Issue 2 // 2024
2 INSIDE Harcourts The top people in our industry and our group have always understood that by delivering the finest experience, not only will our clients come back and choose to deal with us again, but they will also recommend us to the friends and family. There is no better source of business than repeat and referral. As I said opening both the New Zealand and Australian HX events, there is no doubt we have the best foundation of any real estate group – our purpose, our values and our vision, we have the best platform of any real estate group – and we most definitely have the best people! Our clients tell us so. And we also launched our new brand positioning line – “We Make It Possible” The statement captures our commitment to our values - putting people first, being courageous, and always doing the right thing. It is an evolution of our brand promise and business to ensure we remain relevant for today and into the future. We have the expertise, work ethic, and a track record of success that provides hope for anyone whose dreams and goals may feel out of reach. Our brand promise is straightforward: at Harcourts, we help others achieve success. I’m looking forward to an awesome year ahead. Thank you for everything you do that allows this Group to continue to achieve the wonderful impact that we do on so many lives. What a wonderful four weeks – HX2024 in South Africa then two weeks later in Wellington, New Zealand at the new conference centre and then a week after that on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia! Three simply outstanding events – over 2,400 Harcourts team members came together to learn, to recognise and to celebrate – and that we sure did! Congratulations to Cameron Bailey – number one sales consultant for both Harcourts New Zealand and for the group internationally. A huge achievement to once again take out the top spot – a reflection of just how outstanding a professional Cam is. A special congratulations to Andy Freeman in New Zealand and Aaron Brooks in Australia, inducted into the Harcourts International Hall of Fame. Both have played huge roles over many years in the growth and success of our organisation and are very worthy recipients of the highest level of recognition we have. Special moments in each HX. Congratulations to Andrew Jakins, number one sales consultant in Australia – only the second time one of our Nutrien Harcourts rural/ regional team have achieved this position. A special congratulations to John and Lynette McFadden and Chris Kennedy, Gold Papanui for achieving number one office internationally for Harcourts and to Martin, Mitch, Rob and Andrew – number one franchise for the Group Internationally – another spectacular result given the tough market. What was most exciting though was the strength of culture and the overwhelming positivity of our entire team. The last few years have been challenging, the last 12 months have seen a much more subdued market environment. It is so exciting to see how strongly we are positioned as we start to head out of the current slower market. Our focus as an organisation has always been on the client experience, and it’s been that commitment that has seen us voted yet again, most trusted real estate brand in New Zealand for the 12th year in a row! This is incredible recognition for our entire NZ team and a significant endorsement of our business model and finest experience strategy – you really can’t do any better than this. Mike Green Managing Director, Harcourts International WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
INSIDE Harcourts 3 ISSUE 2 // 2024 On the cover: “We Make It Possible” - This statement captures our commitment to our values - putting people first, being courageous, and always doing the right thing. It is an evolution of our brand promise and business to ensure we remain relevant for today and into the future. Read more on page 16. Editor Shaena Jones Designer Alexander Rumsey Studio Eighty Contributions communications@harcourts.net While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate we recommend that, before relying on this information, you seek independent specialist advice. We acknowledge the Turrbal Traditional Owners of the land on which this publication is produced and Elders both past and present. 37 10 35 TABLEOFCONTENTS In the Family....................................4 In Feature – We Make It Possible............8 In Feature – Harcourts Hall of Fame...... 10 In Feature – International Winners. ...... 12 In Touch....................................... 14 In Feature – Ring It On. ..................... 15 In Marketing................................... 16 In Technology................................ 18 New Zealand Update ....................... 19 Australia Update ............................. 22 In Partnerships............................... 24 In Financial.................................... 25 South Africa Update......................... 26 North America Update ..................... 27 Indonesia Update ........................... 28 In Rural ........................................ 29 In Commercial ............................... 30 In Client Experience......................... 32 REIP. ........................................... 33 In Foundation................................ 34 In Feature – Lachy’s Long Way Home.... 36 In Harcourts Real Estate Training Centre.37 In Academy................................... 38 In View......................................... 40 In Awards.................... From back cover 8 14 12
4 INSIDE Harcourts OFFICES New Zealand Australia WELCOME TO THE HARCOURTS FAMILY IN THE FAMILY Harcourts East Tamar, Tasmania (new ownership) An award-winning team made up of East Tamar locals are the proud new business owners of Harcourts East Tamar. Led by David Woods and Sheree Brown, and servicing the real estate sales and rental markets from Windermere to Low Head, Turners Marsh to Pipers River, Weymouth, Bellingham, and Karoola, and anywhere in between, Harcourts East Tamar know and love the community that they work with, and provide a personalised service to each and every client. Harcourts has been the go-to brand in the East Tamar for 19 years. Previous owners Andrew and Maureen forged a great partnership building a strong culture and leading brand to have more than doubled the market share of their nearest competitor. Karan & Co Real Estate Ltd - Harcourts Manukau (new ownership) The recently formed team at Karan & Co Real Estate Ltd - Harcourts Manukau, led by business owner Karan Sawhney, is committed to going the extra mile to understand their clients idea of their perfect home. They offer a deep local market knowledge and valuable insights to help their clients make sound buying and selling decisions. The mission for Karan & Co is to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients, driven by the team’s innovative marketing and digital content, all centred on creating the finest client experience possible. Additionally, the newly established Property Management division of Velocity 365 Property Management Ltd - Harcourts Manukau has a vision is to redefine property management in their region and have set ambitious goals to make this happen. Team Group Realty Ltd - Harcourts Johnsonville and Team Group Property Management Ltd - Harcourts Johnsonville (new ownership) Marty Ritchie - CEO of Harcourts Team Group, Holly Fordham - Business Owner, Harcourts Wellington City and Antonia Brown - Operations Director of Harcourts Khandallah, have successfully acquired Active Real Estate in Johnsonville marking a significant expansion of the Team Group network. This acquisition not only strengthens their market presence but also amplifies their capabilities, setting the stage for sustained growth and success. Marty, Holly, and Antonia’s leadership, alongside the invaluable support of former Business Owner Paul Ellis (Chopper) and Property Manager Karen Ellis, who bring their extensive expertise to aid in the transition and integration of the new team, will undoubtedly propel the office to new levels. This will result in expanded services and enhanced opportunities for the local community.
