Is it hard to get a tradesperson in Tauranga?
It can be — the region has grown faster than the trades in it, and the honest constraint is the calendar. Putting your timing in the request means a business that cannot make it says so up front instead of going quiet.
How much is real estate commission in New Zealand?
It is negotiable and structured differently between agencies, commonly a percentage that steps down above a threshold, plus GST. Ask for it in dollars on your likely sale price rather than as a percentage.
Who pays for marketing?
Usually you, separately from commission, and it is payable whether or not the house sells. That is the number worth pinning down before you sign anything.
What is a sole agency?
An agreement that only one agency may sell it for a set period. Check the length and how it ends, because it is the part of the agreement people most often regret not reading.
Is the highest appraisal the best one?
Not usually. An appraisal is an opinion and there is an obvious incentive to give a flattering one to win the listing. Ask what recent comparable sales it is based on.