Sell your home faster: Six tips for selling your biggest asset

Whether it’s a buyer’s or a seller’s market, the basics of selling your home remain the same. Understanding your market and being strategic in your approach can make all the difference.  

Here’s how to set yourself up for success. 

1. Do your research—Knowledge is power  

Before you list, take a deep dive into your local market. What’s selling, how long are things sitting on the market, and where are prices heading? 

Start with market insights on realestate.co.nz to get suburb-level insights. This will give you a clearer picture and help you determine where your property sits in the mix.  

2. Choose the right agent (it’s OK to be picky) 

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so don’t rush it. Talk to a few agents, ask questions, and interview them—remember, they work for you, and you’re essentially hiring someone to do one of the most important jobs you’ll ever need doing. 

3. The price is right—Not too high, not too low 

Here's a little secret: pricing your home right can make or break your sale. Don’t just go for the agent who gives you the highest price—it might sound tempting, but setting a price too high can backfire. It could scare away buyers or make your property look like it's been on the market forever. Work with your agent to set a realistic price that reflects your home’s value and the current market. 

4. You can’t sell a secret—Invest in marketing 

If you want your home to sell, you need people to know about it. The more you invest in marketing, the more exposure you will get. Be strategic; a stunning set of photos will always be worth it, but a flashy video? Maybe not so much. Think about where you’ll get the best return on your investment and plan your marketing budget accordingly. 

5. Negotiate—It’s not just about the final price 

Sometimes, the best offer isn't the highest one. If a buyer offers a bit less but with fewer conditions (like no need for a building report or finance approval), it might be worth considering. Offering to leave behind the appliances or agreeing to some flexibility with timing could help seal the deal. Being open to a little give and take might help you get the sale you’re looking for.  

6. Short-term pain, long-term gain

Selling your home can be intense, and for good reason—it’s a lot of work. From scrubbing the floors before every open home to getting the kids and pets out of the house for viewings, it can feel like a never-ending to-do list. But remember it’s all temporary, think of home selling like a sprint, not a marathon. 

So, embrace the chaos for a little while, and keep your eyes on the prize. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful sale. Best of luck! ✨ 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Hannah Franklin | hannah@realestate.co.nz

Want more property insights?

• Market Insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
• Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
• Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.

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