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Before you list your home, there’s a secret weapon you might not realise you have: your agent’s perspective. Derek von Sturmer of Professionals Real Estate, Point Chev, has spent 20 years walking through homes with one goal. To see what a buyer might see. And that starts with one powerful shift. “I walk in like I’m the most critical buyer,” he says. That mindset helps him spot what many homeowners miss and remove obstacles before they derail a sale.
It’s not about being picky
Buyers are often looking for reasons not to buy. Small issues can raise big doubts. That’s why Derek takes on the role of the buyer first. From loose handles to cluttered shelves, he looks at every corner through a critical lens. Then he helps the owner remove potential objections before they ever arise. “It’s about eliminating excuses,” he explains.
Every home tells a story
But it’s not just about flaws. Derek also looks for ways to elevate the emotional appeal of the property. He looks for ways to create a feeling, not just a feature list. That’s where photography, styling, and presentation come in. “We’re trying to create emotion through photography and videography,” he says. “So we can try and connect with our audience.” That connection is what drives offers. Not gimmicks. Just smart, thoughtful presentation based on experience and understanding of the market.
The real value is in what you don’t see
A good agent knows the questions buyers will ask before they ask them. And more importantly, they know what buyers might use as a reason to walk away. By partnering with someone who brings that lens to the table, you’re not just cleaning your home. You’re preparing it with purpose. And that, says Derek, is what sets the best sales apart.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Derek von Sturmer, a seasoned real estate expert with over two decades of experience helping Kiwis buy and sell homes. Known for his no-nonsense honesty and deep community roots, Derek unpacks the critical role trust plays in the relationship between homeowners and their agents, especially during one of life’s most stressful decisions.
Search similar articles
Before you list your home, there’s a secret weapon you might not realise you have: your agent’s perspective. Derek von Sturmer of Professionals Real Estate, Point Chev, has spent 20 years walking through homes with one goal. To see what a buyer might see. And that starts with one powerful shift. “I walk in like I’m the most critical buyer,” he says. That mindset helps him spot what many homeowners miss and remove obstacles before they derail a sale.
It’s not about being picky
Buyers are often looking for reasons not to buy. Small issues can raise big doubts. That’s why Derek takes on the role of the buyer first. From loose handles to cluttered shelves, he looks at every corner through a critical lens. Then he helps the owner remove potential objections before they ever arise. “It’s about eliminating excuses,” he explains.
Every home tells a story
But it’s not just about flaws. Derek also looks for ways to elevate the emotional appeal of the property. He looks for ways to create a feeling, not just a feature list. That’s where photography, styling, and presentation come in. “We’re trying to create emotion through photography and videography,” he says. “So we can try and connect with our audience.” That connection is what drives offers. Not gimmicks. Just smart, thoughtful presentation based on experience and understanding of the market.
The real value is in what you don’t see
A good agent knows the questions buyers will ask before they ask them. And more importantly, they know what buyers might use as a reason to walk away. By partnering with someone who brings that lens to the table, you’re not just cleaning your home. You’re preparing it with purpose. And that, says Derek, is what sets the best sales apart.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Building Trust with Your Real Estate Agent will help you know what to look for when choosing an agent and build a strong, honest relationship that will help your sale run smoothly from start to finish. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Derek von Sturmer, a seasoned real estate expert with over two decades of experience helping Kiwis buy and sell homes. Known for his no-nonsense honesty and deep community roots, Derek unpacks the critical role trust plays in the relationship between homeowners and their agents, especially during one of life’s most stressful decisions.
Search similar articles
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.