Marketing Strategies

There is more to selling a home than putting up a sign. Your sale method should fit the property, the likely buyers, your timing and the terms you need. At Ray White Next Step, we can talk through the options alongside an appraisal and a marketing plan.

Your agency agreement and sale method

An exclusive or sole agency agreement appoints an agency to market your property for an agreed period. It is separate from the method of sale. You can discuss a priced campaign, negotiation, auction, tender or deadline sale with your agent. Have your lawyer check the agency agreement, commission, marketing costs and cancellation terms before signing. Settled explains agency agreements.

Advertised price or negotiation

An asking price gives buyers a clear starting point. Price by negotiation invites offers without a fixed advertised figure. In either case, compare the evidence behind the price and review buyer feedback as the campaign progresses. An asking price does not guarantee the final sale price or set a legal ceiling on offers.

Public auction

An auction brings interested buyers together at a set time and can create open competition. You set a confidential reserve, and a successful bid accepted at auction creates an unconditional sale. Buyers need to finish their checks and arrange finance before bidding. Agree the campaign, auction terms, deposit and settlement date with your agent and lawyer. Competition and the result depend on the property and market; an auction does not guarantee a premium price or a sale.

Tell your agent how you wish to handle pre-auction offers. If the property may sell earlier, the advertising and communication with interested buyers should make that process clear. See our buyer auction preparation and upcoming auction feed.

Tender

Buyers submit confidential written offers using the tender documents. You can consider price, conditions and settlement terms, then accept, reject or negotiate an offer. A tender property can sell before the deadline where the process allows it; the marketing should say “unless sold prior” if early offers may be accepted. Buyers should register their interest and have their lawyer review the documents. Read Settled’s tender guidance.

Deadline or set date of sale

A deadline campaign invites offers by an advertised date. Offers may include conditions. Confirm whether early offers will be considered, how interested buyers will be kept informed and what happens if the property remains unsold. The strongest offer for you may depend on its conditions and timing as well as price.

Choose a plan for your property

Start with a property appraisal, review our selling preparation tips, or call 03 386 0311. For an independent overview, see Settled’s methods of sale.