One of the biggest questions sellers face is how to price their home. Many start with the Rateable Value (RV), but in reality, RVs are calculated for council rating purposes, not for selling your property. They can be years out of date and may not reflect improvements, market demand, or current buyer sentiment.At FiSBO®, we help you set a price that reflects the true market value — what buyers are willing to pay today. Using recent comparable sales, buyer demand data from Trade Me and Homes.co.nz, and our on-the-ground experience, we create a pricing strategy that positions your property competitively while leaving room for negotiation.The right price is critical: too high, and you risk scaring off genuine buyers; too low, and you leave money on the table. Our process ensures you start in the sweet spot — generating strong interest while still protecting your bottom line.
Buyer Psychology & Pricing Signals
How you set your asking price doesn’t just determine the number — it shapes how buyers feel about your property. In real estate, pricing is as much about psychology as it is about mathematics.Fixed PriceA fixed price is clear and transparent. Buyers know exactly what you want, which can generate straightforward offers. The risk is that if the price is set too high, you may not even get viewings — buyers often filter searches by budget.Best used when: the property type is common (e.g., standard family homes) and recent comparable sales make the value clear.
“Offers Over”
Listing as “Offers Over” a certain figure can create urgency and competition. Buyers feel they must come in above that level, often pushing the sale price higher. However, if the “offers over” level is set too close to your bottom line, you leave little negotiation room.Best used when: the property is likely to attract multiple buyers, such as first homes or lifestyle blocks in popular areas.
Deadline Sale / By Negotiation
These methods signal flexibility and encourage a wider range of offers. Buyers will often start lower, testing your expectations. Without guidance, private sellers can be drawn into lowball negotiations.Best used when: you have time, or when market conditions favour buyers and flexibility is important.
Auction Style Expectations
Even if you don’t run a formal auction, pricing can mimic the auction effect. Transparent competition, particularly when there are multiple interested parties, can quickly escalate offers.Best used when: demand is strong, and you can confidently attract several buyers at once.
Why the Right Strategy Matters
Buyers read pricing signals closely. A poorly chosen method can cost you tens of thousands. With FiSBO®, you don’t have to guess. We’ll help you weigh RV, market data, and buyer psychology to choose the approach that maximises interest while protecting your minimum target price.The result? More offers, stronger competition, and the confidence that you’re not underselling your biggest asset
The FiSBO® web app automates all the sales process into one "Hybrid" system, unlike any other in the market.