Source: Settled.govt.nz

If you have listed your property with a real estate agency, the agent works for you, the seller, so it’s important that you get on well. Before you start working with the agent, you must understand and sign an agency agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the contract between you. We recommend you get a lawyer to check and explain the agency agreement before you sign it. You and your agent are legally obliged to share all relevant information with prospective buyers about the property, including any issues. If the property sells, you pay the agent a commission in return for their work.

Choosing An Agent To Work With

In New Zealand, most real estate agents work for a real estate agency. The agency will usually take care of every stage of the selling process in return for a fee (commission), when the property is sold. The fee is usually based on a percentage of the sale price.

Before an agent starts to work on selling your property, you need to sign an agency agreement. If the agreement is with an agency, you can change the agent you work with from that agency during the selling process if you wish.

Some agents work in partnership with another licensee or a team of other agents. Check whether the agent who has listed your property will be the one you will work with or whether a member of their team will be your point of contact.

For more information on why you should use an agent, head to https://bit.ly/3pDno84.

This page provides general information only and should not be relied on. You should always get advice from your own lawyer or talk to our team at Southland Real Estate directly.