Question 3 of 12

What will the marketing campaign cost me?

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Why this question matters

A campaign package is easier to assess when you can see what is being purchased. Ask for the quantity, channel, timing and purpose of each item. Separate photography, video, portals, signs and printed material from the agent's own work. Check for costs listed in both the commission inclusions and the marketing budget before adding the totals.

What to ask the agent for

An itemised marketing budget, what is optional, what happens to unused spend, and any rebates, discounts or commissions the agency receives.

Ask what the agent would keep if you reduced the budget and why. Agree how additional spending will be approved, rather than leaving an open-ended authority to buy more advertising.

What a strong answer should include

Itemised costs, optional and included services clearly separated, and no pressure to buy extras.

What to write down or compare

  • The complete quoted budget, including GST and payment dates.
  • Included, optional and committed items, with a reason for each upgrade.
  • What happens to unused spending, cancelled bookings and materials if the campaign stops.

Relevant NZ seller considerations

Settled advises sellers to obtain a detailed marketing plan and explains that agreed extra marketing can remain payable even if the property does not sell. Confirm the actual obligations and any refunds in your written proposal.

Video transcript

The commission is only part of what selling your home can cost. Before you sign, ask this, what will the marketing campaign actually cost me? Ask for the full marketing budget and dollars, including photography, video, online advertising, premium portal upgrades, signage, brochures, floor plans, auction marketing and any other extras. Then ask which costs are fixed, which are optional and which you still have to pay if the property does not sell. A strong answer gives you a written breakdown before you commit, not a vague estimate that grows later. You are not just comparing agents, you are comparing the total cost of getting your property in front of buyers. Write the totals down side by side. Get the free agent interview pack PropertySeller.co.nz.