We caught up with Richard to hear how a move to Raglan after 16 years in dairy farming led him into real estate, and how his rural background now shapes his work across the Waikato.
How did you get started in Real Estate and why?
After 16years of dairy farming, my family and I decided to move to Raglan and slow life down a bit and give more time to our children. To be honest, Real Estate found me. I didn’t go searching for a new career, I was approached by the local Realtors as my farm upbringing and adult farming career gave me an edge the local Realtors were looking for.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your background.
Born and bred country! I was born into a family of generational farmers so my understanding and love of the land runs deep and is second nature. Resilience, innovation and adaptability are inbred in me. As a young man I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship which had me flying over to England, to study Agriculture. When I returned to NZ I started my sharemilking journey.
What area do you specialise in and why?
I sell farms and lifestyle properties Waikato wide. It’s what I know. It’s what I love. I honestly get excited at the opportunity to share my knowledge and advice in this area to help others thrive in the country.
How would you describe your approach to working with clients?
My clients would describe my working approach as, empathetic, no pressure, down to earth with an optimistic ‘can do’ attitude and always a sense of humour!
What do you enjoy most about helping people buy and sell homes?
I’m a people person. This means I’m invested in their story. Their background. Their property objectives. Watching clients get excited over property, excited over potential and then seeing how they develop property and land over time, brings me huge satisfaction. It’s strange to say but I honestly feel this job is a blessing in the way that sometimes we can take for granted what an incredible environment we live in. When clients point out, the air, the greenery, the quiet, the view, the Raglan vibe, seeing it through their eyes is a huge gratitude reminder for me.
What’s a tip you might give to first homebuyers?
Choose low maintenance. Don’t financially over commit.
What’s your best advice for sellers?
Presentation matters! Doesn’t have to be extreme, just clean and tidy and fix up any ‘obvious’ things. De-clutter.
What do you love most about the Raglan community?
I love the diversity and how everyone just comes together from a place of honest caring and wanting to connect with no hidden agendas. It’s a destination town so we all choose to be here. Small enough to feel familiar but big enough to not be in each other’s pockets.
How do you stay involved in the community and what do you support?
As a family we live in this community, work in this community, school in this community – Te Mata to Raglan Area and play in this community. We’re a thirsty family so always seeking anything to do with the water! Surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing. I’ve been an active member of the Raglan Sport Fishing Club for 15 years so you’ll often find me at the weigh station or Raglan Wharf . As a farming family we love to motorbike ride and are always keen to support local trail rides.
I’m always keen to sponsor when I see a need, sponsoring local school initiatives as they arise, Te Mata Hall upgrade and the Te Mata Tennis Club.
Contact Richard
027 294 8625
richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