INSIDE Harcourts 5 Harcourts Algester, Queensland Under the award-winning leadership of Principal Tony Miller, a familiar figure in the Southeast Queensland real estate landscape, Harcourts Algester brings together a formidable team of topperforming local experts. Over the past 13 years Tony has carved out a niche as one of the area’s most respected and reliable agents. His business philosophy centres on integrity, honesty and an energetic commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. The opening of Harcourts Algester represents a pivotal moment in the Queensland real estate market. It signifies Harcourts’ continued commitment to expanding its footprint, offering unparalleled service and making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Harcourts Elite Agents, Western Australia Harcourts Elite Agents have opened a new office in Western Australia, dedicated to serving the Baldivis community. Licensee/Director, Harcourts Elite Agents, Donna Whitehead explains, “Baldivis has experienced an annual compound growth rate of 17.9% and there is strong demand for investment property in the area. The demographic of Baldivis makes it an excellent suburb of choice due to the affordable house prices in an increasing market. The decision to open an office here was also due to the government contracts secured in the area and the strong demand for property in these locations.” Donna Whitehead brings 26 years of property industry experience to the table, having owned real estate businesses in New Zealand and Australia since 1998. IN THE FAMILY Harcourts Asset, Queensland The dynamic driving force behind Harcourts Asset are Ratio Rajput and Shane Shaikh, who lead a team with a passion for elevating their community in every aspect of the property business, delivering a real estate experience that they believe is second to none. From leading Sales Agent to Principal, Shane’s role has evolved with the needs of the company he leads. His team, carefully handpicked to maintain the Harcourts Asset service standard, is guided by his unwavering mantra: “The customer always comes first.” Backed by meticulous systems and processes, no detail is overlooked in delivering a six-star client experience with the aim of creating customers for life. Harcourts Westmead, New South Wales Well established and successful, Principal and Licensee Pravin Pathik and his team, have big plans as they go newly into blue and join Harcourts. Pravin has been working in the Westmead surrounding area for the last 14 years and says, “with changing to Harcourts my aim is to grow bigger, and together with my local expertise and Harcourts brand this should make myself and team the perfect fit for Westmead’s dynamic real estate opportunities.” Harcourts Westmead looks forward to continuing to place their customers at the centre of everything they do as they deliver on-time, reliable, efficient, and exceptional services; Bluer, bigger and better than ever. North America Harcourts Westside, Santa Monica - California Harcourts Westside is a the newest office for Harcourts North America, situated in the heart of Santa Monica. Spearheaded by esteemed business owner Ty Cueva, Harcourts Westside is set to revolutionize the real estate landscape through its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. When asked about his choice of franchise in the real estate industry, Ty Cueva responded, “Harcourts offers the premiere auction platform and process in the industry, as well as exceptional infrastructure and back-end support”. The international scope combined with the proven auction platform was particularly appealing, aligning perfectly with the vision for Harcourts Westside.
6 INSIDE Harcourts OFFICES WELCOME TO THE HARCOURTS FAMILY Indonesia Harcourts Solusi, Tangerang, West Java Gunawan Sjahjady, a distinguished business owner, boasts a remarkable academic background, having graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA and an M. Arch degree. With over three decades of prolific experience in the realm of design production and township development, Gunawan has held pivotal roles as both a General Manager and Director, overseeing projects of sizable scale, some spanning up to 20,000 hectares. Notably, his illustrious career culminated in his recent assignment as the Design GM for the prestigious construction of the GWK Cultural Park in Bali, a site chosen to host the G20 Bali Summit in 2022. Gunawan’s unparalleled expertise in project planning and development, coupled with his extensive network of property developers and owners, positions him as a catalyst for opportunity within Harcourts. Harcourts Semarang, Semarang, Central Java Yuliana Christina SE, a native of Semarang where she completed her studies in Business Management, emerges as a business owner with an extensive of experience. Having dedicated over a decade to the Astra conglomerate, she honed her skills in finance and accounting, garnering invaluable expertise along the way. Joining forces with her brother, the business owner of Harcourts Palembang in Sumatra, Yuliana now embarks on her own entrepreneurial journey upon returning to her hometown of Semarang. With her extensive network, Yuliana is poised to significantly enhance our operations, facilitating broader coverage across the vibrant landscape of Central Java. IN THE FAMILY South Africa Harcourts Winelands - Wellington, Western Cape Expanding their footprint throughout the country towns of the Winelands region in the Western Cape, Franchise Owner Eberhard Kruger and his Harcourts Winelands team are geared to penetrate the real estate market in around the town of Wellington with the opening of their latest office in this magical town. The area offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle for young and old and boasts outstanding facilities that adds to the appeal of Wellington. More and more families are flocking to the Cape Winelands to escape the hustle and bustle of City life. Our very best wishes accompany the Harcourts Winelands team! Paint Wellington blue!
