Surf-life saving star making waves in Gisborne

Endurance, self-belief and perseverance are three attributes athletes must embody to perform at their best. World surf lifesaving champion Cory Hutchings has all three - and will be calling on them for his next challenge…tackling Gisborne’s real estate market.

Cory has joined Bayleys Gisborne as a salesperson in the residential and coastal division. With a love for the ocean and a deep affiliation for New Zealand’s coastline, he is looking forward to selling real estate to the people in his hometown and the greater region.

Born and bred in Gisborne, Cory has the costal waters in his blood. He was a water baby and developed a deep love and respect for the ocean early in his life. Swimming and ironman competitions were Cory’s ‘thing’ and he travelled the world competing in events, holding the World Ironman title for more than a decade, and winning the bi-annual World Surf Ironman title in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

When Cory retired in 2003, he continued to support the surf life-saving community and is now a Sport and Recreation New Zealand sports ambassador. During his time as a professional surf life saver, Cory appeared on television shows like Bay Watch, Celebrity Treasure Island and Dancing with the Stars. Dancing with the Stars showed the lengths Cory was prepared to go to for a good cause, and while dancing wasn’t his ‘thing’ he raised money and awareness for his chosen charity Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Retirement gave Cory time to focus on his other great love – property. Last year, Cory approached Bayleys for a position in the sales team as he wanted to work for a company that had the same set of values as he did – going the extra mile for clients, innovative selling techniques and performing to the best of your ability. Cory viewed property as something tangible that was important in people’s lives, not just an asset to buy and sell.

Cory is a big believer in property - having bought his first home with a mate at 19-years-old, and happily admits to “never having paid rent”. Cory has built two houses since his retirement, and is currently working on his latest project - a new property close to the ocean.

“You have to work hard on your skills before you can finally deliver the goods. I have been training hard over the past few months to ensure I deliver for my future clients,” says Cory.

Cory’s mental and physical health is in peak condition thanks to his years of life saving – and he will be bringing his healthy mindset to the people of Gisborne as he advises them on all their property needs.

Cory’s love of building will help him as a real estate salesperson as he is able to think outside the square and is able to visualise what could be on a section.

Cory enjoys working with people, and his role as a top surf life saving coach has given him years of experience in advising and helping people to get what they want. In the real estate world, Cory will once again be working with people to find their dream home, while offering them advice and encouragement along the way. Cory’s negotiation skills and competitive nature will ensure the best result possible is achieved.

“I have always enjoyed interacting and dealing with people and I relish the opportunity to enable sellers and buyers to achieve their property goals,” says Cory.

Cory has come up against some criticism as people question whether this is the right time to enter the real estate market, but he believes the timing couldn’t be better.

“I like the idea of working hard, and the same goes for the real estate market. I’m here for the long-term. Coming into the real estate industry when a lot of salespeople are leaving only makes me more determined. I thought long and hard about making this move, and am looking forward to the opportunities that will come my way in the future,” says Cory.

“What I have learnt so far is that there is a process to be followed when selling real estate and when the market is more difficult, those with strict disciplines and positive reinforcement behind them will do better.”

“Bayleys have got some excellent buying opportunities available right now, should you want to know more about these give me a call.”

Cory is set to make waves in the property sales arena around town this year, and is ready for the challenge of finding his feet in Gisborne’s real estate market – Cory and Bayleys will make sure your ride to the sale is as smooth as possible.