DESKTOP
MOBILE
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Elaine Ferguson, licensed real estate agent, former TVNZ designer, and trained psychotherapist, to explore what truly drives a successful sale. From the first phone call to settlement day, Elaine shares a practice built on authenticity, proportion, and an experience that feels as good in person as it looks online.
Elaine explains why editing a home often beats over-staging, and how clean sightlines, natural light, and a clear entry sequence shape buyer perception within seconds. She walks through the small presentation wins that compound, including house washing, window cleaning, a freshly painted front door, and furniture placement that supports flow. You will also hear how to match the campaign to the most likely buyer, with practical guidance on auctions, tenders, deadline sales, and price by negotiation in a New Zealand context.
Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, Elaine unpacks the psychology of trust at open homes and the art of honest feedback without dwelling on known negatives. She shows how to run a no-surprises campaign using realistic timelines, builder checkpoints, and pricing conversations that keep momentum. For sellers, she sets out a simple path from declutter to photography. For buyers, she offers open-home etiquette, smarter feedback for agents, and a research method that beats algorithms through real comparisons and sold results.
To round out the episode, Elaine shares lessons from 19 personal renovations, including why layout comes first, how a master plan prevents throwaway spend, and where to invest when budgets are tight. Whether you are preparing to sell, hunting for your next place, or refreshing the rooms you live in now, Elaine’s message is clear: the best results come from calm preparation, clear communication, and spaces that welcome people the moment they arrive.
Enjoyed this episode?
There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.
To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.
You can also listen to the Trends Property Insight Series ‘on the go’ wherever you find the world’s best podcasts.
You can also listen to the Trends Property Insight Series ‘on the go’ wherever you find the world’s best podcasts.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Elaine Ferguson, licensed real estate agent, former TVNZ designer, and trained psychotherapist, to explore what truly drives a successful sale. From the first phone call to settlement day, Elaine shares a practice built on authenticity, proportion, and an experience that feels as good in person as it looks online.
Elaine explains why editing a home often beats over-staging, and how clean sightlines, natural light, and a clear entry sequence shape buyer perception within seconds. She walks through the small presentation wins that compound, including house washing, window cleaning, a freshly painted front door, and furniture placement that supports flow. You will also hear how to match the campaign to the most likely buyer, with practical guidance on auctions, tenders, deadline sales, and price by negotiation in a New Zealand context.
Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, Elaine unpacks the psychology of trust at open homes and the art of honest feedback without dwelling on known negatives. She shows how to run a no-surprises campaign using realistic timelines, builder checkpoints, and pricing conversations that keep momentum. For sellers, she sets out a simple path from declutter to photography. For buyers, she offers open-home etiquette, smarter feedback for agents, and a research method that beats algorithms through real comparisons and sold results.
To round out the episode, Elaine shares lessons from 19 personal renovations, including why layout comes first, how a master plan prevents throwaway spend, and where to invest when budgets are tight. Whether you are preparing to sell, hunting for your next place, or refreshing the rooms you live in now, Elaine’s message is clear: the best results come from calm preparation, clear communication, and spaces that welcome people the moment they arrive.
Enjoyed this episode?
There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.
To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.
You can also listen to the Trends Property Insight Series ‘on the go’ wherever you find the world’s best podcasts.
You can also listen to the Trends Property Insight Series ‘on the go’ wherever you find the world’s best podcasts.