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Understanding your local property market is one of the smartest things you can do before selling. It helps you make confident decisions about price, presentation, and timing. Here are five ways to get started.

1. Compare recent and current listings

Look beyond asking prices. Check both recent sales and current listings to see what homes are really selling for. Filter by suburb, school zone, bedrooms, bathrooms, land size, and renovation level. Save or screenshot listings that are close to your home so you can refer back to them later.

2. Look for patterns

As you review listings, keep an eye on trends. Which homes sell fast, and which linger? What features seem to drive value? Is it an updated kitchen, outdoor space, or extra bedroom? Spotting these patterns will help you understand what buyers are prioritising in your area.

3. Attend open homes

Nothing beats seeing the market firsthand. Visit homes that are similar in size and location to yours. Pay attention to presentation, condition, and who turns up – young families, downsizers, investors? Notice how busy it is and how agents interact with potential buyers. Open homes give you an honest view of how your property might compare.

4. Think like a buyer

Step into the shoes of the people walking through your front door. Instead of asking, “What would I pay for my home?”, ask: Who would this home suit? What else could they buy at a similar price? What would make them pause and take a closer look? Seeing your home from a buyer’s perspective helps you position it more effectively.

5. Check your digital profile

Most buyers will research online before they ever visit in person. Platforms like OneRoof, homes.co.nz, and QV provide automated value estimates and recent sales data. Look up your property to see what buyers see. Make note of any errors, and be ready to explain or update the record if needed.

The bottom line

Knowing your market means more than guessing at a price. By comparing listings, spotting patterns, visiting open homes, and thinking like a buyer, you’ll understand exactly what your property is up against.


Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

The Funnel Fundamentals of Finding the Right Buyer

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Rick Meros of Professionals CPRE to unpack the human side of selling homes and the value of having a real relationship with your agent. With years of experience in real estate and strategic growth, Rick brings a refreshing perspective on what sellers truly need during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

Search similar articles


Understanding your local property market is one of the smartest things you can do before selling. It helps you make confident decisions about price, presentation, and timing. Here are five ways to get started.

1. Compare recent and current listings

Look beyond asking prices. Check both recent sales and current listings to see what homes are really selling for. Filter by suburb, school zone, bedrooms, bathrooms, land size, and renovation level. Save or screenshot listings that are close to your home so you can refer back to them later.

2. Look for patterns

As you review listings, keep an eye on trends. Which homes sell fast, and which linger? What features seem to drive value? Is it an updated kitchen, outdoor space, or extra bedroom? Spotting these patterns will help you understand what buyers are prioritising in your area.

3. Attend open homes

Nothing beats seeing the market firsthand. Visit homes that are similar in size and location to yours. Pay attention to presentation, condition, and who turns up – young families, downsizers, investors? Notice how busy it is and how agents interact with potential buyers. Open homes give you an honest view of how your property might compare.

4. Think like a buyer

Step into the shoes of the people walking through your front door. Instead of asking, “What would I pay for my home?”, ask: Who would this home suit? What else could they buy at a similar price? What would make them pause and take a closer look? Seeing your home from a buyer’s perspective helps you position it more effectively.

5. Check your digital profile

Most buyers will research online before they ever visit in person. Platforms like OneRoof, homes.co.nz, and QV provide automated value estimates and recent sales data. Look up your property to see what buyers see. Make note of any errors, and be ready to explain or update the record if needed.

The bottom line

Knowing your market means more than guessing at a price. By comparing listings, spotting patterns, visiting open homes, and thinking like a buyer, you’ll understand exactly what your property is up against.


Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

The Funnel Fundamentals of Finding the Right Buyer

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Rick Meros of Professionals CPRE to unpack the human side of selling homes and the value of having a real relationship with your agent. With years of experience in real estate and strategic growth, Rick brings a refreshing perspective on what sellers truly need during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

Search similar articles


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