You’ve most likely seen their brightly branded cars, and numerous For Sale signs throughout Titirangi, Laingholm and beyond - after all for more than 10 years and for over 290 sales, Sacha Collins and Brigid O’Connor have been the go-to for house sellers and buyers in the area. They have been the number 1 sales team for Barfoot & Thompson Titirangi since 2016 for good reason!
So let’s get to know the Dream Team a little better...
What did you do before real estate?
Sacha: I was a stay at home Mum and lots of other things before this. I worked at Vodafone, Telecom, National Bank and NZ Post. I had done Real Estate in my mid 20's and was Rookie of the Year for the company I worked for so when I needed to return to work when my youngest was 2 I thought I would go back to the only thing I had loved and done well at...Real Estate! That was 12 years ago now.
Brigid: I worked in corporate marketing and had a property investment portfolio.
Favourite holiday destination?
S: Mangawhai Heads
B: Fiji - out in the Yasawa Islands where the beaches are pristine
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
S: Probably still doing Real Estate in Titirangi but maybe getting in some more travel overseas as my children should have left home by then.
B: Very likely still selling real estate but travelling lots more as the kids will be older!
Who would you want to play you in a movie?
S: Meryl Streep
B: Goldie Hawn ... when I'm of age of course! She's fabulous.
Who is the most interesting person you have met, and why?
S: My good friend Ani. I admire her strength and intelligence.
B: My husband, we've been together for over 20 years and he still surprises me regularly.
Worst / Best house you ever lived in, why?
S: Worst house a cold and damp flat in Christchurch. Best, my current home in Titirangi as it is amongst nature, gets lots of sun and is architecturally interesting.
B: We loved our first Laingholm house on Victory Rd... it had stunning views, we loved overlooking the Valley as we could see everything that was going on in the community.
What do you love most about your life right now?
S: Work life balance. Getting fit and healthy and being successful in my work.
B: I'm loving that it is summer! I also love working so close to home so I can enjoy it!
Favourite down-time activity?
S: Walking in the Waitakere Ranges.
B: Good wine and food with friends and family. Preferably a Waiheke vineyard.
How did you both meet?
S: I sold Brigid her first home out West many years ago.
B: Sacha sold me my first Titirangi home well before I was involved in real estate.
What is the best thing about working as a team?
S: Work life balance and laughing a lot.
B: Someone to share the highs and dramas with and work life balance.
Your #1 top tip for a successful property sale?
S: Perfect presentation
B: Presentation! Go to open homes for inspiration, outstanding presentation always results in a premium price.
Renovation nightmare?
S: Getting new carpet laid and the carpet layer destroyed our stairs so we had no stairs for a couple of weeks. Our kids had to climb a ladder and climb through windows to get to their rooms.
B: Trying to replace retro scotia boards... the angles are impossible!
What achievement are you most proud of from 2018?
S: Getting fit and healthy and then doing the Auckland Half Marathon.
B: Gosh - sounds a little cliche but we've had some phenomenal results for our clients during the past year, I love it when we knock it out of the park and blow our clients away.
If there’s anything more you want to know about the Dream Team and local real estate, get in touch or look them up on Facebook @sachaandbrigid.
- interviewed by R.Manners
