One question I hear more often from vendors is, “What marketing do you include for free?”

It’s a fair question. Selling a property is expensive enough, particularly in a market where people are conscious of where every dollar is being spent.

But perhaps the better question is: is free marketing actually better marketing?

I don’t believe it is that simple.

Every property is different. 

A first home, lifestyle property, waterfront home or development opportunity can all require very different approaches to finding the right buyer.

The purpose of marketing isn’t simply to advertise a property. It is to create attention, reach the right audience, present the property in its best light and generate genuine buyer engagement.

Sometimes that can be achieved through the marketing an agent already provides. Other properties may benefit from professional photography, video, drone imagery, targeted digital advertising or a campaign specifically designed to reach buyers outside Marlborough.

The important thing is that additional marketing should have a purpose.

I don’t believe vendors should spend money simply because an agent has a long list of marketing options. Equally, I don’t believe “free” should automatically be the deciding factor when choosing an agent.

When you are selling one of your biggest assets, I believe the conversation should be about strategy, exposure and results.

Ask your agent: Who are we trying to reach? Why are we using this strategy? How will we know if it is working?

Because the cheapest marketing isn’t necessarily the best value.

The real question isn’t what the marketing costs. It’s what the marketing is designed to achieve.

Article by;

Rob Ilott
Picton Branch Manager
027 345 2806
[email protected]

We’re pleased to share that the 2026 Keir Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament raised $81,904.20 for Nelson Tasman Hospice - surpassing last year's total of $80,827.  

This brings the incredible total raised over the past 5 years to $371,904 for Nelson Tasman Hospice. 

This tournament continues to be a wonderful way to remember Keir Wilkinson, a much-loved member of the Summit sales team whose energy, character and passion for the game left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. It's fitting that his memory lives on through a day that brings people together for good golf and an even better cause. 

Support like this matters more than many realise. Nelson Tasman Hospice currently receives just over half of its operational costs from government funding, leaving a shortfall of more than $4 million that needs to be fundraised every single year. That gap is bridged by the generosity of the community, the Nelson Tasman Hospice Shops, and events just like this one - all going toward ensuring local families have access to free hospice care when they need it most. 

Huge thanks to Glyn Delany for once again spearheading this outstanding event. It takes a huge amount of time, planning and coordination to deliver something of this scale. 

Massive thanks also to everyone who contributed their time and effort; from planning, sponsorship and admin through to marketing, logistics, fundraising, donations, the auction and support on the day. And a massive thanks to the contributing sponsors, supporters and golfers for making it another great day out on the Nelson Golf Course. It’s greatly appreciated, and a great example of what we can achieve when we pull together for a cause that matters. 
 
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