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Simon Noakes has plenty of reasons to celebrate after rising to top five in the REB Dealmakers 2023 rankings. He outlines how starting a family taught him to do more in less time to cultivate a work/life balance.
The director and auctioneer at Adelaide-based Noakes Nickolas admitted to being a “workhorse” who dedicated every waking hour to working in the competitive real estate industry.
After cutting his teeth in other agencies, Mr Noakes co-founded his business in November 2021, with two other directors Angelo Nickolas and Callan Eames.
However, it was not until he had a baby boy three weeks later that his priorities and approach to work changed. He became keenly aware of the importance of using time wisely to achieve the elusive work/life balance.
“Since having my baby, I’ve been far more critical of my time,” he told REB.
“If I’m spending an hour in the living room delivering advice to a client, I want to make sure that it’s worthwhile and I’m super prepared. I give high energy and great value to make sure that they’ve made the best use of their time with me.”
As a result, Mr Noakes noted, his conversion rate shot up significantly in the last 12 months, resulting in higher settlement numbers.
Indeed, Mr Noakes climbed from 28th rank in the 2021 REB Dealmakers (when he was at Harris Real Estate) to fifth in this year’s ranking.
His settlements surged from 64 in the 2022 financial year to 145 in FY23, and he achieved a consistency score of 96.71.
Doing more in less time
Mr Noakes attributed this to increased productivity and output despite working fewer hours since having his baby (he no longer works on Sundays).
Simultaneously, he has turned his focus to the higher end of the property market, with his average price point rising between $900,000 and $950,000.
“Over time, my strategy has shifted to selling fewer houses at higher price points so that I can run a strong sales business while carving time out for my family. Three years ago, I was selling 250 houses a year,” Mr Noakes explained.
Mr Noakes and his team sell a range of properties to their clients, including detached dwellings, units, apartments, character homes and developments.
He is particularly passionate about the coastal region, and as such, sells properties in areas like Somerton Park, Brighton and Glenelg South (where the median price is over $1 million), he said.
The property market has remained buoyant, according to Mr Noakes, as rising cost of living and housing affordability issues in some parts of Australia have compelled home buyers to look towards Adelaide.
“A lot of people have been migrating back to Adelaide, including expats,” Mr Noakes said.
“That, coupled with the rental shortage, has meant low stock levels. That strong demand has meant property prices have continued to rise.”
He continued: “The cool thing about my business is that I can sell a $500,000 unit and then a $5.2 million house. We deal with quite an interesting range of properties and people,” Mr Noakes said.
“It’s a people business and we love working for the people. In my business, I get to work with young people, families and downsizers at different stages. As I’ve grown over the last 12 years, a lot of my clients have grown with me, from selling a one-bedroom unit to buying a courtyard home, and then a big house.”
Investing in a strong team
Mr Noakes also highlighted that he is surrounded by a team that supports each other and works hard.
“I’m very connected to my team. I mentor them, invest in training and development, and give them as much opportunity as possible,” he said.
“My philosophy is to grow both the business and the people around me. I believe that has helped them step up and become leaders in their own right. We all share the wins together.”
Find the right place for you
As for how new agents could replicate his success, Mr Noakes urged them to find an environment, a team and a mentor that help them thrive.
“I’ve seen a lot of great agents or people leave the industry because they haven’t been in the right environment,” he said.
“Ask yourself which company is going to support you the most, and what kind of team is going to give you a great roadmap towards success.”
He concluded: “I think if you get those two things right, then you’ll get the roadmap to have a really successful career.”
To view the REB Dealmakers 2023 rankings and report, click here.
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