Selling your home can be one of the most stressful life events we can experience.

It’s no wonder that many people experience worry and anxiety at the thought of going to market. Perhaps the biggest reason for this is that it can feel like it’s out of our control. Which is why using a trusted and reliable real estate professional is key to moving through the selling process together.

Here’s your step-by-step guide on what happens when you sell your residential or lifestyle property with us here at PGG Wrightson Real Estate. 

Step 1. An obligation-free property appraisal

Once you make contact with a local real estate agent, they will book a time to come and view the property. This is their first opportunity to start building up a complete picture of what’s on offer, and make detailed notes about all aspects of the home and the land it sits on. 

They will also want to talk to you and ask lots of questions. This will include topics such as why you’re wanting to sell, what aspirations you have for your next move, and whether there is anything you’re concerned about in regards to the sales process. Make sure to share your thoughts, feelings and expectations about going to market and ask any and all questions you have.  

You may wish to make a shortlist of agents, allowing you to compare their approaches and pick the one that ticks all the right boxes. Don’t forget to ask them about their experience, how they would market your home and what is included in their Agency Agreement (in particular, understanding commission, fee structures and other associated costs such as advertising/marketing). 

Step 2. A review and recommendations

Your agent will then put together a sales proposal - this may take a few days. It will include in-depth data about your property (that they are able to access from online information portals) and a comparative market analysis to show where your home would approximately fit in the current market, when it comes to price and offering. This is about ensuring your property is valued correctly, and you’re always welcome to employ the services of an independent valuer if you want to make sure you have it just right.   

Your agent will also have some advice and recommendations for how you could improve your home to better appeal to buyers. These aren’t likely to be costly, but would be small changes and quick fixes that could really make an impact for the marketing campaign. 

It’s always best to have an open mind when it comes to these suggestions - and to not take it personally! Your real estate agent is there to help and guide you to ensure you get the result you’re looking for.   

Step 3. Deciding on the sale method

Remember, the initial property appraisal is obligation-free. So you can go through steps one and two and not continue on if you aren’t quite ready to sell your home yet. Your agent will be happy to keep in touch until you’re feeling confident about making the move.  

Once this happens, the next decision is which method of sale will work best. So this is choosing from an auction, advertising a listed price, deadline sale, tender or by negotiation. It’s important to understand how they each work, what it means for the sale process and finally, that you feel comfortable with the option that is chosen.     

Step 4. Creating the marketing campaign

Now it’s time for your agent to put together a comprehensive marketing campaign for your residential home or lifestyle property. This will include things such as professional photography, staging (if need be), listing it online and advertising across appropriate channels - like social media and in print. 

If you have a property that is in demand, your agent will probably have a list of buyers they can go to immediately. And they will also work in collaboration with other agents to ensure your listing is visible to them and potential buyers in their network. All of this activity will get as many eyes as possible on your listing, to create interest and appeal.   

Step 5. Open homes and potential buyer viewings

Once your property is listed, your agent will want to have open homes for viewings. And this is your chance to really help your home to shine! Have it looking in tip-top condition, and ask your agent to give you all of their helpful hints so it hits all the right selling points for the target market.  

This can be a difficult part of the selling process, as your life can feel quite disrupted from the viewings and marketing activities. But try to remember that it is only for a short period of time, and your agent will be doing all they can to get the result you’re looking for. Keep focusing on the positives of why you’re making the move. 

Step 6. Receiving offers/going to auction

Whether you decide to go to auction, or are receiving offers by a certain date, keeping in touch with your agent will help alleviate any worries or concerns you may have during this time. 

Communicate any concerns, and ensure your agent is clear about your expectations, so you can work together to make the appropriate decisions once you have offers on the table (or you’re setting a reserve price for auction). Your agent will provide you with all of your options, so you can move forward with confidence.   

Step 7. Negotiation and signing the contract 

Depending on the method of sale, you may have an opportunity to negotiate - either on price or conditions, or both - and again, your agent will be working to get you what’s needed to take the next step. 

You may need to go back and forth with a buyer to agree on a purchase price, or they may have conditions (such as finance) that need to be settled before they can pay the deposit. And this is where having a trusted professional working with you will be invaluable. Don’t feel rushed or pressured through this part of the process, you’re allowed to take your time.      

Step 8. Going unconditional and moving on     

After you’ve signed a sales and purchase agreement, you’ll begin the preparation of moving on from your property. And a good agent will stick around until you’re all settled in your new home.

You would have agreed on a settlement day, which is when the buyer’s money will be transferred to you and they will officially own the home. But sometimes it can be weeks before you have to be out of the property itself, depending on what was negotiated. 

You’ll be feeling relieved that the sales process is finished, but perhaps sad about leaving the property, especially if it was a much-loved family home, which is all completely normal. But hopefully you’re excited about the next chapter too! 

PGG Wrightson Real Estate has more than 170 professionals across New Zealand, who together are a team of trusted local agents. We have been trusted by Kiwis homeowners for generations, to market and sell their houses and properties, and help them to achieve their home ownership dreams. 

Reach out to your local PGG Wrightson Real Estate office now - there’s always a knowledgeable and experienced agent ready to help.