THE BLACK BOOK | current to 15 July 2020

Current to 14 July 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK. The Beauty of Bean Rock

jaw on the floor kind of special

10 and 10 in 10

Preparing For Sale

Stay Local

Meet Caleb Rufer from Ray White Epsom

Shelley Ferguson shares her tips

Three epic Kiwi stays on Instagram

The Black Book Editor Matty McLean

Design Ryan Teece

Black Group Realty Ltd. Selling Principal

hello.

We constantly have reason to be proud of our team - what a great feeling, right?

But since our last issue of The Black Book, we have been bombarded with that sense of pride. Across the Black Group team in the past month, we’ve had more than $40 million in unconditional property sales.

There’s obviously a lot of chatter at the moment about what the market’s doing, but we like to look at what is right in front of us. And the results speak for themselves.

Or, perhaps we’ve just cultivated an incredibly talented team!

Either way, there’s plenty of bottles of champagne that have been popped recently in order to celebrate.

Which is exactly what we’re looking forward to doing in order to toast our new Takapuna branch. The office is looking fantastic, and we’ve already convinced some of the North Shore’s best agents to join our growing family.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not still searching - The Black Group has never rested on its laurels. So if you’re interested in joining one of the country’s most successful real estate teams, get in touch.

We work hard, we get results, but we’ve also created a fun, exciting atmosphere across the various offices. Plus we’re pet friendly, and who doesn’t love an office dog?!

Heather Walton and Mark Bycroft Franchise owners - Ray White Epsom & Ray White Takapuna Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Heather Walton 021 432 167 heather.walton@raywhite.com

Franchise Owner

Mark Bycroft 021 968 946 mark.bycroft@raywhite.com

Sales Manager

Jeff Tubman 0274 558 717 jeff.tubman@raywhite.com

Digital Strategist Ella Kiliuyi 021 418 638 ella.k@raywhite.com

Black Group Property Management General Manager

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

Business Development Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

Ray White Epom

Black Group Realty Ltd. Licensed (REAA 2008)

The Black Book is supbject to copyright in its entirety and the contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission.

Opinions expressed in The Black Book are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Black Group Realty Ltd or Ray White Epsom. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

M IS S I NG O UT?

Get every issue, direct to your inbox Issue One | 22 April 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK. ou ie launch ’

‘Blackr T

60

Bold and Breathtaking 39 Spencer Street, Remuera

pages of properties at your fingertips

How high can you go?

Bite Size

Locked In, Not Out

Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

Get ready to sell post lockdown

Our first online auction success

For most, their Black Book is a tightly guarded secret. In contrast, we want ours to advise, inspire, or just give you something nice to flick through on a Sunday morning with your coffee.

C L IC K H E

RE TO

SUBSCRI

BE

THE BLACK BOOK.

| 1

contents.

4.

6.

8.

Chatter Feature Property Properties For Sale

Contents Inspire

10. Preparing Your Home

20.

10 and 10 in 10

Welcome Note

For Sale with Shelley Fergusson

14. Follow 16.

18.

20.

27.

14.

16.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

10.

M IS S I NG O UT?

Get every issue, direct to your inbox

Issue One | 22 April 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK. ou ie launch ’

‘Blackr T

60

Bold and Breathtaking 39 Spencer Street, Remuera

pages of properties at your fingertips

How high can you go?

Bite Size

Locked In, Not Out

Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

Get ready to sell post lockdown

Our first online auction success

For most, their Black Book is a tightly guarded secret. In contrast, we want ours to advise, inspire, or just give you something nice to flick through on a Sunday morning with your coffee.

C L IC K H E

RE TO

SUBSCRI

BE

THE BLACK BOOK.

| 3

inspire.

8 |

THE BLACK BOOK.

THE BLACK BOOK.

| 9

H OW TO P R E PA R E YOU R H O M E FO R SA L E

. n o s u g r e F y e l l e h S th wi

Are you looking to get your property on the market? Interior designer Shelley Ferguson shares her industry knowledge to help you get your home ready for sale.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

STAGE YOUR OWN OPEN HOME Pretend you’re a visitor to your own property and walk around like you would during an open home.

While your home is a very personal and meaningful space, try to see it from an unbiased, unemotional point of view for the purpose of this exercise. Be critical and make a list of things that look out of place, cluttered or unfinished.

