Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know what my property is actually worth?

Online estimates are a useful starting point, but they don’t see your renovations, presentation, position, buyer demand or what’s happening in your street right now. I’ll give you a realistic appraisal based on recent sales, current competition and what buyers are actually responding to.

Do I need to be ready to sell before getting an appraisal?

Not at all. You might be selling next month, next year or simply trying to understand your options. Knowing what your property could be worth can help you plan your next move without committing to anything.

3. What should I do before putting my home on the market?

Focus on the things buyers notice most: presentation, cleanliness, maintenance, light and first impressions. You don’t necessarily need to spend thousands. I’ll help you work out what is worth doing — and what you can comfortably leave alone.

4. Should I renovate before selling?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes absolutely not. The key is whether the money you spend is likely to come back in the sale price. I’d rather help you spend $500 intelligently than $20,000 unnecessarily.

5. What is the best way to sell my property?

There is no single method that works for every home. Auction, deadline, negotiation or asking price can all work brilliantly in the right situation. The best method depends on your property, your timeline, your competition and the buyers we’re targeting.

6. How important is marketing when selling?

Massively important. Buyers cannot fall in love with a property they never notice. Great photography, video, social media, online advertising and strong presentation are about creating attention, emotion and competition around your home.

7. Why do you use so much video and social media?

Because that’s where people spend their attention. Property marketing has changed, and relying solely on traditional advertising leaves opportunities on the table. My goal is to put your property in front of as many relevant buyers as possible — not just wait for them to find it.

8. Do open homes actually work?

Yes, when they’re part of a bigger strategy. Open homes make it easy for buyers to inspect, create urgency and allow us to collect valuable feedback. They’re not the entire campaign, but they can be a very effective part of it.

9. What happens if my property doesn’t sell straight away?

We look at the data, buyer feedback, enquiry levels and competition, then adjust strategically. Sometimes a small change in price, presentation or marketing can completely change buyer behaviour. The important thing is not sitting still and hoping.

10. How long does it normally take to sell a house?

It varies depending on the property, pricing, location and market conditions. Instead of promising an unrealistic number of days, I focus on getting the strategy right from day one and keeping you informed throughout the campaign.

11. I’m a first-home buyer. Where do I even start?

Start by understanding your budget and getting good advice around finance. From there, I’m happy to sit down over a coffee and explain the buying process, titles, EQC, LIMs, building reports, offers and anything else that feels confusing. No silly questions.

12. Do buyers have to pay you to help them?

Generally, no. As a buyer, you can contact me about properties, ask questions and get help understanding the process without paying me a fee. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask.

13. What should I look for when buying my first home?

Look beyond the fresh paint and cushions. Location, title, building condition, insurance, sun, layout, maintenance and future resale potential all matter. A beautiful kitchen is great — but it shouldn’t distract you from the important stuff.

14. What is a LIM report, and do I need one?

A LIM is a council report containing information about the property, including permits, drainage, planning and other council records. It can be an important part of your due diligence, especially when you’re trying to understand exactly what you’re buying.

15. Do I need a building report?

I generally think building reports are incredibly valuable. They can identify issues you may never notice during a 20-minute viewing and give you much more confidence before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

16. What is EQC and why does it matter in Christchurch?

Christchurch properties can have earthquake-related information attached to them, so understanding what repairs were completed and what documentation exists can be important. Every property is different, so this is something worth investigating properly during your due diligence.

17. Should I sell before I buy?

There are pros and cons either way. Selling first can give you certainty around your budget and make you a stronger buyer, while buying first can reduce the pressure of finding your next home. I can help you work through both scenarios before you make a decision.

18. How do I make my offer more attractive?

Price matters, but it isn’t everything. Finance, settlement date, deposit, conditions and how clean your offer is can all influence a vendor’s decision. Sometimes structuring your offer well can make a significant difference.

19. Is Christchurch still a good place to buy property?

Christchurch continues to attract buyers because of its relative affordability, employment opportunities, lifestyle and ongoing development. But property should always be looked at individually — the right suburb, property type and price matter far more than simply buying because the market is moving.

20. Why should I use you instead of another agent?

Because I don’t believe your property deserves copy-and-paste marketing.

I combine strategy, modern marketing, video, social media and genuine hands-on service to create more attention around your property. I’ll tell you what I think, keep you informed and work hard to get the best result possible.