Testimonials

What clients say about Simon

"We recently used Simon and Sam to market and sell our property. We found them very professional and easy to deal with. They communicated well throughout the entire process with a successful sale that met our expectations.

We would use them again if required and highly recommend them to others looking at selling their property."

Allan & Julie Kelly

"Simon knows the market only too well and has a clientele base to match the property sale. Simon has a calming demeanour and his professionalism is unquestionable. We appreciated the strong follow-up attention with prompt communication."

Ferg and Sally McFetrich

"After a lifetime of farming and looking towards semi retirement we entrusted Simon & the PGGW Real Estate team to conduct the sale of our extensive sheep and beef property ‘Athlone Station’ at Albury South Canterbury, we were not disappointed.


From the time that we sat down and had the first discussions with Simon he made what looked like a daunting prospect a relatively smooth and easy process. Right from the start we wanted to make sure that the sale process was well planned and thought out and fitted well with our farming calendar and climatic limitations, and that in fact selling outright was our best retirement option, verses say leasing, share farming or employing a manager.
At no time during this initial discussion period did we feel under any pressure to sign a listing or agency agreement, Simon provided us with current market information and acted as a great sounding board for our many “what if” scenarios.


When marketing got underway early in the New Year, we were blown away by the high level of interest in the property and hence the number of viewings undertaken by Simon. I jokingly mentioned he might like to bring his sleeping bag and toothbrush! During this period Simon worked extremely hard in ensuring prospective purchasers were given a full appreciation of the scope and scale of the property and this was done, sometimes in less than desirable weather conditions.


The final sale process was conducted as a deadline treaty, at which we received 5 offers and an eventual sale result at what we considered as fair market value.
At all times Simon acted with the utmost professionalism and integrity and was very discreet in his handling of confidential information. Without hesitation we would highly recommend Simon to other prospective clients."

Bruce & Sheralyn McDougall

"It is extremely easy to recommend Simon Richards to anyone selling their property. We are recent recipients of Simon’s expertise and support during the sale of our rural property. From the appraisal to successful sale by Deadline Treaty, we could not fault him. Simon’s honest clear answers to our questions, organising to show the property at times that suited us, and his constant communication and follow-up reports were really appreciated. Simon made the process as easy as it could possibly be."

Julie and Nigel Newton

"Calvin and Simon have been excellent, they have ensured open communication, and felt they worked hard on our behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for us in a difficult market."

R, S & A

As Executor for a South-Canterbury cattle grazing farm, I selected PGG Wrightson to sell the property on an exclusive basis. My point of contact, Simon Richards, and the PGG support and admin team led by Anne-Marie Walther, were professional, competent and thorough throughout the marketing and sale process. The Covid-19 lockdown complicated and delayed the process and the market generally was challenging – but PGG maintained an excellent standard of communication as we dealt with those issues. There were no surprises and I had absolute confidence in Simon and his team. I would not hesitate to engage Simon and PGG Wrightson again.

Chris Baker

From the start to the finish of the marketing process we were impressed with Simon’s handling of our land sale. Simon’s experience, knowledge of the market and attention to detail was faultless. This combined with his calmness and friendly demeanour made a great deal of difference at a critical time.

Chris Elworthy

If you are looking for the services of a first class real estate agent then Simon Richards is the man. We have been involved with Simon in several transactions and would not hesitate to enlist his services again. Simon is highly professional, very aware of our expectations and is most respectful and courteous at all times. His follow up and contact is appropriate without being over the top. Simon is very easy to communicate with and no matter how busy he is, nothing is ever a bother. We have done so already, and will continue to recommend Simon for those requiring a top service.

Barry and Heather Scott

Simon successfully sold our property and we were thoroughly satisfied in the professional service Simon provided. Being a large third generation farm, the decision to sell was not made lightly and our confidence in Simon was rewarded as he journeyed with us through this significant chapter in our lives. His work ethic, sound marketing advice, confidentiality, realism, sensitivity and loyalty were outstanding.

Peter and Julianne Darling

Simon was really great sealing the deal on our property purchase in St Andrews. Simon presented the property the way it really was and after we took possession there were no surprises.

Magda and Remus Coman

We had our first contact with Simon 15 years ago in his former life as a fertiliser company rep. The friendship formed then was the foundation for our continuing relationship. For several years prior to listing our farm, Simon would call regularly, partly social and partly to keep up to date on our future plans. When the decision to retire was finally made there was no question as to whom the listing would be with - the agent who had shown interest in our future plans and who had maintained regular contact. From the first meeting in January when we signed up, through the marketing campaign in September with the many interested parties taken over the farm, to the opening of the tender offers in late October, Simon’s meticulous manner and consideration of our mixed feelings on the sale of a fourth generation (or long held) family farm couldn’t be faulted. Simon was always available at any time if we required him. Simon assured us that some things we worried about were not too relevant. We were particularly impressed that he kept us fully informed during the farm visits of potential buyer, we always knew to the hour when Simon or one of his colleagues would be on the farm. The whole sale exercise from start to finish was surprisingly smooth and went without a hitch – that was down to our agent Simon. His after sales service continued through advice sought and given on the purchase of our retirement home in town, which we felt was above and beyond his brief but for which we were very grateful.

John and Lorraine Williams

We have dealt with Simon on a number of occasions and more recently with the lease of our property. He respected the confidential nature of the process, was honest, approachable and always responded in a timely manner. We have no doubt that because of Simon’s knowledge and professional manner we got the best result we could have hoped for. We would highly recommend Simon Richards and wouldn’t hesitate to utilise his services again in the future if required.

Dan and Belinda Kelly

Simon Richards was in constant communication during the successful sale of our property. Bringing with him his extensive knowledge, accuracy and professional approach. Simon was an expert in his field and we highly recommend him as an outstanding agent. Many thanks.

Gary & Joce Webley

Simon Richards

Simon Richards

Rural & Lifestyle Sales Consultant

Licensed Salesperson REA 2008

Timaru Regional Office