Real estate agents wish list

Buyers, sellers, and tyre-kickers can frustrate real estate agents. If buyers and sellers thought about the work agents do, the buying and selling process would go a whole lot better.

So Herald Homes asked real estate agents if there was "just one thing" they'd like the public to know. Here's what they said.

Barfoot & Thompson agent Aaron Cook would prefer buyers sort out their financing before going shopping for property.

"In an increasing market like we have been in, do your research and make sure you are in a position to buy with the bank first if you will be requiring a loan," says Cook. But don't think too long, he says.

"I have come across buyers who have been in a position and looking for two years hoping for a better deal." Yet prices have just risen.

Century 21's Geoff Barnett has advice for sellers: declutter.

"Every vendor loves their own taste, but the reality is the majority of buyers probably don't," he says. "Decluttering not only helps neutralise a home, but often makes it look more spacious," says Barnett.

"Neatly stack things in the garage before open homes. It's the only place people forgive a bit of clutter and spend little time scrutinising."

LJ Hooker's Colin Varney says not to just purchase on price.

"Obviously, price is a significant factor for both parties; however the buyer should consider all aspects of a sale, such as LIM reports and builders' reports to ensure they are purchasing a property that they can be assured of."

Varney adds that vendors should consider timeframes of settlement and the quality of an offer, such as conditional versus unconditional, not just the dollar sum.

Remax's Jeff Brill would love it if buyers would think long term.

"Many potential buyers are complaining that the prices are too high and a correction in the market may be imminent. People need to remember that the current boom is not a bubble but is driven by immigration."

Fellow Remax agent Feroza Rahman would like buyers to know what they want in terms of location, type of property and wish list.

"This helps us as agents to create a shortlist. Otherwise we are shooting in the dark and wasting both [your] and our time taking [you] all over the countryside."

There are other things New Zealand's real estate agents don't want buyers and sellers to do, but most are too polite to put their names to complaints such as:

• Asking to be taken to homes that are outside of your price point.

• Buyers who take agents' time but don't make an offer.

• Thinking low ball offers will be accepted. Be realistic.

• Trying to buy or sell a property privately that an agent's involved in. No, no, no.

• Leaving your home in a mess for the open home. It's wasting agents' time.

• Being greedy. If your house is overpriced, the agent isn't going to sell it.