This content was prepared by Property Brokers and is being published by OneRoof as advertorial.
In the heart of Central Hawke’s Bay, where community spirit runs deep and real estate is as much about people as property, you’ll find Waipukurau agent Kate McCormick. Kate has carved a niche that blends serious asset-management with creative marketing and a heart for her community.
Since the start of 2023, Kate has committed that for every property she sells, she donates one youth counselling session to the national mental health charity I Am Hope (also known by many as “Gumboot Friday”).
“It’s super close to my heart,” Kate says. “We’ve lost a lot of young people in our local community due to depression and mental health issues. Having gone through mental health struggles myself in the past, and seeing close friends go through this too, it made me want to do something good and give back with the business wins I have. Even though it’s only a drop in the ocean, every bit helps, and it might inspire others to help too.”
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This pledge speaks to more than just business: it’s a genuine community project, one that gives sellers a reason to feel good about choosing Kate and gives young people a reason to feel supported. In today’s market, where agents are plentiful, that kind of meaningful difference stands out.
Kate’s marketing approach is likewise distinctive. Real estate ads are often the same old polished photos and scripted walk-throughs, and while that has its place, Kate believes it’s time to shake things up.
“Our industry feels quite stiff and serious, because what we do is serious. We’re dealing with clients’ biggest assets, and for them these are life altering transactions and interactions. I wanted to bring some light to our industry.”
Hence Kate’s bold, quirky, “unhinged” video marketing series: social-media-first, trend aware and humour driven. From tyre-swings and cash tosses to sliding downstairs in a sleeping bag and braving toddler slides in winter creeks, she’s pushed creativity to get eyeballs on listings.
“The inspiration for my chaotic video series stemmed from some motivated vendors who had an extremely unique property… I asked myself: how can I get as many eyes as possible on this property? The only way was to do something bold. We found our buyer in less than a fortnight.”
Since then, other vendors have asked, “Can we do the crazy content too?” And when Kate is stopped in the supermarket or on the street with someone saying, “I’ve seen your crazy video,” she laughs and replies: “I’m happy to make a fool of myself on the internet to get a great result for my client.”
Of course, she emphasises, she still does all the basics extremely well; drone photos, professional video, high-impact digital and print marketing. The shock video element is simply “above and beyond… totally optional.”
But the logic is simple: the more exposure a property gets, the closer you are to finding the right buyer. And in Kate’s experience, that formula has proved itself time and time again.
Choosing Kate is choosing someone who doesn’t just list a home. She amplifies it, makes people pay attention, and gives back while doing it. It’s about smart marketing, community-mindedness, and results.
If you’re ready to sell (or buy) and want your property story told in a way that turns heads and benefits the community, contact Kate McCormick at Property Brokers. Because here, your sale supports the next generation, and your marketing breaks the mould.
