Kelvin Winnie, trustworthy estage agent in Napier, New Zealand
We were fortunate, in our recent house-buying adventures, to use several personally endorsed services along the way.
The first step was actually finding a house, and estate agent Kelvin Winnie (of Cox Partners) was recommended to us by Jonathan Jervis, of RelocatingNZ.
Buying a house in New Zealand - The Beginning
Kelvin arranged to meet with us on a Sunday morning, prior to his busy afternoon (presumably doing open homes). We spent an hour chatting about South African / Kiwi differences, and advice for the new home-buyer.
We laid out the basics of what we were looking for, and he recommended to us other key people to use later in the house-buying process (solicitor, mortgage broker).
Buying a house in New Zealand - The Search
Several times over the next three months, Kelvin collected us, and drove us to a few houses he thought might be suitable. As we continued this process, our specifications gradually became more defined, and the houses Kelvin showed us were more and more to our liking.
Buying a house in New Zealand - The Conclusion
We ultimately didn’t buy a house from Kelvin. We found a house being sold privately, that met most of our requirements. When I told Kelvin this, he enthusiastically congratulated me on the find, and again said that if I ever needed advice / assistance, he’d be happy to help. He called back about two weeks later to make sure that we were still happy and on-track with the purchase.
I realize that everything I’ve mentioned falls within the scope of what a good estate agent does and should do, but I’m endorsing Kelvin because I believe he is a honest and trustworthy “good guy”. He was recommended to me, and now that I’m done with him, I recommend him to you ;)
(He said he’ll drop in for tea some time next week, to see our new house, so I’d like to think that I’ve made a new friend in the process)
Bite-sized facts about Kelvin Winnie, property broker in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
- Kelvin Winnie won New Zealand’s first Winners Circle Gold Badge. (An elite group that represents the very best sales people in New Zealand and Australia)
- He lived abroad for 8 years, traveling extensively (in over 50 countries, including South Africa) and gaining valuable experience in working with all kinds of people.
- He grew up in Hawkes Bay and spent over 15 years working in the construction industry.
- He and his wife have four young children, the most recent additions being twins - Adam and Sarah.
- His leisure pursuits include rugby, golf, reading and enjoying family time.
How to get in touch with Kelvin Winnie
Kelvin can be reached at Cox Partners, whose physical address is 259 Emerson Street, Napier, New Zealand, and whose phone number is +64 (6) 835 4321.
Being an estate agent is not always very rewarding (people can be very stressed when they sell and buy and the worst comes out :-) but when it works it is extremely rewarding. Connecting people up with the ideal dwelling (house or whatever) is great! Being a good agent is a calling. Many people just do the job because there is a myth that it is easy money. During the house boom here in ZA there were thousands of “estate agents” who I am sure have all disappeared now that things are getting hard and tyhe market has cooled down significantly…
We did come across several estate agents who “felt” a bit “slimy”.. too polished and professional.. too smooth..
So the easy money thing is a myth? :)
I know you are young, David but you are no fool :)
Estate agents work at all hours, do many showings and drive distances often for nothing as people don;t pitch up without letting you know, have found a house and neglect to tell you, hold you responsible when lawyers mess up, think you personally organised that leak in the roof and didn’t tell them…. and so on and on and on…
Hey, even though I’m from Texas, I’ve got a few friends from New Zealand… okay, just 1… and we barely know each other. His name is Ray Comfort and he does a TV show out here with Kirk Cameron called The Way of The Master. Anyway, thanks for letting me post. Good Luck!