The James Lowe Takeover!
Kia Ora,
If you’ve been following along with our weekly bulletins, you’ll be very familiar with Anji and her interests. She’s not only the mastermind behind these journal entries but also my mum, business partner, and mentor in all things real estate.
But…as of this week, she’s officially traded in her laptop and latte for sun hats and Santorini sunsets. That’s right—Anji has jetted off to the Greek Islands without me (devastating, I know), leaving me in charge of all things Anji Foster Property: the emails, the listings, the socials, and of course… the journal. So, hi-I’m James Lowe!
If you’ve been following the socials or met us in person, chances are you already know who I am. But for those who don’t, let me reintroduce myself. I’m 19 (turning the big 2-0 next month) and have been working as a licensed salesperson for just over a year now. Before stepping into sales, I actually started in real estate at 17, doing admin work with another team here at Lowe&Co. That experience gave me a great behind-the-scenes look at how the industry works—and inspired me to go all in. Naturally, I convinced Anji to come back into real estate with me, and the rest is history. These days, we work side-by-side as a mother-son sales team, which is as fun as it sounds (most days).
With Anji off gallivanting through Greece, I thought I’d use this first solo journal as a chance to share a bit more about myself—outside of open homes and contracts.
When I’m not running around doing real estate things, one of my biggest passions is fashion. If I weren’t in real estate, the fashion industry is absolutely where I’d want to be. That love for clothing was sparked early on—mainly thanks to my older sister who has always been the best dressed person in the room. Growing up, I was in awe of how she could put an outfit together. And of course, Mum has always had iconic work style, which definitely added to the influence. Over the years, I’ve developed my own personal taste, which leans heavily into 90s and early 2000s streetwear. Think baggy fits, statement denim, and pieces that have a bit of personality to them.
Even though my personal style leans more casual, I’ve found ways to bring that into the world of real estate. It’s no secret that there’s a certain “look” expected of male agents—the navy blue suit, brown or black oxford shoes, and maybe a colourful tie or pair of novelty socks for flair. And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic suit, I’ve always found it a bit limiting. Why should there be a uniform for professionalism? Who decided that a suit automatically means competence?
That said, I’m also very aware of the importance of first impressions—especially in a business where we are, quite literally, selling ourselves. My goal has been to strike a balance: finding pieces that are still polished but allow me to express myself. A wide-legged trouser instead of a skinny chino. A tucked-in tee or vintage dress shirt. A leather shoe with a bit of character. Nothing too wild—but something that feels like me.
A big part of how I build my wardrobe, especially my workwear, is through thrifting and vintage shopping. It’s honestly one of my favourite things to do. You can find incredible shirts, trousers, and jackets for a fraction of the retail price, and so many of the pieces I come across are better made and more unique than a lot of what’s on offer in stores today. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce textile waste and step away from the fast fashion cycle that’s all about quantity over quality.
There’s something really satisfying about finding a one-of-a-kind piece that fits well, tells a story, and just feels like you. Whether it’s a double-pleated wool pant or a striped button-down from decades ago, those finds are often the ones I get the most compliments on—both from clients and colleagues.
I truly believe that my generation will help redefine what “professional” looks like in the workplace. We’re already seeing it in other industries—tech, media, design. Real estate might be a little slower to evolve, but we’re getting there. Dressing with intention doesn’t have to mean dressing stiff. It can mean confidence, creativity, and showing a bit of who you are in the way you show up.
Anyway, enough about my fashion TED Talk! While Anji is away, I’m still your go-to for all things property—whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just chat about the market. And yes, the journal is in safe hands (unless I accidentally derail every post into a discussion about vintage Levi’s).
Catch you next week—with hopefully a few updates from Greece to report on too!
– James Lowe