Passion for houses becomes career for life
A passion for houses led Ceinwen Howard to ditch the comfort and security of a corporate career for the risks and rewards of running her own real estate agency on the Kapiti Coast.
It was the coast’s sunnier weather and better housing options that lured Ceinwen and her family from Lower Hutt in 1984. But another 22 years would pass before she became an agent.
In the interim, she indirectly started to hone her real estate skills by pursuing her passion: building, buying and upgrading homes to on-sell.
‘‘I was was always looking for the next project,’’ she says.
In between projects Ceinwen worked in sales and marketing for several large corporate companies, gaining experience and knowledge through those she represented.
Dealing with various real estate agents and companies that were selling and buying properties drove Ceinwen to complete her real estate licence.
‘‘I wanted to join the industry for many years prior to starting but I knew the demands of a young family would restrict my ability to be the best possible agent,’’ she says.
‘‘I felt the professionalism and service I was experiencing in buying and selling was not at a high enough standard and felt I could do much better.’’
Initially she worked for two big-brand box real estate companies, gaining early recognition as ‘‘Rookie of the Year’’ within months of starting and going on to win quarterly and annual awards consistently.
‘‘My biggest fear had been leaving a five-days-a-week salaried position with company car and paid holidays to being totally self-employed with no paid holidays and no car.
‘‘Literally in our industry you only get paid if you sell something and have to cover all your own expenses.
‘‘Going on to working seven days a week and usually 70 hours a week became the norm.’’
In February 2016, after 10 years in the industry, the opportunity arose to become a business owner under the new Andco brand.
Recalls Ceinwen: ‘‘I jumped at the chance to have control of my own destiny and not be dictated to from a head office based in Auckland or the United States, who do not even know where the Kapiti Coast is.
‘‘This was the opportunity to be associated with like-minded, experienced agents who saw a vision that I shared, and we love the brand and the flexibility it gives me and the team to work amongst.
‘‘We offer a boutique family environment that is all about service and results driven — 80% of our business is repeat and referral- based.
‘‘The team is hand-picked to make sure the business model is truly represented as it is not a ‘bums on seats’ model that so many agencies use.’’
She says of all the changes that have occurred since she entered the industry, some of the biggest have sprung from the 2008 Real Estate Agents Act — including the recognition that real estate is not only a career opportunity for all age groups but also a career for life.
‘‘It used to only attract the older generations or a part-time option but that certainly is not the case these days.
‘‘You must be highly driven, highly trained and undertake continuous ongoing education on the changes in the marketplace and changes to legislation.
‘‘This job is not for the fainthearted. Every day is a challenge, and no day is ever the same.
‘‘The thrill of helping people into and out of property is very rewarding and agents become a mixture of advisors, social workers, problem solvers, carers and much more – it really is a great privilege to be asked to sell someone’s home.’’
The Kapiti Coast also has changed since Ceinwen made it her home.
‘‘It has grown so much in the 39 years we have lived here,’’ she says. ‘‘We have wonderful schooling options, a variety of shopping options, sports facilities to suit every age group, public transport, fantastic beaches and now with the expressway and Transmission Gully open, we can head north or south with ease.
‘‘I work with an amazing team of like-minded professional souls who are not just colleagues but are like family.
‘‘We know our teams’ children who are always welcome in our office, and plan fun family events a couple of times a year it really is a privilege to work with the team and be in this industry.’’