STREET APPEAL The exterior of your home is like an advertisement promoting your business. As the first thing people see when visiting an open home, it’s a powerful opportunity to make a good impression. Stand back and take a long hard look at the exterior of your home from the street. Try to make a clear path to the door, even if it means adding a line of pavers.

Ensure you have a manicured lawn and garden, the roof and gutters are clean and clear, and the exterior paint job looks fresh. This doesn’t have to be an expensive or time consuming exercise – the results you can achieve after a day’s work with gardening tools and a water blaster can be amazing.

TACKLE THAT TO-DO LIST When it comes to our home, most of us have a constant to-do list that never actually gets done.

Schedule time aside to tick off that list as quickly as you can. Replace those blown light bulbs, sand back that chipped skirting board, touch up those holes in the walls from picture hooks and paint over discoloured wall marks.

“The exterior of your home is like an advertisement promoting your business.”

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DE-CLUTTER &CLEAN Shelley recommends getting rid of up to 30% of your home’s contents when preparing your home for sale. If you’re struggling to be decisive when decluttering, choose a charity to donate your goods to. Clearing out your wardrobe is much easier if you can imagine the thankful, smiling lady who is the proud new owner of that patterned dress.

LAYER ON A STYLE Cohesive homes often look the most stylish because there is a considered theme throughout.

While there is nothing wrong with an eclectic interior mix, a good edit of pieces that look out of place can simplify and unify spaces. If you’re stuck for inspiration, some of the most popular interior styles in the world are coastal, modern, industrial, Scandinavian and traditional, so choose one that you identify with and add hints of it throughout your home.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

“Cohesive homes often look the most stylish because there is a considered theme throughout.”

HERO YOUR BEDS If you’re keen on selling but lack the time, money or style sense to invest in your interior, style your beds like a pro to add a focal point to each room. Layering is the easiest way to achieve this, using a coverlet first with a duvet or large throw that can be folded back. Invest in Euro pillows, sleeping pillows and scatter pillows, and stack these to create vertical interest (against a headboard for maximum impact).

MARKET TO THE FIVE SENSES While they may not realise it, people’s five senses are hard at work while viewing open homes and if you can get them firing all at once, the result is a memorable and positive one. For example, ‘sight’ is a lovely organised home; ‘touch’ can be addressed by adding texture to spaces in the form of cushions, rugs and plants that evoke a feeling of softness and comfort; while fresh coffee, baking or elegant diffusers and candles can address ‘smell’. n

“While they may not realise it, people’s five senses are hard at work while viewing open homes.”

Brought to you by

THE BLACK BOOK.

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follow.

Instagram accounts you’ll love to like.

Stay local

.

@purepods

@the.lindis

@theglasshousenz

Imagine sleeping in a stunning glass cabin, with the Milky Way twinkling above you, and that feeling that the night sky is all yours. The gorgeous eco pods have six different locations around Canterbury and Kaikoura, and are the perfect way to just switch yourself off from the world. Adding to the uniqueness and the mystery, you don’t find out the exact location of your pod until after you’ve made your reservation, and each pod is located about 1km away from where you park your car.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful locales in this country, but The Lindis is one of those special places that has managed to enhance its surroundings. This luxury lodge is located in Otago’s Ahuriri Valley, just south of Twizel. The restaurant’s menu taps into the local flora and fauna – like wild Fiordland venison. The lodge is located on an expansive back country vista, and almost blends into the scenery, which is what makes this place so brilliant – it’ll take your breath away.

One of the greatest parts about taking yourself off for a break is getting out of the hustle and bustle – which is why you’ll instantly fall in love with The Glasshouse. Designed for couples to just get away and reconnect, the luxurious retreat is perched on top of a 20 acre coastal peninsula in Northland, near Whangarei.

The accommodation itself is architecturally designed, and the vast landscape gives you plenty to do – including a visit to the large natural rock pools just below Kauri Mountain Point.

Do you follow an Instagram account that we should be following? Let us know.

Email marketing.epsom@raywhite.com with your suggestions.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Black Group Property Management

Value For Money - Hands On Service - Industry Knowledge

Get in touch with us to talk modern style property management today.

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

Black Group Property Management Ltd.

Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

rwepsom.co.nz

ten and ten, in ten with Caleb Rufer

L’Americano is the perfect spot for a bite to eat, a relaxing drink, or a 10 minute coffee (or tea) stop. This week we pulled Caleb Rufer from Ray White Epsom aside to ask him ten personal, and ten professional questions.

