Experience, an entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for the business.

Diane Ritchie, co-owner of Ray White Gisborne has over 30 years experience in real estate and has gained many awards for her high achievements. Diane has energy, passion and a driving entrepreneurial spirit that has kept her at the top of her field.

Diane was the first woman in Gisborne to gain the qualification AREINZ necessary to hold a real estate license.  She started her own real estate business in 1993. Ritchie Real Estate started at Diane's own home at Wainui Beach, but soon moved to an office in Gladstone Road and then to the Ballance Street Village. Diane sold this high profile local business in 2002 due to illness. She made a speedy recovery over two years with a regime of healthy eating and exercise and was soon rearing to get back to work.

Teaming up with her sister, Christine Gunness, they formed the company Gisborne Property Shop Ltd and joined the Ray White Group. Ray White offered a national network, and also had a huge presence in Australia and South East Asia. The Gisborne office is completely owned and operated by Diane and Christine but they have all the advantages the Ray White franchise has to offer. Ray White Gisborne now employs eight sales people in Gisborne and two at Mahia.

Diane's career began by chance when in the 1980's she was looking after a friends display home in a new housing estate. A Sales Manager for one of Australia's biggest land developmant companies came to view the house, and Diane, thinking he was a prospective buyer, did her hardest to sell him on the property. He was so impressed with her natural salesmanship and enthusiasm he called the next day to offer her a job in the company. Since then she has worked in sales for Lockwood Homes, developing retirement homes within the family business and worked as a salesperson at Ball & Crawshaw where she also studied for her agent's qualifications and finally went into business in her own name.

Diane says she has seen the highs and lows of real estate over the years and now firmly believes that things never stay the way they are and that adapting to change is the key to life. When you list your home with Diane ritchie you know that you are getting expert advice, many years of experience and total dedication.