The best way to choose real estate agents is by comparing their market appraisals (property valuation), recommended methods of sale, real estate commission, marketing packages and negotiation expertise.

The questions you need to ask will depend on the type of property you are selling for example, a high value home needing to reach national and international buyers, a lifestyle block, a rental property, or your home. This is something we can advise you about - all at no cost.

REAL ESTATE AGENCY COMPARISONS

It is vital that real estate companies have quality systems and policies in place and comply with their legal obligations and industry codes of conduct that protect buyers and sellers.

Some real estate agencies will do this better than others as evidenced by the numbers of complaints made to the Real Estate Authority each year. Some agents within agencies are also better than others at dotting 'i's and crossing 't's.

VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS - A FREE SERVICE

We vet and compare real estate agents and agencies (a free service) using four categories and over 20 indicators so you can have confidence in any real estate agent we have ranked as the best.

By using our expertise, finding an agent doesn't have to be an arduous process for you. Having over 16 years specialising in this work gives us a national overview of real estate company cultures and standards of practice and conduct - an overview that has been very insightful.

Request a shortlist of real estate agents to compare now.

WE RESEARCH AGENTS WHO MEET OUR CRITERIA - YOU COMPARE 

We provide you with a vetted shortlist of the most competent real estate agents to interview and compare. You should use a systematic approach to interviewing them so you can compare apples with apples, feeling confident you have done your research thoroughly.

We know people are busy and don't have time to spend hours researching agents - we do this on your behalf, and in most cases already have the info to hand to pass on to you quickly, and save you time. We also know what to look for, both positive and negative, and what pitfalls to avoid.

We can provide you with our comprehensive Interview Questionnaire to help make interviewing and deciding easy. Reviews from past clients have proven beyond doubt that our questionnaire is an empowering resource.

GREATER CONFIDENCE IN VETTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Usually when selling there are multiple tasks to juggle and you need to have confidence before you sign an agency agreement that your agent is trained and up to date on everything to do with real estate agency legal and policy obligations and standards. This is what makes your choice of both the company and the agent important.

All property agents must have the level of competence to coordinate multiple tasks, many of them legal, often at short notice and with tight deadlines.

How much do you really know about a real estate agent's competence, negotiation skills or how they will manage your particular sale if unexpected complications arise? It might not be complications at your end, but perhaps the buyer's end.

If the agent is vetted by Agent Finder NZ, you can rest assured of their competence.

Call 0800 789 532 for advice - this is a genuine free service nationwide.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE SKILLS REQUIRED OF AGENTS

When a real estate agent presents you with a buyer's signed sale and purchase agreement and you accept, it's the next phase of the process that tests the agent's competence - but unfortunately you won't know how good they are until then. 

You have to ask yourself if your real estate agent is someone who can confidently and tactfully liaise with home buyers, investors with yield-related formulas, valuers, lawyers, surveyors, planners, councils, banks, insurance companies, builders, building inspectors, tenants and neighbours. 

Real estate agent administrative responsibilities are now bigger than ever and attention to detail on methods of sale, conditions and settlement dates, amounts, amendments, clauses and deposits are all important. While the purchaser may have a lawyer, they will also be asking your real estate agent questions at property viewings and any answers need to be correct. If not, it can all fall over very quickly - just when you think you have a sale.

Given your biggest asset is on the line, let us help you achieve the best sale price and experience by connecting you to the most competent agents in your area with the reach to buyers you need. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose, plus it's a genuine free service.

Agent Finder is New Zealand's trusted agent vetting service - Request An Agent Shortlist to compare now.

Updated December 12, 2025 - Agent Finder NZ - Member of the Property Institute NZ & awarded Independent Property Advisor 2023