Pretty please, Trade Me Property—time to think outside the box

I have a small request. Actually, a very reasonable one. I advertise with Trade Me Property. I like the platform. It works well. But there’s one catch: I don’t exist.

At least, not where it counts.

When buyers search a property, they see a list of “Nearby Agents.” I’d love to be on it. After all, I’ve sold close to $100 million worth of real estate. That seems… relevant.

But I can’t have an agent profile.

Why? Because I don’t fit the system.

I’m a lawyer who sells property. A hybrid. Not quite fish, not quite fowl. More of a Dr Seuss Sneetch—wandering around without the right kind of star.

I don’t have an REA number. I’m not allowed to have one. Which means, in Trade Me terms, I’m invisible.

I’ve asked Trade Me Property for help. No luck.
I’ve asked the Real Estate Agents Authority for a workaround. Also no luck.

So here we are.

A platform built for property… that can’t quite accommodate someone who sells it differently.

Surely there’s a way to fix this? A little flexibility. A touch of creative thinking. Something—anything—that lets experienced, legitimate professionals show up where buyers are already looking.

Trade Me Property, you’re a great system.  I’m here!!