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Buying, Step By Step

West Auckland home sells at auction

Published on 13/11/2026 • By Isla Vaughan

Barfoot & Thompson representative Raewyn Marles assisted a long-term client readying her West Auckland residence for three months prior to a brief two-week marketing push that culminated in the three-bedroom freehold home selling at auction.

Raewyn first met Janis when the idea of leaving was still only an idea. Janis, in her early 80s, had lived for decades in a very large hill home up on the ridge.

Her husband had passed away, and the home had become far too big for one person. The upkeep was more than she wanted to keep taking on. She was also considering a move overseas, a daunting project to organise alone.

A Three-Month Plan

A friend of Janis’s had recommended an agent to sell her house, and she had intended to follow that recommendation until meeting Raewyn changed her mind.

Raewyn and Janis agreed on a plan, then brought in trusted tradespeople Raewyn recommended from other properties she had helped prepare for the market. At Janis’s pace, her home was readied for the market over the next three months.

Raewyn advised on what to do and how to take the home to market. Janis wrote in a testimonial after the sale, “The process of readying the house for sale was a long and arduous one and I could not have done it without the help and support of Raewyn.”

A Compact Campaign

The property was a three-bedroom freehold house on a freehold section, with double parking and a long driveway for extra cars. Raewyn discussed a different selling strategy with Janis.

Instead of the standard three-week programme, they designed a two-week campaign that resulted in a sale. The home sold at auction to a young couple. It was a price Janis was happy with and one the market was willing to pay.

Raewyn then arranged for Janis and the buyers to meet. They hit it off immediately. Raewyn said, “We even had a party at the house to see off Janis and welcome in the new owners, and she invited all the immediate neighbours so they could meet them.”

The new owners have moved in and love the home. They still keep in touch with Janis and with Raewyn. Raewyn Marles of Barfoot & Thompson Glen Eden has more than 25 years in real estate.

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