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  • Elite Agent

    Shane Beaumont: Make passion your pay check

    What’s a special place in your local area?My aunty’s old deli, that she owned for more than 30 years. It was my first job stacking shelves and started at the age of about five. It certainly taught me hard work! Did you choose real estate or did real estate choose you?I came back from the UK, after spending some years…

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  • Elite Agent

    Angela Limanis: Data drives success

    Years in the industry?I started in 1998 as a receptionist who couldn’t turn on a computer. The role evolved into marketing coordinator and property manager very quickly.  I spent a few years in commercial real estate but I was quickly drawn back to residential. In total I’ve been in sales for 12 years, but with a few years off in…

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  • Elite Agent

    Stacie Sheldrick: No such thing as Sunday-itis

    Years in the industry?I started in 1998 as a receptionist who couldn’t turn on a computer. The role evolved into marketing coordinator and property manager very quickly.  I spent a few years in commercial real…

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  • Elite Agent

    Kimberly Nugent: The bare minimum won’t cut it

    Years in the industry?Three-and-a-half years. I had previously worked in the building industry, so it felt like a really good fit when I started working in property management. Prior to coming on board with Independent, I worked as a Project Manager for the Australasian Railway Association and prior to this I was editing television commercials at Southern Cross Austereo, so…

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  • Real Estate News

    Why COVID-19 might not change our cities as much as we expect

    The coronavirus pandemic has thrust us into a moment of rapid change. Like all change, it is difficult to predict. But lessons from history provide us with two important insights. First, temporary change sometimes has remarkably little lasting effect. Second, what looks like a lasting effect is often the acceleration of existing trends, rather than new, crisis-caused trends. COVID-19 impacts…

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  • FEATURE INTERVIEWS

    Brian Devereux: Educational opportunities are everywhere

    Years in the industry? 32, and I’m the Director of Gateway Residential Did you choose real estate or did real estate choose you?I chose real estate by accident really. I had arrived from the UK where I was a tradesman by profession in the woodworking industry. At that time I just wanted to enjoy the weather and wanted a job with…

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  • Elite Agent

    Oliver Bowler: Referral and repeat clients drive my business

    Years in the industry? Seven, I started at Ouwens Casserly in April 2013. What’s a special place in your local area? Norwood Oval. I was born on Woods Street and love the buzz of the parade on a Friday night when the footy is on. The atmosphere at the oval and the surrounding pubs and restaurants can’t be beaten. Did you choose…

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  • Elite Agent

    Talisha Buttsworth: Clean workspace, clear mind

    Years in the industry? Going on eight years. I started on reception straight out of high school at 17, and I am now a Property Manager at Island Sands Asset Management. What’s a special place in your local area? We have so many. Our local beach in Tannum Sands, walking onto Wild Cattle Island at low tide, Facing Island, and…

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  • Elite Agent

    Tony Issa: Being true to others and ourselves

    Years in the industry?  Since 2010 in different capacities, but always related to property.  What’s a special place in your local area?I really love Finesse Eatery and Espresso Bar in Sylvania, and Cup and Cook in Kyle Bay – they are relaxing environments where I can chat to the operators and locals while enjoying great food and coffee. Did you choose…

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  • Elite Agent

    Donna Gordin: Following my instincts

    Years in the industry?  Seems like forever, but in 1993 I started in a family business working for a very successful office in Scarborough.  That make’s it just over 27 years. What's a special place in your local area?Our north facing bay in Rockingham,  you’ll discover crystal blue waters and crisp white sand in Cockburn Sound.…

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  • Elite Agent

    Kristine Krienke: Going above and beyond to get the job done

    Years in the industry?I have been in the industry for four years and I’m a Sales Associate at Place Estate Agents. What’s a special place in your local area?My local area is full of green spaces and parks that families are drawn to. With so many great outdoor areas to enjoy, it’s easy to forget you’re just 10kms from the…

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  • Elite Agent

    Diane Witney: Matching a buyer to a perfect home

    What was your first job? I am a forward-thinker, so my first job was the result of a work experience opportunity through a program run at my local high school. I had no real intention of becoming a pharmacist but wanted a permanent part-time job working Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at Miranda Fair. So I did the work experience…

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  • TECH + SOCIAL

    Real Estate in 2020: It’s all about the follow up

    From long buying cycles to complex negotiations, a lot has to happen before you can seal a real estate deal. Maybe that's why most real estate agents have trouble keeping up. In fact, according to MarketingSherpa, 79% of marketing leads don’t convert into sales due to a lack of lead nurturing. This sobering statistic points…

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  • FEATURE INTERVIEWS

    Bread and Butter

    Bread and Butter LJ Hooker Narrabeen’s Grant Matterson started out as a baker, but when the time came to change roles, fate ensured he got his start in real estate.

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  • Elite Agent

    Holly Komorowski – growth and gratitude

    What’s your most memorable moment/career highlight for 2019?It is difficult to identify just one moment or highlight. The year has been full of affirmations and amazing experiences. I am most proud of the culture that is home.byholly. I believe culture stems from the top and I foster culture leading by example. I embrace my team members as my equals and…

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  • Video of the Week

    Video of the Week – Why so serious?

