement or another investment?

• Will I be buying again, renting, or sitting out of the market for a while?
   

Clarity around your motivation will help shape your decisions, especially when it comes to timing, pricing, and choosing a method of sale. For help aligning your property decisions with financial goals, visit Sorted.org.nz.

 

Step 2: Understand the Market

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Having a realistic view of the current property market will help you make smarter decisions. Market conditions can affect how long your home takes to sell, what buyers are looking for, and how you price your property. 

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Things to research:

• Comparable recent sales in your area

• Local buyer demand and inventory

• Interest rate trends and bank lending criteria

• Economic signals that may affect buyer confidence
   

Helpful NZ sites:

• Realestate.co.nz for active listings

• Trade Me Property for active listings

• OneRoof for market reports and property trends

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You can also ask an agent to provide up-to-date data in a Property Appraisal or Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

 

Step 3: Speak to Multiple Agents

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Not all agents are created equal. Your agent will be your representative, advisor, and negotiator, so take time to find someone who fits.

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When interviewing agents:

• Ask about recent sales in your suburb

• Request a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) and discuss its insights

• Understand their marketing approach (e.g. digital, print, social media)

• Clarify commission, marketing fees, and contract terms

• Gauge their communication style and local experience
   

Don’t feel pressured to sign with the first agent you meet. Compare a few and trust your instincts. Visit Settled.govt.nz for more on choosing an agent.

 

Step 4: Get Your Property Ready

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Presentation matters. Buyers often decide within seconds whether a home feels “right”, so it pays to prepare thoughtfully.

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Your agent may suggest a mix of:

• Decluttering and de-personalising

• Minor repairs and fresh paint

• Exterior clean-ups and landscaping

• Staging (either DIY or professional)

• Professional photography and video walkthrough

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If needed, refer to our 12-week home preparation timeline for a step-by-step approach.

 

Step 5: Prepare Legal and Compliance Documents

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Before listing, your agent and lawyer will help prepare essential documentation, including:

• Certificate of Title

• LIM (Land Information Memorandum) from your local council

• Council records (e.g. Code Compliance Certificates for renovations)

• Any building reports or guarantees (e.g. insulation, roofing, appliances)
   

Your real estate agent, lawyer or conveyancer can also advise on any red flags that might slow down a sale. For more guidance, refer to Settled.govt.nz.

 

Step 6: Decide on Pricing Strategy and Launch to Market

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There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing strategy. Your agent will help decide whether your home is best sold by:

• Auction

• Negotiation

• Deadline sale

• Private Treaty

• Tender
   

This choice depends on your property type, market demand, and how much competition is out there.

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Once you agree on the strategy:

• Your home is listed on platforms like Trade Me, realestate.co.nz, and the agency’s site

• Open homes begin (or private viewings if preferred)

• You start receiving feedback and potentially offers
   

Throughout this phase, a good agent should communicate regularly, updating you on buyer interest and any suggested tweaks to your marketing, or approach. It may even be prudent to change sale method, but a good agent will keep you abreast of all of this.

 

Step 7: Reviewing Offers and Going Under Contract

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When an offer is presented, it might be:

• Unconditional (ideal!)

• Conditional (subject to finance, building inspection, due diligence, etc.)
   

Your agent will explain each offer and guide you through negotiations. Once you accept an offer, your lawyer will help manage the conditions and ensure they’re met within the agreed timeframe.

 

Step 8: Settlement and Moving Day

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Once the conditions are met, your sale becomes unconditional. The settlement date is agreed upon in the contract and is when ownership changes hands.

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Make sure to:

• Organise movers

• Cancel utilities and redirect mail

• Arrange your own move-out cleaning or repairs if needed
   

Your agent and lawyer will guide you through any final steps and paperwork. Settlement day can feel chaotic and busy, but your agent has been  here before and should keep you in the loop and up to date.

 

Final Thoughts

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Selling your home is more than just a transaction, it’s a transition. Whether you’re excited, anxious, or still on the fence, the most important thing is to move forward with the right information and the right team behind you. With practical preparation, honest advice, and a clear understanding of each step, you’ll be better equipped to make confident decisions and achieve your goals.​