I had a great experience working with Sarah Zhao. Her communication was consistently clear and timely, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. She maintained excellent records and kept everything well-tracked, especially when managing buyer interactions. Sarah is incredibly hardworking and was always willing to go the extra mile—even working late when needed. She handled tough questions and challenges from both buyers and solicitors with confidence and professionalism. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and capable listing agent  

Huanyu Chen - Vendor  March 2026

Sarah is amazing - she changed my life.

I honestly don’t think I could have bought my home without Sarah. From the very beginning, I clicked with her right away. She’s incredibly kind, so personable, and I immediately felt like I could trust her - and when you’re making the biggest decision of your life, that trust means everything. It makes a huge difference which agent you get. Sarah is genuinely honest. Not fake, not pushy, not just saying what you want to hear. She actually listens. She took the time to understand our situation, and she cared not only about us as buyers, but also about the vendor. You can tell she’s passionate and truly wants the best outcome for everyone involved. She gave us such good advice, guided us through every step, and somehow helped us get our offer across the line. She even helped align everything with the sale of my own house - something I thought was basically impossible. Selling and buying at the same time was terrifying, and I was so scared I was making the wrong decision… but she made me feel calm. She gave me so much reassurance and certainty when I needed it most. And this home… it’s genuinely my dream home. It’s not just a place to live - it’s a home, a lifestyle, a future. A place for my family and my cats. A place that will nurture us and grow with us. We’ve moved away from a small townhouse into a space with a big garden. We can finally live our vegetable garden dreams. Our catio dreams. With the increased space, I can also achieve my childhood sleepover dreams with my 5 younger sisters. It may sound silly to some, but to me it is the start of a whole new chapter. This house has changed the trajectory of my life. It’s given me motivation, hope, and a sense of fullness I can’t even explain. My cup is full, and it’s all thanks to Sarah. I believe in fate - not just that I got this house, but that I got to meet Sarah. Having her as my agent is honestly why I was able to make this happen. She made the impossible possible. Forever grateful.

Jennifer Chen - Buyer, 18 Feb 2026

Before the property went on the market, these two outstanding real-estate professionals carried out a great deal of preparatory work — inspecting and repairing the house, arranging cleaning, trimming and clearing the garden, trees, and lawns. They also compared several staging and furniture companies in detail to ensure the best presentation and photography results, so that the property could be launched to the market quickly and in its most beautiful condition.

Their marketing efforts were comprehensive and impressive. The open homes were lively and welcoming; Mr. Leo even personally paid for a coffee-cart to create a festive atmosphere that attracted many buyers and agents. Both agents provided clear, objective, and detailed introductions of the property and patiently answered every question from potential buyers.

I am also deeply grateful for their professional and attentive handling of potential clients. When buyers hesitated or changed their minds, Sarah followed up many times with thoughtful explanations, calming their concerns and providing sound analysis of the property market and bank-loan situations. In the end, Mr. Leo, with his exceptional sales expertise and negotiation skills, successfully brought both buyer and seller together to reach an agreement at a fair and satisfactory price.

Their after-sales service was equally remarkable. Both Leo and Sarah were present at every key stage of the sale, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly. On settlement day, when the dishwasher unexpectedly stopped working, Mr. Leo took off his jacket, crouched inside the cabinet, and repaired and reinstalled the machine himself. This not only demonstrated his diligence, capability, and practical spirit, but also embodied the Barfoot & Thompson company ethos — serving clients wholeheartedly with meticulous care.

Thanks to Leo and Sarah’s professionalism and integrity, the entire sale was completed successfully even while I was away from Auckland. They truly earned my trust and delivered a result that exceeded my expectations.

It has been a pleasure working with both of you. I sincerely wish Leo and Sarah continued success in your real-estate careers, and may Barfoot & Thompson, one of New Zealand’s most respected property companies, continue to flourish and prosper!

Jin, Ben Nevis Place 2025

Great experience
5 stars - Sarah was very motivated, professional, and responsive. Gave great advice and listened to what we were wanting. Really appreciate her support with selling our property. We highly recommend her.

Miriam & Murray Burt - Vendor, Portland Road, Remuera, 12 Jun 2025

A+++++ Agent to help us get our first new home!
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Sarah Zhao as our real estate agent, and we cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, Sarah demonstrated exceptional knowledge, patience, and expertise that made the entire process smooth, stress-free, and successful. Sarah’s deep understanding of the market was immediately evident. She guided us through every step with clear explanations and thoughtful advice, helping us make informed decisions with confidence. No question was too small, and she always took the time to listen and respond with care and clarity. What stood out the most was Sarah’s patience and professionalism. She never rushed us or pushed us in any direction, but instead, offered steady support, honest insight, and a reassuring presence throughout what can often be an overwhelming experience. Thanks to her expert negotiation skills and attention to detail, we felt truly represented and supported. We are thrilled with our new home and grateful to have had Sarah by our side throughout this journey. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely caring real estate agent, look no further than Sarah Zhao. She’s simply the best

Eric & Emily - Buyer, Royal View Road, Te Atatu South, 9 Jun 2025

Simply Lovely
5 stars - Sarah was extremely insightful, helpful, and proactive throughout the sale of my property. She not only provided great necessary services, but also provided instrumental guidance to help me make critical decisions.

