WORDS Katy Glenie PHOTOS Salina Galvan

For nearly five years, two Rotorua real estate salespeople have been hitting top-selling prices in street after street. In fact, Jodi Ratahi and Kerif Smerdon of EVES Realty have been so successful, they achieved recognition in the top five percent of EVES estate salespeople for 2019/20.

The pair became a partnership after working together on a joint listing and enjoying each other’s style and ethos. “We both come from very supportive families that have enabled us to be focused and driven,” says Jodi. “The addition to the team was bringing on board our lovely PA Heather MaGuire in the first year of our partnership. We so appreciate her loyalty, encouragement and dedication – we love her dearly.”

Both Jodi and Kerif started working at a young age, with people from all walks of life. They learnt the importance of customer service and attention to detail, which they’ve found ultimately generates repeat business. Keeping true to these fundamental values is what drives them today.

The powerful duo have been selling homes together for almost five years, which is unusual for real-estate partnerships. “We each bring different strengths to the team,” says Kerif. “Working in this way makes a huge difference. We’re also one of the only Māori business partnerships in the industry in our city, and we’re very proud of that. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish.”

Rotorua historically undervalued

Jodi and Kerif believe the Rotorua market has been historically undervalued, and this has fuelled their focus on achieving high sale prices for their clients. “Our pricing evaluations are incredibly accurate,” says Jodi. “Based on previous transactions, we can demonstrate to our vendors that around 95 percent of our properties sell within or well above our appraisal range.”

Believing that their success comes from their trust in each other and their genuine concern for their clients, Jodi says, “Our best possible outcome is when a buyer walks in paying what they want, and a vendor walks out getting what they want. We treat our clients how we’d want to be treated.”

Smooth process

Their experience with property transactions gives these women the expertise to guide clients through transactions, helping smooth out the sale process despite changing bank and legislative requirements. They’re also members of the Federation of Māori Authorities, and support a number of local schools and kura kaupapa in the area because as Kerif says, “Ehara taku toai te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini. Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”

After a careful selection process to find the best salespeople to sell their property, Maxine and Roger Houkamau are two vendors who decided that Jodi and Kerif stood out from the rest. “Jodi, Kerif and their support team are experienced, professional and personable – we loved their friendly, honest and consultative approach,” says Maxine. “They took the time to truly understand our needs, carefully advised us on property presentation ideas to maximise the sale and provided excellent insights about the market, including upcoming developments. They then sold our property above asking price in just a few weeks after listing.” 

Rapid growth in market

Real estate sales in Rotorua have been strong throughout 2020. The market has experienced rapid growth, with median prices rising 9 percent in June 2020 compared with a year earlier* and by over 40 percent in the last three years**. “Things have really stepped up a notch since the national lockdown,” says Kerif. “We were already seeing more activity in the market at the start of the year – now with the current financial climate, activity has increased, wand buyers on all spectrums are contacting us for their real estate needs.”

Jodi and Kerif are strong advocates for Rotorua. “Our city is beautiful, with lots of activities to attract people, such as world-class trout fishing, superb mountain biking and walking tracks, our incredible redwood forest and thermal wonderland, and there are lots of free events for families,” says Jodi. “It’s a place that really looks after people, and we love it!” 

EVES.CO.NZ

*Infometrics Rotorua District Quarterly Economic Monitor June 2020 

**One Roof Property Report Dec 2019