INSIDE Harcourts 7 IN THE FAMILY WELCOME CORPORATE TEAM Jeremy Roles ICT Support Officer Harcourts International Ryan Jones Assistant Accountant Harcourts International Gregory Allan Chief Executive Officer Harcourts Queensland Kiarni Hall Business Operations Manager Harcourts Queensland Nellie Grassie Corporate Receptionist Harcourts Queensland Melissa Green State Operations Manager Harcourts Queensland Molly Gibbons Performance Coach Harcourts Tasmania Pauline Hareb Business Operations Manager/ State Operations Manager Harcourts South Australia Adam Fiteni Business Development Manager & Corporate Auctioneer Harcourts Victoria Betty Giovas Property Management Operations Manager Harcourts New South Wales Danni Yao Assistant Accountant Harcourts New Zealand Kitty Rothschild Northern Regional Manager, Harcourts New Zealand Maree Maxwell Growth Manager, Astute Financial Management Harcourts New Zealand Sree Sukumaran Credit & Quality Assurance Coach, Astute Financial Management Harcourts New Zealand Jae Singh General Insurance Adviser Harcourts New Zealand
8 INSIDE Harcourts IN FEATURE Using the string of HX2024 conferences across South Africa, New Zealand and Australia as its platform, Harcourts has launched its new brand position ‘We make it possible’. This new global direction taps into the emotional needs of people searching for their trusted real estate advisor, exploring what it could look like to ‘imagine the possibilities’. As a brand position, ‘We make it possible’ is clear, concise, and authentic. It pays homage to the sense of hope, opportunity, and belief in the aspirations we hold dear when it comes to people’s needs and wants from their real estate partner and advisor. The launch of this brand position brings to life Harcourts’ core purpose of enabling success for others. It articulates Harcourts values in a meaningful way that resonates beyond the team members who proudly wear the Harcourts blue. The statement embodies Harcourts’ commitment to putting people first, being courageous, diligent, and always doing the right thing. It is an evolution of the brand and business to ensure Harcourts remain relevant for today and into the future. Harcourts has the expertise, work ethic, and a track record of success that provides hope for anyone whose dreams may feel out of reach. Our brand promise is straightforward: at Harcourts, we help others achieve success. This brand position is a line in the sand moment for Harcourts. It’s a public declaration to the unwavering commitment to helping people turn their dreams into reality. You can read more about our new brand position on page 16! From the moment we meet our clients, we want them to know that no matter what their dreams are
INSIDE Harcourts 9 IN FEATURE WANT HELP ON HOW TO ROLL-OUT LOCALLY? CONTACT YOUR COUNTRY MARKETING TEAM NOW!
ANDY FREEMAN INDUCTED INTO THE HARCOURTS HALL OF FAME Managing Director of Harcourts Grenadier Real Estate in Christchurch, Andy Freeman was inducted into the Harcourts Hall of Fame. Andy embodies the values that define Harcourts, and his journey is a testament to the remarkable influence one individual can have on both a personal and professional level. Despite his humble beginnings, Andy’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful electrician, eventually venturing into selfemployment. It was during this time that fate intervened, bringing Andy into the world of real estate through a chance encounter with Robert McCormack. Little did he know, this serendipitous meeting would ignite a passion for real estate that would shape the trajectory of his career for years to come. From his early days as a Sales Consultant to his current role as Managing Director, Andy’s ascent within the Harcourts family is a testament to his dedication and exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, the Avonhead office flourished, consistently ranking among the top-performing offices in the region. His strategic vision, coupled with his ability to inspire and empower those around him, propelled the office to unprecedented heights of success. His pathway towards becoming Managing Director of Grenadier Real Estate was clear. He was the right man for the job and remains both instrumental in the businesses success, but instrumental in the culture and reputation of the team. Beyond family and the boardroom, Andy’s passion for life is evidenced by his love for gardening, cycling, and his undeniable enthusiasm for cars. Andy’s commitment to providing his children with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories has seen him find immense joy in seeing his children thrive and succeed in their own endeavours. Over the years, Andy has not only excelled in his role but has also taken on numerous leadership positions that have allowed him to shape the future of the business. As a member of the franchise council, and in later years as a member of the top business owner group, Andy has been instrumental in steering the strategic direction of Harcourts. His insights and experience have been invaluable in ensuring that Harcourts remains at the forefront of the industry. Andy is also a sought-after speaker at industry events, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with peers and aspiring real estate professionals. His presentations are known for their depth and practical wisdom, inspiring others to strive for excellence. Throughout his career, Andy has faced and made tough decisions, particularly as the real estate market has gone through various cycles. His ability to navigate these challenges with resilience and foresight has been crucial to the sustained success of Grenadier Real Estate. Andy’s strategic thinking and decisive leadership have helped the company thrive, even in the most challenging times. Congratulations, Andy, on this well-deserved honour. May your journey continue to inspire and uplift others for years to come. Harcourts are immensely proud of your achievements. We are grateful for your support in our community and your support to the Harcourts team. Thank you for making an important contribution to the Harcourts Group and congratulations Andy your induction into the prestigious Harcourts Hall of Fame 10 INSIDE Harcourts IN FEATURE
