What to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before You Sign Anything

Most People Decide Too Quickly

Choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make — yet most vendors sign with whoever rang first or came recommended by a neighbour. That's not always wrong, but it's rarely the best approach. Before you put pen to paper on an agency agreement, ask these questions. A good agent won't flinch at any of them.

The 8 Questions to Ask Every Agent

1. Can you show me recent sales you've done in my suburb? Not just testimonials — actual addresses, sale dates, and prices where possible. Any agent can tell you they're experienced. Proof is different.
2. What method of sale do you recommend for my property, and why? Auction, deadline sale, or price by negotiation — there's no universal answer. The agent should be able to explain their reasoning based on your specific property and the current market, not just default to whatever they run most often.
3. How many active buyers do you have on your database who could be interested in my property? A well-connected agent with a live buyer database can sometimes match a property before it even goes to market. The answer matters less than whether they can speak to it specifically.
4. What does your marketing plan include, and what's the cost breakdown? You should receive a clear breakdown — photography, videography, online listings, print, open homes, social media. Marketing costs are typically paid by the vendor in New Zealand, so know what you're committing to.
5. How will you communicate with me during the campaign — and how often? Weekly written updates? Phone calls after every open home? The cadence matters. You shouldn't be chasing your agent for information about your own property.
6. What's your average days on market across your recent listings? This tells you something real. A high number isn't always bad — some properties are complex — but an agent should be able to answer this without hesitation.
7. Are you licensed under the Real Estate Authority (REA)? All agents in New Zealand must be licensed. You can verify any licence at the REA website. It takes 30 seconds and is worth doing.
8. What happens if I'm not happy with how things are going? A confident agent will walk you through the process clearly. If the answer feels evasive, that's information too.

What the Answers Tell You

You're not just listening to what agents say — you're watching how they respond. A strong agent will answer these questions directly, with specific examples. They won't be defensive. They won't deflect. If someone stumbles on basic questions like days on market or can't produce a single comparable sale in your area, that tells you something important before any agreement is signed.

Understanding the Agency Agreement

An agency agreement is a legally binding contract between you (the vendor) and the agency. It gives the agent the right to market and sell your property on your behalf. In New Zealand, these agreements typically run for 90 days, though the duration can vary. Read it carefully before signing — particularly the clauses around commission, marketing costs, and what happens if the agreement expires while a buyer introduced during the campaign later purchases the property.

You're entitled to take the agreement away and read it overnight. Any agent who pressures you to sign on the spot, or who can't clearly answer the questions above, is not the agent for you.

The Right Agent Makes a Real Difference

I've been asked every one of these questions by vendors — and I welcome them. My job isn't just to list your property. It's to deliver greater value than you'd get elsewhere. That starts with a conversation where you feel genuinely informed, not sold to.

If you'd like to find out what your Auckland property is worth, I'd love to help. A free market appraisal takes about 30 minutes and gives you a clear picture of where you stand — whether you decide to sell with me, with someone else, or not at all. Book your free market appraisal today.