Real estate business owner Philippa Evans reckons the skills she learnt as a teacher have been some of the most useful tools in her business career.
It’s now 25 years since Philippa and her husband Simon moved from Auckland to Tairua with their baby son, Harry.
“We didn’t want to raise Harry in the city,” Philippa says. “Simon is a fitter and turner, so he got a job at Tanners Sawmill and I taught at Whenuakite and Hikuai Schools.”
Today, Harry is a surveyor based in Tairua, where he enjoys surfing and rugby. Younger son Jake is about to start work as a driller’s assistant at Waihi Mines, while the family’s Shih Tzu, Lola, is also part of the family.
While juggling work and raising their two boys, Philippa decided it was time for a change. She studied real estate and joined Harcourts nine years ago.
Today, she is the business owner of Harcourts in Tairua, Cooks Beach, Coromandel Town and Whitianga, and became a director of Harcourts Coromandel Beaches Realty last year.
“It turns out the classroom was pretty good training for business,” she laughs. “Teaching taught me the importance of relationships, being organised, being reflective and, importantly, being able to adapt. I’m always learning, and I enjoy using those skills. I’m also currently studying for my agent’s licence, which will further my understanding of the business.”
What she enjoys most about real estate is the variety.
“I love the challenges. Every day is different. It can be a bit of a roller coaster!”
For Philippa, being part of the community is also an important part of the job.
“In real estate it’s important to be a community person. I think it’s also important to give back, and sponsorship is one of the ways we do that.”
She laughs when recalling her very first appraisal, when she discovered her choice of footwear wasn’t quite as professional as she had hoped.
“When I left my shoes at the door, I realised one was blue and one was black. I hoped they’d just shut the door and not notice, but they stood there and watched me put my odd shoes back on!”
Nine years into the industry, Philippa says running a business and leading a team has taught her plenty.
“I’ve learnt heaps about myself, and I’ve made mistakes, but I believe I’ve become a better person for it. I enjoy getting to know our people across the different branches and seeing them grow.”
There has also been a special full-circle moment, with Riki Tawa recently joining the business. Philippa taught Riki at Hikuai School nearly 20 years ago.
“I was his teacher, and now he’s working alongside me! I know he’ll do well.”
For Philippa, real estate is about more than selling property. She is passionate about doing the homework, protecting the integrity of her vendors and owners, and ensuring buyers have the information they need to purchase with confidence.
“The old-fashioned ‘buyer beware’ attitude has no place in our office. We believe in doing the right thing — being thorough, asking questions, disclosing what we know and making sure everyone can make an informed decision.”
She says the Coromandel property market has changed significantly.
“Traditionally, the Coromandel has been a strong sellers’ market. But road closures, tighter lending criteria and changing buyer confidence have all had an impact. Today, we’re operating in a buyer’s market, can be which difficult for vendors to accept, particularly when they remember post-Covid highs.”
Her advice? Stick to the three Ps: Price, Presentation and Promotion.
“Getting those right can make a significant difference. That’s where Harcourts team can help – providing honest pricing advice, helping vendors understand what buyers are looking for, presenting the property at its best and getting it in front of the right people.”
Away from real estate, Philippa may be found cheering from the sideline at local rugby, with Simon having managed Tairua senior team B and her sons playing with their mates. And when she’s not working or supporting local sport, Philippa’s happiest in her garden, with gardenias and frangipani among her favourite blooms.