AARON BROOKS INDUCTED INTO THE HARCOURTS HALL OF FAME This year’s Harcourts Hall of Fame Inductee, Aaron Brooks, began his real estate career in 1992, achieving amazing success as well as playing a key role in Harcourts growth. Aaron has built a truly magnificent career and reputation based on genuinely investing in the success of those around him. After his cadetship, Aaron began his real estate career in Toowong in 1995 under the tutelage of his uncle, Paul Brooks. There, Aaron developed a passion for Auctioneering. In a chance meeting in 1996 Aaron was approached to run the auctioneering business for Harvey’s in Auckland, New Zealand, and it was during this period that a young Mike Green and even younger Aaron Brooks first met. Establishing himself as a brilliant auctioneer for Harcourts Queensland in its formative years, Aaron was named as the REIQ Auctioneer of the Year in 2000. Having conquered the Auction Landscape, Aaron was offered the role of Chief Executive Officer of Harcourts QLD. A role he relished. A born leader, communicator and by now a seasoned real estate operator, Aaron, over the next 10 years, took the Harcourts Queensland business to new heights, with many in the room tonight being part of that amazing growth. As with anything, all good things must come to an end, and Aaron resigned from his post in 2012 to commence his own Coaching Business. With clientele across the Harcourts Group including Hall of Famer, Wendy Lenaghan, Harcourts Gympie Owner, Nathan O’Neill, and Harcourts Beenleigh’s Tony Ghanem - Harcourts was never far from Aaron’s heart. So, in 2013, Aaron rejoined the Harcourts Group, in partnership with Tony Ghanem at Beenleigh, and it is here that Aaron really found his calling and tribe. Aaron appointed Sam Devlin as the Chief Auctioneer for Harcourts Beenleigh in 2014, and by 2016 they had opened their first office in Mt Gravatt, before purchasing Harcourts Coorparoo from Trent Powles in late 2016, and so, Harcourts Property Centre was born. From 2016 to today, Aaron with his business partner Sam, and now Nathan, Kellie, and their shareholders, have built a business from zero people and zero properties under management, to now almost 2000 properties under management and over 160 property professionals. Harcourts Property Centre or HPC, stands as Aaron’s most proud business achievement. He regularly points out that it is not a business, it is a family. Aaron has conducted over 7,000 property auctions and worked with countless numbers of Australia’s leading sales consultants. He is a mentor to many in the industry, and the mental skills coach for HPC. With an ethos of working on yourself always, and in different ways, Aaron manages high performers and their energies like no one else. Aaron Brooks is a significant part of the fabric of Harcourts’ rich history. Thank you for living and breathing Harcourts, and for being the driving force behind our successes in Queensland. IN FEATURE INSIDE Harcourts 11
Harcourts Gold - Papanui has brought the prestigious Top International Office award for 2024 back to New Zealand! Based in Christchurch, this office has consistently been a top performer both nationally and internationally, securing the Top International Office award an impressive eight times in the past. During the national awards ceremony, Business Owner Chris Kennedy proudly accepted the award on behalf of the team, stating, “We had a theme for the year to provide an exceptional experience, so everything we did during the year, we applied this theme. We planned with Paul Wright who held us all to account and made us accountable to everything we said we would do. Many thanks, Paul. We set the goal to go back to the international awards and take the number one office spot and we are as proud today as we were the first time we won this award. It’s a team effort with every member of our team making a massive contribution to the result. Our managers, our partners, our people. We appreciate the support from Bryan Thomson, Jo Clifford and Jo Abel. Whatever level you reach, getting better never stops.” Bryan Thomson, Managing Director of Harcourts New Zealand, echoed Chris Kennedy’s speech and commended the office, saying, “The success of Harcourts Gold - Papanui is a reflection of the exemplary leadership and vision of its Business Owners and team members. Their focus, energy and determination ensure their ongoing success on both national and international stages. Congratulations to the entire team!” CAMERON BAILEY TOP INTERNATIONAL SALES CONSULTANT Cameron Bailey of Harcourts Gold - Papanui continues to exemplify excellence with his seventh Top International Sales Consultant award at the 2024 Harcourts International Awards. His consistent achievement in this category over the past nine years underscores his enduring success in the industry. When asked about his awards in 2024, Cameron said, “Behind every success story are dedicated teams and colleagues who make it all possible. I owe my success to my incredible team of three P.A.s and three sales consultants whose hard work drives our achievements every day. I couldn’t achieve any of this, without them. I’m also grateful for the support and collaboration from other leaders within Harcourts Gold, whose collective efforts elevate our entire team. I am truly proud to work for Harcourts, where teamwork, dedication, and excellence define our path to success.” Bryan Thomson, Managing Director of Harcourts New Zealand, commended Bailey’s accomplishments, stating, “Cam’s achievements fill us with immense pride. His willingness to share knowledge, dedication to others’ success, transparency, and genuine delight in their achievements are truly exceptional. His commitment to excellence while fostering the growth of others sets a remarkable standard. We greatly value his contributions to our community and steadfast support for the Harcourts team.” Congratulations once again, Cameron! We are honoured to have you as part of our team. Congratula HARCOURTS GOLD – PAPANUI TOP INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 12 INSIDE Harcourts IN FEATURE
