THE BLACK BOOK | current to 3 November 2020

Current to 03 November 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK.

Movin’ On Up

Black Group Launches Ray White Matakana

On The Tools

Making A Splash

Carey Smith gets his gavel back out

Tips for a successful bathroom reno

Love To Like

The who’s who of Auckland furniture

R AY W H I T E N OW

Introducing Ray White Now, an insight to provide clarity to all our customers on what is happening in the market now.

If you are considering selling we explain how you can take advantage of the current conditions to achieve the best possible sales outcome.

The resilience of the New Zealand housing market has never been more evident than over the past three months. Most New Zealanders would be surprised at the level of activity and prices achieved, even though it has operated under restrictive operating conditions.

As Australasia’s largest real estate group, we are uniquely placed to provide our clients with the most relevant and timely information and data to assess current market activity and outlook. And as a family-owned and led business with 118 years of experience including operating through two world wars, the great depression and recessions, we know that we can deliver you the highest quality solutions in the current market.

C L I C K H E R E TO R E A D T H E L AT E S T I S S U E N OW

The Black Book.

Editor

Matty McLean

Design

Ryan Teece

Black Group Realty Ltd. Selling Principal

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

hello.

It has to be said, I do quite enjoy a social occasion.

There’s just something about putting on a nice outfit, getting together with people on a gorgeous evening, drinking good wine and listening to great music that is good for the soul.

Franchise Owner

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

Sales Manager

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

And it’s even better when you couple all that with a reason to celebrate, which is what we did last week at the opening of our new Ray White Matakana franchise. Held in the gorgeous former Vivian art gallery in Matakana, it was the perfect event to launch ourselves to a community we love so much.

Black Group Property Management.

Mark grew up in the area, and attended Matakana Primary School, and now we have a house on the coast in Omaha which we try to spend as much time in as we can - it’s a spot that’s near and dear to our hearts. So creating an office there just makes perfect sense, especially because so many of our clients city-side have properties there, or are looking to migrate north as they reach retirement.

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

It’s pretty exciting to expand the Black Group family - with Epsom, Takapuna and now this office. It’s been a big effort, but things are falling into place. And after the craziness of 2020, it’s nice to have things go right.

As always, we also have our regular bevvy of incredible listings, as well as some fantastic articles to inspire you as we edge closer to summer.

General Manager

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

Ray White Epom Ray White Matakana Ray White Takapuna Black Group Realty Ltd. Licensed (REAA 2008)

Enjoy!

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

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THE BLACK BOOK.

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.

M IS S I NG O UT?

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

THE

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Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

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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.

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inspire.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Movin’ On

Up

.

Not content with resting on its laurels, the real estate company who, only a few months ago, opened a second franchise on Auckland’s North Shore, has now ventured even further north. We caught up with Black Group’s Mark Bycroft and Heather Walton just a couple of days after the launch party for the newly opened Ray White Matakana.

To some, starting a new business in the middle of a global pandemic might sound a little crazy.

To those people, Mark Bycroft says ‘one? Try two new businesses!’

It’s those personal relationships that’s seen Mark and Heather set up two successful franchises before this - the long-established Epsom office, and Takapuna, which has already seen huge growth in just a few short months.

But there comes a point where the scales tip, and crazy all of a sudden becomes inspiring.

Mark says there’s now real synergy between the three offices.

Which is the space we’ve landed in, as Black Group Realty welcome their latest addition the brand new Ray White Matakana office.

“It ties in with our business strategy perfectly our databases are very, very similar. You know, with our clients, we’re selling their homes in Auckland, and they’re moving up towards Matakana and they’re buying up there. So it’s amazing the unity throughout the Black Group team.”

“It’s always been a dream of ours to be able to open up an office up there,” explains Mark, who owns the franchise with his wife, successful real estate agent Heather Walton.

“I went to school up there, and it’s always been a place we’ve really loved the thought of working in and representing.”

That dream is now a reality.

“We’re stoked,” smiles Mark.

“When you do something that you love, it doesn’t feel like you’re working,” adds Heather Walton.

“When I’m up there, I feel at peace. I noticed that driving up there the other day - I was so busy in the city, but as soon as I got in the car and headed north, I just didn’t feel even slightly stressed.”

That kind of vibe has seen the area boom in recent years.

“We’re really, really excited about it. With Matakana, it’s all about the local environment and the local people and the community up there.”

“We don’t feel like we’re starting from scratch up there,” Heather explains.

