Homes are where Michael’s heart is

A realtor estate salesperson accustomed to receiving awards for his dedication to his craft was short-listed for one of Marlborough’s highest business honours.

First National Real Estate salesperson Michael Rea, who gained national publicity for going for a swim in one of his viral real estate videos, was nominated to be one of the Young Businesspeople of the Year.

Setting goals was key to business success according to the affable real estate professional.

Rea was ‘‘ecstatic’’ to be nominated and said it would be an accolade he would ‘‘be very proud of’’ that ‘‘reaffirmed the direction’’ he was taking his business.

He said all of the finalists were well deserving of recognition for the businesses they had grown.

‘‘The first step is to find something that you’re enthusiastic about,’’ Rea said.

The 31-year-old Marlburian had been a real estate salesperson for eight years.

One of his first goals was to achieve rookie of the year, he achieved that his first year.

‘‘I’ve always wanted to be the number one salesperson within First National Marlborough but that wasn’t achievable from the get-go,’’ Rea said.

He had also achieved that goal for the last two years running.

‘‘The way I choose my goals is that I set an ultimate goal I want to achieve and break it down into achievable chunks.

‘‘It’s not one of those things that can happen overnight.

‘‘It’s building your client base, your reputation and maximising your marketing so your business becomes attractive to those looking into your industry.

‘‘It’s about how far you take your dreams and your goals and taking the necessary steps to accomplish it.’’

Rea said his day-to-day work was based on client interaction.

‘‘From advising people on the value of their home and providing effective marketing methods to achieve their goals in the sale,’’ he said.

‘‘For me, it’s made me look at my business and how far I’ve come and how much further I can go.

‘‘It takes you back to the days when I was in the office until 1am doing paperwork.

‘‘That’s the commitment it takes to build a business. ‘‘I’m genuinely stoked.’’ Rea said the awards highlighted the emerging ‘‘ethical and successful’’ businesses in the region.

Looking to the future, Rea said he was wanting to ‘‘develop and invest’’ in new Marlborough business ventures.

‘‘I’ve got a heart and head full of ambition,’’ Rea said.

SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Rea at one of the properties he listed.