Congratulations to Martin Cooper and the entire team at Harcourts Cooper & Co. for once again securing the prestigious Top International Franchise award. Located north of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Cooper & Co. embodies their mantra ‘Better Never Stops’ with unshakeable dedication. This resilient team has consistently demonstrated their strength and commitment to doing the best they can by their people and community. Bryan Thomson, Managing Director of Harcourts New Zealand, praised the team, stating, “The Cooper & Co. team’s pursuit of excellence shines through year after year, demonstrating resilience in overcoming challenges. The leadership and team spirit across the franchise is like nothing witnessed anywhere else. This is what keeps them at the top of the pack.” Martin Cooper, Managing Director of Cooper & Co., expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, adding, “Harcourts Cooper & Co. are now the twelve-time winners of the Harcourts Top International Franchise award. When I go to sleep at night, I don’t dream any old dream, I dream of being thirteen times winner of the Top International Franchise! I want to say to you all, at Cooper & Co. we have got an incredible culture and our team love it, it really is the key to doing great business. We make it possible, because we are Harcourts and it is the best brand in NZ and Australasia. Thank you.” Congratulations to everyone at Harcourts Cooper & Co. Your determination and hard work truly establish a benchmark of excellence in our industry. ANNA KEYS TOP INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LISTING INDIVIDUAL Anna Keys from Harcourts Rata and Co in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia, was presented the International Property Management Listing Individual award for 2024 at the Harcourts International Awards celebration. This is the second time she has received this prestigious award. With many years of experience in the real estate industry, Anna has built an exceptional reputation as a dedicated Senior Property and Business Development Manager. She has spent her entire life living and working in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, giving her extensive knowledge of the area. Anna is known for going above and beyond for her landlords, leveraging her experiences to help them minimise risks and maximise returns. As a landlord herself, she fully understands the complexities of owning an investment property and strives to ensure her clients have a positive experience when working with her and the Harcourts Team. Anna says, “Being recongised as #1 for the second year in a row is such an honour. I have a wonderful team that supports be along the way, making it an absolute pleasure to do what I do.” Congratulations Anna! HARCOURTS COOPER & CO TOP INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE lations! IN FEATURE INSIDE Harcourts 13
14 INSIDE Harcourts Every inspirational women event is special but sometimes the impact we make is nothing short of extraordinary. Recently Harcourts’ Denyse McPhail stepped to the Inspirational Women podium to share her story finishing with an emotional video of the incredible work she and her daughters do with four orphanages near her Harcourts office in Nadi Fiji. A standing ovation followed and in the front row Brad Wood Director at Astute Financial Management called out “A thousand-dollar donation to Inspirational Women!” We met with Denyse the next day to determine how best Brad’s money could be spent and she told us “These kids need to be able to go to school. $1000 could buy uniforms and resources so these children can have what they need to attend school and to look the same as all the other kids.” I don’t know about you but when I holiday in Fiji or visit our Nadi office, I always wish that I could do more to help these inspirational happy kids who have so little. So now we can. We’re excited to launch “It’s Cool to Be at School”, a joint venture between Inspirational Women and the Harcourts Foundation, providing essential educational for orphaned children. “It’s Cool to Be at School “ will provide: • School uniforms - Ensuring that children have the proper attire to attend school with pride and dignity. • School shoes and sports shoes - Offering both everyday school footwear and sports shoes to promote physical education and overall well-being. • School backpacks - Supplying sturdy and reliable backpacks to carry their educational materials. • Stationery packs - Equipping students with essential stationery, including notebooks, pens, pencils, and other supplies needed for their studies. The core objective of “It’s Cool to Be at School” is to ensure that as many children as possible from four orphanages in Fiji have the opportunity to attend school in 2025 and beyond. Education is a fundamental right that most of us take for granted. These children have not family nor home but together we can help them have a future. Denyse McPhail of Harcourts Fiji continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the initiative and will even drive them to school! If you would like to be a part of this initiative you can purchase the school kits by reaching out to the team at Inspirational Women via email – info@inspirationalwomen.net Smith COO of Inspirational Women pauline.smith@harcourts.net Green Founder of Inspirational Women irene.green@harcourts.net Pauline Irene INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN HELPING RAISE INSPIRATIONAL KIDS. SPONSOR A CHILD FULL KIT: • School backpack • Two complete school uniforms • One pair of ports shoes • Two pairs of school shoes • Books and stationery FULL $200 HALF $100 QUARTER $50 IN TOUCH
INSIDE Harcourts 15 The atmosphere inside of Harcourts offices across Australia was electric during the appraisal extravaganza, ‘Ring It On’! Between 11am and 2pm, a sea of sweat-banded real estate professionals engaged in a record-setting, barrier-smashing phone-a-thon of their customers looking to understand more about the movement of the property market and the value of their property. With check-ins from around the country, regular looks at the leader board, and commentary from hosts Adrian Knowles and Troy Hillier, the high-octane energy and excitement was witnessed first-hand by the wider Harcourts network, who tuned and zoomed into the live fun. “This initiative is a testament to Harcourts Australia’s commitment to not only providing exceptional property services but also fostering an environment where progress, achievement, and enjoyment go hand-in-hand,” commented CEO Adrian Knowles. After a day filled with phone calls, sweat bands, and fun & laughter, the total Ring It On Appraisals booked were an outstanding 1,978 (188 BDM & 1790 Sales). BDM State Winners • QLD: Jennifer Crandon • VIC: Kristy Penington & Hayley Hodgson • TAS: Olivia Russell • WA: Scott Dragon • SA: Vanessa Bekker Overall Office (& Sales) – Top 5 Winners 1. Harcourts Rata & Co 2. Harcourts Unite 3. Harcourt Greater Springfield Group 4. Harcourts Unlimited 5. Harcourts Connections BDM Office – Top 5 Winners 1. Harcourts Warragul 2.Harcourts Elite Group 3. Harcourts Greater Springfield Group 4. Harcourts Essential 5. Harcourts North Geelong IN FEATURE Sales Consultant State Winners • QLD Janis Grommen • VIC: George Ioannou • TAS: Vanessa Ward • WA: Gurwinder Grewal • NSW: Christos Laliotitis • SA: Ben Washington HARCOURTS AUSTRALIA’S 2024 APPRAISAL COMPETITION… ‘RING IT ON’
