Under trying economic conditions in New Zealand, an office overhaul has worked wonders for Ray White Ellerslie, delivering a 100 per cent clearance rate at recent auction proceedings.
Upon taking ownership of Ray White’s Ellerslie branch at 101 Main Highway in 2022, brothers David and Arthur Subritzky embarked on a significant remodelling project, motivated to create a best-in-class workplace for their team of 36.
“We are focused on creating a space that helps to attract and retain a high-quality team of salespeople, support staff and management, in addition to realising our goals of being one of the leading auction callers in the region,” David said.
Following a three month renovation which sought to bring the office up to the standard of the group’s other branch in Mount Wellington, and that of Ray White’s offices nationally, the project has produced many positive outcomes, including an uptick in office sales activity.
“Our team has responded to the new fit-out with some stellar results lately, which include a recent auction schedule which reported a 100 per cent clearance rate under challenging market conditions,” David said.
“Previously, our team had held auctions at a local café, which, while supporting a local business in the Ellerslie Village, had its own challenges, as the hum of a café kitchen can be somewhat distracting.”
As the brothers’ business has evolved, they say clients and customers are increasingly looking to auction proceedings for value.
“It has been great to see both buyers and sellers find increasing value in the auction process, which is the most transparent of all sale methods, often providing clarity in shifting market conditions whilst creating competition for quality properties,” Arthur said.
“Our group (Ellerslie and Mount Wellington) has reported 158 per cent auction growth in the last six months along, so we needed to deliver a dedicated auction space that meets the evolving demands of our clients and provides a place that our team is proud to work from.
“The decision to invest so heavily in an office remodel had an immediate effect on staff retention, productivity and satisfaction. With a cohesive, collaborative space, our team can focus on doing what they do best – which is selling residential real estate.”
While somewhat operational in its original form, the brothers say the original premises required substantial refurbishment, beginning with a new floor plan more supportive of the team culture.
At the end of May, David and Arthur opened the doors to the new-look Ellerslie branch, which includes eight partitioned offices with elegant steel-framed sliding doors, a large central workstation, purpose-built auction room exceeding 50-person capacity, and private meeting/negotiation spaces.
In addition to a vantage point overlooking Ellerslie Village, Ray White’s uplifting brand colours are incorporated throughout the premises, with high-end fixtures and finishes which create a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere.
“We are extremely proud of the refurbishment. However, an increase in productivity and team satisfaction is the real barometer. We have had glowing feedback from staff and the broader network, including customers and clients, who feel energised and proud to do business in such a great space,” Arthur said.
“We are on track to achieve some important business goals this year, with this new branch environment the perfect backdrop for our continued success.”
DOWNLOAD IMAGES
CAPTION: L-R – Ray White New Zealand executive chairman Carey Smith, Ray White business owners David Subritzky and Arthur Subritzky, and Ray White New Zealand CEO Daniel Coulson.
Media contact:
David Subritzky
Business Owner
Ray White Ellerslie
021446539
david.subritzky@raywhite.com