Personal

What’s your coffee order?

Don’t drink coffee, but I’ll take an Earl Grey or Green Tea in the winter and a smoothie in the summer.

What song is on repeat on your playlist at the moment?

“Don’t Let Me Go” - Lucas & Steve Remix & Armin Van Buuren Which App do you spend the most time on?

Facebook Where do you think New Zealand’s bestkept secret is?

New Chums beach How do you start each morning?

Work out the bod and/or shower and breaky Give us a TV show recommendation to binge watch on a rainy day?

Hollywood or Vikings

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THE BLACK BOOK.

It’s date night - where are you making a reservation for dinner?

Gerome Parnell If you were to win a reality TV show, which one would you have the best shot at winning?

If I had an ex it would be “Ex on the Beach” or the Bachelor Australia What was the last book you read?

Hatchet Where in the world do you wish you could head to for a holiday?

A place I haven’t been would be Caribbean and a place I have been Perth/Margaret River

Professional

What was your first job?

Professional Football (Soccer) Tell us the thing you love the most about working in real estate?

Connection with people Give us some advice to pass on to someone thinking about joining the industry?

You get back what you put in What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Enjoying my life/being happy (consistently and enjoying that with my daily and friends) What motivates you?

Success to be enjoyed by myself, friends and family

What do you wish you’d known before you started out in your career?

The impossible - which is to know everything I know now! But if it were one thing, I would say Real Estate is about relationships What do you hope you’ve achieved in five year’s time?

Ray White Elite status and to be married Tell us someone who inspires you?

My mother, the most positive, beautiful person I know What separates you from other agents?

My dress code

Share with us your property must-have?

After living in Europe and seeing our cold homes in NZ insulation, double glazing and central heating is a good start

THE BLACK BOOK.

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chatter.

Black Group is home to some wonderful humans.

We are pretty tight-knit and we aren’t shy about celebrating our successes. We thought, why not share some of the office chatter with you.

WE ALWAYS STRIVE FOR

10/10

HERE ARE OUR LATEST ONES

Richard Thode - 15c Chatfield Place Rich was awesome to deal with - honest, informative and extremely professional. We would not hesitate in using Rich again or recommending him to friends. Top agent.

Jane Horgan - 202B Kohimarama Road We met Jane through our initial recommendation to go with John (her team mate). Jane was with us at every step of the journey in the sale of our house. Jane’s honesty and work ethic really stood out for us and that nothing was a problem at any stage. Jane has also helped us move on to our next purchase.

We left our transaction feeling confident that we had made the correct choices throughout the campaign and this was due to Jane’s ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with us.

John Campbell - 301a Riddell Road John and Jane compliment each other so well because their personalities are quite different. Jane is very outgoing and talkative (which some buyers like) and John is quiet and more reserved (which other buyers like). They each bring different skills to the table so it’s easy to see why they are such a successful team.

Dickson Lee - 11d Monteith Cres Dickson was very precise and extremely professional. He left nothing to guess work while explaining everything along the way. I loved his positive energy.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Ruoxi Wang - 11d Monteith Cres Ruoxi was incredibly respectful, professional, helpful and successful.

Ken Choong - 2/15 Hartland Ave He was very helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of buying and selling houses.

Richard Thode - 627B Manuka Road From the get go Richard displayed professionalism, honesty and integrity. Throughout this journey we felt at complete ease with Richard due to his outstanding communication skills and at times his great sense of humour.

John Campbell - 202B Kohimarama Road John was professional and we trusted him and the team from start to finish. We have dealt with many agents in the past and have not connected with any quiet like we did with the John and Jane team. They have a spark that many agents have when they are trying to get your business but John and Jane’s spark and tenacity and great communication lasted the campaign and well after the sale of your house. We look forward to working with John and Jane again.

Jane Horgan - 301a Riddell Road Jane was an absolute rock star! She worked very long hours to get our property on the market in an extremely short time frame and after it was listed communicated on a regular basis regarding the buyers and the process.

Succeding is always easier with the right tools.

S upport P rofile A dministration Database E ngagement

Black Group has a proven track record of giving salespeople the right tools to achieve the best from their business. Health, wealth, work-life balance and maybe the occasional award?

Get in touch for a completely confidential chat about how we can help you succeed.