IN MARKETING In the last edition of Inside Harcourts I wrote that the best marketing strategy you could implement was to ‘care’. I’m not here to backflip on that – if anything, I’m doing metaphorical cartwheels because we have just launched our new brand position – We Make It Possible. What’s the connection between ‘care’ and ‘We Make It Possible’ you ask? Well, it’s simple. ‘Care’ as it’s defined is to feel concern or interest; attach importance to something. It evokes a sense of prioritisation, concern, being engaged and showing or delivering on this in a way that’s meaningful for others. ‘We Make It Possible’ as our brand position has universal appeal (think sellers, buyers, landlords etc, but also recruitment), is clear and easy to understand and unlike other real estate brands, taps into the emotional not functional needs or wants of our customers. But more than that and specifically why it can’t be copied is this - its authentically Harcourts because is linked to our vision (‘the finest experience in real estate’), purpose (‘to help others achieve success’) and values, none of which can be copied. In our world, ‘care’ is entrenched in how we do business. We put people first, always look to be courageous whilst doing the right thing and having some fun and laughter in the right way. ‘We Make it Possible’ is a brand position that provides us with the platform that captures the essence of who we are and how we see and do things when it comes to providing solutions to help others achieve success. It’s about the hope, the opportunity, the possibility in every situation, every scenario that we find ourselves in when it comes to helping someone with their real estate needs. There is simply no one who will work harder to ensure that those that we work with will not only have the finest experience, but also achieve success. If you’ve attended one of the HX events across South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, you’ll have seen the launch live and have an appreciation for why this, with your help, can be a game-changer for our brands (and yes, that includes Nutrien Harcourts, NAI Harcourts and Mortgage Express). Across NZ, Australia and South Africa, We Make It Possible has now been rolled out locally in country. For other parts of the Harcourts network who may not have seen it yet, never fear, it’s on it way to you – reach out to local Country Management who will be able to update you directly on when you can expect it. With time moving quickly, the rubber now hits the road in terms of this new brand position having a game-changing impact and this is my call to arms to you, to help us. We need you to stand alongside 16 INSIDE Harcourts IT’S TIME TO BE EVERYONE’S #1 BRAND CHOICE
INSIDE Harcourts 17 IN MARKETING Trent Sutton Chief Marketing Officer, Harcourts International trent.sutton@harcourts.net us and shout from the rooftops that at Harcourts, We Make It Possible. If together as one team across eleven countries and with nearly 10,000 people in the network actively supporting the launch and ongoing use of some 398-ish marketing assets (the volume will vary depending on the colour of your brand, but rest assured, we’re working hard and fast to build out more for all brands) then we will simply be unstoppable. We’ll flood people’s social media feeds with video and static content. We’ll be inescapable from people’s ears and eyes on the roads, in the car and when collecting their mail. There are assets to reach every customer (seller, investor/landlord, buyer, renter/ tenant) and prospective recruit that you’ll ever want and there are often multiple versions of different creative executions across a multitude of online (social, display, website homepage images, email signature etc) and offline (small and large outdoor, posters, print ads, DLs, window/wall decals, pull-up banners etc) environments that will give you a platform for success. As mentioned, depending on where you are in the world, these assets will be available in the normal place you’d expect to find these – for markets like Australia and New Zealand, it’ll be your Harcourts Hub (see ‘Marketing’ page) or Campaign Track/Realhub. For others, like South Africa or the USA, it’ll be provided in the same way your country-based marketing team shares new campaign and marketing materials with you – where you don’t have a contact, or way to get these, let me know and I’ll be only too happy to point you in the right direction. Don’t wonder what to do next. It’s time to act. It’s time to sign from the rooftops that at Harcourts, We Make It Possible. I can’t wait for your feedback and to see your office, your team using all of the assets available to you to ensure that we become unstoppable. Got questions, feedback or thoughts you want to share? Please reach out to me anytime where we can help. After a great auction result? OfficeName Life’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility you auction your home and sell above expectation. Whatever your hopes or dreams are, we’re here to make them a reality. Let’s talk. Legal disclaimer placeholder text. Sale to seller-brate? Let’s talk. OfficeName Life’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility you auction your home and sell above expectation. Whatever your hopes or dreams are, we’re here to make them a reality. Harcourts Group Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 Want that relaxed landlord feeling? Let’s talk. OfficeName Life’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility of having the right person looking after your investment property so you can relax. Whatever your hopes or dreams are, we’re here to make them a reality. HarcourtsGroup Ltd Licensed REAA2008 Need a bigger backyard? Let’s talk. OfficeName Life’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility you auction your home and sell above expectation. Whatever your hopes or dreams are, we’re here to make them a reality. Harcourts Group Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 After a great auction result? OfficeName Life’s full of possibilities. Like the possibility you auction your home and sell above expectation. Whatever your hopes or dreams are, we’re here to make them a reality. Let’s talk. Legal disclaimer placeholder text. CHECK OUT PAGE 8 TO SEE THE NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN IN USE!
