Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at First National Dapto.
I’ve been in sales since I was 16, when I started in retail and telecommunications. I gained a lot of experience providing a high level of customer service; it was a great foundation.
I then went on to a management role for a national pool and spa franchise, then effectively began running my own franchise. I’ve been able to see product and service delivery at all levels in a franchise system.
I’m now the sales manager at First National Real Estate Dapto, where I oversee residential and commercial sales. Our market is expanding and includes a lot of off-the-plan marketing as well. I often find myself not only being someone’s agent but also their friend.
What motivated you to get into real estate?
My father encouraged me to invest in real estate; growing up in the northern suburbs of the Illawarra he knew the value of investing in property in key locations. After the birth of my first son I decided to take that step into real estate and make it my career; being able to do this close to home was ideal for me.
I also enjoy investing in real estate and my experience definitely helps me grow my own portfolio, watching what others do to create equity. I like to share my experience with my clients and help them on their journey. I think you can tell the difference between a passionate agent and an agent who is after a quick commission.
What is the market like in your area right now?
As the tenth most populous metropolitan and urban area in Australia and the third largest city in NSW, people are opting for the city-to-sea change and are choosing the coastal life of the Illawarra to call home.
As the market stabilises and more house and land options are made available, first-time homeowners are taking advantage.
The marketplace in my area has always done well due to the price medium and locality, with beaches, major shopping centres, schools and the coastal lifestyle.
The current has shifted slightly in the last six months in line with the Sydney clearance rates; days on market have increased and we are conditioning our vendors again. We are lucky, though; we have a high percentage of first-home buyers and investors, with the average sales price for a residential house around 550k.
Who or what inspires you?
Whether it’s a Sunday drive with the family or taking my two boys to school, hearing them say, “There’s Daddy!”, when passing my signboards inspires me and puts a smile on my face!
In your ‘briefcase’ right now is…
My Mac, planner, power pack, lots of business cards and wipes – probably the best thing ever invented, always handy for last-minute open house preparation! Mints, for the clients of course, and my Bluetooth speaker; music adds to any occasion, and gives ambience to a vacant home.
The most powerful tool I have is my iPhone, averaging over 150 calls, texts and emails per day; I can be anywhere in the world and still be able to close a deal.
Something you couldn’t live without?
My family. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today; my parents, wife and children have always supported, encouraged and allowed me to strive and achieve my goals in life and in real estate. But the first car I ever owned still sits in our garage – I can’t sell it! My wife says it’s like we have three children.
What apps do you use most at the moment on your iPhone or iPad?
realestate.com.au, CoreLogic and social media apps are key to giving my clients real-time facts and data as well as immediate exposure for us. The social media apps have progressively become a listing tool, not just a ‘check how many likes we got’. WhatsApp for international or travelling clients and the Nike app for anyone who doesn’t think agents aren’t constantly on their feet. We do stuff!
Any words to live by?
Firstly, always look at the bigger picture and don’t let the small things in life get you down.
Negativity and regrets will always hold you back; push forward and move on. Secondly, the secret of success is loving what you do.
