Ownership: Home and personal, the keys to real estate success

These moments reflect not just financial decisions but profound personal journeys. The weight of that responsibility is immense, yet it’s also what makes our work so meaningful.

How we show up

While we focus on helping clients take ownership of their dream homes, we must also consider another type of ownership: “personal ownership”, that is, how we show up, work, and deliver for our clients. Just as a home requires a solid foundation, our personal effectiveness relies on taking ownership of our actions, behaviours, and mindset.

This commitment to personal ownership ensures we deliver the finest experience in real estate through integrity, professionalism, and the utmost care. When we take responsibility for how we show up, everyone wins: the client, our team, and our families.

The power of personal ownership

Taking ownership isn’t just about completing tasks or meeting deadlines. It’s a mindset of accountability in how we handle every client interaction, especially during the more challenging parts of a transaction.

As leaders in our field, this ownership not only impacts our success but also directly affects our clients’ experience and outcomes. The philosophy of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin highlights that we control our responses, attitudes, and actions, regardless of external circumstances.

When we fully own our role, operating from a place of empowerment rather than reactivity, we elevate the quality of our service.

We’re not just solving problems

This mindset helps us handle challenges proactively and serve clients more effectively. The real estate journey can be challenging at times. There will be surprises, setbacks, or disappointments. How we respond in these moments is where true ownership shines.

Imagine a time when a property sale doesn’t go as planned, like a valuation affecting both the buyer’s and seller’s expectations or a hot water system failing during the final inspection.

Rather than merely reacting, a professional who practises personal ownership steps up, reassures the clients, and takes proactive steps to find solutions. By doing this, we’re not just solving problems. We’re building trust, fostering relationships, and strengthening our reputation.

Owning your success

Personal ownership means no one else can do this work for us. Sure, we can outsource a few tasks; however, the ultimate responsibility for our growth, resilience, and mental fitness remains with ourselves.

Real estate professionals who adopt this approach don’t just succeed; they thrive, reaping the rewards of their hard work in both their professional and personal lives.

No one else will do it for you

My own journey in real estate highlighted the importance of personal ownership. Starting in a commission-only role meant that if I didn’t sell, I didn’t eat. With a young family depending on my success, I had to do the work.

No one else was going to knock on doors, make calls, or build the relationships necessary for success. It was up to me. I had to be active in my own rescue, and giving up was not an option. I found the courage to keep going by envisioning the life I wanted for my family.

A vision so compelling, it drove me to show up every day, even when the path was tough. That vision became my compass, a powerful source of energy and motivation that reinforced my sense of personal ownership.

Relentless pursuit of excellence

Our actions create lasting impressions on our clients. When we get it right, many will return for future transactions or refer us to their friends and family. This repeat and referral business is the cornerstone of a long-lasting, successful career in real estate.

By taking ownership of our interactions, we provide clients with more than just a new home; we instil a lasting sense of trust and respect for our profession. In Relentless, Tim Grover describes the pursuit of excellence as an unyielding commitment to the work, pushing through obstacles, and never settling for “good enough”.

In real estate, true success isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about having the mindset and mental fitness to push beyond our comfort zones, creating value for clients, cultivating trust, and consistently striving for excellence.

High stakes, high rewards

Personal ownership is a mindset choice and, ultimately, a daily practice. When we get it right, we contribute to a stronger, more trustworthy real estate industry. When we falter, we miss opportunities to truly connect, support, and guide our clients in a way that makes a positive impact on their lives.

The stakes are high, but so are the rewards for our clients, our careers, and our own peace of mind. Robin Sharma’s concept of “personal leadership” underscores that leadership doesn’t come from titles; it’s who we are being each day, acting with purpose and showing up with integrity, even when no one is watching.

By owning our actions and practising personal leadership, we serve our clients better and build a career founded on respect, trust, and excellence.

Personal ownership benefits everyone

While we help Australians fulfil their dream of home ownership, let’s also prioritise the practice of personal ownership. When we embrace personal ownership, we strengthen our mental fitness, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence.

Showing up as the best version of ourselves is not just good business; it’s good for everyone involved. Every interaction is a chance to create the finest experience, a legacy of integrity, excellence, and genuine care. This is the foundation of long-term success in real estate, for our clients, our families, and ourselves. And it all begins with us.

So, I ask you, what’s one part of your life you can take back ownership of to become the best version of yourself?