When you choose to work with James and Damian you will have an exceptional team behind you. They are both highly experienced and capable agents with an extensive and thorough understanding of the market. Their Assistant Sara takes care of the coordination behind the scenes, which enables James and Damian to focus on what's important - you and your home.
The team follows three essential principles: integrity, commitment and results. You can therefore always expect straight up, accurate information and advice at any time.
We recognise that selling your home is a major steppingstone in anyone's life, so our team is committed to making the whole process as easy and stress-free for you as possible - whilst ensuring we also get a premium price for your property.
We have prepared this guide for you which is based on our sellers most common questions. Hopefully it is just a small taste of how helpful we can be if you choose to work with us.
James Haggerty
M +64 27 485 8419
james.haggerty@nzsir.com
Damian Sweetapple
M +64 21 503 337
damian.sweetapple@nzsir.com
An initial meeting to view your home for the purpose of the appraisal and to discuss your goals.
We present our submission to you which includes our appraisal, recommended method of sale and marketing strategy, and to answer any questions you may have. If you decide to sell your property though New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty, we will prepare a comprehensive listing document and authority with you. In addition to the listing document, we are legally required for AML (Anti Money Laundering) purposes to obtain copies of certain identity documents from you as the vendor. We may obtain additional documentation such as council files and LIM if required.
Pre-settlement inspection for part of the Sales & Purchase agreement. We arrange and attend the inspection a few days before settlement to allow the purchaser to ensure that there are no changes to the property and that the chattels are in working order. Our pre-settlement statement is sent to your solicitor. You meet with your solicitor to sign the required documentation for the transfer of the title once the balance of the sale price is paid.
Once conditions are met and the sale is considered ‘unconditional’, the deposit is then collected by New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty and lodged into our Trust Account. A sold sign is placed at your property.
We will provide you with a marketing calendar outlining the proposed marketing and sales process for discussion with you. In summary this will include:
• Staging if required and photography
• Team Caravan - this is where all our local agents visit your home so they can help sell it
• Sale sign erected and flyers distributed in targeted areas
• Listing details on all websites and social media campaign
• Open homes including agreed dates and times
• Weekly vendor reports and meetings to keep you informed of progress
All paperwork is then sent to the respective solicitors for processing. We attend any required building inspections at your property. We then begin to work through conditions (if any) and liaise with solicitors to confirm all conditions are met.
We prepare draft tender/auction documents for your solicitors approval.
The sale process will differ depending on method of sale chosen e.g tender vs auction. Whatever the method selected, we will always endeavour to seek multiple offers on your property.
In the event of a pre-tender or pre-auction offer we will contact all prospective buyers to encourage multiple offers and similarly with the tender or auction. We prepare the Sale & Purchase Agreement for each offer by a purchaser.
With every offer that is presented, we are there to provide any explanation needed and to advise you on the best response. During the negotiation we keep you fully advised each step of the way.
• Think carefully about major renovations. You may not get your money back if you tackle big jobs like modernising the kitchen or bathroom before selling. Budget carefully for these if you decide to go ahead. We are here to help if you would like to discuss what gains may be made if you consider a renovation.
• There are low-cost high impact activities like decluttering, cleaning, touch-ups and repairs that can make a big difference when you come to present your home for sale.
• Street appeal is important. Make sure the section is tidy and inviting. Eliminate any negatives.
• If you are selling a property which is tenanted, this requires open communication and an understanding of everyone’s rights and responsibilities under the Act.
A quick internet search will show you lists of the things you can do to your home to get it ready for sale.
We have collected some of the best tips and documented them here for you.
Removing any clutter will make your home look larger and more appealing.
• Start by removing everything you haven’t used or won’t need for a while.
• Consider hiring a storage unit so you can remove surplus furniture and other items away from the house, or store items in cartons neatly in the garage. Clear plastic bins are ideal as these stack nicely and you can easily see what is contained in them.
• Remember to declutter cupboards too – buyers will check storage during viewings. Tidy, organised cupboards impress and imply that the rest of the house is well looked after. This is true of kitchen cupboards and drawers and the pantry too.
• Use decluttering as an opportunity to reduce items you don’t want to move to your next home.
• Remove or replace chattels that you would like excluded from the sale prior to the first open home, for example, a favourite lightshade.
When your home is free of clutter and surplus furniture, it’s a good time for a deep clean.
• Clean everything, everywhere.
• Think about hiring a professional cleaning team to do this for you if you’re short on time.
• Consider having the carpets professionally cleaned – this can make a big difference.
• When the deep clean has been done, it will be easier to manage before each open home or showing.
Start thinking about the house objectively as a property for sale. This will help you remove yourself emotionally from your home and will help you see it as buyers do. Talk to your agent about who is likely to be interested in your property, and think about what will appeal to them.
• Remove personal photos and items.
• Consider having your home professionally staged if your property is vacant.
• Attend open homes in your area and take a note of what works well and what doesn’t.
The house exterior and garden should be tidy and inviting – first impressions are important.
