Everyone thinks about the number they might walk away with. Almost nobody asks about the number that gets them there first.

It is a fair question, and one I get asked in nearly every appraisal I do. So here is the honest answer, broken down properly, the way I would explain it to you over a coffee.

Agent commission

This is the biggest line item, and it is calculated as a percentage of your sale price rather than a flat fee upfront. [Insert current Hartles & Co commission structure here.] The way I see it, this keeps everyone pointed at the same outcome: the better your result, the better it is for both of us. I will walk you through the exact figure for your property before you sign anything. No fine print, no surprises later.

Marketing your home

A good campaign is what gets the right buyers through your door, and it does come with a cost. This typically covers professional photography and video, your listing across realestate.co.nz, Trade Me and Homes.co.nz, signage, and any print collateral. [Insert current marketing package range.] I will tailor this to your property rather than handing you a one-size-fits-all package. A three-bedroom home in Rototuna does not need the same campaign as a lifestyle block out in Ngaruawahia.

Legal fees

You will need a solicitor to handle the sale and purchase agreement and settlement. This sits outside what we charge and is worth budgeting for early. If you do not already have one, I am always happy to point you toward a few good ones in Hamilton.

The costs people forget about

A building report, if you do not already have one. Minor repairs that turn up after a pre-purchase inspection. The actual cost of moving. None of these are dramatic on their own, but they catch people off guard if nobody mentions them before day one. I always run through this list at the very start, so there are no quiet surprises halfway through your campaign.

What you are actually paying for

Selling well is not just paperwork and a sign on the lawn. It is strategy, negotiation, and someone in your corner who genuinely wants the best outcome for you, not just the fastest one. That is what the cost of selling covers, and it is the part most breakdowns leave out.

If you want the real numbers for your specific property, let us grab a coffee and talk it through. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what selling actually looks like for you.

— Kristina