Selling Methods Explained

The sale method should fit your property, your priorities and the buyers the campaign aims to reach. At Ray White Hamilton City, we will discuss the options with you rather than treating one method or campaign length as right for every home.

Public auction

An auction brings interested buyers together to bid publicly. Discuss the campaign, reserve, auction terms and what happens if the property does not sell on the day.

• What to consider: the preparation buyers need to bid, your timing and how enquiries and feedback will be managed.
• The commitment: an accepted bid creates an unconditional sale under the agreed auction terms. Buyers need their checks and finance arranged before bidding.
• Ask your salesperson: why an auction suits this property, the proposed costs and the options for pre-auction offers or a passed-in result.

Deadline sale

A deadline campaign advertises an end date for offers. Confirm the marketing terms, including whether offers may be considered before that date.

• What to consider: how buyers will be informed of the deadline and how competing offers will be handled.
• Offer terms: buyers may submit conditional or unconditional offers. Consider conditions and dates as well as the price.
• Ask your salesperson: how you will review offers, what happens if none is acceptable and how the campaign can adapt.

Sale by negotiation or advertised price

A property may be offered with an asking price or by negotiation. Discuss the evidence behind the pricing approach and how it will be reviewed as buyer feedback develops.

• What to consider: the information buyers need to assess the property and the alternatives available to them.
• Flexibility: price and other terms can be negotiated, subject to the agreement reached. There is no guarantee about the time needed to find a buyer.
• Ask your salesperson: how enquiries, viewings and written offers will be presented to you and how a multi-offer situation would be managed.

Sale by tender

A tender invites written offers under specified tender conditions and a closing date. Have your lawyer explain those documents and the process for considering and accepting an offer.

• What to consider: the submission requirements, available property information and the time allowed to review tenders.
• Offer terms: evaluate the full proposal, including any conditions, rather than assuming the highest price is the best overall fit.
• Ask your salesperson: why tender is recommended for this property and the next steps if you do not accept an offer.

Compare the complete campaign

For each option, ask about the marketing budget, agency commission and other charges, preparation, viewing arrangements, communication and your legal commitments. Confirm which costs are payable regardless of a sale and which depend on the outcome.

Arrange legal advice before signing an agency agreement or accepting an offer. Read Settled’s explanation of sale methods for independent information.

Request an appraisal to discuss your property, or explore our selling guide and preparation advice.