Auckland Agent's Comedy Video Goes Viral, Sells Home in 21 Days

When Dave McCartney filmed himself zooming out from his backside while joking "there's no buts in this property," he had no idea agents in America would soon be recreating his video shot for shot.

The Auckland real estate agent's spur-of-the-moment idea turned into a viral sensation with over 80,000 Instagram views. At least three agents overseas have copied the concept, including two in the United States.

McCartney, who works with Ray White in east Auckland, came up with the idea after a couple of coffees left him "totally fizzing." He riffed on the Sir Mix-a-Lot song and created a video that had his team "wetting ourselves" with laughter.

The timing couldn't have been better. Property sales have dropped sharply since the 2021-2022 boom years, with open homes attracting far fewer visitors. McCartney says his campaigns now see only about 15 people over three weeks, down significantly from previous years.

But the creative risk paid off beautifully. The property sold unconditionally at auction after 21 days, with four or five other conditional buyers waiting in the wings.

The Ripple Effect

McCartney's success reflects a broader shift happening across real estate. As buyers become harder to attract, agents are borrowing tactics from social media influencers and content creators.

Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang says real estate advertising has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Drone footage and professional walk-throughs became standard five years ago, but now agents need humor and creativity to compete against everything else people watch online.

"Now if they do very linear, very static work, that's not going to cut the mustard," Lang explains. The videos can even reach people who weren't actively house hunting, potentially tipping them into the market.

Lang credits McCartney's video with walking the perfect line between attention-grabbing and appropriate. "It was funny without becoming offensive," he notes.

The agent himself remains focused on results over vanity. "It still has to be about the house and getting people through the door," McCartney says. His clients were absolutely delighted with both the creative approach and the quick sale.

The viral moment proves that even in tough markets, creativity and authentic enthusiasm can turn a slow season into success.