New Zealand’s premier residential real estate company opens a new showroom and office in Nelson today (Monday 25 November), demonstrating continued expansion and investment in its business.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, which has its head office in Queenstown and offices throughout the country, will open the Trafalgar Street office, making it the third to open in as many months.
Independently New Zealand owned and operated, the company is the fastest growing privately-owned real estate business in the country, undergoing significant expansion and investment.
Located in the heart of Nelson at the base of the iconic and highly-recognisable Cathedral Steps, the Nelson showroom is in one of the city’s highest foot traffic areas attracting a large number of local and international visitors.
The expansive new showroom will be spearheaded by well-known Nelson local Simone Henbrey, alongside local registered real estate salesperson Wendy Lindbom as administration support.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty co-owners Julian Brown and Mark Harris said the Nelson premise was possibly one of the company’s "best and most high profile locations".
"The response from the locals has been so supportive and people have really noticed that Simone and New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty have a unique point of difference when selling or buying a property," they said.
"Our extensive national and international referral network is an incredibly powerful selling tool.
"Coupled with other unique marketing tools such as our bi-monthly Property Style magazine that’s distributed to an extensive database and found in major Koru lounges throughout Australia and New Zealand, we offer a level of service unrivalled in the area."
The Nelson-based team will work closely with specialised broker Mike Barnett who works for the company in the Marlborough region, providing a referral network between the two regions.
Ms Henbrey has lived in Nelson’s Cathedral area with her two children for eight years and joined the company in May.
She said the Sotheby’s International Realty brand had been "incredibly well received" in the region.
"I knew there was demand in the area for a brand as prestigious and well thought of as Sotheby’s International Realty and I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive feedback so far," she said.
"It’s been a very successful six months with multiple properties sold, some of which had previously stood quiet for some time, and I’m delighted to have some amazing listings on our books right now.
"The showroom enables us to market homes to a wider audience and with the generous window space it’s perfect for large property displays. You won’t miss it when you walk by."
"I certainly have been busy these last few months. People appreciate and love the fresh approach that comes with listing your home with the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty network of offices," she said.
"The company’s referral system is second-to-none so as soon as a property is listed with me in Nelson, it’s listed with the entire Sotheby’s International Realty team globally, and with over 13,000 associates worldwide across 660 offices, that’s a pretty strong team."
Ms Henbrey has marketed and sold a number of high profile properties including several large family homes in Nelson’s dress circle above the Cathedral and an iconic historic cottage in Victory.
Simone has also just listed Nelson’s premium Quay Waterfront Apartments on an exclusive basis.
"The Quay Apartments are one of the town’s most iconic residences and I’m excited to showcase them to not only the local and New Zealand market but also the world."
Ms Henbrey said more than half of her recent sales were to purchasers relocating to Nelson.
"It isn’t just about the monetary value; a home boasts unique aspects that make it special to current and future owners," she said.
"It could be the last beachfront property of its kind, have million dollar views unrivalled in Nelson or it could be a one-bedroom period villa. Each has a unique proposition that makes it special."
Ms Henbrey is highly-regarded in the Nelson area for her work on restoring the town’s historic Melrose House, responsible for fundraising, organising open days and attracting sponsorship to ensure the property, built around 1879, was returned to its former glory.
Ms Henbrey started her property career in 1995 in Auckland, where she was responsible for the marketing and sales of period homes in Mt Eden before moving to Nelson in 2005.
She is also an experienced and award-winning interior designer, graduating from the Auckland School of Interior Design and New York’s Sheffield School of Interior Design
The Nelson showroom comes hot on the heels of new offices in Central Otago’s Wanaka and Arrowtown, taking the company’s offices up to eight with more in the pipeline.
