Seldom do you find a salesperson who has excelled in all facets of real estate. But Karen Franklin isn’t just another agent. In an illustrious career spanning 20 years she has been involved in the leasing and sale of commercial properties; the challenging area of business sales; and currently residential properties. What’s unique about Karen’s outlook is she believes real estate is more than selling homes. “I love watching people’s dreams come true, especially those families I have been lucky enough to work with through several transactions as they get to the final goal,” she says.
Her entry into the industry was quite fortuitous. The Hibiscus Coast resident was on her own with two young children and was doing several part time jobs when she spotted an advertisement in the Rodney Times for a personal assistant with finance or legal background and flexible hours. “When I applied and found the work meant working as a PA to a commercial broker, I decided real estate was my future and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Karen began her real estate career in 2002 at Barfoot & Thompson. She left in 2007 and was then approached to go to Harcourts. At Harcourts I carried on with some commercial real estate but ventured into residential sales after requests from clients – the best move I ever made. Today, around 80 per cent of my listings are referrals, which is the ultimate compliment.”
Above all, Karen has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience that couldn’t have been taught. As she often says: “I learn something every week.” Having been in the industry since 2002, that is a lot of learning.
To her clients and colleagues she is known for her discretion, communication, transparency and honesty. “I have always been a hard worker and working long hours when required doesn’t phase me. I am also very good at pivoting from one thing to another which you need to be able to do in this business. Plus, a key skill this industry has taught me is patience.”
Buying and selling
According to Karen, the biggest challenge for agents right now is getting the appraisal right – finding out the reason behind a statistic that looks out of place, either high or low. “Sometimes you have to look a little further afield than a 500 metre radius to find good comparisons. While the media is saying that prices are dropping, building a new home is at an all-time high so you need to take it all into consideration.”
If you are a homeowner, ask yourself why you are selling. “Have you checked that you can find what you want – whether you are upsizing, downsizing or moving location – for your budget? Is the appraisal you have been given on your home realistic because if it isn’t you could sell and not be able to buy. A lot of sellers take the highest appraisal, even if in their hearts they think it is unrealistic.”
For buyers she has a simple piece of advice: “Don’t miss out on your dream home for a few thousand dollars. If you can afford it, pay it. A home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay and what a vendor is willing to relinquish it for.”
In this backdrop, she recommends picking the right real estate who has the capacity to get the best value for your property. “Ask friends and family for recommendations but also look at agency websites and the profiles of the agents. Make a shortlist and interview them.”
Since the selling process can be a rocky ride sometimes, choose an agent you are totally comfortable with and who is open and transparent. “Also, pick an agency with lots of feet on the ground – you need the networks in this quieter market. Don’t make your decision based on a cheap commission, there is a difference between cost and value and your home is probably your most valuable asset.”
Outlook for the Coast
As a long time local, Karen loves living on the Hibiscus Coast. “We are fortunate to have great beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, good schools and still have that community feel and it is easy to sell what you love.”
She believes the area is poised for further growth. “Location is the first rule of real estate and we have a fantastic location both for permanent residents and holiday home owners. With Penlink we are going to get more people seeing the Hibiscus Coast as a viable option because the commute will be easier. Values will only go up, in my opinion.”
Life outside real estate
In her spare time Karen enjoys playing golf. “I am very privileged to be a member of the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Whenever you are out on the Coast holes, you appreciate how lucky we are to live in this world class location.”
“I also love to travel, often to the deep South where my son is a dairy farmer or overseas for extended road trips – luckily Nigel is ok driving on the wrong side of the road – which look to be back on the cards at last. My daughter and her partner are about to have my first grandchild and I am lucky enough to have them living close by, so I imagine spending time with the baby will become a high priority.”
Harcourts Cooper & Co, Whangaparaoa
Phone: 021 779 838
Email: karen.franklin@harcourts.co.nz
Website: www.karenfranklin.co.nz
