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 CBD.

Did you choose real estate or did real estate choose you?
Real estate definitely chose me. Growing up, my mum was a high-performing commercial real estate agent, and her passion and drive was something I always admired.

After graduating with a double-degree in Business and Marketing, I struggled to find a job in the industry and I took my mum up on an offer to work alongside her for a period of time and finally understood why she loved what she did.

The stint working alongside my mum was the catalyst for completing my full license. Not long after that, I secured a role in a high-performing team (which I am still part of) and I haven’t looked back since. 

First sale?
My first sale was a three-bedroom townhouse in Eight Mile Plains.

Although the property had everything going against it, I gladly accepted the challenge – this may have been because I was naive or just grateful to be given an opportunity.

Nevertheless I was excited and determined to get it sold.

For months I would open the property for inspection and no one would turn up.

Then, one day I received a call from an elderly lady who had seen the property and was keen to inspect but had no mode of transport to get there.

I drove out to where she was staying, picked her up and took her to the property – and it was perfect for her.

We worked together to get her into a position where she finally made an offer that was accepted.

To this day, it doesn’t matter if it is a $200,000 unit or a multi-million dollar home – my goal for every transaction is to go above and beyond for my clients to get the job done. 

Most memorable sale?
Without a doubt, the sale of ‘Runnymede’ at 75 Cracknell Road in Annerley, has been my most memorable one.

Merv and Jeanette Littmann had owned the 1930s Georgian inspired estate for 53 years when they made the decision to downsize.

I was fortunate enough to represent them in the sale of their historical home. Like something out of a fairy-tale, this very special property attracted people from far and wide.

Merv and Jeanette shared stories and many fond memories with me during the sales campaign. When the property sold, I knew the family that had purchased ‘Runnymede’ would love it as much as Merv and Jeanette had done.

What type of business do you focus on?
My business is predominantly focused on referrals and relationship-building. I take pride in what I do and I am passionate about providing an exceptional all-round service. 

What’s the most important part of your day?
My to-do list. I am a very organised person and at the start of every day, I write a list of tasks that I need to attend for that day.

It has pride of place on my desk so I am able to keep accountable and ensure that I achieve all that I set out to do. 

Where would you like to be this time next year?
I am currently breaking into a new market and my goal is to have 20 per cent market share by this time next year.

Challenge for the industry?
I think the biggest challenge for the industry is ensuring that we remain relevant and are able to adapt to rapid change.

The current climate has been a prime example, highlighting those of us who have been able to swim while others have sunk.   

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Success doesn’t just happen, you have to put the hard work in to reap the rewards.