Karen Spires is the first to declare that success in todays property industry requires passion and a dedicated commitment to making the most of every opportunity.

Karen is the agent behind some of central Aucklands top property sales, from villas and luxury apartments, to do-ups and family homes. As one of Bayleys leading salespeople Karens reputation in her stomping ground, which extends from central Aucklands CBD through to top selling suburbs of Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Westmere, is one of tenacity, huge personality and a good knowledge of her market and her customers.

Karen joined Bayleys early in 2002 armed with experience gleaned from four years spent selling residential property in Ponsonby and committed to performing at peak levels. While Karen agrees that hard work pays off (she works the hours her clients expect and confesses that she cannot have a weekend off without skimming the paper to see what is happening in the Auckland real estate market), she believes that personality and passion are as important in equal doses. I think my enthusiasm for the job shows through, she says. I pride myself on getting the best out of every sale.

So what are Karens four secrets to success for getting the best price for your property in todays property market?

Selling in this market means:

1. Getting as many prospective cash buyers through the door as possible.
2. Always doing everything you say you will do and following up with all interested buyers.
3. Having a well targeted marketing and advertising campaign that attracts all the right attention.
4. Being a local agent with a reputation for honesty and success.

Karen is also known for Residential Views, her email newsletter which she distributes to her client database on a weekly basis. It keeps people up to speed with what is happening in the Central Bays market and they really appreciate getting it, she explains.