FiSBO knowledge centre
Reviewed, practical answers about selling and buying property privately in New Zealand.
Topics
- Getting Started
- Costs And Advertising
- Selling
- Enquiries And Viewings
- Offers And Negotiation
- Legal And Settlement
- Buying
- After Agreement
All answers
- How does FiSBO work?
FiSBO gives property owners the tools, marketing and support to manage a private sale without a commission-based selling agent.
- How do I sell my home without a real estate agent?
You can manage the buyer relationship directly while using FiSBO for listing, marketing, enquiry and offer-management tools.
- Who is FiSBO for?
FiSBO is for New Zealand property owners who want to be directly involved in finding and negotiating with buyers.
- How do I get started with FiSBO?
Begin with the seller readiness assessment, then work with FiSBO to choose a plan and prepare your campaign.
- What information does FiSBO need from a seller?
FiSBO asks for contact, property, ownership and campaign information to set up a listing and support the sale.
- What does FiSBO cost?
FiSBO uses fixed-fee plans and optional services rather than a percentage commission; current prices are shown on the pricing page.
- What is included in the FiSBO fee?
A plan provides access to the agreed FiSBO campaign tools and support; the exact inclusions depend on the selected plan and add-ons.
- Where is my property advertised?
A FiSBO campaign may use FiSBO, major New Zealand property portals and selected marketing channels agreed for your campaign.
- How does FiSBO pay on sale work?
An eligible pay-on-sale plan can defer part of the agreed fee until settlement, subject to the plan's conditions.
- How should I prepare my property for sale?
Prepare accurate information, appealing presentation, clean photography and a practical plan for buyer questions and viewings.
- How do I create a FiSBO listing?
Use the property setup flow to enter the address, features, description, price, photos and campaign details before review and activation.
- What are the seller's responsibilities in a private sale?
The seller remains responsible for property information, campaign decisions, buyer communication, negotiations and instructing a solicitor.
- How long does it take to sell a property with FiSBO?
The time from preparation to settlement varies with readiness, buyer interest, negotiations, conditions and the legal process.
- How do buyer enquiries work?
Buyers can use the listing enquiry tools to ask questions or request a viewing, and sellers can manage the conversation in FiSBO.
- How do open homes work?
A seller schedules an open-home time, publishes it with the listing and welcomes interested buyers at the property.
- How do private viewings work?
If enabled by the seller, a buyer can request or select an available viewing time from the listing.
- How do I manage buyer messages?
FiSBO brings enquiries and conversation history into the seller inbox so you can review, reply and follow up.
- What does FiSBO's AI assistance do?
FiSBO's AI features can organise context and suggest general-information drafts; they do not replace the seller, solicitor or other adviser.
- How should I choose a listing price?
Choose a price using relevant market research and professional advice rather than relying on an automated estimate alone.
- How do offers work on FiSBO?
A buyer submits price, timing and requested conditions through FiSBO; the seller reviews the offer and chooses how to respond.
- What is a conditional offer?
A conditional offer depends on specified matters being satisfied, such as finance, a report, solicitor approval or the buyer selling another property.
- What conditions can a buyer request?
Buyers may request conditions relevant to their purchase, but the seller and buyer should have the solicitor confirm the wording and effect.
- Who negotiates with the buyer?
The seller negotiates directly with buyers; FiSBO supplies tools and general support but does not make the seller's decision.
- Can buyers see other offers?
The visibility of offer information depends on the listing's configured sale process; never assume another buyer's details are public.
- What happens when someone makes an offer?
FiSBO records the offer and alerts the seller; the seller reviews it, discusses terms and involves solicitors before a formal agreement.
- Can a buyer edit an offer?
A buyer may be able to edit an offer before acceptance through My Offers, but should check the current status and seek advice before changing terms.
- What does my solicitor do?
Your solicitor advises on the legal process, prepares or reviews the sale and purchase agreement and helps manage conditions and settlement.
- Is an offer submitted through FiSBO legally binding?
A platform offer is part of the negotiation workflow; the parties need solicitor advice about when a binding agreement exists and what it contains.
- What happens after an offer is accepted?
The parties exchange the offer details with their solicitors, work through the formal agreement and complete any conditions before settlement.
- What does settlement mean?
Settlement is the agreed completion step where the legal and financial requirements of the property sale are completed and ownership transfers as arranged.
- What is the FiSBO Deal Room?
The Deal Room is a shared workflow for tracking an accepted offer, conditions, milestones and communication through to settlement.
- What do buyers need to know before using FiSBO?
Buyers can browse, enquire, arrange viewings and submit offers directly, while arranging their own finance, inspections and legal advice.
- How do I browse FiSBO properties?
Use the public properties page to search active listings by location and property characteristics.
- How do I make an offer on a FiSBO property?
Sign in, open the offer flow for the property, provide the price, timing, conditions and solicitor details, then review before submitting.
- What is a buyer wishlist?
A buyer wishlist records the areas, budget and features you want so FiSBO can help identify suitable properties.
- What if a property has no viewing calendar?
Contact the seller through the listing enquiry form to request a private viewing when self-booking is not enabled.
- How are buyer details handled?
Buyers provide contact information to communicate with sellers and FiSBO, and should read the privacy information that applies to the service.
- What happens if my property does not sell?
A listing may be reviewed, adjusted or withdrawn according to the seller's plan and the applicable FiSBO terms; there is no guaranteed sale.
- Can I change my asking price?
A seller can review and update their price strategy, subject to any agreed campaign arrangements and accurate communication to buyers.
- What is FiSBO not responsible for?
FiSBO does not replace the seller's decisions, a buyer's due diligence, a solicitor's legal work, a valuer's opinion or a lender's approval.
- How do I review a listing before publishing?
Check every public fact, image, price, contact option and viewing instruction before activating a listing.
- How do I contact FiSBO for help?
Use the support or campaign contact provided with your FiSBO account and campaign, or begin through the public getting-started flow.