MRI Property Tree RealHub RateMyAgent Microso 365 Valocity Concierge TREV 18 INSIDE Harcourts MIGRATION COMPLETE IN TECHNOLOGY Congratulations! The technology migrations have now been completed. The last of our offices migrated to Vault CRM in June/July 2024. This is a major milestone in our ongoing journey to reclaim our title as being a technology innovator within real estate. Thank you to everyone within the Harcourts family who worked with us to transform our technology offering. A special thank you to the business operations managers, regional managers, Harcourts helpdesk but most of all the migration support team. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We would not have been able to achieve this without your commitment and dedication. As Ron Garan said “We are limited only by our imagination and our will to act”. We now have a solid foundation laid and the will to act. The next two years will see a fully reimagined technology offering emerge. Get excited! While other networks can claim to use some of the same products. Our strong business partnerships and ongoing investment in continuous enhancements provides a uniquely Harcourts technology platform. Harcourts Hub the central location for all Harcourts-related matters. This centralized platform serves as the go-to resource for training, newsletters, events, templates, and various other resources. Harcourts Hub provides its members with easy access to essential information and a platform that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Harcourts Hub can also be customized to provide an office intranet via the My Office page. This is an exciting development that is already being embraced by some of our largest franchises. Vault CRM the specialist customer relationship management (CRM) system. Vault CRM empowers Harcourts members by offering a comprehensive overview of their operations through a single, real-time dashboard accessible from anywhere. This cutting-edge system equips members with the tools they need to increase their listing, sales, and rental activity, ultimately driving their success in the competitive real estate market. Harcourts Websites takes centre stage in delivering top-notch national, office, and personal websites. This platform is meticulously designed to provide a seamless content management system, allowing business owners and agents to showcase their properties and create a captivating online presence. Harcourts recognizes the importance of an impressive web presence in today’s digital landscape and aims to empower its members with a visually appealing and user-friendly platform. Harcourts Business Systems bringing the full power of Microsoft 365 to your device. Options range from a simple mailbox all the way through to having Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, and a mailbox. All accounts are protected with Microsoft advanced thread protection, CloudAlly backup and recovery, and the Harcourts ICT and Helpdesk teams that check every account daily for suspicious sign-ons. This is a unique offering that provides the protection and peace of mind needed given the ever-growing cyber threats attacking our industry. Harcourts 360 this innovative system gathers data from multiple sources and presents it in the form of live graphs, dashboards, and rankings. H360 offers valuable insights into business performance for business owners, property managers, and agents, enabling them to identify opportunities and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging this smart data, Harcourts members can set and achieve targets with greater precision, thus fuelling their growth through relevant training and support available on the Harcourts Hub. In summary, Harcourts is a market leader in technology for the real estate industry. Vault CRM, Harcourts Hub, Harcourts Websites, Harcourt Business Systems, and Harcourts 360 signifies the company’s commitment to delivering the finest experience in real estate. By providing powerful systems and platforms that enhance connectivity, efficiency, and performance, Harcourts empowers its members to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Donaldson Chief Information Officer leonard.donaldson@harcourts.net
Rello Adfenix INSIDE Harcourts 19 NEW ZEALAND UPDATE HX 2024: A Celebration of Excellence and Dedication Held on 27/28 May at the stunning Takina Events Centre in Wellington, HX 2024 brought together over 900 attendees from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and beyond. This vibrant gathering was marked by inspiring speakers, prestigious awards, and invaluable networking opportunities. Harcourts International Managing Director Mike Green and Chief Marketing Officer Trent Sutton kicked off HX 2024 with a bang, unveiling the new brand position, “We make it possible,” and celebrating Harcourts New Zealand’s twelfth consecutive win as the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Real Estate Brand. