Selling Guide

Selling well starts with a clear plan for your property and your next move. Ray White Barrington brings local people, considered marketing and the reach of the Ray White network together to help you make informed decisions. From your first appraisal to handing over the keys, the aim is to keep the process organised and your choices clear.

Begin with a complimentary property appraisal

We look at the home’s features, condition and presentation alongside relevant recent sales and current competition. Tell us about improvements, known issues, your timing and what you hope to achieve. The appraisal is an informed market estimate, not a registered valuation or a guarantee of the eventual sale price.

Our appraisal page explains what to prepare and how an appraisal differs from a council rating value. If you are buying as well, consider with your lender and lawyer how deposit timing, conditions and settlement dates could work together.

Agree the service, costs and preparation

Before signing an agency agreement, understand the appointment period, commission including GST, marketing charges, any other agreed expenses and when payment may be due. Ask what is included, what is optional and what happens if the property does not sell. Your lawyer can review the agreement before you commit.

Prepare the documents buyers may need: title and ownership information, relevant building consents and completion records, warranties, chattels and exclusions, and known property issues. Tell your salesperson about relevant earthquake, insurance and repair information so that disclosures and supporting records can be addressed early.

Our preparing-to-sell checklist helps you prioritise cleaning, maintenance, presentation and photography. Staging can be considered where it helps show the home’s spaces, but its cost and timing should fit your plan.

Choose a sale method with clear trade-offs

Discuss asking price, negotiation, auction, tender or deadline sale in the context of your property, likely buyers and timing. Some buyers need finance or inspection conditions; others can be ready for an unconditional auction. The method should support your circumstances rather than rely on a promised premium price.

Agree how early offers will be handled, the campaign milestones and the next step if the property does not sell under the initial approach. Our sale-method guide explains the differences.

Build a marketing plan around the likely buyer

A family home, a first-home option and a downsizing choice may need different emphasis. We will discuss the property’s strongest relevant features and a mix of photography, online presentation, signage and viewings suited to the campaign. Confirm the actual channels, inclusions and spending before launch.

The Ray White network broadens the connections behind the local campaign. Our role is to turn enquiries and buyer conversations into useful follow-up and feedback, not simply place the property online. Ask your salesperson how interested buyers will be handled, how information will be recorded and how they will keep you informed. Specific tools and services depend on the agreed campaign.

Use viewings and feedback to make decisions

Agree access arrangements and a communication rhythm that works for you. Review enquiry quality, viewing feedback, comparable competition and any barriers buyers identify. Feedback is evidence to discuss alongside the campaign, not a reason to make an automatic price change after a single comment.

Selling a home with tenants

A tenanted property can appeal to an investor, and a sale does not automatically end the tenancy. Before setting a campaign timetable, discuss the agreement and your options with your lawyer, salesperson and any property manager. Do not promise vacant possession until the timing and legal position have been checked for that tenancy.

The landlord must tell the tenant in writing when the property is put on the market. Plan photography and viewings together: the tenant’s permission is required to enter for photos and to show prospective buyers or professionals through. Tenants can set reasonable conditions and can refuse open homes. Discuss appointments, privacy and personal belongings before arranging the campaign.

Gather the tenancy agreement and relevant records for your lawyer. If the property will remain tenanted, clarify how the tenancy and any property-management arrangements will be handled through settlement. Tenancy Services explains selling a rental property; your lawyer can advise on the particular agreement and any notice or possession questions.

Consider the whole offer

Price matters, but so do finance and inspection conditions, the deposit, settlement timing and any special terms. We present offers and help you understand the commercial choices, while your lawyer advises on legal obligations and wording. Counter-offers and multi-offer situations need a clear documented process.

Once an agreement is signed, the next steps depend on its conditions and deadlines. Keep working with your lawyer and salesperson until conditions are satisfied and the agreement becomes unconditional. An accepted conditional offer is not yet a completed sale.

Prepare for settlement

Confirm the moving plan, included chattels and any agreed work. Keep the property in the condition required by the agreement and arrange the buyer’s pre-settlement inspection. Your lawyer manages the legal transfer and financial settlement. Keys are released when settlement is confirmed.

For independent information, read Settled’s selling resources. To discuss your home and preferred timing, book a complimentary appraisal, meet our team or call 03 332 2080.

Choose the people and tools behind your campaign

Compare our salespeople’s backgrounds and approaches, understand marketing technology and useful reporting, and read attributed client reviews before your next conversation.