The short answer
With One Agency Select Realty, agreed marketing and presentation costs are funded upfront by us and payable at settlement. You do not need to find the agreed campaign money before the sale. Deferred does not mean free: costs are still payable, and if you withdraw without selling, costs remain payable under your agreement.
This is our service, not a rule that applies to every New Zealand agent. Settled.govt.nz explains that advertising costs are usually paid upfront and recommends discussing a written marketing plan and itemised budget. Compare the actual written terms, not just the headline.
What can be included?
Our advertised service covers advertising, home staging, building and LIM reports, gardening, cleaning, maintenance and house wash. Which work your home needs, and the agreed cost of that work, should be discussed with your agent before it is authorised. A small tidy-up and a substantial preparation programme are not the same budget.
Read No Costs Upfront for our service overview, and Trade Me Platinum for the property advertising benefits included with our listings.
Five questions to ask before signing
- What work and advertising have I authorised, and what is the itemised cost?
- How are commission and GST shown, separately from campaign costs?
- When does each payment become due?
- What happens if my home remains unsold, I withdraw, or the campaign changes?
- Will additional work require my approval, and how will changes be documented?
Keep the agreed plan with your agency agreement. Do not assume an extension, extra advertising or further preparation is included without discussing it first.
What happens at settlement?
Agreed marketing and presentation costs are payable from the sale proceeds alongside commission. Ask your agent and lawyer how this will be shown in the settlement arrangements. A sale becoming unconditional and settlement are different milestones; your written terms determine what is payable and when.
Is this right for my property?
Start with a free, no-obligation appraisal. Discuss the condition of your home, your timeframe and the campaign you are comfortable authorising. Your lawyer can review the agreement before you sign. There is no universal package price or guaranteed sale result implied by deferred payment.
Sources and further reading
Company service details are described above; external guidance explains the general New Zealand process. General information, not legal or financial advice.