5 Reasons Why You Could Be Underselling Your Property

A Quick Seller Checklist: Are You Set Up for Success?

Before you bring your property to market, it’s worth asking yourself a few key questions.

Getting these right early can make a significant difference to your final sale price. If you hesitate on any of these, you may be at risk of underselling — often without even realising it.

• Have you prepared your home to make a strong first impression?

• Is your marketing strategy designed to reach every potential buyer?

• Can buyers and agents access your property easily?

• Do you understand what a good offer looks like in today’s market?

• Have you chosen a salesperson who is proactive, motivated, and invested in your result?

Let’s look at the five most common reasons this happens, and how to avoid them.

Reason 1: Poor Property Presentation Can Cost You Thousands

First impressions matter — and in real estate, they matter a lot.

A home that feels cluttered, tired, or poorly maintained can turn buyers off before they’ve even had a chance to fall in love. Many buyers struggle to look past cosmetic issues, which can result in lower offers or reduced competition.

Tip: Declutter, clean thoroughly, and address minor repairs before launching to market. Even small upgrades can make a big difference. A good salesperson will guide you on where to spend — and where not to — to maximise your return.

Reason 2: Weak Marketing Limits Buyer Competition

In today’s market, simply listing your property isn’t enough.

If your home isn’t supported by professional photography, strong online exposure, and targeted advertising, it may never reach the buyers willing to pay the most. Limited marketing often leads to limited interest — and limited interest leads to lower offers.

Tip:Work with a salesperson who offers a clear, well-thought-out marketing strategy. High-quality visuals, broad exposure, and smart targeting ensure your property is seen by every possible buyer — not just a few.

Reason 3: Limited Access Reduces Buyer Demand

Even the best-presented, best-marketed home can undersell if buyers can’t get through the door.

Restrictive viewing times or limited access can reduce competition and send the wrong message to the market. Fewer buyers viewing often means fewer offers — and weaker negotiating power.

Tip:Be as flexible as possible with access. The more buyers who see your property, the better your chances of achieving a premium result.

Did you know?

Barfoot & Thompson is the only real estate agency in New Zealand to use the Supra lockbox — a secure, tracked system that allows over 1,800 salespeople to safely access your property and bring qualified buyers through, while maintaining strong security protocols.

Reason 4: Not Understanding What a Strong Offer Looks Like

Knowing whether an offer is genuinely strong requires experience and up-to-date market knowledge.

Some sellers hold out too long, expecting a higher price that never materialises. Others accept the first offer out of uncertainty, only to realise later they may have undersold.

Tip:A skilled salesperson will help you understand the quality of an offer — not just the price — and guide you on when to push, when to negotiate, and when to accept. This leads us to the most important reason of all…

Reason 5: Choosing the Wrong Agent Can Undermine Your Result

The salesperson you choose has a direct impact on your result.

A salesperson who lacks motivation, follow-up, or market knowledge can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. A hungry salesperson — one who is proactive, strategic, and genuinely invested in your outcome — will drive competition, manage buyers carefully, and negotiate relentlessly on your behalf.

Tip:Look for an agent with proven results, strong communication, and a clear plan. Passion, persistence, and attention to detail make all the difference when it’s time to extract the best price from the market.

Avoid These Pitfalls

Underselling your property is often avoidable. With the right preparation, marketing, access, advice, and representation, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to succeed.

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make — it deserves careful strategy and experienced guidance.

Many of these issues come down to preparation, strategy, and choosing the right salesperson from the very beginning.

Thinking of Selling or Struggling to Sell?

With a proven track record, a keen eye for detail, and bespoke marketing strategies, selling your property with Nish & Charlotte gives you a clear edge.

Backed by Barfoot & Thompson’s industry-leading systems, preferential marketing access, and

New Zealand’s largest non-franchised network of salespeople, you give your property the best possible chance of achieving an outstanding result.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential chat about your real estate goals — and let’s make home dreams happen.

Nish Jadav and Charlotte Goudge are North Shore–based real estate agents who believe property doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be explained well.

They break down complexity into plain English, guiding buyers and sellers with honesty, clarity, and a calm, considered approach. Whether you’re selling a family home, an investment property, or planning your next move, Nish and Charlotte are all about good advice, clear communication, and no unnecessary jargon.