Start with the written plan

A useful property marketing budget explains what will be done, what it costs and when you pay. Settled.govt.nz recommends a written marketing plan with an itemised budget and suggests asking what marketing is already included in the agent’s service. A single total without a description makes comparison difficult.

Separate advertising from preparation

Photography, listing portals and digital campaigns promote your property. Cleaning, gardening, staging and maintenance prepare it to be shown. Both may be worthwhile, but they are different services. Ask which items are proposed for your home and why.

At One Agency Select Realty, listings include Trade Me Platinum, supported by our wider advertising campaigns. Our selling service explains those inclusions. That does not mean every possible renovation or extra campaign is automatically covered: agree the scope first.

Ask these questions

  • Which portals, campaign platforms and preparation services are included?
  • What is the cost of each item, and is GST clearly shown?
  • Which items are optional, and can the plan be adjusted?
  • Is commission separate from advertising and presentation costs?
  • When is each amount payable, and what happens if I withdraw or the home does not sell?
  • How will extra work, campaign extensions or unused spending be handled?
  • Who owns the photographs, and can I reuse them if the campaign changes?

Do not assume two packages with the same name provide identical placement or duration. For Platinum, for example, search positions rotate and a placement benefit does not mean first position in every search.

How should I judge value?

Look at the match between the campaign and likely buyers, the quality of the presentation, and how the agent plans to follow up enquiries. Reach figures and listing views can help explain activity, but they are not guarantees of qualified buyers, offers or a sale price. Ask how buyer feedback and offers will be reported to you.

Payment timing is a separate decision

Our No Costs Upfront service defers agreed marketing and presentation costs until settlement. Deferred payment is not a discount or free service. Costs remain payable if you withdraw without selling under your agreement.

Before you authorise spending, keep the itemised plan and signed terms together. If you are unsure what you are agreeing to, obtain legal advice. A free appraisal is a starting conversation, not an obligation to list.

Source

Settled.govt.nz: Marketing your property

General information. Your signed agreement and approved campaign determine the services and costs for your property.