On getting into real estate
Like most people, at a young age I spent a lot of time thinking about what career path I wanted to take, and most importantly, what I wanted my life to look like in years to come.
The idea of getting into real estate came from meeting an agent in passing at my previous job. He had always talked about his job with such conviction and it was obvious that he really loved what he did. I then put my feelers out.
Once I had my foot in the door and a taste for the industry, I was hooked! It’s the thrill of the chase and satisfaction of the catch that keeps you coming back each day hungrier than the last.
The happiest moment in my career
There have been many happy memories throughout my time in real estate. One of my happiest memories would have the be the first time I ranked in the top 100 agents internationally for LJ Hooker.
I am a goal-orientated person and that one had been on the list right from the start. I still remember writing it down and thinking it was ambitious to say the least, so to have achieved it in my second year as a sales agent, I was very proud and also extremely thankful to everyone who helped and inspired me to achieve it.
The most memorable moment
My most memorable sale was a quaint fibro home on a near level block in Terrigal, because this listing led to another six sales in the same street in quick succession and taught me so much about the power of momentum.
The first listing came about after agreeing to have lunch with a client (who speaks very little English) at a Chinese restaurant in Terrigal. I had a few conversations with him in the past and then one day out of the blue he showed up in my office and asked me to take him to lunch.
At this stage in my career I didn’t have many listings and it was starting to feel like it was impossible to get traction. So, with not much else happening, I walked with him to a Chinese restaurant in Terrigal we sat and ate. As soon as he had finished his lunch, he hopped up and said “see you tomorrow”. I had no idea why he was coming in to see me the next day but he left in a hurry and asked me to sort the bill.
The next day he showed up in the office and asked me to sell his house in Terrigal. It was then that I learnt that if you do the right thing by people, trust the process and always do your best to be a genuinely good person, that life has a way of paying it forward.
Best advice he’s received
The best career advice I have ever received would be to ‘stay in your own lane’. It’s so easy to be distracted by comparison of what other agents and agencies are doing and lose sight of what you should be doing.
If you keep the focus on continual self-improvement, you are guaranteed to have a more positive outlook, attitude and energy which is going to naturally attract more opportunities. Remembering to stay in my own lane has been a massive factor in the success I have had so far in my career.
Biggest challenge
I think the biggest challenge ahead for our industry is to ensure that throughout all of the new and modern technology that we remain relevant.
Change is inevitable in any industry and those who don’t adapt to change end up being left behind.
I feel that the industry has definitely evolved through the use of modern technology. It has provided consumers with more transparency and allowed us to build stronger relationships.
Change for good?
I would love to see more support and guidance for everyone in the industry. Like most competitive sales jobs it can be quite lonely at times and you can feel overwhelmed trying to navigate your way through the industry.
I’ve had many conversations with people in the industry who have also admitted at times they have felt lost and alone. I would love the industry to be more comfortable with speaking up about the day-to-day struggles.
‘Elite’ agent means
To me, an elite agent is someone who is innovative, someone who has learnt to ride the highs and lows of the industry, someone who always puts the consumer first and remains humble in their pursuit of success.
That’s one of the things I love about this industry, is that anyone can become an elite agent. If you’ve got the right motivation and work ethic, you will accomplish any goals you set out to achieve!
#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.
