What does a real estate agent do after an offer is accepted in NZ?

What Is the Role of a Real Estate Agent After an Offer Is Accepted?
Many vendors think the agent’s job ends when an offer is accepted. It does not. Here is what a good agent does through to settlement.

Managing the conditional period
Most New Zealand sale and purchase agreements include conditions, most commonly a finance condition (the buyer needs bank approval) and a building inspection condition. During the conditional period, your agent should be in regular contact with the buyer and their agent, monitoring whether conditions are on track to be satisfied within the agreed timeframe. If conditions are at risk of not being met, you need to know as soon as possible.

Co-ordinating between parties
After an offer is accepted, multiple parties need to coordinate: both lawyers (to review and exchange documents), the buyer’s bank or mortgage broker (for finance approval), the building inspector (for the inspection report), both agents if both parties are represented. A good agent facilitates this coordination, checking in regularly and identifying any delays before they become crises.

Managing conditions that are not met
If a buyer cannot satisfy their conditions (finance is declined, the building inspection reveals significant issues), the agent should communicate this to you immediately, explain the options (release the buyer, negotiate on price to reflect the issue found, give the buyer more time), and advise on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances and current market conditions.

The pre-settlement inspection
Buyers have the right to a pre-settlement inspection of the property, typically in the three to five days before settlement. Your agent should prepare you for this inspection: the property should be in the same condition as at the time of sale, chattels listed in the agreement should be present, and any agreed remediation work should be complete. Issues identified at pre-settlement can delay or complicate settlement if not addressed promptly.

Settlement day and beyond
On settlement day, your agent should confirm that settlement has completed with your lawyer, arrange key handover with the buyer, and be available if any last-minute issues arise. A good agent checks in after settlement to ensure both parties are satisfied and to discuss any referral introductions or future needs.
The relationship does not end at settlement, it is the foundation of future referrals and transactions.

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Paul Sumich is a Whangarei-based real estate professional with local Northland expertise. Find more at paulsumich.co.nz/blog