Recognising women in real estate — Day 2

Across this week, we will share their answers with you.

Sally Cameron, Toop&Toop sales partner

What drew you to a career in real estate?

After graduating from university, I became a sales representative then sales manager for a multinational company. After I had children, I started renovating homes and flipping them. Once my children were more independent, and I had more time for myself, it was the perfect profession for me, and I have loved every moment.

What is a challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Getting a start as an agent was hard, as is winning listings, which is based on your previous results and experience, which I had none. Once I had one major success story, I capitalised on it and I was on my way. I really had to be tenacious in my first two years. My tenacity is still with me, just channeled differently now.

What goals and milestones do you have for your career?

My major goal is to improve with results, growth and knowledge year upon year. To empower and mentor my associate and set her up for an extremely successful career; she is amazing.

Do you think real estate is a good industry for women to work in?

Real estate is an amazing industry for women as it is a level playing field. You win listings on your reputation, results, experience and listing presentations; your sex has little to do with this. I definitely do not get paid less than my male counterparts.

For a woman, you can plan your time around your family and other activities, which is very appealing.

Women are generally the major decision-makers when buying a family home; being female also helps as an agent as we have a better understanding of these emotions.

Lynsey Kemp, Belle Property Balmain principal

What drew you to a career in real estate?

I have always been interested in property, my family are all involved in various areas of property, and this, along with the people/customer service side of our business, was the biggest drawcard.

What is a challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

A challenge when you start is getting your team set up — the affordability side of this along with the training. We overcame this by keeping our team members close through communication and daily updates. We all work very closely, and our systems are in place to ensure a high level of customer service.

What goals and milestones do you have for your career?

Ensuring my team members’ goals are achieved and achieving my own business, personal targets and goals.

Do you think real estate is a good industry for women to work in?

Yes, I think it is becoming a better career option for women. It is perceived to offer flexibility, but unfortunately, with long hours, this is not the case. Women make many decisions around property, and I think women are good at selling property.

Suzanne Hibberd, Abode Property Agents director

What drew you to a career in real estate?

I believe what drew me into my career in real estate is my absolute passion for all things property. From a young age, I have been buying, investing and developing property. It has always been my calling, and I never thought twice about joining the industry. After almost 30 years, I can honestly say I enjoy my job every single day.

I would say that my people skills are what initially gave me the courage to work in real estate. I believe that people skills, compassion and a desire for people to find their dream home are in the essence of any great agent. I see these qualities in myself after some reflection of my long-spanning career.

What is a challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Honestly, being a woman in a majority male industry has been one of, if not the most, significant challenge I have faced in real estate and still face it in this day and age. Being the founding director and licensee of Abode Property Agents, I find that I am respected among my peers and other leading agents within my area. It hasn’t always been easy, but I believe my tenacious nature and proficient knowledge of the industry and the market helped me overcome this obstacle.

Another major challenge I have faced throughout my career is the highs and lows of the market. Of course, we cannot predict what is going to happen in the future, but as an established agent and licensee for over 26 years, you must be prepared to ride out the lulls in the market and make smart choices for your future while the market is hot. Making solid investments in property is how I have solidified my sense of security to overcome this ongoing challenge.

What goals and milestones do you have for your career?

The milestone event in my career is a moving target. Each time I reach a goal I thought was unattainable, I set myself a new benchmark with seemingly impossibly high expectations, and I push and work until I get there. My agency deals with selling property off the plan for many leading developers. For the majority of my buildings, I have managed to sell most, if not all, apartments before the construction is completed. This is highly uncommon within our industry. 

Do you think real estate is a good industry for women to work in?

I do believe that real estate is a fantastic industry for women to work in. To be able to succeed in a predominately male industry, you need to believe in yourself and have a strong sense of work ethic. The industry can be very empowering for women, and we can achieve great success. I do believe there is always room for improvement, not only in real estate but the entire workforce. Equality and respect are the two focal points for me; throughout my long-spanning career, I have seen a great movement in these areas, which I can only hope will continue with time.