HOW I MAKE IT WORK

Meet the premium real estate star whose zest for life is inspirational

Real estate star Graham Wall shares his zest for life

“I’m one of five brothers. As little kids we traded Dinky Toys (model cars). I wasn’t that good at it… usually outsmarted or tricked by my brother Roger. When we were teenagers we’d buy Levi’s from the merchant seamen at Auckland wharves and sell them at school — huge margins. It’s always good to deal in commodities with no known commercial value, you can set the price.

“My mother reckoned manners were absolutely everything and I kind of agree. In this business [real estate], once you have reputation and momentum the rest is easy. At Wall Real Estate we are so grateful that we have these two attributes, probably achieved simply by telling the truth and being polite. Contacts are also extremely important. A former prime minister once introduced me to some visiting Americans as “the most plugged in man in Auckland city”. I’ve never felt so proud.

“I love everything about [what I do]. Especially working with my sons, Andrew and Ollie. Why do I do it? It’s incredibly enjoyable to spend the day around beautiful property and exciting and interesting people — not a week goes by that we don’t meet some extraordinary people with amazing stories.

There are so many moments that I’m so thankful for, but a standout occasion was just last week when a friend introduced me to a very stylish woman at Allpress Cafe. She had bought a beautiful, secluded retreat from us on the wild West Coast a couple of years ago. She said, ‘Oh, it’s so great to meet you, I thank you every morning I wake up at that beautiful, beautiful place.’ That feels great.

“When it comes to a home’s architecture, I love light, and long lines of sight. I’m a fan of the mid-century modern Palm Springs look — crisp and clean and not too fussy. The view doesn’t have to be the ocean or mountains, it just has to be distant. Same inside a house, even a small house can achieve a sense of space by offering the longest possible line of sight.

When it comes to words of advice, do exactly what you say you’re going to do. And, say NO quickly.”