BY MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE
Just five years after Craig and Kellie Hamilton started Mike Pero Real Estate and the company sold its first house, it is fast going from strength to strength.
The franchise has just won the Mike Pero supreme award for the South Island and was also named number two franchise in New Zealand.
It’s a huge achievement given that just five years ago, after Craig heard about the Mike Pero model from a friend and thought it might suit him and Kellie, the real estate agent couple started the franchise from home.
They worked 6am to 9pm each day until gradually they acquired office space and have now grown to two offices, eight sales agents and two administrators.
The team’s most recent accolade comes on the back of being named number one franchise each year since the Nelson and Richmond franchises opened, as well as many other awards for financial performance, client marketing and sales performance.
Craig attributes the success of the business to his enthusiastic, experienced team and great customer service.
Clients who sell their property through Mike Pero receive a full information pack containing everything they need to prepare for the sale.
“I believe that it is important we give out the best information when people list with us, and they thank us for it. There are a lot of differences between what we do compared to everybody else,” says Craig.
“We also put every single property that we sell on prime time TV free of charge, nobody else in the region does that.”
The footage is also used on Mike Pero’s website and Facebook page, says Craig.
“We are very big on local marketing.”
The Nelson office also includes Mike Pero Mortgage Broker services and brokers can meet clients in Richmond if necessary, for a complete and comprehensive service package, Craig adds.
That solid marketing plan, and fully informed vendors, is vital as the Nelson and Tasman real estate market continues to rise, at pace.
Mike Pero Real Estate currently has eight subdivisions for sale, and Craig says the company’s two rural sales specialists are selling about five sections each week.
“The market is really hot and the prices certainly are reflecting that – on average, houses have gone up in price by about $50,000 to $60,000 in the last six months.”
Craig says Mike Pero Real Estate Nelson and Richmond are very involved in the local community, particularly through the Mike Pero Foundation.
This programme reaches out to people who are in need because of illness, accident or other adverse situations.
Craig says Mike Pero also raised $12,000 recently for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, during a fundraising evening at Nelson Bays Holden. Mike Pero Real Estate has also just signed with the Nelson Giants for a third year.
But Craig says one of the great delights of his job is seeing first home buyers succeed in getting on the property ladder. However, he has some sage advice for them: “They just have to bite the bullet. Just buy something, don’t be fussy. Some people have been waiting to buy for six months and look how much prices have gone up.”
Call Craig, Kellie or one of the team if you are buying or selling to discuss your real estate needs.