New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty launches Wanaka office

Premier real estate company New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the fastest growing independent real estate companies in the country, opening its Wanaka office just one month after it expanded into Arrowtown.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, which is independently owned and operated by long-time Queenstown locals Julian Brown and Mark Harris, will open the doors to its Wanaka office next week (w/c September 2 2013).

The new team consists of experienced local realtor Jill Cole, her son George, Dan Rutledge and Kirsty McCorkindale as office administrator.

The Wanaka premise, located at Level 1, 123 Ardmore Street, takes the company’s portfolio up to seven offices across New Zealand.

Agent Dan Rutledge said the team expansion and permanent office was in response to increased enquiries and projected future growth of Wanaka.

“Wanaka is set to grow extensively over the next few years and we’re already seeing a marked increase in international enquiries as well as movement within the local market,” said Mr Rutledge.

“It’s great to have the support of a full Wanaka-based team and together we’re excited about the future of the area.”

Newly-recruited agent Jill Cole, who’s originally from South Africa, said she was thrilled to be a part of the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty team.

Mrs Cole moved to Wanaka from Auckland and has extensive real estate experience having sold property in Wanaka since she settled there in 2005.

“This beautiful, clean and unpolluted ski village has settled well into my bones and I am very passionate about the interesting people who choose to call Wanaka home,” Mrs Cole said.

“My clients come from all over the world and it is a privilege to work with them to find a property that meets their requirements. Wanaka is an old fashioned place where a handshake is your word. It’s a place where you can be as busy or as quiet as you choose.”

Mrs Cole previously managed a team of 150 sales staff for a national department store, owned an international cosmetic company and trained 25 sales consultants. She also set up 11 fashion stores in Auckland and worked for a recruiting agency specialising in project managers and architects.

Jill’s son George is another welcome addition to the team and has recently achieved his real estate licence.

George holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Otago University in Information Science and Marketing Management and has called Wanaka home for many years.

He ski raced for both the north and south island ski teams and is a qualified ski instructor. He also enjoys wake boarding, mountain biking, golf and fishing.

George has travelled the globe and developed extensive international databases and connections over the years, resulting in a solid client base and lasting relationships with property developers, financial institutions and investors.

“I’m very proud to be a part of the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty team,” said Mr Cole.

“I have a passion and interest in understanding and utilizing different marketing techniques to ensure a successful result for my clients.”

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty co-owners Julian Brown and Mark Harris said the opening of the Wanaka office marked yet another “significant milestone” in the company’s history.

“Our long-term goal has always been to grow our already strong presence in the Central Otago area,” Mr Brown and Mr Harris said.

“The office is in a premium location on Wanaka’s lakefront,” they said.

“Central Otago is increasingly becoming the preferred winter destination for Aucklanders and Australians visiting the region for skiing.

“A permanent premise and increased staff presence in Wanaka allows us to better service our clients looking to buy in the area,” said the duo.

“It enforces our company ethos of maximising our affiliation with the Sotheby’s International Realty network to benefit both sellers and purchasers.”

“Our focus across Central Otago is on marketing properties in Wanaka, existing and up-coming sub-divisions, and rural areas as far out as Cardona Valley, Albert Town and Lake Hawea.

“It also allows us to showcase our portfolio of properties from across the country to the international market,” Mr Brown and Mr Harris said.

“Wanaka attracts clientele which are quite different to Queenstown and we’re already working with a number of clients who are looking to invest in Wanaka.”