New RE/MAX team member
Jason Shand brings a wealth of experience to his new role in real estate.
With a 14-year career in sales behind him moving into real estate was a natural progression for RE/MAX Go For Sold’s newest team member Jason Shand.
He had been working for a home building franchise for four years, selling new builds from plans.
‘‘It was a brilliant product and I loved the brand.’’
During the course of his work Jason had considerable contact with RE/MAX Go For Sold sales consultant Ivan Johnstone who often told him he had the right sort of personality to become a real estate sales consultant.
‘‘Ivan convinced me to make the move to real estate and put me in touch with RE/MAX Go For Sold principal Pamela Lee Burge and I started studying for my real estate licence which I gained four weeks ago,’’ said Jason.
‘‘So I have started a new venture, a new career. I’m just getting my feet on the ground. I picked up my first listing in my first week. Now My Facebook page is set up and now I’m more than ready to go.’’
Prior to working in the building industry Jason worked for HRV for five years.
‘‘It was a job that was tough going and fun, but it was a good company.’’
Jason feels that with that experience behind him he is able to look at homes differently.
‘‘Working for a building company or even working for HRV, it does make you look at houses differently.
‘‘When you look at a house you notice whether there is mould on the windows or the curtains. If you are looking at things differently you can often also see how to make things look better.’’
Another advantage of his past career is that he is able to visualise what a house will look like from studying the plans which he says is quite hard to do.
In his new role Jason says he won’t be focusing on selling new builds from plans, but is able to if requested.
‘‘I have a lot of years of experience in new builds and houses in general and will be looking to assist people with their property needs right through from from first home to retirement.
Jason wants to concentrate on listing properties in the Awapuni area where he has lived for the past four years.
‘‘I love Awapuni and want to put a great effort into looking after my neighbours and neighbourhood, it’s a great place to live.’’
Prior to his 14 years in sales, Jason notched up 17 years in the hospitality industry as a chef, working his way up from a junior to an executive chef. He started at the Sherwood Motor Inn while he was gaining his qualifications at Whanganui Polytech.
It was a career that took him all around New Zealand and to Australia.
At one point Jason was running a company called Chefs Are Us which hired out qualified chefs to businesses that required them.
With a varied working life behind him Jason is looking forward to his new career.
‘‘I’ll be out beating the feet around the streets of Awapuni, to introduce myself and promoting our community.’’
Working at RE/MAX Go For Sold was a logical move, says Jason.
‘‘It’s a reputable, worldwide company, it’s a great company. Palmerston North’s RE/MAX Go For Sold is currently the Number 1 RE/ MAX office in the country and is consistently holding that position.
‘‘That’s great for Palmerston North and it’s great for our office as we are proud of our very good reputation.’’