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  • Elite Agent

    Cathy Baker – Building relationships over counting transactions

    What’s your most memorable moment/career highlight for 2019?My most memorable highlight from 2019 was being offered the Belle Property Franchise and Belle Property Escapes Franchise for the entire Central Coast Region. This, coupled with getting to spend a week on Necker Island with Richard Branson at a leadership conference, changed my life. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt this year?The…

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  • Elite Agent

    Sally Cameron- Changing with the market conditions

    What’s your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019?I have had some very memorable sales this year, but the most noteable is when I was showing a Singapore-based family through a beautiful home in College Park at 7.30 am on a Sunday. The family left, and as they drove off the next-door neighbours backed out of their drive to go to their…

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  • Elite Agent

    Jeremy Wilkinson- More than successful sales

    What's your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019?I know it’s not about the dollars, but for 10 years my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) was to crack $1 million GCI. I went over this by $250. What's the biggest thing you've learnt this year?On the back it not all being about the money, it’s really important…

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  • Elite Agent

    Betty Ockerlander – systems and sales

    What’s your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019? I think my career highlight for this year was winning the REINSW Sales Agent of The Year. I was humbled to receive it, especially as I was up against such tough competition. I was lucky to have my team with me too, which felt amazing. They play a big part in what I do.…

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  • Brand Editorial

    Building FOMO in your listing presentation: Kurtis Pirotta

    Video Length 43 minutes 12 seconds What you’ll Learn In This Lesson: The three big ideas: Win more landlords, find more tenants and use technology better to influence customer expectations Why landlords are appointing real estate agents to look after their investment How to attract a high number of potential tenants Using technology effectively to ensure superior property management service…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Maria Carlino: Adrenalin rush

    On getting into real estateMy father had decided to sell our family home and invited a local real estate agent to value our home. I was only 16 and it was the first time I’d met a real estate agent and they were lovely. As we walked through our home, he was personable, interesting and I asked him, “Do you…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    William Pereira: THAT sale

    On getting into real estateFrom my early teenage years I knew this was going to be my path. From about 13 years old I used to read the Inner West Courier every week and was fascinated to see what homes were available on market at the time. I followed agents/agency profiles and was always interested to know who the market…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Jacqui Walker: Second career

    On getting into real estateI started my career in real estate when l was 50. After a successful time in business it was time to sell that business and the only other career l thought l would really enjoy is real estate. Without mentioning this to anyone, I was in a discussion with the famous Ian Knight who owned RE/MAX…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Ronald Kissell: Hammer hat-trick

    On getting into real estateAs a young boy growing up in Bathurst, I loved the energy and pace of the cattle auctions and knew one day I wanted to be an auctioneer. As it turns out I actually started off as a butcher and quickly recognised that people appreciated a strong customer service ethic. After many years as a successful…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Maggie Petrie: Fake it till ya make it

    On getting into real estateMy marriage had just ended and I found myself with three children to support on my own. I got my first opportunity by way of a three-month contract as PA to two guys just starting out. Their partnership didn’t last but the director of the company offered me the BDM role the same day I finished…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Harry Ponting: Hard work pays off

    On getting into real estateThe opportunity came up once I had finished studies in Melbourne and returned home. A career that I had never thought was possible, but deep down always had a passion for. I have loved every minute of it so far. The happiest moment in my careerMy first-ever sale in real estate was for a lady whose…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Sarah Cincotta: Being resilient

    On getting into real estateI have worked in real estate for more than six years. My friend actually encouraged me to work for her office as an assistant property manager. I was working full-time managing a retail store and studying to obtain my Agents Representative Certificate. After being an assistant property manager for three years, I changed office and was…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Megan Van Hoeyen: Know every client

    On getting into real estateI think I chose real estate as a kid. My first memories include the unique houses that Mum and Dad nearly bought, so while still in high school I started creating connections. On graduation day I called the business owner of Ray White Shailer Park and arranged my apprenticeship. It took a few years to realise…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Lisa Walden: The small things

    On getting into real estateI was looking for a career change and thought I’d give real estate a go. Once I was licensed, I was addicted! The happiest moment in my careerBeing able to do what I love and include my husband and three children in a lifestyle that works for our family unit. The most memorable momentIt was a…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Yvonne Furner: A perfect fit

    On getting into real estateI chose real estate as it was a perfect fit with my extensive sales and business background. I was prompted by a home open I attended where the agent was unprofessional and not working in the best interest of the seller. I was infuriated by the lack of integrity of the agent and felt disappointed for…

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  • LEADERSHIP

    What does the future of real estate hold?

    Tony Morrison has always loved to talk numbers. The Harcourts Tasmania and Victoria Chief Executive Officer has been in the profession 31 years. He oversees 82 offices, and Harcourts holds 25 per cent market share across the two states. The number 24 is also important for Tony – not only because it signifies the number…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Warren McCarthy: Winning customer service

    On getting into real estateI got drawn into a family business with my father in 1980, and eventually my brother joined us also. The happiest moment in my careerWorking in like-minded teams for the development of others. And, the joy from helping solve people’s problems and noting their appreciation.  The most memorable momentThis probably goes to a property in Rose…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Deb Stephens: Why you want to be a dinner party subject

    On getting into real estateI was at a crossroad in my life and I had plans to move interstate in the weeks prior to applying for a job as a sales consultant at a local real estate office.  If I was offered the job, I would stay, if not, I would continue with plans to move. I believe things happen…

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  • We Are Real Estate

    Angela Limanis: Dancing in the street

    On getting into real estateI 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…

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