Picking a real estate agent is a big decision for any seller. When the sellers are two people who have separated, it can feel like the first real test of whether they can still make a joint decision about the house. One person may favour the agent who sold the neighbour’s place, the other may distrust anyone the first person suggests. Approaching the choice as a shared project with clear steps makes it far less likely to stall.
Agree on what you need before you meet anyone
Before any appraisals, sit down (or swap a written list) and agree on what matters most. Common priorities include:
- Price versus speed. Is the aim the best possible result, or a reasonable result within a set timeframe?
- Method of sale. Auction, tender, deadline sale or a set asking price each suit different markets and situations.
- Communication. Both owners will want to hear about offers, feedback and open home numbers at the same time, not second-hand.
- Who lives there during the campaign. If one person is still in the house, viewings and open homes affect their daily life far more than the other owner’s.
Writing these down helps when comparing agents later, because you can measure each one against the list rather than personal impressions.
Interview more than one agent, together if possible
Invite two or three agents to appraise the property. Ideally both owners attend each appraisal, or at least receive the same written material. If being in the same room is difficult, ask each agent to meet each owner separately and send identical written proposals to both.
Useful questions to put to every agent:
- What recent sales nearby support your suggested price range?
- What marketing do you recommend, and what will it cost?
- What commission do you charge, and how is it calculated?
- How will you keep both of us informed, and will you share every offer with both owners?
- Have you sold homes for separating couples before, and how did you handle the communication?
An agent who clearly treats both owners as equal clients, copies both into every email and does not take sides is worth a lot in this situation.
Reading the appraisals sensibly
It is tempting to choose the agent with the highest appraisal, especially when money is tight after a separation. Be cautious. A high figure that is not backed by comparable sales can lead to a long campaign, price reductions and stress for whoever is living in the house. Compare the evidence each agent gives, not just the headline number.
A registered valuation is another option when two owners distrust each other’s preferred agent. A valuer has no stake in winning the listing, so their figure can act as a neutral reference point. Expect to pay several hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the property, and treat it as one input alongside the agents’ evidence.
Look closely at the agency agreement too. Check the length of the sole agency period, how commission is calculated, who pays for marketing and what happens if the sale falls over. If anything in the agreement is unclear, both owners can get independent advice before signing.
Preparing the house as a team
Agents will usually suggest some preparation before photos. This is another point where two owners need to agree on budget and responsibility. Common tasks include decluttering, minor repairs, garden tidy-ups and exterior touch-ups. For example, a cracked or stained driveway is one of the first things buyers notice, and there are practical notes on fixing the driveway before listing a home that apply well beyond Dunedin.
Keep a shared list of who is doing what, a shared folder for receipts, and an agreed limit on spending. Decide up front whether costs come from the sale proceeds or are split along the way.
If the house is tenanted or one person is renting
Sometimes the family home is rented out while things are sorted, or one owner moves into a rental while the sale goes through. If the property has tenants, there are rules about notice for viewings, open homes and access, and tenants have rights that continue while the home is on the market. Tenancy Services has clear information on these obligations for landlords and tenants at tenancy.govt.nz. It is also useful if you are signing a new lease yourself and want to understand bond, notice periods and inspections.
Frequently asked questions
What if we cannot agree on an agent? Try narrowing to two agents and asking each for a written proposal against your agreed priorities. If you are still stuck, a neutral third party such as a mediator or each person’s independent adviser can help find a way forward.
Can one owner sign the agency agreement alone? Generally all registered owners need to agree to and sign the listing. Check the agreement carefully, and get independent advice if one owner is not cooperating.
Should both owners attend open homes? Usually not. Agents run open homes on their own, and having owners present can make buyers uncomfortable. It is more useful for both owners to receive the same feedback report afterwards.