Style: July 10, 2020

42 STYLE | promotion
THE
ADVANTAGES
OF BEING
CREATIVE
With a background in photography, real
estate agent Jo Grams finds it easy to
see the potential of your home and ‘sell
the dream’.
Where does your creative expertise
come from?
I became a professional photographer
in my twenties – photographing
families is my speciality. I’ve been
photographing some families for over
15 years. It’s such a pleasure to be
invited into a family’s life like that.
As a result, I love designing family
photo walls. Seeing the generations
over the years, children growing up,
lovingly arranged on a wall, gives such
a sense of belonging.
That sparked my interest in home
interiors. They have such an impact on
our wellbeing. I completed an interior
design diploma to build my skills for
my own renovation projects. Then
I took on interior design projects
for clients.
Fast forward a few years, and a
friend suggested I should try real
estate. I’m totally loving it. It’s the
perfect marriage of my creative skills
and my love of people.
How does your creative eye help
your clients?
For home buyers, there’s a wise
saying: buy the ugliest home on the
best street, then create a masterpiece
for the best possible return. But you
need vision to be able to see a home’s
potential. Or, if you don’t have the
appetite for renovations and you
want to buy the best possible home,
move in, and enjoy, my trained eye
can help make sure you don’t buy a
tarted-up lemon.
What is key to forming good
relationships with your clients?
I’m big on communication and sharing
an honest opinion. Buying or selling
a home can be bloody stressful. You
need people around you who will tell
you the truth, and who care about
your outcome. If you’re buying or
selling a home, I’m on your team.
What are your top tips for someone
getting ready to sell their home?
Get me through. I’ll give you an
honest opinion on affordable ways to
present your home in its best light.
My feedback may feel challenging, but
buyers are discerning, fussy, and will
research your property before viewing
it. Properties that sell quickly and at a
premium tick the boxes that make a
buyer fall in love.
If you want to go it alone, be sure
to declutter, have the best spring
clean ever, and make it a home to live
in and love. Remember, you’re not
selling a house; you’re selling a dream.
jograms.co.nz