Builder stuns couple with life-changing $100,000 prize – realestate.com.au

What started as a visit to select some home features ended in a wonderful surprise.

When Karie and John McPherson walked into Wilson Homes’ new headquarters and design studio, little did they know the staff had something more in store for them.

As they discussed which type of bricks, taps and fittings they preferred, the staff crept up behind them.

Pop. Pop. What was that?

Before the couple knew it, confetti was raining and an oversized check for $100,000 had appeared.

“It was completely unexpected. A real shock. It knocked us off our feet,” Mr McPherson said.

“It was overwhelming; a game changer.

“We thought we were just there to make some selections!”

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Karie and John McPherson won $100,000.

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Mr McPherson, 55, said the award gave them the chance to make a few upgrades.

“We upgraded the kitchen, our laundry appliances, more storage and a better walk-in pantry. Everything, really! It turned a good build into something great,” he said.

“I’ve never built a new house before, so we’re really looking forward to getting started.”

The couple plan to build on the Tasman Peninsula, a piece of Tassie paradise where they have struggled to find a builder.

Mr McPherson said some builders thought it was too far outside Hobart.

“Wilson Homes was happy to build our home,” he said.

“And we were able to work closely with the team to adapt the building’s plans to make it a perfect fit for us.”

Tim Ribbons, CEO of Wilson Homes.

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Wilson Homes is celebrating its 35th year in business this year and has given five customers each $100,000 off the price of their new home.

Chief executive Tim Ribbons said Wilson Homes had built more than 15,000 homes for Tasmanians over the past three and a half decades.

“The trust that Wilson Homes has gained in the community, as Tasmania’s leader in the housing sector, has not been lost on us,” he said.

“When considering a promotion to recognize this milestone, it was important for us to really give back and thank everyone for their commitment to the Wilson Homes brand and to recognize that we intend to continue building more homes for Tasmanians.

“To recognize this, we’ve offered $35,000 cashback on all our homes, in recognition of our 35th anniversary.

“We then worked with Haier and Fisher & Paykel to provide ducted heating, as well as upgraded appliances and a refrigerator, washer and dryer to complete the offering at no additional cost to our customers.”

Wilson Homes’ new headquarters in New Town. Image: supplied

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Wilson Homes’ new headquarters in New Town. Image: supplied

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Mr Ribbons said the impact the festive prices have had on their customers is “clearly significant for everyone”.

“For the five lucky winners who received $100,000 off their build, this can only be described as life-changing,” he said.

“For first-home buyers, young families and couples downsizing to build their last home, it is literally life-changing and has a major financial impact on them, helping them reduce their loans and ultimately pay off their loan years sooner. For our associates, there was genuine excitement – ​​and a few happy tears – to be involved in every announcement.

“To see the surprise on our customers’ faces was really something special for everyone.”

Wilson Homes’ new headquarters in New Town. Image: supplied

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The builder has just opened its new headquarters in New Town.

Mr Ribbons said Wilson Homes, with the backing of parent company NEX Building Group, has invested more than $3.5 million in furnishing its purpose-built office and MyChoice Design Studio.

“The corporate office space is one of the best office environments in Hobart and is a nod to one of our values, ‘People Matter’,” said Mr Ribbons.

“The MyChoice Design Studio is equipped with almost all the options you can think of for the design of your new home.

“From bricks to cladding, paint, lighting, fixtures and fittings, it’s all in one location, saving our customers time and best of all, they can rest assured they can make choices with the support of our qualified interior designers.

“This new office can be a testament to Wilson’s commitment to remaining trusted and being Tasmania’s leading homebuilder for years to come.”