“We already know everybody. It’s not paving the way of a new area - it’s an extension of what we’re already doing. It already feels like we’re providing more for the people up that way, and making things easier for people too. They already know us, so they don’t have to create new relationships with new agents. They already know the level of service we provide.”

We already know everybody. It’s not paving the way of a new area - it’s an extension of what we’re already doing.

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For me, the opportunity is to do what we already know we’re doing so well, but do it up there.

Spearheading the Matakana experienced agent Sue Hatton.

outfit

is

“Sue approached us - she’s lived in Makatana for more that 12 years, and has been commuting to the city that whole time. But she just wanted to stay up there permanently, and not have to go back to Auckland. So we just saw it as a fantastic opportunity to be able to make it all work.”

The market throughout the Matakana, Omaha and Point Wells region has certainly shifted recently, and there’s a real opportunity for a fresh approach.

“People’s expectations explains Mark.

have

changed,”

“The average sale price in that area has skyrocketed. So yes there’s a local element, and we need to be really respectful of that.

But there’s the people that do want to achieve a really good price. So we’ve certainly seen the opportunity to really stamp our mark on the area.”

There’s a huge mix of clients wanting to make the shift north, too.

“Most of the people we’ve talked to, they’re planning either their family time, or their retirement opportunities.”

Plus, connectivity has never been easier.

“It really is a central port,” says Mark.

“It’s only 50 minutes out of Auckland, and you have some of the most pristine beaches in the world.’

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THE BLACK BOOK.

This year, Covid has given people a fresh perspective, as well. No longer are people looking overseas for their special spots.

“We’re incredibly privileged to be living in this country, particularly with a place like Omaha or Matakana right there for us to access easily.

It’s a huge opportunity, so we really couldn’t go past that.”

Plus, 2020 has seen a real shift in priorities.

“And for a lot of people, it’s finding that lifestyle balance and finding a place that they can escape to with their partner or their family or their friends and really just be at peace.”

This is an opportunity the new member of the Black Group family is forging full steam ahead with.

“It’s certainly, for us, about representing the community and putting back into that area in which you work. We want to make sure we’re part of that community.”

And this year, more than ever, it’s easier to become part of that community yourself.

“We’re all going to be sitting staring at each other in five years’ time going ‘wow, when interest rates were next to nothing back in 2020, why didn’t we make the move, or why didn’t we leverage on these opportunities?’

Which is why you should give us a call,” laughs Mark.

For Heather, it’s about making sure the residents in that community have the best level of service possible.

“For me, the opportunity is to do what we already know we’re doing so well, but do it up there,” she says.

“Just bring that extra edge with our top marketing, our gorgeous videos, and doing right by the people selling up there, which is getting the best possible price and presenting their homes in the most amazing way, so that they achieve what they need to for their next step.”

From the city to the coast, the Black Group has you covered. n

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social.

Black Group took over the former Vivian Art Gallery to celebrate the opening of the new Ray White Matakana office. Good food, good people, and plenty of yellow - what a way to be introduced to the community.

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for your diary.

Auctions 21

5.00pm, Wed, 21 October - In Rooms (Broadway)

22

OCT

4.00pm, Thu, 22 October - In Rooms (Broadway) 2/16 Buttle Street Remuera

22

6.30pm, Thu, 22 October - On site

OCT

10 Stonemason Avenue Stonefields

24

2.00pm, Sat, 24 October - On site

OCT

97 Glenmore Road Sunnyhills

27

6.30pm, Tue, 27 October - In Rooms (Broadway)

OCT

2/2 Strong Street St Johns

28

12.00pm, Wed, 28 October - On site

OCT

OCT

31 Rotomahana Terrace Remuera

3 James Laurie Street Henderson

28

2.00pm, Wed, 28 October - On site

OCT

2/6 William Fraser Crescent Kohimarama

28

6.00pm, Wed, 28 October - In Rooms (Takapuna)

OCT

1503/3 Northcroft Street Takapuna

28

6.30pm, Wed, 28 October - In Rooms (Takapuna)

OCT

22 Park Hill Road Birkenhead

29

1.00pm, Thu, 29 October - In Rooms (Broadway)

OCT

401/52 Sale Street Auckland

30

1.00pm, Fri, 30 October - In Rooms (Broadway)

31

11.30am, Sat, 31 October - On site

OCT

OCT

118 Paritai Drive Orakei

7 Boyd Avenue Mangere Bridge *Auctions can be sold prior. All details should be confirmed online or with the listing agent.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

“It’s all about support. After just a few weeks in the industry, I’ve already secured my first [multimillion dollar] sale. It’s the start of something great at Black Group.”

