What was your first job?
Fresh out of ‘school’ I worked as a bricklayer’s labourer in the summer and spent my winters playing cricket in the UK.
Working on the shovel all day certainly wasn’t enjoyable at the time, but it definitely helped me develop the work ethic needed to survive in real estate.
As for cricket in the UK, that was the easiest I’ll ever have it.
Did you choose real estate or did real estate choose you?
I always had an interest in real estate. However, like most teenagers, I didn’t think too much about my long-term career prospects.
My mother suggested it while I was living in the UK and, as we all know, mums know best.
What type of business do you focus on?
My main focus is on residential sales and auctioneering. I want to build up as much profile as possible in the areas I focus on.
Long term, I would like to take on more responsibility from a management perspective, and also help those around me.
There are some extremely strong competitors in my market and I know there is plenty to learn. Fortunately, being 24, time is on my side.
Most memorable sale?
My most memorable sale was my second sale. The home went to auction and I could barely speak due to feeling so nervous.
That day, the real estate gods were on side and everything fell into place. The home sold for $142,500 above the vendor’s reserve price.
The feeling driving back to the office afterwards is something I will never forget.
What’s the most important part of your day?
I love to get up early to do some exercise outdoors. I notice that I can perform at a much higher level and feel more energised when I tick that box first thing in the morning.
Where would you like to be this time next year?
I want to be in a management position within the office. It would be great to assist with the development of those around me, as well as focus on my personal growth.
I should have also moved into my first home by then, which has been
a big goal of mine.
If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be?
I would change the way a lot of people view the industry when first coming into it. I often see people (especially my generation) who tend to think of themselves as being some kind of rockstar.
The reality is, that if you manage to do well, we are just well-paid telemarketers and mediators.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of real estate advice I have been given is, “you have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion”.
Asking the right questions and using silence to your advantage is what I feel will determine a good agent from the average Joe.
