Agent decision framework
How to choose a real estate agent in NZ
A practical New Zealand interview and comparison checklist for testing agent evidence, campaign strategy, fees, responsibilities and working fit.
Choose the strongest evidence and plan for your property — not the highest appraisal, lowest fee or most confident pitch alone.
01
Shortlist people, not only brands
The individual agent, team and local office execute the campaign. Verify the licence, identify who will do each part of the work and separate brand claims from the candidate's own evidence.
- Check the REA public register
- Confirm the branch and supervising agent
- Ask who runs viewings, buyer follow-up and negotiation
- Trace awards, sales and review summaries to an appropriate source
02
Ask the same 12 questions
Comparable questions make differences visible. Record the answer and the evidence offered rather than scoring presentation style.
- Which recent comparable sales support your appraisal range, and what is different about my property?
- Who is the likely buyer, and how will the campaign reach them?
- Which method of sale do you recommend, and what evidence supports it?
- What price-positioning options did you reject, and why?
- What commission, GST, administration, marketing and optional costs could I pay?
- What happens to marketing costs if I withdraw or the property does not sell?
- Who will conduct open homes, private viewings, follow-up and negotiation?
- How and how often will you report enquiry, feedback and campaign performance?
- How will early, conditional and multiple offers be handled?
- What would make you change the price, method or marketing plan?
- Which agency-agreement term do you propose, and what are the exit provisions?
- May I speak with recent sellers whose situation is genuinely comparable?
03
Standardise every proposal
Ask candidates to use the same expected sale-price scenarios and cost categories. A low percentage can be offset by tiers, minimums, administration or marketing; a high appraisal is not a completed sale.
| Evidence area | Record this | Weak signal |
|---|---|---|
| Appraisal | Comparable sales and property adjustments | Range without traceable evidence |
| Campaign | Buyer, message, channels, timing and review plan | Generic package with no property rationale |
| Costs | Commission incl. GST, fees, marketing and optional items | Headline percentage only |
| Responsibilities | Named person for each seller-facing task | Unclear hand-offs or team attribution |
| Agreement | Type, term, commission trigger and exit clauses | Pressure to sign before advice |
04
Use the appraisal as a test, not a prize
A written appraisal should be realistic and based on market conditions and comparable evidence. Ask how the range connects to the proposed method, price presentation and buyer strategy.
05
Check working fit after evidence
Responsiveness, clarity and candour matter because the relationship continues through uncertainty and negotiation. Use them as decision factors after the proposal is complete, not as substitutes for evidence.