Nick Renna has grown his Bentleigh office into one of the highest performing, highest selling hockingstuart offices in Melbourne. Backed by a team of dedicated agents and support staff, he knows how to create strong team camaraderie that’s both efficient and effective.
When did you start in real estate?
I’ve been in real estate for 17 years, since commencing in 1995.
What made you chose a real estate career?
I always wanted to be in real estate, as I had an uncle who was in the business and I wanted to be like him.
Which areas do you specialise in? What are the challenges, and what do you especially like about the area you work in?
I work in the Bentleigh area, covering the suburbs of Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond, Bentleigh East and Moorabbin. I specialise in residential sales in a very rewarding district, which has great turnover. It’s one where clients demand high service and attention to detail with the competition being fair. I like the demographic of the area, as you’re dealing with professional families which tend to be double income and switched on. The area is great for families, with fantastic schools, parks, shopping and transport facilities – we are right in the middle of two enormous shopping centres, Chadstone and Westfield Southland, with the beach five minutes away! So this area is always in demand.
What differentiates your agency?
The key difference I have found is strong marketing, which includes a dominant presence on the Internet sites, our award- winning magazine and print media. We have very good market share, which enables us to meet more buyers and therefore introduce more buyers to our clients’ properties. We have a very strong work ethic and this helps in an area that is predominantly auction-orientated,
with five of the area’s best auctioneers. We also have fantastic support from surrounding offices where we have the ability to tap into their databases. At our company we have a real focus on training, and that also helps with the calibre of agent that we have working in the office. The teamwork in our office is critical and brings us great success for our vendors, and therefore buyers!
What do you love about the industry?
Nothing specific; it’s really just the general day-to-day workings of the business. You must be so disciplined and consistent with phone calls and building relationships. Trying to get buyer and seller together can be the biggest, most exhilarating challenge at times. Also, I thrive on the ‘hunt’ of the listing process even though it’s a challenge. I like the competition between agents; it helps you stay grounded and keeps you on your toes – it keeps me very current on a day to day basis.
What are some of the real challenges that you have faced?
I thrive on the different challenges that you are faced with every day. Each day here is different and you meet so many wonderful people. The satisfaction level of the job is so rewarding when you know that you’ve contributed to the family that you are selling for, moving on to the next phase of their lives. Being a part of very satisfied clients brings a huge sense of achievement for me.
What are the most memorable properties?
I have had plenty of unusual homes that I have listed, from haunted houses to homes where the clients have been hoarders and you literally cannot walk hrough. Some of my auctions have been unusual; once there was a five-car pile-up outside the property right in the middle of the bidding. That was a weird day. It eventually sold a week later!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep!
What are your most important values?
The client’s needs always come first, before your needs. If you do that throughout your career you will always be successful and maintain a good reputation.
What are the key features in maintaining a healthy agent/vendor relationship?
Always do the right thing by people. Also have fun at work; people want to deal with happy people. Be honest and keep communications really high. They will respect what you do when they know what activity and effort you are putting in to their sale. And remain positive at all times.
Do you have a mentor?
I do have mentors; they tend to be fellow directors who are close friends of mine. Chris Murphy, formerly from our Richmond office, and Steve Tickell from our Brighton office are two people that I have frequently asked for advice. Also my assistant Fran Harkin, who on a daily basis talks me through the challenges and emotions of the job. There is no question that without them I would not have had the success that I’ve enjoyed over my time in real estate.
