From keychains to house keys, agent has a gift for sales

After immigrating from Afghanistan, Ahmad Sultani is taking Christchurch by storm, becoming one of the city’s top performing real estate agents after just three years in the industry. 

Ahmad and his family immigrated to Christchurch in 2009, after his aunt was already living in the area. From there, he had the challenging task of learning English, and settling into a new country. 

But Ahmad has never shied away from a challenge. While he struggled at school due to English being his second language, and being diagnosed with dyslexia, he always had the gift of the gab when it came to sales. 

“I used to import products from overseas and sell them online and at school,” Ahmad said. 

“One really popular one was these little keychains. Everyone had them on their keys and valuable items.

“It became a bit of a trend!” 

From there, Ahmad moved onto selling cars which gave him his first real taste of sales and negotiation. 

After he finished school, Ahmad knew university wasn’t for him, so he tried his hands at a few things before he found real estate. 

“I tried a few jobs and lasted a week at plumbing and a week at building. None of it stuck,” he said. 

“We had a family friend in real estate who offered me a chance to do a trial week with her. 

“I didn’t have anything else to do, so I went along. I got halfway through the week and I was hooked.” 

Once Ahmad finished up with his family friend, he reached out to Ray White Ferrymead, just a few days before Christmas. 

“They asked me when I’d like to start, and I said ‘today’,” Ahmad said. 

At 19 years old, Ahmad started his career in real estate, and just three years later he is the youngest Elite agent at Ray White in New Zealand, making him in the top 3 per cent of agents in Australasia. 

But Ahmad didn’t downplay the hard word and perseverance involved to get to where he is today. 

“I was young and didn't have the network to get going. It was really tough,” he said. 

“In the first six months I didn't sell anything at all, but then one came from a DL, one came from a cold call, one came from a door knock. 

“I sold 16 homes in the first year.”

Now, three years and two months later, Ahmad has just sold my 100th home.

“If you’re going to do something, you’ve got to be the best at it,” Ahmad said. 

“I’ve always loved sports, but I stopped playing cricket because I was never going to be a professional. But with real estate I’ve really got a crack at being the best, and I’m willing to put in the work for it.” 

Despite his competitive nature, Ahmad’s number one concern is providing the best results for his clients, driven by a real passion for helping people. 

“You're selling someone’s biggest asset so they’re giving you their trust, and I take serious responsibility for that,” he said. 

“I treat everyone’s assets the same, whether it sells for $300,000 or $2 million, I give everyone the same high level of service.” 

In just three short years, Ahmad has achieved a level of success that many agents strive for. 

“My priorities are always to do the basics. From 9-12 every day I focus on making my phone calls,” Ahmad said. 

“We can get distracted really easily, but it’s important to follow up and look after your clients. It’s about being consistent. 

“Having the Ray White brand behind me has really helped as well, especially when I was just starting out. 

“People hear Ahmad Sultani from Ray White, and they immediately know Ray White is a reputable brand.” 

This year, Ahmad hired an assistant to help support him, and he hopes to continue to grow his team, and his business, over the next 12 months.

“I am hoping to become a Chairman’s Elite this financial year and reach the top 1 per cent of Ray White agents nationally. 

“When someone thinks about real estate, great results, and best-in-class service, they think to sell it with Sultani.”