Jimmy Z - Vendor, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland Central, 29 May 2025

5 Stars Sarah goes above and beyond - We had a very positive experience selling our house with Sarah. She goes above and beyond to help out and get the deal done. We would recommend Sarah!

Hayley Ryan - Vendor, Fernbrook Close, Burswood, 2 Apr 2025

5 Stars Dedicated, Caring and a Pleasure to Work With
Selling our home in Hillsborough with Sarah was a great experience. She was super easy to deal with, always kept us in the loop and made the whole process feel way less stressful than we expected. She clearly knows the local market really well and gave us great advice that helped us get an awesome result. Nothing was ever a hassle and she genuinely cared about getting the best outcome for us and going above and beyond every step of the way. We’d happily recommend Sarah to anyone looking to sell; she’s fantastic at what she does.

Phil Thein - Vendor, Aldersgate Road, Hillsborough, 30 Apr 2025

5 Stars Great Experience and Very Professional
As new immigrants to New Zealand, we were unfamiliar with the property process, but Sarah made it incredibly smooth and stress-free. She was patient, knowledgeable, and always willing to explain every step clearly. Beyond helping us secure our home, she went above and beyond, offering advice on mortgage brokers, loans and insurance. She even assisted us with setting up electricity and our internet account. Her dedication and attention to detail made us feel truly supported during this important transition. We are so grateful for her help and would highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking to buy or sell property.

Jianyong - Buyer, Fernbrook Close, Burswood

5 Stars Trustworthy, Responsive and Insightful
Sarah was recommended to us by family and we had a great experience with her and would not hesitate to recommend her to others. I felt we could really trust her input and for us as first-home buyers, it was reassuring to have someone on our side to help navigate the complex real estate world. We found her very knowledgeable and incredibly timely in her responses which was reassuring with the short time frames that seem to come out of nowhere.

Arkar Thein - Buyer, Peary Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, 6 Mar 2025

Market knowledge was up to date, communication was clear and on time, highly recommended
The sale of the property went smoothly and was hassle-free. Particularly when a question was asked, the team provided a thorough analysis and their professional opinion in regards to the question and allowed us time to decide for ourselves. Their work was diligent and highly professional.

Choo - Vendor, Shirley Ave, Papakura, 13 Dec 2024

Excellent Experience, Professional and Hardworking 5 Stars
We are thankful to have had Sarah to help us with the sale of our rental property. With her bubbly personality, polite and friendly manner, she has won our heart by appointing her as our real estate salesperson. She is incredibly professional, hardworking, transparent and lovely to work with. Her knowledge, experience and deep understanding of the current market in the area was a bonus for us. She was very patient when dealing with respective buyers and always keeping us in the loop. Sarah was always readily available to clarify queries and quickly follow-up on any concerns. Thank you for all your hard work, Sarah. We wish you a bright future and lots of opportunities for you.

Vendor - Portland Road, Remuera, 26 Mar 2025

5 Stars Went Above and Beyond
From the start, had great communication. Took care to give us what we wanted and not just what we asked for. Great eye for detail and noticing the finer points of a property. We really appreciated her prompt responses to our questions.

Nicholas - Buyer, Campbell Road, Greenlane, 23 Mar 2025

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah for her exceptional real estate expertise. Despite not being my listing salesperson, Sarah demonstrated remarkable professionalism and dedication in assisting with the sale of my house, which had been on the market for an extended period. She went above and beyond, supporting us during the building inspection, facilitating communication with lawyers, and ensuring that everyone involved was happy and engaged throughout the process. Thanks to her relentless efforts, Sarah successfully closed the deal in just two days. I couldn’t be more pleased with her service and would recommend her wholeheartedly.

Shawn Oliver - Vendor

I recently bought a property in Epsom and sold one in Royal Oak. My salesperson was Sarah Zhao of Barfoot & Thompson, Epsom.

I was so impressed with her honesty and professionalism in all aspects of the process, from her dogged chasing up of listings for me, to her sensitive and friendly treatment of the various vendors and buyers and then the expertise and intelligence she brought to auction.At all times I was kept in the loop and her manner was always calm and reassuring.

I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Bronwyn Macleod

I am thrilled to offer my recommendation for Sarah, who admirably facilitated the swift sale of our property, despite not being our listing agent. After two months on the market, Sarah showcased her remarkable efficiency and dedication by successfully closing the deal within a day. Her proactive approach and effective communication skills ensured a seamless process, exceeding our expectations. This was especially impressive as I was away on holiday, and she made phone calls and efficiently completed all the paperwork. Sarah's ability to swiftly navigate the real estate business demonstrates her exceptional talent and commitment to client satisfaction. I confidently endorse Sarah to anyone seeking a capable and results-driven real estate professional.

