Q&A with Brigid O’Connor
#2 in our series where we get to know the people behind our local businesses.
Titirangi local Brigid Connor brings plenty of life experience to her role in real estate, from growing up as the eldest of 11 children to a career spanning accounting, corporate marketing and several different industries. We caught up with Brigid to talk about life in real estate, what she loves about Titirangi, and why her downtime often involves gumboots.
Brigid (right) and her partner in the real estate business, Sacha (left)
Tell us a little about yourself. What should people know about Brigid Connor beyond the real estate signs?
I'm the eldest child of no less than 11 kids. Same mum and dad, all full brothers and sisters (very Catholic parents!). There are nine girls and two boys. There are 25 years between me and my youngest sibling (hard to fathom given I look 22).
How did you find your way into real estate, and what were you doing before you joined Barfoot & Thompson?
I worked in corporate marketing (for Vodafone, now One NZ) for many years before entering real estate. I wanted to work closer to home and have flexibility to do school trips and after-school activities with my kids who were very young at the time, so real estate was a great option. I'm also a qualified accountant and have worked in pharmaceuticals, international shipping and the tyre industry. Real estate is definitely the most fun and rewarding job I've ever had and it's definitely the final step in my career.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate, and what part of the job might surprise people?
No one day is the same as another which makes it really interesting. People are often surprised by the scope of real estate. Open homes, marketing and filming videos are the fun parts. We wear many caps in parallel: compliance, finance, law, maintenance, building, and counselling. One of my most memorable moments is my vendors announcing they will play us an original song at the conclusion of a mammoth paperwork session. It was brilliant!
What do you love about Titirangi and the wider West Auckland community?
I love the vibe of our village in Titirangi. I love my neighbours, where else can you live surrounded by such lovely people? I never get sick of hanging out on a weekend afternoon eating and socialising with my family and friends. I also greatly appreciate being only moments away from a beach or a stunning bush walk.
Buying or selling a home can be a pretty significant moment in someone’s life. What do you enjoy about helping people through that process?
It's absolutely a very occasional process for the majority of people! I make sure I give everyone plenty of time and explanation so they feel confident and informed each step of the way. Some people need a lot of handholding which we are happy to do. I have a suite of advisors and experts available to assist when needed. I also make sure this significant milestone is celebrated with a lovely gift and lots of hugs!
What have you learned about people from working in real estate?
No matter how confident a buyer or seller seems, they are always apprehensive and it shows in all sorts of ways. It's such a big step whether you're buying or selling and I try really hard to let people express what they need in a supportive way. I've also learnt to never underestimate how important that "one little thing" can be to getting a deal together (e.g. fridge space, the play house the kids have to have, how the dining table will fit).
When you’re not working, where are we most likely to find you? What do you like doing in your spare time?
You'll find me clad in very stylish gumboots in the middle of a horse paddock picking up poo! My daughter and I belong to no less than two horse clubs; we graze a pony at Henderson Valley Pony Club and look after the two mini ponies one day a week at the Huia Road Horse Club.
Finally, give us a few local favourites: where do you go for coffee, a meal, a walk or a little bit of downtime around Titirangi?
There is no such thing as a bad coffee in Titirangi and I pretty much frequent all the cafes. On a Sunday afternoon I love the live music at Iti and you can't beat happy hour at Street Feast on a sunny weekend afternoon. My all-time favourite walk is the Omanawanui Track, the views are breathtaking (as is the walk!).