Looking past the Southern Lakes

Almost 13 months after the Southern Lakes Real Estate directors decided it was time to rebrand their company, its new name was unveiled.

On Friday morning, Readings Cinema in Queenstown was packed with guests to view the new-look branding for the Queenstown-based company, which from today will be known as "hoamz".

The name had been developed in consultation with international brand consultancy company Mindshelf and is officially launched today Ross Smith, of Mindshelf, said Southern Lakes Real Estate was established in 2003 and the name was appropriate then.

However, it had since become a "collar of constraint" for the business and was the key reason for the rebranding.

The new name came with a new website and "the most intelligent back office support IT system in the entire industry" and was a "six-figure" investment.

Mr Smith said he would continue to work with the hoamz directors to develop its sales and marketing opportunities.

"They have put a serious investment in their future . . . they have backed that."

Fred Bramwell, hoamz managing partner, said the new name meant the company could serve a wider geographical area.

"Over the past five years, we've been asked to represent sellers and buyers of property in an area that goes further than that traditionally known as the Southern Lakes.

"Rebranding is a fundamental part of our future business growth strategy which includes broadening our geographic reach."

During the Reading Cinema event on Friday, hoamz staff were treated to their first look at the new branding, which had been kept under wraps.

They were also given a tour of the new, purpose built IT system - "hoamzhub".

"We've invested more than $250,000 to provide our customers and staff with an outstanding real-estate offering," Mr Bramwell said.

He said the high-profile media campaign to launch the hoamz brand would provide vendors with an excellent opportunity to showcase their property.

The company's new website address is: www.hoamz.co.nz [1]