• Keep lawns mowed, paths swept, free of moss and gardens weeded. Mulching the garden can be an instant improvement and will help manage weeds while your home is on the market.
• Check that fences are in good condition and declutter the section.
• Wash the house and any other buildings, including all windows.
• Check that the front gate is clean, tidy and working well.
• The letterbox should be clean and in good condition with clear numbering.
• Have a look at your front door and consider a fresh coat of paint and a new doormat. Depending on the time of year, you may want to add a pot plant for colour.
Most of us have a list of jobs around the home that haven’t been finished. Now is the time.
• Fix any issues like leaks, damaged retaining walls and broken drains.
• Make sure you have consent and compliance documentation for any changes you’ve made to the property. You can order the building files from your local Council.
• Attend to things like dripping taps, clean out gutters, cracked windows, holes in walls, tired paint, sticking doors and lightbulbs that need replacing.
• Your agent will help you prioritise the tasks to tackle if you’re short of time and budget.
If you’re selling a property which is tenanted, it’s important you let the tenants know at the beginning of the process so all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities
• Advise the tenants in writing.
• You and your real estate agent need permission from the tenant to access the house for photography, open homes or viewings.
• You and your agent need permission from the tenant before including any of their possessions in marketing photos.
• Tenants can set conditions about property access.
Tenancy Services has more information about selling a tenanted house here:
www.tenancy.govt.nz
In addition to these notes, we have compiled a quick checklist to look at prior to photography being taken of your home.
BATHROOM
All shampoos, toothbrushes, scales, waste bins, toilet paper, toilet brush removed.
KITCHEN
All pens, phone books, additional clutter removed from counters including appliances, dishes, dish racks and cleaning products to be out of sight. Book cases should be tidy.
BEDROOMS
All electric blanket cords hidden. Tuck up bedlinen between mattress and check all bedlinen is even. No soft toys on bed. Floor is clear of clothes and shoes, waste bins and remove any dressing gowns from backs of doors.
MISCELLANEOUS
All medicines, torches and glasses removed from bedside tables and kitchen.
LOUNGES
All TV remotes put in a cupboard. Check coffee tables don't have too many books on or underneath.
OUTSIDE AREAS
All hoses and rubbish bins, toys and garden equipment put away in garage. Sweep all areas for leaves etc. Remove any empty pots.
POOL AREAS
Make sure all cleaning equipment including pool cleaners, is put in garage. Do this in advance so there are no wet areas on dry concrete.
OFFICE
Paperwork put away and waste paper bins removed.
WINDOWS
Make sure they are cleaned inside and out so no marks show when the sun shines.
MATS
Remove any mats in rooms except under furniture. Some hall runners are fine.
FAMILY PORTRAITS AND PHOTOS
Put away any family photos from wall and furniture for privacy.
Check for blown bulbs and have them replaced. Check that bulbs are the same colour temperature, i.e. warm daylight or cool daylight. Check all outside lights are working.
• Definite time-frame on sale process.
• Promotes the property – ‘you can’t sell a secret’.
• Creates competitive and urgent atmosphere, attracting a broad range of buyers.
• Bidders compete against each other – not with the vendor, provides comfort to purchasers.
• Promotes integrity – equal opportunity.
• Vendor has control, can dictate terms and conditions, sets a reserve price they are happy to sell at.
• Unconditional buyers only which for higher priced properties can reduce the number of parties bidding.
• Very public process for the vendor, not every property (or vendor) suits Auction.
• Requires parties to register their interest in the property and present an offer within the designated time frame.
• Unearths buyers who are interested in commencing negotiations for the purpose of the property.
• Invites the purchaser to submit expressions of interest on their terms, not Vendor terms.
• Allows the vendor to look at a number of offers, allows the market to indicate the value of the property.
• Not widely known as a method of sale and can limit enquiry and potentially indicate the vendor is not highly motivated to sell.
• A listing price is set that takes into account the current market and sales of similar properties in the area or nearby areas.
• This may allow for a quick sale and targets buyers within a given price bracket.
• Realistic pricing generally produces a reasonably quick sale.
• Can very easily create a price barrier and get no enquiry.
• If enquiry is slow, generally the main reason is price, the only way to go is down.
• Definite time-frame on sale process but as opposed to Auction, retains confidentiality between purchasers and allows the vendor to deal with the preferred party, should they wish.
• Creates competition in the unknown, people are not limited by what others are prepared to offer, and pay what they are comfortable to secure the property.
• Offers may include conditions (e.g. subject to sale / finance / builders report) or trades as part of the purchase price.
• Especially suits properties that require ‘in depth’ investigation and due diligence.
• Vendor has control, having the ability to work with the Tender of choice, or not at all.
• Attracts good enquiry and feedback of value that the market sees. If does not sell at Tender allows accurate pricing post.
• There is no defined sale date, which reduces the ability to generate urgency to bring parties to the negotiating table with serious intent.
• No price is ever required to be provided on the property when enquiry occurs. Willing buyer meets willing seller.
• Can be used in conjunction with the Rateable Valuation to provide a guide.
