Jayne Kiely is a powerhouse. Driven as most elite sportswomen are, she’s a perfectionist. The day we met was a typical windy, wet, humid Auckland day, but all was serene in the Kiely household. Her pilot hubby was cracking into a sauna building project downstairs, and Frank, her precious dog, was playing ball in the living room, yet Kiely was calm and collected. A well-known face on our TV screens, she presented ten seasons of Mitre 10 Dream Home, Weddings, Happily Ever After, Game of Two Halves, Sports Cafe, and A Question of Sport. Her latest return to our TV screens is another property show, ‘Location, Location, Location.’ A subject close to Kiely’s heart, being one of Ray White’s top real estate agents. Editor Trudi Brewer shares her gorgeous Eastern Bays home, beauty routine and an unlikely career high.

“We live in an instant society. That goes for real estate, too. People want information as soon as possible to make decisions, and you need to respect their needs.”

— Jayne Kiely

Born in the South Island, for Kiely, the Eastern Bays is now her forever home. A mum of two adult sons, this former elite track and field athlete, TV presenter, and gun real estate agent says her day-to-day role at Ray White takes grit. At 60, Kiely’s passion is undoubtedly people. She has seen the highs and lows in the Auckland property market and admits it can be brutal as a career – far more so than working in television. “One week can be amazing, and the next can be terrible,” says Kiely, who, with her can-do commitment and realistic appeal, has carved out a career in a competitive industry with two premium assets: patience and empathy. Here, she shares what it takes to succeed, her tranquil Hamptons-style home and her non-negotiable beauty buys.

Career

Why did you start a career in real estate?

Most of my television presenting work had stopped, and I felt like I wanted another challenge, so I got my license and got to work.

What does it take to be a successful agent?

A thick skin, empathy, patience and commitment to see the job through - some campaigns (as of late) can take six months before you get a result. So, you must stay focused, reassess the market, and determine what changes you need to make to get the vendors a sale.

How has the role of an agent changed since you started?

We live in an instant society. That goes for real estate, too. People want information as soon as possible to make decisions, and you have to keep in constant communication with your vendors as they employ you. You need to respect their needs and constantly keep them in the loop with any changes in the market and the status of their property.

What do you love about it?

Helping people move forward with their lives, whether selling or buying. It can be a massive turning point for some people.

What are the challenges?

It is fair to say it has been a very tough market for all sales agents in the past three years. Coming out the other side shows you have the determination to succeed and the motivation to hang in there when you are constantly operating in a negative environment. Working in a team has been our saving grace; we have always got everyone's back, and when someone is down, we all help look for this industry's positive side. Ultimately, things will change as they always do with other professions, but you must ride it out and never underestimate how much you learn, even when times are tough.

What are your tips for any of us preparing for open homes?

Give yourself time to get the home, garden, exterior, and interior as clean, decluttered, and fresh as possible. Ask for help—bring in home stagers (who are seriously like magicians) to give your home the best chance of achieving your maximum selling position.

In a soft market, how do you ensure the best selling price for your client?

It is tricky. The old saying is true: if you're selling and buying in the same market, it will even itself out. Never stay out of the market for too long.

What is your career high, and what do you still want to achieve?

Our career high wasn't so much about selling a home over $10 million—which we have done—as selling a home around $500K over CV for a young family. This changed everything for them, and it was an emotional day.

Home

How would you describe your home?

It is warm, sunny, peaceful, and exactly what I have always wanted. We did a major renovation a year ago, and while it was "trying" living amongst it for over 12 months, the result was everything I imagined and more. I just love coming home.

What do you think makes a great interior?

Natural light, large windows that let the outside in, and comfortable furniture—not just something that looks good but feels good.

What's your most treasured possession?

We had a major house fire in 2004 and pretty much-lost everything - photos, wedding videos, and wedding dresses. So, it is small pieces we had gathered from overseas holidays and silly things like little notes written by the boys when they were little and trying to apologise for something that had happened. They had poured their hearts out in these very badly spelt letters, but it is sweet and heartfelt; I have a box of all those handmade birthday cards and special messages.

What's your favourite room in your home, and why?

My ensuite is so beautiful. With its natural light, mosaic floors, and plantation shutters, it is my sanctuary.

What do you collect?

I seem to have a fetish for cookbooks.

What makes a house a home?

That’s easy. Family, friends and pets.

Beauty

Who is your beauty icon, and why?

Diana, Princess of Wales, always comes to mind. I met her at a garden party in Edinburgh during the 1986 Commonwealth Games, and we had a long conversation. We were a similar age and just chatted about everything: fashion, travel, music. In the end, her minders had to move us along as we were talking too long. She was that classic English rose, and her skin and smile were incredible.

What's the first thing you do in the morning and the last before you sleep?

I drink a massive glass of water first thing in the morning and before I go to sleep. For me, it’s the source of life.

What are your favourite skincare brands?

I have been a Clarins girl since I was young. I try other brands, but I always come back to Clarins. I have just tried some of Emma Lewisham's moisturiser, Supernatural Vitale Elixir, for a few days, and it could be my new favourite.

What are your go-to makeup buys?

It’s simple: I only use around six makeup products, but a good foundation is critical.

When you're tired or rundown: what is your beauty hack?

Concealer, and you must let it set before applying the rest of the foundation - and eye drops.

What is your favourite beauty buy you use and love, other than your brands?

When I am feeling flush, I love to use Augustineus Bader. It's divine but costly. They have a fantastic product called 'The Cream'; it's wonderful.

What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?

I always take off my eye makeup—sometimes not the rest of it, but definitely my eyes—because it's not a good look for my husband to wake up next to a zombie lookalike.