A chat with Amelia Dalzell, the St Heliers real estate golden girl.
You’re currently one of the leading salespeople in the Bays – why do people ask you to represent them?
People choose me for my enthusiasm and high focus. Every speck of my energy is put into the properties and vendors I work with. I have my finger on the pulse in the market and offer unfiltered advice.
Have you been through a bust and boom?
Yes. I trained in the challenging pre-covid era, around the time of the foreign buyer ban. I had a good attitude and a drive to succeed at a time when more experienced agents were complaining about a slow market. Post covid was incredible, it was fascinating to be part of a thriving market. Things started to fall in 2022. 2023 has been a plateau, but confidence in the market is building again.
Is it easier to get listings now?
I have an established presence but still must work hard to get new business. The key is establishing clients’ goals so I’m able to devise the best strategy. That’s why people choose me, because they trust my advice and because I provide options.
Is home staging still prevalent?
It’s hugely important. You’re not just selling a property, but the lifestyle. Home staging is a fundamental part of creating enticing photos and you get what you pay for, so having access to the best home stagers is essential.
How do you build a client relationship to ensure their needs are met?
I ask a lot of questions and don’t assume anything. Good follow up and being there and available when the client is ready to move is what I do best.
What do you enjoy most about real estate, and what is the most challenging?
Being a client-facing business, in people’s homes, is what I enjoy most. You’re part of key moments in people’s lives, sometimes happy and joyous, and sad at other times. The most challenging thing is having to step outside your comfort zone. It’s certainly character building.
What have you found to be the most effective tactics to promote your business?
First comes open homes and interacting with buyers and new vendors. Secondly, client follow-up and nurturing to create raving fans who refer me to their friends. And lastly, door knocking – an oldie, but a goodie!
All-time favourite home to sell?
My first big listing – a beautiful home with gardens and pool on Vale Road, St Heliers. The campaign went gangbusters and the property was sold under the hammer following a pre-auction offer. I made the initial contact with the client through door knocking. I have these clients to thank for taking a chance on me as this campaign really catapulted my career.
Personal opinion on the New Zealand house market? Where to for 2024?
A lot of vendors having been holding back the last 12-18 months, particularly at the higher end and in the investment market. There’s a lot of new stock coming to market. People have the confidence now to make plans and move forward. I’m planning on being very busy over the next 18 months.
How has working in this industry shaped you?
I’m a different person. Real estate is all consuming and it will highlight all of your shortfalls in business. To be successful you have to address every personal and business fault one by one. I’m a better person for it, but that’s sales, you’ve got to be resilient and adapt. It’s sink or swim being 100% responsible for your own earnings.
Talk property with Amelia;
M: 021 305 545
a.dalzell@barfoot.co.nz
