On getting into real estate
I chose real estate after we sold our little apartment and bought our first house. I loved the process and positive feelings I experienced during this time.
I also received great energy from the agent and thought to myself, how great it would be to feel this energy all the time.
I started in admin, and then the clincher for me to get into sales was seeing an agent’s commission earned for the month while doing very little and showing very little respect to clients.
I thought, if he can act like that and earn that much, imagine if I put some effort and care into it.
The happiest moment in my career
Every listing and every sale makes me extremely happy, but the happiest time for me was winning Ray White Victoria’s Novice Auctioneer of the Year 2018, at the ripe age of 47.
It cemented within me the confidence that I am extremely capable and from that moment on, the negative noises and useless self-talk in my head became less and less.
The most memorable moment
It was the auction itself that was memorable, and coincidentally, the vendors, the buyers, the listing agent (myself), and then auctioneer were all Greek.
When the final bid won the auction, the buyer put up his hands and started to dance, Greek style, in the street, doing the Zorba! It’s too bad Facebook live wasn’t a thing then!
Best advice she’s received
Create a database from day one and use it daily. Dress like you’re attending a wedding (look sharp, always look your best). Use social media and videos for everything. Practise, role play, become the best you can be. During business hours prospect/list/sell/meet people, do admin/data after hours. Do the one per cents every day. Hang around high performers. Be happy within yourself first and then in your environment. Never take on board anyone’s ‘back story’.
Biggest challenge
Technology has enabled our industry to spread our message far, wide and with speed. Although I don’t think it will replace the role of an agent completely, it is, however, enabling more vendors to either attempt to sell property themselves or opening pathways for more third party advocates or “experts” claiming to choose the right agent.
No doubt around the world in some high-tech industries there are efforts being made to remove us. Buying a home is an experience and a great salesperson has a huge skillset which includes area knowledge (better than Google), empathy, psychology, and years of dealing with hundreds of different scenarios.
Technology will never provide the experience a human can provide, and as long as agents maintain great relationships, and always act in the best interests of their vendors, the great agents will never be replaced.
Change for good?
Get rid of the cowboys! Although this will never happen I would like the right bodies to take more action against rogue agents far more frequently and to penalise heavier.
‘Elite’ agent means
An agent who turns up Every. Single. Time. They are the best version of themselves everywhere, not just at the office. Although a top-performing agent, they are also humble.
They show care, empathy and sincerity. They are always willing to assist and guide others, and are well-respected in the community. They are extremely driven, have laser focus, and always ahead of the game. They are accountable, measure everything, and are resilient. And just a nice person as well!
#WeAreRealEstate is a series of short interviews with 140 agents all over Australia exploring the industry’s hopes, concerns, future challenges, and what it really means to be an Elite Agent.
