Top sales award a team effort

HIGH ACHIEVER: Kim Fraser, First National top sales person for the Waikato/Central North Island region

Being the top First National salesperson for the Waikato and Central North Island is not something Kim Fraser has achieved single-handedly.

 

Kim picked up the accolade - along with the top residential title and platinum and diamond sales awards - at the real estate group's regional conference last week.

"I am proud to achieve these awards, not only for myself but for the people who have helped me along the way. That includes friends and family, Kinloch residents and clients, my sales manager Allan Hodges and principal Brent Howie."

She says these successes were a reward for all the hard work put in over the years by herself, her husband Simon and her personal assistant Tina. And she believes it will add to client confidence.

Kim is Taupo First National's Kinloch residential marketing consultant and, as a resident herself, she is overflowing with reasons for people to buy in Kinloch and the wider Taupo area.

"We have the lake, the natural beauty, the central proximity to other centres - plus the array of sporting and lifestyle opportunities available in Taupo.

"I see a bright future for Kinloch, with more people moving into the area, the continuing establishment of community resources like the biking and walking tracks and the new ownership of the Kinloch Club."

She describes the Kinloch market as "very buoyant", with 2012 sales already ahead of last year.

But Kim is not born and bred in the area and did not enter the real estate profession until 2004.

"Prior to coming to Taupo my husband and I farmed on the East Coast. We also had a cattle stud where we held annual on-site auctions."

She describes moving to a new area and starting a new business in a new sector was the greatest challenge she has faced to date, but the farming and stud experience gave her a good background as a self-employed business person in the community with experience in establishing and maintaining a loyal clientele.

This has served her well in the property industry, where Kim says you have to be self-reliant.

"After working on the farm I said I would get a job where I get to wear nice clothes and makeup!" she jokes.

"But seriously, I enjoy being my own boss and I also like the variety and the development of your interpersonal skills that real estate brings."

While Kim is willing to share a few of the secrets to her success, the saleswoman is always on the look out for an opportunity.

"Do what you say you are going to do, be honest and persistent - but my best tip, you would have to pay for!"