Ricky Bartlett - 18 Years of Guiding People Home

Ricky Bartlett fell into real estate by accident. After completing a national golf tour where he played every golf course in New Zealand in a single year, Ricky started selling newspaper advertising. One day, while trying to sell an ad to Chris Packer, the owner of Tommy’s Real Estate, Chris made a suggestion that would change Ricky’s career: instead of selling newspaper ads, he should consider selling real estate.

Back then, getting licensed was a much quicker process, and Ricky and his wife decided to give it a go together. She started slightly before him, but they ended up doing the same course and entering the industry side by side. She stepped back after three and a half years, but Ricky has now been in real estate for 18 years.

“It all started by chance, but I was open to the opportunity, and that is how I ended up here.”

What Ricky loves most about Arizto is the systems. “They make it incredibly easy to manage multiple listings and really give you the freedom to focus on what we enjoy most: selling real estate.” The level of support is consistent and accessible, with clear, well-structured processes that remove any uncertainty about how things should be done. “At my previous company, a lot of things felt unclear and it was difficult to speak up. At Arizto, everything is consistent for everyone.”

If Ricky could give advice to his younger self, it would be about the power of database management. “Every time you interact with someone, add them to your database. Then organise that database into groups and stay in regular contact with them.” Anniversary calls, updates and regular touchpoints build the kind of relationships that sustain a business over the long term.

In his 18 years, Ricky has learned that the agents who succeed are the ones who can deliver difficult news with clarity and professionalism. “I once heard someone say that real estate is about ‘giving the bad news best,’ and that really stuck with me.” Whether it is discussing a price reduction or navigating a tricky negotiation, handling those conversations consistently is what separates good agents from great ones.

“I often think of myself as the jockey and the listing as the horse. My job is to guide it in the right direction, drive it forward, and get it across the finish line.”

Ricky believes buyers and sellers value honesty and clear information above all else. “What they don’t appreciate is when agents simply stick to the party line.” His role, as he sees it, is to genuinely help both sides reach the outcome they are looking for. While his primary obligation is to the seller, considering and supporting the buyer through the process leads to better outcomes for everyone.

He is also keen to challenge the perception that agents are all sharks. “Here on the Kapiti Coast, I know a lot of agents, and the vast majority genuinely care about what they do and have their sellers’ best interests at heart.” The Real Estate Agents Act 2008 has tightened regulations and raised the standard of professionalism across the industry.

Ricky’s advice to sellers is visual: step outside your front door, walk up to the gate, and look at your house as if you were a buyer. “The seller’s job is to present the house, and the agent’s job is to sell it.” When those two elements come together, the results follow.

The Kapiti Coast, where Ricky operates, is a fantastic place to live. A milder climate than Wellington, improved road systems and easy train access to the capital make it an increasingly attractive option. The area has grown significantly as people move from Wellington, Palmerston North, Hawke’s Bay and beyond.

One of Ricky’s earliest and most meaningful deals involved a buyer friend who was set on a $280,000 limit while the vendor wanted $340,000. Ricky worked hard to show the buyer the long-term value of stretching his budget. The buyer eventually agreed, and ten years later the house is worth about $800,000. “What matters most is that they absolutely love it and are still grateful that I guided them to the right decision.”

Outside of real estate, Ricky’s life revolves around his grandchildren, who all live nearby. He loves watching his granddaughter dance and driving the boys to their sports. Golf is his other great passion, though a shoulder injury has kept him off the course for about a year. “I love being out and not thinking about work, just thinking about golf. I cannot wait to get back into that.”

If he could list a house for any celebrity? “Robbie Williams. I think he would be a real laugh, really entertaining to list a house for. I have seen him in concert many times. That would be something special!”

Ricky Bartlett brings 18 years of experience, a deep understanding of the Kapiti Coast market and a genuine commitment to every person he works with. His approach is simple: guide the listing in the right direction, have the hard conversations when needed and never stop working to get the deal across the line.

Facebook: Meet Ricky Bartlett. With 18 years of real estate experience on the Kapiti Coast, Ricky brings honest guidance, sharp negotiation skills and a genuine love for what he does. From first home buyers to seasoned sellers, Ricky is the agent who gets it done. Get in touch with Ricky today.

Instagram: 18 years. Countless families guided home. Ricky Bartlett brings experience, honesty and a deep love for the Kapiti Coast to every property transaction. When it comes to selling your home, Ricky is the agent who will go the distance. Ready to sell? Talk to Ricky.

LinkedIn: Ricky Bartlett brings 18 years of real estate expertise and a relationship-first approach to the Kapiti Coast property market. With Arizto’s efficient systems and technology, Ricky combines deep local knowledge with consistent, professional service to deliver results. His philosophy: guide every listing with honesty, handle the tough conversations and never stop working towards the best outcome. Connect with Ricky to learn more.