New to Tauranga but in no way new to real estate is Richard and Susie Laery representing New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty.
Richard and Susie are excited to have teamed up together again. The last time they both sold property as a duo was when they were based in the Fiji Islands selling resorts, islands and luxury holiday homes. “We’ve always worked well together, and our different skill sets complement each other. Having the same values and knowing what it’s like on the other side of a property transaction is essential to real estate business,” says Susie.
After five years of living in a small seaside town in Queensland, this family of five didn’t want to return to the high paced lifestyle of Auckland. “We chose Tauranga for its small city feel and the incredible outdoor offerings, we also wanted to raise our kids as kiwis, what better place than Tauranga”, says Richard.
For Susie, it was about coming back to New Zealand to be near family and friends and to complete the kid’s education here in New Zealand. “Tauranga has been an easy transition to life back in New Zealand. The people are friendly, the schools have so much on offer, and the lifestyle is incredible”.
The active family have made the most of this opportunity with mountain biking, surfing and boating some of the top activities that keep them busy when not working or at school. Their eldest son has made the most of this lifestyle change and is now competing in surf competitions at a national level.
For Richard, he is thrilled to be a part of the launch of such an elite international brand here in The Bay of Plenty. “Having the international exposure that New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty has, is second to none in real estate,” says Richard. “No other company can offer its clients the ability to showcase their properties on a global scale like New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty can. Every listing is featured on over 140 cascading international websites, including the Wall St Journal, New York Times, the James List and London’s The Daily Telegraph. Our global website SIR.com is the world’s number one ranked luxury, residential real estate website, with over two million unique visits per month”.
According to statistics from the Overseas Investment Office last year, there was a surge of overseas investment of 40% equating to $17.5 billion. “With such massive investment from overseas, New Zealanders need to be aware that this international market for New Zealand property is very real. You have one chance to sell your property, why not maximise your potential and tap into this growth market,” says Richard.
Richard and Susie bring 25 years of combined real estate experience with them to their business. Richard’s vast array of experience working nationally and internationally in residential, commercial, industrial markets, project marketing and executive global leadership roles has meant that he has very few stones left unturned in the industry. It is this in-depth understanding of property that enables Richard to create the outcomes he does. He attributes his success to thinking outside the box and applying creative solutions to each and every transaction.
Susie comes from a career in the media with storytelling at the heart of her various roles in television and print. Through her marriage to Richard, she has also interspersed her work and the raising of their three children with sales and support roles for Richard in the real estate sector.
“Working in real estate is a little bit like what I used to do in creating stories for television. It’s about meeting new people and finding out their stories. I believe it’s a real privilege to assist clients in such a big transition of their much-loved homes and in helping them write their future chapters,” says Susie.
With a core belief that clients want real people, this is everything Richard and Susie stand for. Their down to earth approach together with a real duty of care for their sellers and buyers is what drives them day to day. “It’s all about going above and beyond to create the best possible outcomes for all involved,” says Richard.
Having bought and sold much property, Richard and Susie know very well what it’s like to be on the other side of a transaction as both buyer and seller. “We know how much we value transparency and an extremely high level of service that leaves no room for guessing. We know what works, and that’s what we will deliver. It’s a people business, and people come first every time”.