Vendor - Epsom

I highly recommend Sarah Zhao for your selling journey. Her meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, sets her apart as an exceptional real estate agent. Throughout the process of selling our home, Sarah left no stone unturned, ensuring that every aspect was meticulously managed.

She patiently answered every question we had, providing thorough explanations and guidance along the way. From organising open houses to coordinating paperwork, Sarah handled everything with precision and efficiency, alleviating much of the stress associated with selling a property. If you're seeking a dedicated professional who will go above and beyond to ensure a seamless selling experience, look no further than Sarah Zhao.

Leo

I cannot recommend Sarah Zhao highly enough for your selling journey. Her calm yet determined approach, coupled with her empathetic understanding of people, makes her a standout in the industry. Throughout the process of selling our home, Sarah demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication. She listened attentively to our goals and concerns, providing personalised guidance and support every step of the way. Sarah's ability to communicate effectively and negotiate on our behalf ensured a smooth and successful transaction. If you're looking for a real estate agent who will truly prioritise your needs and make the selling journey a positive experience, Sarah Zhao is the perfect choice.

Chenxin Xie

I would highly recommend Sarah Zhao to be your real estate agent. We put our house on the market in November 2023 with Barfoot & Thompson. Sarah was not our sole agent, but bought an interested party to view our home and within three hours we had a conditional offer! Even though we weren't her vendors, she worked tirelessly to ensure we got the best offer possible. Sarah's communication with us was excellent and we were consistently kept updated with progress as the sale went unconditional. She was friendly and personable during all our dealings. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her as your agent.

Jess & David - Vendors, Onehunga

Our experience working with Sarah Zhao from Barfoot & Thompson Epsom was remarkable, especially considering our status as a retired couple wanting to downsize. Sarah's commitment to making the negotiation process as smooth and stress-free as possible was truly appreciated.

Navigating the real estate market as retirees can be daunting, but Sarah's expertise and dedication made the entire negotiation phase seamless. Her transparent communication and understanding of our unique needs created a comfortable environment, allowing us to approach negotiations with ease.

Sarah's personalised approach, taking into account our retirement circumstances, demonstrated a level of care that went beyond the transactional. Her commitment to ensuring our experience was stress-free made a significant impact on our journey.

For any retired couple seeking a real estate professional who not only excels in negotiation but also understands and addresses the specific needs of retirees, we wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Zhao. Her professionalism, expertise, and genuine consideration make her an excellent choice for a smooth and stress-free real estate experience.

Buyer - Onehunga

Sarah, our buyer agent, played an indispensable role in the purchase of our dream home. As first-time buyers, we were immensely grateful for her extensive knowledge, skilled negotiation strategies and enthusiasm. Sarah's commitment was evident in her round-the-clock availability, accommodating morning calls and late-night viewings. Her professionalism shone through every step of the process, ensuring a seamlessly smooth journey. We didn’t like the idea of attending auctions, but Sarah convinced us and helped us buy the house we wanted at the auction. What sets Sarah apart is her attentive listening skills. She listened to our needs, provided us with honest feedback and analysed the property with us. These all in the end helped us to make our own decisions. We wholeheartedly endorse Sarah's services, appreciating her unwavering professionalism and support throughout this pivotal chapter in our lives.

Buyer - Remuera

We had a wonderful experience with our salesperson, Sarah Zhao from Barfoot & Thompson Epsom.

She consistently went the extra mile, especially for us as an elderly couple during a challenging market period. Sarah's considerate approach guided us smoothly through the process while providing us with emotional support. Her understanding, professionalism and commitment truly set her apart from others.

Sarah’s persistence and effective communication skills really helped us to sell our house after months of negotiation and dedication.

We're truly thankful for her assistance in selling our property. If you're seeking a salesperson who's not only competent but also genuinely considerate and committed, we wholeheartedly recommend Sarah.

Vendor - Epsom

We are very grateful for the outstanding result Sarah Zhao achieved for our family home. Sarah was absolutely amazing. She was an excellent communicator and helped us through the entire process of selling our house. Sarah was there for the entire process, right from the start of tidying up, staging, the photo shoot, auction and negotiation. We really liked her personal style. She was very accommodating to our needs and was 100% committed and hands-on from day one.

Sarah was professional, enthusiastic and passionate. All those late night calls and emails definitely helped to calm down my nerves especially during the stressful period of selling.

Sarah communicated clearly and honestly with us throughout the process and she made sure all questions were answered, and updated us constantly on good and bad news. She followed up on every potential buyer with tireless effort, and I think that’s why we received multiple offers following our property being passed in at auction.

We cannot thank Sarah enough for all her support and work. We were reassured by her integrity and professionalism and would happily recommend her to friends and family looking to purchase or sell real estate.

Vendor - Segedin Place, Glenfield