Real estate agent Shailenne Parkes knows a good thing when she sees it. And when she landed the job of selling sections in a new development in Matakana three years ago, she instantly recognised what a great buy they were.
However, owning one herself was not initially on the cards. "But these sections were too good an opportunity to miss, so my then husband and I decided to buy one," says Shailenne. "And I had first dibs, so chose the best one."
They picked 15 Laly Haddon Place because of its great elevation. Also appealing was the fact that it got lots of sun, and although it wasn't the rural property they imagined they'd be buying next, it had great views across rolling countryside. Yet it was just a few minutes walk to the shops, bars and eateries that have made Matakana such a vibrant and popular place to live.
Shailenne moved up from Ponsonby in Auckland 10 years ago and admits that it took her a little while to get used to living out of the big smoke. But she loves it now, and notes that many of the properties she is selling these days are being bought by Aucklanders relocating north in search of a more relaxed lifestyle.
