WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SELL A HOUSE?

By Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)
Best Time To Sell A House

Selling well at any time of year depends on your property type, the preparation you do, value, location, method of sale and most importantly, who you choose to list with.

Regardless of when you sell, your choice of real estate agent is one of the major contributors to success.

All in all, the second half of 2023 looks likely to hold "some kind" of market upturn, according to Core Logic.

There are signs heading into spring 2023 that property sales are picking up, however because people have been holding off putting properties on the market, that has eaten into the for sale stock and as a result, prices could be pushing up due to competition among buyers for fewer properties.

First home buyers have been active, mortgaged investors less so.

In any case, there are always buyers looking for properties including those wanting to move closer to family, upgrade their living standard, upsize or downsize, get on the property ladder, move school zones, selling to build new. There are births and deaths, changing locations for new jobs, or wanting a warmer home - the list is endless.

If your property is in Auckland find out more about selling a property now zoned for development.

If your property is in Christchurch, Wellington or any other New Zealand location, you might want a list of recent sales in your area, need help finding a suitable real estate agent or just want to obtain a property appraisal to see how much you could expect if you sold your house.

If you need some information or direction on where to start, send us a message - we can guide you with this.

Longer settlement periods are now more common which helps everyone and gives buyers and sellers more time to find new properties and sell the old ones if they purchased first.


Find out more about the best time to sell a house

FACTORS AFFECTING SALE SUCCESS ANY TIME OF YEAR

The method of sale you choose will play a vital role in your sale price and timeframe. For example, auctions are fewer in numbers and 'negotiation' or 'buyer enquiry over' seem to be more favoured these days. However, some real estate agencies are auctioning properties successfully and if the sale doesn't happen on the day, often it goes through in the following few days.

Strong real estate negotiations with buyers are undoubtedly important and why a competent real estate agent plays a financially pivotal role for home sellers. Choosing a competent real estate agent has never been more important.

Meanwhile, with tighter restrictions for borrowers, home buyers require more input from the vendor's real estate agent to achieve the results vendors expect - again a key part of agent competence.


How to pay the lowest real estate commission in NZ

Compare real estate agents

Whatever time of year you decide to sell any type of property, an optimal result will depend wholly on your choice of real estate agent. It pays to compare vetted real estate companies and agents prior to making this all important decision.

Why compare real estate agents

Home buyers need more help to meet bank lending affordability and LVR rules and competent real estate agents can assist and liaise with banks, mortgage brokers, insurance companies, property valuers, lawyers, councils, building inspectors, accountants, Trusts and families.

Many Kiwis preparing to sell their properties often underestimate the competencies required of a real estate agent in today's property market and it can be confusing who to choose. Many choose the real estate agent they purchased with but this can end up in regret and having to switch property agents.

Real estate agent competencies vary greatly so it's important to get this decision right.


Request a shortlist of vetted real estate agents tailored to your property.

COMPARE REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

The real estate industry is regulated under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 to protect both buyers and sellers and real estate agencies must therefore have standards, policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance is systemised for the 15,000+ selling agents and 906 real estate companies in New Zealand.

Some real estate companies are better than or more committed to compliance than others and this is something we have through our years in the business gained a national overview of. For example, 'non-disclosure' is still a subject of frequent complaints dealt with by the Real Estate Authority but in many cases goes unreported. This comes down to real estate agent integrity.

Although a real estate agency may have its own rules, ultimately it comes down to the real estate agent conducting the sale on your behalf. Choose wisely.


Learn more about how long it takes to sell a house and questions to ask real estate agents

Wise Up NZ Awarded Most Reputable Property Advice Hub NZ 2021

Page updated July 21, 2023 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

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Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

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