Mother-and-daughter team Vanessa and Cheyne Brunton are enjoying overseeing their own destiny with @realty’s OASIS platform, which helps agents run their own independent agency with all the support of a major franchise.
Vanessa launched VB Real Estate on the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland several weeks ago with her daughter Cheyne.
Vanessa and her family live on 52 acres in the Obi Valley after moving to the Sunshine Coast from Townsville 15 years ago.
She said after 10 years with a major franchise, she decided she didn’t want to live with any regrets about trying to make it on her own.
“A former colleague started with the OASIS @realty platform after going out on his own and I called him to ask his thoughts,” she said.
“He said it was great and I thought, I’ve recently turned 50 and I don’t want to be 80 and look back and think I should have done it.
“So I launched VB Real Estate with Cheyne who has her real estate associate agent license and is a tremendous help.”
OASIS – which stands for Online Agency Support and Integrated Systems – enables boutique real estate agencies and sole operators to access @realty’s national database and administrative services, while still operating under their own brand.
Dozens of independents have flocked to use OASIS since it was launched last year.
Vanessa said joining OASIS made perfect sense for her financially and from a branding point of view.
“We felt OASIS was a really good platform for a mother-daughter start-up.
“It was cost effective to get on …because it enabled us to have that platform where I could continue to list and sell, which is what I love doing and the backend is looked after,” she said.
“I think it gives you more freedom and control of your own destiny.
“I have peace of mind because if I have issues or concerns, I have the @realty head office team behind me.”
She said @realty’s design team had done a fantastic job of designing her new website and made sure to incorporate her stellar Rate My Agent reviews.
Vanessa said she enjoys selling land, residential houses, and units, but selling acreage gives her the most satisfaction.
“I like small acreage, the tree change, because I live on 52 acres and have cattle myself,” she said.
She said having her own brand was important, because it was her own reputation that was her biggest selling asset.
“I’m not an agent to spruik, a lot of my business is referrals and word of mouth,” Vanessa said.
“People see I am an honest and open agent with a proven track record.”
Vanessa said her initials – VB – were also an advantage.
“I’ve had people say we love the name, but not so much the drop of beer,” she said.
“But it’s all good because they remember my name.”
@realty Chief Executive Officer James Taylor said Vanessa’s story is one many agents can identify with.
“Vanessa’s hard work has made her successful, not the work of the major franchise she worked for,” he said.
“So why wouldn’t she want all the support of a major franchise while keeping more of her own hard-earned cash?
“Our 100 per cent commission model enables agents to keep all their commission once $20,000 has been paid to the office in fees.
“That is something every agent can aspire towards.”
