Selling a house privately in New Zealand is becoming more popular every year. With thousands of homeowners now questioning the value of paying high real estate commissions, many look to “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO as a way to keep more of their hard-earned equity.But there’s a big difference between trying to sell completely on your own and using a professional, fixed-fee service like FiSBO®. Let’s break down what that means.
What an Unassisted Private Sale Looks Like
An unassisted private sale usually means:Advertising on your own – listing only on Facebook Marketplace or free classifieds.
DIY marketing – taking your own photos, often on a phone with no skill, with no signage or brochures.
Open homes with no process – buyers arrive without registration or health & safety oversight.
Negotiations alone – sellers must handle low offers, conditional clauses, and legal questions with no guidance.
Legal paperwork – the seller must find and instruct a solicitor, often late in the process.While this can work, it is stressful, time-consuming, and often leads to a lower sale price.
Many buyers see “private sale” as an opportunity to negotiate down, knowing the vendor has no professional backup.
How FiSBO® Bridges the Gap
FiSBO® was created to give sellers the best of both worlds — the savings of a private sale with the structure and support of a professional marketing system.
Professional marketing included – Trade Me, Homes.co.nz, FiSBO.co.nz, plus social media campaigns.
Photography & VR tours – buyers expect professional presentation, and FiSBO® delivers it.
Signage & brochures – your home looks like a professional campaign, not a “DIY sale.
”Open home packs & support – sellers get clear processes, registration forms, and the option for FiSBO® Openhomers to host.
Guidance through negotiation – advice on handling multiple offers, setting expectations, and getting contracts signed.
Fixed-fee pricing – clear, upfront costs starting at $1,250 for DIY to $9990 for fullservice, instead of open-ended commission.
Why the Difference Matters
The difference between unassisted and supported private selling is not just comfort — it’s results.Unassisted private sales often linger on the market or sell below expectations.FiSBO® campaigns present your property like a professional agent would, but for a fraction of the cost.If you follow the FiSBO® process, you’ll still control the sale, but you’ll never be left guessing.
The Bottom Line
Selling privately in NZ is not just about avoiding commission. It’s about choosing a system that helps you get the best price with the right support.Go unassisted, and you risk being undersold.Go with FiSBO®, and you’ll have a team, tools, and proven system behind you — all for a fixed fee.
Your sale, our support. That’s FiSBO®.
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