How should a real estate agent keep sellers updated in New Zealand?

How Does an Agent Communicate With Sellers in NZ?
Seller (vendor) communication is one of the most important, and most frequently criticised, aspects of the real estate agent’s role. Here is what good communication looks like.

The communication standard sellers (vendors) deserve
Sellers are entrusting agents with the sale of their most significant asset. In exchange for their commission, agents owe vendors timely, accurate, and complete information about every aspect of the sale campaign. The communication standard should be proactive, agents calling vendors, not the other way around - and substantive, not just reassuring.

After every open home
Within 24 hours of each open home, your agent should contact you with: the number of groups who attended, the specific feedback from each group (not just generic ‘positive interest’), any buyers who have expressed serious interest and their current status, and whether any strategy adjustments are warranted based on the feedback. This debrief is the single most important regular communication in a sale campaign.

Ongoing enquiry updates
Between open homes, your agent should contact you when: a potential buyer makes enquiry or registers serious interest, a buyer requests a second viewing (a strong buying signal), an offer is in preparation or has been received, and any material change in market conditions occurs that affects your campaign. Do not expect daily updates unless something is happening, but do expect contact when it matters.

Price and strategy conversations
If your property has been on the market for three to four weeks without a realistic offer, your agent should initiate a strategy review conversation, not wait for you to ask.
​This conversation should be honest: is the price the barrier? Is the presentation? Is there something about the property that buyers are consistently identifying as a concern? Good agents initiate these conversations; poor agents avoid them.

The communication channel question
Establish your preferred communication channel at the start of the campaign: phone call, text, email, or a combination. Most agents default to text for quick updates and phone calls for substantive conversations. If you prefer email documentation of all communications, say so upfront. Setting this expectation clearly avoids frustration during the campaign.

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Paul Sumich is a Bream Bay-based real estate agent with Ray White who publishes honest, practical guidance across the Bream Bay and Northland property market. His background includes a Sales Manager role overseeing multiple offices, and extensive experience in the Whangarei and Northland residential market. He currently lives in One Tree Point.
​Find more at paulsumich.co.nz/blog.