- Azel Saralaeva Ray White Epsom

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 the occasional award?

Heather Walton Selling Principal 021 432 167

Mark Bycroft Franchise Owner 021 968 946

Jeff Tubman Sales Manager 0274 958 717

Ray White Epsom 349a Manukau Road, Epsom 09 638 8640 | epsom.nz@raywhite.com www.rwepsom.co.nz Ray White Takapuna 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 | takapuna.nz@raywhite.com www.rwtakapuna.co.nz Black Group Realty Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

THE BLACK BOOK.

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He’s a big g uy, with a big gavel. Wh en he brought it down, we were under no confusion that it had sold.

k The Tools.

BacOn The real estate market is running so hot in Auckland that at one agency, the top boss went back on the tools to call an auction.

Carey Smith, chief executive of Ray White New Zealand, stepped up to the podium this week for Heather Walton, principal of Ray White Epsom, and her colleague Ryan Teece. It was one of more than 100 auctions held by the company around the country this week.

And though it has been “a few years” since Smith last held the hammer, he clearly hasn’t lost his touch, as the property at 177A Stable Lane in Auckland’s city fringe Eden Terrace sold for $1.43 million - $590,000 above the 2017 CV. “I started in real estate when I was 17. I was a junior auctioneer in Sydney - I used to travel the auction houses and made progress calling a few,” said Smith, adding that good auctioneers need to be really practised and trained, especially if they are calling more than two auctions in a session.

Walton said that she knew Smith had good form, after seeing him call an office function at Christmas, and so she was delighted when he said he’d love to “get on the tools” for her clients.

“He’s a big guy, with a big gavel. When he brought it down, we were under no confusion that it had sold,” she said of the auction in which six bidders duked it out for the 1920s shop and loft-style apartment.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Ray White New Zealand CEO Carey Smith got back on the tools to sell 177a Symonds Street at auction recently THE BLACK BOOK.

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For this , an

The Eden Terrace property sold for $590,000 above its CV despite an outstanding code of compliance

It wa s s o muc h f un wor ki ng wi t h Ca rey, w h o put t h e i c i n g on t h e ca ke of w h a t wa s an a m a z i n g cam p a i g n for our ow ne rs .

OneRo d more of.co.n conten z t, c lick her e

The renovated concrete building sat right in the centre of the rapidly gentrifying Eden Terrace quarter, behind Symonds Street.

Walton said the more-than-usual fishhooks – the building had an outstanding code of compliance, bank lending on retail has been difficult and the building sits on top of the tunnelling for the new City Rail Link so had a compensation certificate - “did put a large shadow of doubt over what could be achieved”, adding that it had been updated to current earthquake standards.

“But being a freehold and not a stratum really appealed to potential buyers and it attracted more than 150 enquiries throughout the campaign,” she says, “To the vendor’s delight, the property achieved the appraised price as if it did have the CCC. “It was so much fun working with Carey, who put the icing on the cake of what was an amazing campaign for our owners.”

Smith reported the company’s third back-to-back record month of residential sales across the country, completing 1,809 sales in September for a total transaction value of $1.336 billion.

He told OneRoof that in this market, auctions are critical for buyers and sellers who want to know they’re getting the true value in this rapidly rising market.

“And banks are really keen on the process of auctions setting the value. Seeing transparency and disclosure around the property, around who the other buyers are – no other form of sale gives that.

“I wouldn’t look at any other form of selling.” n

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THE BLACK BOOK.

follow.

Instagram accounts you’ll love to like.

Fresh Fur niture for Summ er?

@eccnewzealand

@cocorepublic

@dawsonandconz

This is a brand that knows what they’re talking about – ECC was started in 1909 by George Levett Thorburn. It’s his grandson Mike that now runs the company, which specialises in stunning lighting features and furniture pieces sourced from around the world. The team say they look for the ‘unique and the original’, which is obvious just browsing their Instagram account – we fell in love with their Apparatus Horsehair Sconce. It’s those incredibly bespoke pieces that make this place really special.

We cannot tell you the amount of time we’ve spent just wandering aimlessly around Coco Republic’s Newmarket store – but be warned, some of their furniture is so comfortable, that if you sit down, you won’t want to get back up. The team there are experts at helping you figure out how to best utilise your space, and will patiently create something for you that you can only dream of. Except, with their furniture, it’s not a dream. It’s a very beautiful, luxurious reality. Trust us – you’ll be impressed.

