Andy Martin was born in Fort Langley, an hour east of Vancouver, Canada.
He and his family moved to New Zealand when he was very young and he grew up in Sumner Beach, Christchurch. (Where he began surfing at the age of eight).
As Andy told Ponsonby News, “I left Sumner just before my 17th birthday to chase my dream of being a TV cameraman in Auckland. I have one younger brother Chris, who lives in Melbourne with his wife. My partner's name is Katie, my sons Noah (15) and Louis (13).
“My parents renovated and built properties as their side hustle as we were growing up in Sumner Beach so I have always been exposed to real estate.
Through this education and working with my Mum and Dad as a teenager, I always had the goal and drive to own my own property, so by the age of 26 I was fortunate enough to not only become a homeowner but also a landlord.
Because I grew up around property with parents who bought, developed and sold more times than I can remember, I gained an extensive knowledge and love for the many facets of real estate.
“As a creative with over 20 successful years’ experience in the television industry, both locally and internationally, I have developed an ability to listen and connect with people from all walks of life, an asset which I believe is serving me well in my real estate career.”
Memorable moments in your film career?
“I was based in London for three years. This experience led me to meet some amazing people such as Yasser Arafat, Tony Blair, and George Bush inside Number 10 Downing St - that place is a Tardis, absolutely huge.
I have also enjoyed hanging out with David Beckham and touring the globe from Tahiti to Rio filming the ASP world surf tour where I got to spend time with my surf heroes Mark (Occy) Occhilupo, Andy Irons and Mick Fanning.”
What is important to you in your real estate career?
“Gaining the trust of your vendor is not to be taken lightly. More often than not, they are putting their most valuable asset in my hands. Regular communication, including honest feedback, is paramount in making sure they are at ease with the process and understand everything that is happening along the way.
I back myself as a strong listener and communicator, which I wholeheartedly believe is crucial to a successful relationship.
“My branch manager at Barfoot & Thompson in Grey Lynn, Andrew Cosgrave, is my mentor.
He's had my back from day one and including our weekly catch up meetings has always encouraged and praised my detailed market knowledge of our local area.
We have an amazing team, and during my years in this branch I have sold in Grey Lynn, Westmere, Point Chev, Freemans Bay, Mt Eden and Epsom - even as far away as Laingholm.”
How are you involved in the local community?
“I've recently been fortunate enough to become involved with supporting Grey Lynn Primary which is an epic school encouraging so many creative opportunities for the kids.
We recently had “Aloha Night” at the school where the Grey Lynn team, including myself, were on the sausage sizzle for the evening; we had a blast - the queue never stopped!”
Best café?
“Josy on Williamson Avenue - Their chicken pho is ridiculously good.”
How do you unwind?
“I unwind by going surfing - best medicine ever and we are fortunate enough to have a place in Piha where I can indulge in this.”
To talk to Andy call him on 021 770 014, E: a.martin@barfoot.co.nz
www.facebook.com/andymartingreylynn
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay #westernsprings #andymartinbarfootandthompsongreylynn #andymartinaucklandrealestate