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and excellence our people demonstrate daily, going above and beyond for our clients. We are incredibly proud to be the only real estate agency to have received this honour since the award’s inception in 2013, solidifying our reputation as the most trusted name in the industry. Our delegates were treated to a feast for the mind with a lineup of visionary speakers and insightful panellists. Mainstage luminaries included Naomi Simson, Shark Tank investor; Josh Phegan, internationally renowned real estate speaker; Zali Reynolds, Founder & Licensed Estate Agent at Australia’s Shelter Real Estate; Dr. Libby Weaver, nutritional biochemist and bestselling author; Jesse Williams, Super Bowl champion; and Dom Price, Atlassian and Work Futurist. Each speaker impressed with their insights and foresight, leaving the audience inspired and motivated. The pre-launch sessions, workshops, Q&A sessions, and specialist panels provided ample opportunities for learning and sharing. The stage was brimming with talent, and our delegates engaged deeply with the wealth of knowledge presented. These sessions fostered dynamic discussions and offered practical takeaways, ensuring that everyone left with new strategies and perspectives to implement in their own work. The pinnacle of the event was the induction of Andy Freeman, Managing Director of Harcourts Grenadier, into the elite Harcourts Hall of Fame. During a heartfelt speech, Andy expressed his gratitude to his colleagues at Grenadier, his supportive family, and the entire Harcourts network for this tremendous honour. Witnessing Andy and his family relish this momentous occasion was truly heartwarming, celebrating his dedication and remarkable contributions to the real estate industry. Bryan Thomson Managing Director, Harcourts New Zealand bryan.thomson@harcourts.net INPLACE NEW ZEALAND
20 INSIDE Harcourts Celebrating Long Service Milestones Franchise Anniversary Picton Property Centre celebrated 25 years, 26th April, 2024 Titanium Award Recognition We were thrilled to celebrate three more entrants to Harcourts Titanium in March. These people are the highest achievers in our industry and to be able to shine a light on their success is something we are all proud to acknowledge. Congratulations to each of you, for everything you do to achieve your goals. Paula Ritchie, Sales Consultant Harcourts Paremata 8th March, 2024 Mark Wang, Sales Consultant Harcourts Spitfire Square 5th March, 2024 Wanly Tsang, Sales Consultant Harcourts Takapuna 4th March, 2024 INPLACE NEW ZEALAND Cameron Bailey, Sales Consultant at Harcourts gold – Papanui, received the prestigious Top National Residential Sales Consultant award as well as the Top National Auction Lister accolade. On stage, Cameron humbly credited his team for his success, stating, “If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t be able to achieve any of this.” A massive congratulations to you and your exceptional team, Cam! Rebecca Duncan, Sales Consultant, Harcourts Grenadier – Christchurch City, was honoured with the Top National Rising Star award. With over 25 years of sales experience, Rebecca recently ventured into residential sales with Harcourts. She shared, “Harcourts has allowed me to take this step, and I’m proud to be part of a company that matches my own work ethic and values. To be the best, you have to work for the best!” The Harcourts Auction Competition was another particular highlight, showcasing the exceptional skills of the competitors. Facing challenging bidding wars, they displayed skill and prowess throughout. This intense competition culminated in close, but well-deserved victories for David Searle, Sales & Marketing Consultant, Harcourts Marlborough Real Estate 2008 Ltd. – Blenheim, who won Most Promising Auctioneer of the Year, and Brayden Coldicutt, Sales Consultant & Auctioneer, Harcourts Regent Realty – Napier, who scooped the Auctioneer of the Year award. I want to extend my congratulations to all of the competitors. Taking to the auction stage is no mean feat but you each did yourselves proud. On Sunday 26 May, the HX Charity Golf Day was brimming with camaraderie and philanthropy. The energy carried into the following days, with auction highlights from the awards dinner including Tina Gao, Business Owner, Harcourts Best in Real Estate, securing a remake of the original Chopper Bike for $10,000, kindly donated by Marty Richie, CEO, Harcourts Team Group, and Kaine Wilson, Business Owner, Harcourts Regent Realty winning a signed 2011 Rugby World Cup Jersey worn by Keven Mealamu for $7,000, generously donated by Kevin and Christine Seymour, Business Owners, Harcourts Port Realty. Altogether, these efforts raised an impressive $19,370, which will go towards making a significant positive impact on Kiwis in need. In summary, HX 2024 wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of the spirit and dedication that define Harcourts. With inspiring speeches, heartfelt recognitions, and record-breaking fundraising, it left everyone invigorated and ready to tackle the year ahead. The event truly showcased what makes Harcourts exceptional: a community-driven approach, unparalleled support for one another, and a commitment to excellence that resonates far beyond the real estate market. Here’s to a bright and successful year ahead, fuelled by the inspiration and unity of HX 2024! Corporate Team In May, the corporate office in Auckland hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast raising awareness and money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. The team raised $430 for this extremely deserving cause. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Mike Tapley Harcourts Ilam 2 celebrated 25 years, 9th February, 2024 G raham & Debra Viall Harcourts Reforma celebrated 35 years, 28th February, 2024 Paula Catchpole Harcourts Hornby celebrated 30 years, 19th March, 2024 Tristan Harcourt Harcourts City Christchurch celebrated 25 years, 30th March, 2024 Rebecca Cooke Harcourts Rangiora celebrated 30 years, 1st April, 2024 Brenda Davey Harcourts Picton & Sounds celebrated 25 years, 26th April, 2024 Di Austin Harcourts Wellington City celebrated 35 years, 1st May, 2024 Steven Marshall Harcourts Fendalton celebrated 35 years, 1st May, 2024 Bruce Woodhead Harcourts New Plymouth celebrated 25 years, 12th May, 2024 Sue Noonan Harcourts Hobsonville celebrated 25 years, 25th May, 2024
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