Free NZ seller worksheet

12 questions to ask before you sign with a real estate agent

Interview up to three agents side by side, compare the evidence behind their recommendations, understand fees and marketing costs, and make a more informed decision before signing an agency agreement.

Download the free pack Watch the first two questions

Immediate seven-page PDF download. No email address, phone number or property details required.

12 practical interview questions
Compare three agents side by side
Commission and marketing-cost checks
NZ agency-agreement pre-signing checklist

Cover of the PropertySeller Agent Interview Pack

Three-agent scorecard page from the PropertySeller Agent Interview Pack

Inside the pack

A working comparison, not an ebook.

Use the pack during each interview. Capture examples, dollar figures, dates and named responsibilities before you assign a score.

Ask consistently

Put the same 12 questions to each candidate so presentation style does not obscure the evidence.

Compare three agents

Record the answer, supporting evidence and a 1-5 score across three candidates on one page.

Check before signing

Review commission, marketing extras, agreement type, dates, cancellation and potential continuing commission.

Why these questions matter

One number is never the whole proposal.

An appraisal, commission percentage or marketing presentation should not be judged in isolation. Compare the evidence, total costs, proposed strategy, communication responsibilities and contractual commitments together.

The pack does not favour high-fee, low-fee, franchise or independent agencies. It helps you make each proposal inspectable.

12 Questions Before You Sign

Start with appraisal evidence and the real commission total.

Watch the first two explainers, then use the complete 12-question PDF during each agent interview.

Video 1 / 12

Question 1: Test the evidence behind an appraisal

Ask what recent comparable properties actually sold for compared with the appraisal or price guidance given to each vendor.

Read the video transcript

Three agents. Three numbers. But before you decide, ask one simple question. For the agent's last 10 comparable sales, what did those properties actually sell for compared with the appraisal or price range given to the vendor? A weak answer stays vague. Ask for real examples: the appraisal or price range, the final sale price, and when it sold. Compare the answers side by side. Download the free Agent Interview Pack at PropertySeller.co.nz.

Open captions are embedded in the video. The transcript above provides the spoken content in text.

Video 2 / 12

Question 2: Ask what commission actually includes

Ask for the estimated commission in dollars, GST treatment, minimum and administration fees, and which services or costs sit outside commission.

Read the video transcript

Two agents can quote similar commission rates and still leave you with very different total costs. Before you sign, ask this: what exactly is included in your commission, and what will I be charged for separately? Ask for the estimated commission in actual dollars, whether GST is included, any minimum fee, separate administration, auction or photography charges, or other charges. Then ask them to show you which services are included in the commission and which are not. You are not trying to find the lowest percentage. You are trying to compare the real cost of the service you are buying. Write the totals down side by side. Get the free Agent Interview Pack at PropertySeller.co.nz.

Open captions are embedded in the video. The transcript above provides the spoken content in text.

Read all 12 interview questions

Ready for the interviews?

Put the evidence and total costs side by side.

Download now. No email gate and no details sent to agents.

Download the free pack