SUE HATTON UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Sue Hatton has been in real estate for six years. Specialising in Ponsonby and surrounds, she joined Bayleys Western Bays team just eight months ago, but has already been inducted into the top 10% of Bayleys sales people nationally, and currently ranks eigth in the Auckland region. WHO IS YOUR PARTNER? Sam Cooper.
IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? An organic farmer.
WHAT DOES SAM DO? I just shake my head generally at this question. I’m still not sure what a software engineer really does? WHERE DO YOU LIVE? In Ponsonby, with our Border Terrier, Fleetwood.
FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? So many great places I am spoilt, but I really enjoy a quiet break at Oh So! cafe on Crummer Road. Their balsamic creamy mushrooms and chorizo on toast is killer! And Dizengoff has been a favourite for many years for its great service, coffee and consistency.
WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? Our last off-shore trip was to Tahiti, and we frequent the Matakana region for short getaways as much as we can.
FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Pure. Stefan and Nadine, chef/owner operators, and front-of -house extraordinaire Marlena never disappoint!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? Fleetwood is very busy so I walk a lot. I also enjoy a game of badminton (but I don’t enjoy getting beaten by my very fit 70 year old Mum, who is an ace at the game).
FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? Wunderkammer Jewellery. Zora the creative source and light behind Wunderkammer Jewellery designs and makes the most incredible pieces!
YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU... She says “Sue has been loyal, directly honest and dependable for over 20 years without fault. Her humour has given me many laughs. To have a great friendship like this is rare and precious.”
YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS: I love to read, so a stack of books, music via George FM live stream on my iPhone, and Game of Thrones.
YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU... She often tells me she is very proud of my work ethic and achievements, and that I’m her rock. VIRTUES? I have a wicked sense of humour. VICES? I’m a bit of a workaholic, I’m constantly trying to achieve a better balance. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? One of these days before I’m too old I would like to live on a large block of land, be self sufficient, grow organic produce and raise animals. A River Cottage dream. WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I don’t think I ever had a clear vision of what I would be. I was very lucky to grow up in a supportive family where I was taught that a strong work ethic will get you places. HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? I spent many years in corporate hospitality working mainly in the competitive liquor industry in sales, management and marketing roles. I was craving a career change after 15 years, and applied years of extensive sales training and people experience to real estate.
112 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2012
ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT ABOUT LIFE IS... it really is short, so live life doing what you love - and that laughter really is the best medicine. WHAT WAS YOUR STANDOUT SALE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS? I’ve worked with so many amazing local people that a standout is hard, but working with a dynamic local couple on the sale of their home on Wanganui Avenue and then finding them a new home on Marine Parade in the same week was a real buzz. YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS: Don’t get caught up in agency speak about doing things better, or having niche or unique methods. Real estate is about hard work, follow up and an excellent understanding of the sales process - specific to the emotive world of real estate. Choose an agent with a track record of successful sales and references from past clients. Someone who you know will dig deep for the best possible outcome for you. YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS: When you see what you like be prepared to act. No two properties are the same and whether you have just started to look or you have some research under your belt, we can only sell the home once. In my experience buyers sometimes end up searching in vain for a long time, to replace a property they have missed. PN
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