Heather Walton - Selling Principal - 021 432 167 Mark Bycroft - Franchise Owner - 021 968 946 Jeff Tubman - Sales Manager - 0274 958 717 Ella Kiliuyi - Digital Strategist - 021 418 638 Ray White Epsom Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

the beauty of

BEAN ROCK

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Sometimes the simple things you look for in a home - style and sophistication, but also a sense of peacefulness - can actually be hard to find. Not here. Not at Bean Rock - a brand new townhouse development that has plenty of people talking.

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In Richard Thode’s office, there’s a buzz in the air - the kind of buzz that’s contagious.

We’ve stopped by because the Ray White Epsom agent has a project he wanted to tell us about.

“Check it out! This,” Richard tells us, “is Bean Rock.”

You can feel the excitement as he hands over marketing material, and it’s easy to see why. Bean Rock, a new development in the heart of St Heliers, is special. Jaw on the floor kind of special.

The development of eight townhouses have been stunningly designed by Jessop Architects, who are known for their bold, innovative, modern creations.

“It was a big piece of land,” explains Richard.

“The developer acquired three sites in total. It was always known as prime position in the middle of Towai Street, which sits relatively high up, and more importantly, faces north.”

The townhouses are divided into four duplexes that are joined at the garage.

“We’ve called them A Block and F Block,” says Richard, who’s listed the development through Black Group.

The team has already sold all four freehold townhouses in A Block, and only three in F Block remain. It’s not hard to see why they’ve been so sought after.

“They’re all three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and two living spaces. And the properties in F Block, which are still on the market, have the largest proportions of the two blocks.”

Inside, the space delivers in spades. There’s style and sophistication in the design, while still maintaining that sense of warmth and charm.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

The finishing inside is to a really high quality.

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The developer’s been doing this a long time, so he knows what he’s doing - he knows how to finish properties to that expert level.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

“The finishing inside is to a really high quality,” Richard tells us.

“The developer’s been doing this a long time, so he knows what he’s doing - he knows how to finish properties to that expert level.”

Starting on the ground floor, you enter the open plan living and kitchen, providing an ideal hub in which to gather with friends and family.

“Inside the kitchen you’ll find all Bosch appliances and stone tops,” explains Richard, “with natural materials that make the space feel elegant while also providing that light, airy feel.

Plus, one of the many neat features is the glass splashback that lets you see out into your own garden.”

The indoor living flows spectacularly onto the outdoor courtyard space through the fully retractable exterior doors - you’ll never want to close them during the summer months.

“It’s perfect for people who love to entertain,” says Richard.

The high ceiling studs - 2.7 studs on the ground floor, 2.5 upstairs - just add to that dramatic tone, and manage to elevate the houses even more.

Upstairs is where you create your sanctuary - with three spacious bedrooms, an ensuite attached to the master, and a large main bathroom as well.

“In the bathrooms there’s floor to ceiling tiles, underfloor heating, and huge showers,” Richard describes to us.

The bedrooms are bathed in natural light through large windows. The space is big enough for a decent sized bed, while also giving you room for a statement piece of furniture if you desire.

Plus there’s no need to Marie Kondo your clothes with a generous walk-in wardrobe providing plenty of storage.

“The colour pallets are all lovely and neutral and work well with the space. It’s all so nice and inviting.

“It’s unique,” says Richard.

You’re provided with options as well - another room at the top of the stairs, separate from the bedrooms, gives you the flexibility of creating a media room, a spacious home office, a home gym perhaps. The beauty is you get to decide what you make of it.

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And with five townhouses already sold, that sense of community has begun.

“There’s a really good mix of people who have already purchased some of the townhouses. It’s really creating something special amongst the residents - close enough that you can really get to know your neighbours and look out for each other, while still maintaining that sense of privacy.”

Which is one of the brilliant things about the way the development’s been designed - you really do feel like you have ownership over the space, such is the retreat they’ve managed to create.

Plus you just cannot overlook the incredible location close to those beautiful beach areas like Kohimarama and St Heliers.

“People who live in the bays love the bays,” says Richard.

“Some even get a peek at the water!”

These townhouses are perfectly designed - stunning, modern fit outs, but with the comfort and ease you need in a space like this. They’re low maintenance, but still offer you something to be incredibly proud of.

This is what home should feel like. But with only three left on the market, time is running out for you to make Bean Rock your home. n

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THE BLACK BOOK.

There’s a really good mix of people who have already purchased some of the townhouses.

It’s really creating something special amongst the residents.

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