Real estate terms

Auction
A preferred marketing option where you list your property without a price, supported by very intensive marketing leading buyers to the auction day, where they must bid against each other to successfully purchase your property in an unconditional situation.

Auctioneer
Person holding an auctioneer’s licence or Licenced under the Real Estate Agents Authority 2008 and able to conduct and call auctions.

CMA
Current or Competitive Market Analysis (CMA), is a written price comparison of your property with other properties that are for sale or have recently sold. This document must be prepared & presented to the owner prior to a listing authority being completed.

Conditional Contract
A written contract which has been signed by the seller and the buyer but has one or more conditions which need to be fulfilled, usually within a specified time period. For example, “subject to the solicitor’s approval of the title.”

Commission
The fees for selling the property – payable by the seller, to the real estate company.

Excluded Fixtures
Items that are presumed to stay with the property when sold but have been specified on the contract as excluded from the sale, therefore not remaining. Fixed items such as curtains, light fittings, ceiling fans, shrubs, built in cabinets etc.

Freehold
A freehold property has a clear title of ownership and is not subject to a lease. Included Chattels Moveable items you decide to sell with the property, such as pool equipment, refrigerator, freestanding glasshouse, shed or playhouse, dishwasher, etc. These are to be noted in the contract if they are included in the sale.

Leasehold
This land is usually owned by a consortium or group. E.g. Harbour Board, Church Groups, City Councils etc. Individuals are able to lease this land for a fixed period of time and have a building erected which is owned by the individual. A rental is established and charged for the land and is for a fixed period, often 21 years.

Listing Contract
A contract between the owner and the real estate company marketing the property. It details the length of the agency, commission rate and any additional costs. The type of marketing method to be used is assigned and a summary of information about the property is detailed on the Listing Authority.

Marketing Fees
Money paid by a seller that goes directly to increase advertising spread.

Marketing Programme
A promotional package designed to give a property exposure to the market. It may include advertisements to be used, a calendar of dates for advertisements, open homes, buyer contact and service.

No Price Marketing
Usually called auction, tender, or for sale by negotiation. The price is not revealed to buyers during the marketing promotion.

Offer
A signed agreement, which includes the price, terms and conditions of sale, signed by the buyer then presented to the seller.

Open or General Listing
Any appointed real estate agent/company can quote or sell your property. Generally a low level of marketing and feedback. No one person is totally responsible for managing your sale.

Possession Date
The date the purchaser physically takes possession of the property.

Buyer
Buyer of the listed property.

Reserve price
he reserve price is the minimum price the seller will accept for their property at the auction. (Kept confidential between the seller, listing consultant and auctioneer).

Settlement Date
The date when the seller is paid the full purchase price and ownership passes to the purchaser.

Team Inspection/ Caravan
An appointment time is scheduled with the seller for the listing agency’s team of consultants to visit the seller’s property and acquaint themselves with the property.

Unconditional
When the conditions written into the agreement to buy a property have been met, the offer becomes unconditional. The property is now sold and both the seller and buyer must settle.

Seller
Seller of the property.