Agent's top start rewarded
Sales associate Gareth Ireland picked up his rookie NZ Sotheby's International Realty award in Christchurch. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
In a town not short of rookie real estate agents trying to forge a career, Gareth Ireland — a sales associate in New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty's (NZSIR) Queenstown office — already stands out.
The 43-year-old, who's been in the industry just over a year, has won 'rookie of the year 2024' out of newbie agents from 27 NZSIR offices.
His background's a decade's worth of technology sales in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Queenstown with his Kiwi wife , Anne-Marie, in 2014.
They started tourism business Escape Quest which sold in 2013.
Ireland, whose business was right beside NZSIR's head office, says he was inspired by their ultra-successful agent Gerard Bligh, along with admiration for the brand, to enter the industry.
He got his licence in just six weeks — "typically, most people will study for six months" — and has absolutely loved the job, especially interacting with people.
"I think the barriers to success in real estate are quite high — you have to be very focused, determined, and want to help people and get the best outcome."
Speaking of outcomes, Ireland's already sold about a dozen properties, on- and off-market, and recently set a record sale price for an 1105 square metre Jack's Point section of $1.35million.
Ireland believes his technology sales background — "I have a strong understanding of digital marketing" — and experience as a local business owner's also helped his successful introduction into real estate sales.
And, as an extra string to his bow, he's a hobbyist photographer, a skill he puts to use when marketing properties.
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