• With the approval of Vendor can be used in conjunction with a ‘buyers from’ guide. A minimum budget qualifying someone to view the home, but not a number where an offer would be accepted.
• Used post Tender or Auction campaign while offers are still being negotiated.
• There is no defined sale date, which reduces the ability to generate urgency to bring parties to the negotiating table with serious intent.
• Generates enquiry from buyers, generally through e-mail to the agent, which then in turn allows dialogue to begin, and a database to be built of interested parties in the home.
• A price is required to be provided on the property when enquiry occurs. A price the vendor will sell at today.
• The database can then be contacted as circumstances change, which maybe method of sale, price, Open Homes.
We have completed two property transactions with Damian over the past 12 months and have found him thoroughly trustworthy at all times. Open, honest, quick to respond and results driven. It is without hesitation that we recommend him.
TIM & STEPHANIE MURPHYJames just made the whole sale process so easy and without any stress to us. We were very happy with the result so much so we recommended him to a friend in the neighbourhood where he achieved a similar result.
I have known Damian for the last year, during which time I have sold two properties and bought one through him. He has always been highly knowledgeable and professional. He has a good understanding of the property market and offered helpful advice regarding the presentation of my homes, marketing strategies and relevant negotiation procedures. He was consistently optimistic and supportive throughout the process. Above all, Damian is highly personable and engaging. His warmth and sense of humour as well as his easy availability, make him a real pleasure to work with. He will always be my first port of call for any of my property needs.
We found Damian friendly, easy to work with and informative every step of the way. We found Damian and James both very likeable and easy to work with. Damian was our primary. We felt we had very good communication with him, he was informative and guided us through the selling process with ease. Overall, we felt we had excellent service from Sotheby’s.
Great agents, great marketing and National/ International exposure.
James is a very astute, knowledgeable agent whom I felt entirely at ease with and had absolute trust would do his best for me. He was kind, patient and informative throughout the process. All important communication was delivered in person and I was kept fully informed throughout the sale process.
We can’t thank Damian enough for everything he has done to sell our property. His professional mannerism and knowledge took away all the stress involved. Damian was polite, informative and adaptable in a quickly changing market. A gentleman to say the least.
DANIEL MURPHYWe were delighted with James’ professional approach, careful attention, prompt responses and results.
In addition to the excellent service, they are well informed and have the necessary connections to resolve any issues that may arise.
I am delighted that I chose to work with Damian Sweetapple to sell my home. From the outset, Damian was willing to listen and care about my perspective and to help me reach the point of letting go. I couldn’t be happier with the process and outcome. His confidence, attention to detail, and commitment to my time frame enabled me to have faith in his recommended process. He was honest, considerate, open and extremely professional. He worked hard to locate the perfect vendor for my home and appreciated that for me it was also important that the new vendor be considerate of my neighbours and the particularities of the body corporate. Damian went out of his way to guide and accommodate me and for that I am extremely grateful. If you choose to work with Damian, I would advise to trust him - he knows his industry and he will treat you as his sole priority. Damian selling my house has enabled me to realise my dreams and move to France with peace of mindmerci, merci beaucoup.
James is a highly experienced agent. We appreciated his understanding and reading of the real estate market, in what are complex and dynamic times. His knowledge and advice enabled us to achieve a pleasing price within a short timeframe. We would highly recommend him to any seller or buyer.
SOLD 22 PUKEKO PLACE
SOLD 80 VIGOR BROWN STREET
SOLD 243 EMERSON STREET
SOLD 4 CHARLES STREET
SOLD 4 SEALY ROAD
SOLD 43 MAY AVENUE
SOLD 9 MACAULAY STREET
SOLD 27 SEAPOINT ROAD
SOLD 64 MOTEO PA ROAD
SOLD 356 DARTMOOR ROAD
SOLD 26A CAMERON ROAD
SOLD 39 ESK VIEW ROAD
SOLD 5 RAIKAIA WAY
SOLD 2 SELWYN ROAD
SOLD 50 CHARLES STREET
SOLD 206/1 LEVER STREET
SOLD 30 SEAPOINT ROAD
SOLD 15 LAKEVIEW TERRACE
As part of the largest real estate company in the world, we are in the unique position to offer a truly seamless local to global marketing approach from strategy to execution. Our commitment to unparalleled quality has been in place since the inception of the Sotheby’s brand over 275 years ago. With over 25,000 independent Sales Associates in 79 countries and territories and over 1000 offices, our network members utilise marketing innovation with unmatched reach to present a home in the most successful way.
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand has the unique effect of lifting the profile and quality perception of a property which elevates it above the competition, stands it apart and gives it a clear point of difference in the market.
Launched in 1976, Sotheby’s International Realty was founded on a commitment to exceptional service and soon became known for the distinctive properties it represents. New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty continued that reputation locally when the brand was established in Hawke’s Bay in 2012. sothebysrealty.com
James Haggerty
M +64 27 485 8419
james.haggerty@nzsir.com
Damian Sweetapple
M +64 21 503 337
damian.sweetapple@nzsir.com
