PHOTO: Holly Hargreaves. LINKEDIN
Two locals have introduced the Arrowtown region’s inaugural buyers’ agency, aiding predominantly high-end buyers from out of town in discovering their ideal homes in the Southern Lakes area.
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NZ Buyers Agency, spearheaded by Jo Eddington, former Southern Lakes GM of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, and Holly Hargreaves, previously a prominent agent at Bayleys Arrowtown and a fifth-generation descendant of the Butel family, pioneers the concept. The Butel family once farmed the land where today’s Millbrook Resort stands.
Focused on Arrowtown, Dalefield, and Lake Hayes, the pair notes that while buyers’ agents are common in Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, and the United States, the concept hasn’t gained traction in New Zealand. Setting themselves apart from traditional “vendor-centric” agents, they do not engage in listing or selling real estate, instead collaborating with all agencies without affecting their commissions.
Furthermore, they specialize in uncovering unlisted properties, granting clients exclusive access to homes not publicly advertised. This advantage enables clients to secure properties swiftly, even before they hit the market.
Eddington emphasizes the strength of their network, likening it to a superpower that opens doors inaccessible to others. She expresses her excitement about partnering with Hargreaves, whom she met shortly after relocating to Arrowtown from Auckland two years ago. Hargreaves, with her extensive knowledge of the local market and a background in vendor representation at Bayleys, brings a strong focus on assisting buyers.
The duo understands the value of their clients’ time and has devised an efficient process to streamline the home-buying experience, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm their schedules.
For Hargreaves, aiding buyers in securing properties in her beloved town and region is more than just work—it’s a passion. Their buyer-centric approach is reflected in their fee structure, with clients compensating them directly for their services.
The launch of their website, nzbuyersagency.co.nz, coincides with the opening of their office in Arrowtown’s Dudleys Cottage Precinct, near Butlers Green, marking the beginning of their venture.
SOURCE: ODT