Ray White Alumni - Welcome home Anne Duncan

There is something very special about a former member returning to our group. All that disappointment that we felt when they left, often years earlier, turns to joy when we can say “welcome back to the family!”

Just like the reasons for leaving, the reasons for returning are very personal to the member and their circumstances though there are some consistent themes.

One thing that is common in all instances was that their departure was handled stylishly and respectfully - leaving the door open to a future return.

Apart from the emotion of a returning member, there is a ‘moment of truth’ when we ask them: “have we improved during the time you were away?”

And, “is there anything you have learned that we can be doing better”? These are huge learning moments for us, and we benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences.

Here is another story of a wonderful member returning to our group.

The unstoppable Anne Duncan rejoined Ray White New Zealand after 20 years as an independent business owner and operator in Mt Albert, in the inner suburb of Auckland.

She rejoined the group two years ago to continue the growth of the business she originally opened in 2004.

Anne was a foundation member of Ray White in 1993 and went on to be recognised as one of the leading sales people throughout New Zealand during her 10-year tenure with Ray White.

She decided to open her own agency in March 2004 in the high profile location of New North Road under her personal brand Anne Duncan Real Estate.

Anne Duncan’s name has been synonymous with real estate in Mt Albert and surrounding suburbs for more than 30 years.

Mt Albert is such a livable, friendly, community-focused neighborhood.

“When I opened my business in 2004, I wanted it to be a place that recognised the quality of service to our clients and, just as importantly, a business where our people can reach their full potential and continue to grow through personalised relationships, which have been the hallmark of our business since we first began,” Anne said.

“Rejoining Ray White was a very exciting step. It partners our local brand with the national and global brand of Ray White.

“It provides us with extraordinary resources and technology that backs up our local and hard-working team.

“I’m so proud of what our team has achieved and we believe this will only grow in partnering with Ray White.

“Over the years, I had a lot of groups reach out to me wanting me to join them but when Carey Smith rang, it felt like coming home. I spoke to my team and my family, and it felt right.

“A lot has changed in 20 years but the biggest thing is the technological advancements. The brand itself has also grown in New Zealand to be a leading brand.

“Ray White has lifted the bar, it’s now the best brand. It is a successful and strong group, and we were doing well as a boutique but it all gels so much better here.

“I like the autonomy I have here as I am running my own good business that still has community and family values. Sure we see more yellow signboards now but I like the connections.

“My daughter Emma Duncan felt the same connection as she returned from the Chairman’s Elite event in Bali.

That’s nice to see, that 20 years later, Emma is feeling the same connection and feels valued as the group gets bigger.

“When I was on my own, I missed the support and the world has changed so much in real estate so it’s great to have the support from corporate and the family.”