Independent

/ɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)nt/ Capable of thinking or acting for oneself.

The lack of choice made us do it.

Our customers are looking for honesty, reliability and integrity, as well as relatability and professionalism. And of course, results.

So we went searching for a select group of real estate sales people.

We wanted to grow a highly skilled team of professionals that would perform at an elite level.

We required experienced people meaning that they could be trusted by the public in their area or niche.

We needed a space in the industry that allowed for authenticity to be expressed.

This is who we found, and this is who we are.

Independent Agent Limited, Licensed REAA (2008) and a member of The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand

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Where it beganWhat we doWho we are

Where it began

Like a lot of great kiwi ideas this one started at home. It wasn’t quite the shed, but it was a tiny little utility room.

After two decades in the real estate industry, our founder Matt Jones decided to test an idea that he had been thinking about for a long time.

Could he sell real estate outside of a big brand? Did he even want to sell real estate? Well the answer to the second question was ‘NO’ but the answer to the first was ‘If he had to’.

As an ex-school teacher, the idea of helping others and enabling opportunity is part of his DNA.

Throw these traits and ideas into a blender and what do you get? Matt created a place where real estate professionals could have brand freedom outside of the main big brands, super helpful back end support and administration, and access to all the things they need to do their job well – at least as well as their colleagues in franchised offices, without having to be focussed on a centralised corporate office.

The idea worked and Matt is not out there selling houses, he gets to do what he loves and is best at. Working to improve our systems and service, looking after the sales people who are with us and finding the best people to welcome to the team in the future.

This might be a bit hard to get your head around, but we have proved the idea works – accepting progress can be hard sometimes. We acknowledge that this model is not for everyone – but it is the most ideal model for those that we work with. If it is ideal for them as salespeople, it means that it’s better for you as buyers and sellers.

Some people have asked us ‘why don’t you work under a big brand’ Our answer is simple. ‘Why would we?’

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What we are and what we aren’t

In a world where misconceptions abound, we believe it’s just as important to clarify what we are not as it is to showcase what we are. Here’s how we maintain our unique standards and ensure a professional, supportive, and refreshing approach to real estate.

What we are

Independent

We have got to the stage of our career where the oversight of management who may well be less experienced than we is no longer feeling like how we want to work. We have our ideas and we have the drive to put them in place.


Experienced

By the nature of the way we work , experience is a requirement. We don’t things all the same way, but we have a track record in real estate and often business that allows us to work this way.


Marketers

Unless we know that we could market successfully we would never have made the shift from a big brand to Independent Agent. We can offer the same reach on the sale platforms as our colleagues, as well as the freedom to push the bounds and create custom programmes.


Negotiators

With experience comes proficiency and mastery. Support comes into this too. Often a way forward is found outside the triangle of Seller, Buyer and Agent. We have the support in place to talk through the tricky ones and find a resolution.


Reliable

We are at the stage of our career where we don’t need anyone looking over our shoulder. Our motivation to serve our customers and clients comes from within.

What we aren't

Isolated

Although there is a focus on independence, the importance of support and collegiality is not forgotten. With regular meetings, training sessions and get togethers Independent Agent still allows us to have contact with other professionals. With modern communication technology and great systems your salesperson has support available when they need it.


Amatuers

Professionalism comes with the territory. With distributed working in a high-stakes environment this is not a place for amateurs.


Order-Takers

As negotiators we will pursue the deal until its conclusion. That might take hours, days, or weeks (sometimes longer). As trained negotiators we will continue to look for a path through.


Trouble Makers

Once again, the requirements of a distributed workforce mean that we can’t work with trouble makers. As part of our process we avoid salespeople with a history of complaints and those who are going to make life difficult for clients and customers, as well as the business internally.


Too Much Real Estate Rah Rah

We are confident, not cocky. As part of our culture we have less focus on awards, leaderboards and the usual real estate rah rah. With internally motivated salespeople and a mature perspective you will find us a refreshing approach in the real estate industry

The Team

Independent but not Unsupported

When deciding to work with someone from our Independent Agent team, you may think that they are out there on their own, all by themselves without any practical support from a back office.

This is not the case.

In most industries a lot of administrative work is now done remotely and so in a lot of ways the differences are smaller than you might at first consider.

Our online systems mean that your chosen salesperson can efficiently handle paperwork, book marketing, get support with clauses and negotiations and have contracts processed promptly and efficiently.

We think that by unlimiting the physical location of our distributed workforce we are able to find the best people rather than just being limited to people who are within a short commute.

For this reason we have administrators distributed all over the country, and working behind the scenes, all over the world.

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Meet The Team

With over 9 years of Real Estate administration experience, and having worked with some of New Zeala...
Claire Wilkins
Listings Administrator
Management/Support Staff
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As the Operations Manager at Independent Agent, Kim brings a multifaceted approach to ensuring the s...
Kim Metahysa
Operations Manager
Management/Support Staff
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Leanne joined Independent Agent as an award winning and experienced Contracts Administrator and work...
Leanne Prinsloo
Agreements Coordinator
Management/Support Staff
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Leese joined the Independent Agent team as an Executive Assistant to Kim Metahysa and Matt Jones. W...
Leese Rogers
Executive Assistant
Management/Support Staff
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When New Zealand went into lockdown due to Covid-19, Matt knew that now was the time to ‘push go’ on...
Matt Jones
Director
Management/Support Staff
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Matt Shirley has been involved in the real estate industry since the year 2000. During this time he ...
Matt Shirley
Compliance Manager
Management/Support Staff
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Michelle Corpuz works remotely for Independent Agent from her home in the Philippines. She gives sup...
Michelle Corpuz
Administrator
Management/Support Staff
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With over 14 years in real estate and a flair for marketing, Tess brings hands-on experience and ind...
Tess McGuinness
Marketing Coordinator
Management/Support Staff
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Let's work together

Our agents have freedom to support the community at the ground level in their areas. Here are some of the causes that our independent agents support: Waipuna Hospice, Wish for Fish, Kind Hands Respite Care, Whangarei Malayalee Association, Stillwater Boating Club, Ronald McDonald house, Pink Ribbon Day, and Rescue Chopper Appeal, plus a range of local school and team activities and events.

Buy a PropertyLooking to Buy?

From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, our expert agents provide tailored guidance to achieve your property goals. Backed by specialist knowledge and strong support, we’re here to help you take the next step in your property journey.

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Sell a PropertyPlanning to Sell?

Selling your home is easier with Independent Agent. Our expert agents combine top-tier skills, modern tech, and decades of experience to ensure your property is in the best hands. Contact us today to get started.

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Working with IAConsidering a Career Change?

If you’re a skilled real estate professional seeking better pay, brand ownership, and freedom from franchise fees, you’re in the right place. Get in touch today to find out more.

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