More and more these days, people want to know that what they’re putting in their homes is individual. Mass produced is out, personal is in. Which is why the local team at Dawson & Co makes sure they spend time with the manufacturers and designers before agreeing to stock any product. The company’s been around for more than 40 years, and their expertise shows. We especially love pieces like their dining room table made from Centuryold pillars and beams from across the UK.

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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We’ve got just the right team for the job.

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

rwepsom.co.nz | rwtakapuna.co.nz

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

THREE PRO TIPS FOR

Winning The Battle Of The Bathroom.

Once you have nailed the look of your entrance and hallway, the next logical step in a renovation project is the bathroom.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

If your bathroom hasn’t enjoyed the love and attention it deserves, you’ll probably be one of those Kiwis who shivers with embarrassment at the thought of guests asking to use the facilities, more so if your tiles are decrepit and ceilings are peeling.

Since the end of the first Covid-19 lockdown, requests for bathroom renovations have increased. From experience, bathroom renovations, are never straightforward endeavours. There’s always some sticking point that threatens to derail the project.

Here, then, are tips that will get you through the most common problems.

One: Tiles Choosing your tile combination can be hard, even harder if you are in a relationship where you don’t always see eye to eye. If you are not going to engage in a designer, utilise the expertise at your local tile store. They know what the good sellers are or what trusty repeated tiles you should invest in.

Before you head to the store, decide what style you like. Then move onto your colour tone base. Remember, the smaller the tile, the more grouting required, which can result in the space appearing to be smaller than it actually is, as the grout lines can disrupt the continuity.

Incorporating a mosaic can be a lovely design feature, and I’d suggest placing this on the vanity wall and replicated in a shower niche or one of the shower walls.

Grout is the last decision you need to make. You can have two different colours depending on your tile selection - just be wary of where they meet. We always recommend using an epoxy resin grout in the shower to keep maintenance low.

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Two: Taps

Three: Cost

The colour and style of the tapware will follow on from your tile palette. There is no right or wrong when selecting your tap colour.

Remember that tapware can always be changed out in five years if you do not like it anymore, far easier than replacing tiles.

The cost of a bathroom renovation is not cheap, which is why you only want to do it once every 10 to 15 years. Seventy percent of the cost of a bathroom renovation is labour, with the average sized family bathroom with B grade finish selections usually sitting at $30,000.

Go for a chrome tap if you want classic. Brushed nickel is attractive in pairing with the grey based beige as it throws a yellowish tone. Black goes with anything, or gunmetal for a slick contemporary vibe. Luckily with the charm of supply meets demand, coloured metals have come down in price.

I’m very hesitant on powder coated metals as they may chip over time, so make sure you know the quality - opt for electroplating instead and understand your warranties. Do not forget to match the vanity handles or opt for none if you are going for a coloured metal. Once you have chosen your colour, you can move onto the style of the tapware which should reflect the style of your home.

There are huge variables that can alter the price of a bathroom renovation - council fees, remedial work, lighting upgrades, additional labour for mosaics etc – so it’s important to budget for extras, unplanned or otherwise.

The bathroom and the kitchen really do help sell homes and needs to be done properly to avoid waterproofing issues down the track. Believe me - having a bathroom you love that works for you and your family is worth the process. n

For this , and m ore

OneRo o

f.co.n conten t, click h z ere

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2 39 Omaha Valley Road, Matakana One of the most private estates in Matakana this one-of-a-kind property offers plenty of potential.

A total of 5 hectares comprising of the main residence of approx 372m² plus terrace & garage.

A second 225m² building being used as a home run business/workshop. A purpose built 232m² former Vivian Art Gallery with gardens & lakes.

Opportunity to create a lifestyle on your terms.

rwmatakana.co.nz/MKA20000 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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A 2 B 3 C 1 D 3 F 2 I 10+ K

Auction 12pm, Wed 11 November, In Rooms at 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna (unless sold prior) View Saturday and Sunday 10:30 12pm or by appointment

E G F Sue Hatton 027 279 9696

B A

Heather Walton 021 432 167

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FROM THE CITY TO THE COAST Ray White Epsom

Ray White Matakana & Omaha

Ray White Takapuna

Level 1/ 416 Broadway, Epsom 09 638 8640 epsom.nz@raywhite.com

44 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana 09 283 3656 matakanaomaha.nz@raywhite.com

87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 takapuna.nz@raywhite.com