Selling Costs

Work out the funds available for your next move before setting a sale budget. Start with a realistic sale-price range and allow for the mortgage repayment, selling costs and the practical cost of moving.

Build a complete sale budget

Start with a realistic sale-price range, then deduct the mortgage repayment and selling costs to estimate the funds available for your next move. Repeat the calculation at the lower end of the range so your onward purchase does not depend on the most optimistic result.

• Agency costs: the agreed commission, how it is calculated, GST and when it becomes payable.
• Marketing: photography, video, online advertising, print, signage and any auction-related charge included in your proposed plan.
• Preparation: repairs, cleaning, gardening, storage and any staging you choose.
• Professional and moving costs: legal work, any reports you commission, removals, service connections and temporary accommodation.
• Finance: mortgage discharge costs, any early repayment charge and the cost of overlapping ownership or bridging finance if relevant.

Ask for the proposed costs in writing, including what is payable if the property does not sell. Compare the service and marketing included alongside the fee. Read Settled’s selling-finance guidance and confirm property-specific figures with your advisers.

Use a net-proceeds worksheet

Write down each item with its expected amount, who supplied the estimate, whether GST is included and when payment is due. Separate confirmed quotes from allowances that still need checking.

1. Expected sale price, using a sensible range rather than one optimistic figure.
2. Less mortgage repayment and any lender discharge or early repayment charges.
3. Less agreed commission and marketing.
4. Less legal, preparation and moving costs.
5. The balance is an estimate of available funds, before any other personal obligations or tax that may apply.

Repeat the worksheet at the lower end of the appraisal range. If you are buying before selling, model the period when both properties may need funding. Confirm the finance and settlement sequence with your lender and lawyer before making the onward commitment.

Compare agency proposals fairly

Check the service, campaign assets and responsibilities included in each proposal. Ask how the commission is calculated, when it becomes payable and which costs remain payable if the property does not sell. Confirm whether photography, video, signage, online promotion, auction services and later campaign changes are included or separately charged.

Read the agreement’s term, cancellation arrangements and any potential overlap with an earlier agency. Record any agreed discount or change in writing. A headline fee alone does not explain the total commitment.

Request an appraisal for property-specific evidence and a proposed plan, or call 03 359 0384. Eligible cardholders can also read the SuperGold offer and conditions.

Plan your sale with Ray White Burnside

Use the appraisal form below to tell us about your property and the move you are considering. If you would like to work with a particular salesperson, include their name in your message. You can also call 03 359 0384 to talk with the office.