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When one door closes, another door opens and this adage couldn’t have been truer for NSW agent Robert Pignataro. Not long after his job as a solicitor was made redundant, Pignataro happened to accompany his father to a real estate agency where he was to meet his future mentor.
How did you start down this career path?
Robert Pignataro’s journey into real estate was unexpected. After his job in a law firm was made redundant, he accompanied his father to a real estate agency, where he met Frank Mees, the owner of Van Dyke and Van Dyke. This meeting proved to be a turning point in his life. Mees invited Robert to submit a tender for a property portfolio for the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). Despite being new to the industry, Robert successfully won the tender to manage 1,600 properties for three years. This achievement marked the beginning of his real estate career, and he never returned to law. Instead, he embraced real estate, learning the ropes under Mees’ mentorship and eventually growing into his own practice. His legal background, particularly his understanding of contract law, gave him a significant advantage in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
Robert finds inspiration in the dynamic and creative nature of real estate. Unlike his previous career in law, which he found restrictive, real estate allows him to think outside the box and engage directly with people. He enjoys the process of educating buyers, conducting background work, and creatively closing deals. For Robert, the industry is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships and helping people achieve their goals, whether it’s buying their dream home or selling a cherished property. The sense of accomplishment he feels when successfully closing a deal is deeply rewarding and fuels his passion for the industry. Additionally, his ability to combine his legal expertise with his natural talent for real estate has allowed him to carve out a unique niche, making his work both fulfilling and impactful.
What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
Robert’s approach to customer service is rooted in honesty, integrity, and transparency. He believes in setting realistic expectations with clients and being upfront about both the strengths and weaknesses of a property. For example, when selling a property for an elderly couple, he candidly told them that their house needed significant work and didn’t sugarcoat the situation. However, his honesty and expertise helped him secure a sale price of $5.36 million, which was $1.36 million over the reserve. This approach builds trust and confidence with his clients, as they know he has their best interests at heart. Robert also emphasises personalised service, taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs and tailoring his strategies accordingly. His commitment to delivering the best possible service, even in challenging market conditions, has been a cornerstone of his success.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
Robert has consistently adapted to the evolving real estate landscape over the years. When he first started, the industry relied heavily on printed media, and open houses were not common. Agents would personally drive clients to properties for viewings. As technology advanced, Robert embraced digital platforms and online marketing to reach a broader audience and streamline the buying and selling process. He also stays ahead by maintaining strong relationships with developers, builders, and clients, which helps him secure valuable listings and stay informed about market trends. Despite the increasing competition from larger real estate firms, Robert has remained independent, which allows him to maintain the exclusivity and prestige of his agency, Strathfield Partners. His ability to adapt while staying true to his core principles has enabled him to thrive in a constantly changing industry.
What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Over the course of his career, Robert has faced numerous challenges, including economic recessions, droughts, bushfires, interest rate hikes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these events brought unique difficulties, from fluctuating property values to changes in buyer behaviour. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market experienced significant volatility, with the median price of a three-bedroom house in Strathfield soaring by 30% in 2021 and a further 9.2% in 2022. Despite these challenges, Robert relied on his core principles of honesty and integrity to navigate uncertain times. He focused on providing exceptional service to his clients, ensuring they felt supported and informed throughout the process. By staying adaptable and maintaining a positive outlook, Robert has been able to weather these storms and continue growing his business.
What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?
While the article does not explicitly outline Robert’s goals for the next five years, his actions and values provide insight into his aspirations. Robert is deeply committed to maintaining the exclusivity and prestige of his independent agency, Strathfield Partners. Unlike many other independent agencies that have franchised, Robert has chosen to remain solo, as he believes this approach allows him to deliver a higher level of service and maintain his agency’s unique identity. Over the next five years, it’s likely that Robert will focus on further expanding his business while staying true to his principles of honesty and integrity. He may also aim to continue adapting to market changes, leveraging technology, and building strong relationships with clients and industry professionals. Additionally, given his track record of success and recognition in the industry, Robert may seek to achieve even higher rankings and accolades, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in real estate.
How did you start down this career path?
Robert Pignataro’s journey into real estate was unexpected. After his job in a law firm was made redundant, he accompanied his father to a real estate agency, where he met Frank Mees, the owner of Van Dyke and Van Dyke. This meeting proved to be a turning point in his life. Mees invited Robert to submit a tender for a property portfolio for the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). Despite being new to the industry, Robert successfully won the tender to manage 1,600 properties for three years. This achievement marked the beginning of his real estate career, and he never returned to law. Instead, he embraced real estate, learning the ropes under Mees’ mentorship and eventually growing into his own practice. His legal background, particularly his understanding of contract law, gave him a significant advantage in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
Robert finds inspiration in the dynamic and creative nature of real estate. Unlike his previous career in law, which he found restrictive, real estate allows him to think outside the box and engage directly with people. He enjoys the process of educating buyers, conducting background work, and creatively closing deals. For Robert, the industry is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships and helping people achieve their goals, whether it’s buying their dream home or selling a cherished property. The sense of accomplishment he feels when successfully closing a deal is deeply rewarding and fuels his passion for the industry. Additionally, his ability to combine his legal expertise with his natural talent for real estate has allowed him to carve out a unique niche, making his work both fulfilling and impactful.
What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
Robert’s approach to customer service is rooted in honesty, integrity, and transparency. He believes in setting realistic expectations with clients and being upfront about both the strengths and weaknesses of a property. For example, when selling a property for an elderly couple, he candidly told them that their house needed significant work and didn’t sugarcoat the situation. However, his honesty and expertise helped him secure a sale price of $5.36 million, which was $1.36 million over the reserve. This approach builds trust and confidence with his clients, as they know he has their best interests at heart. Robert also emphasises personalised service, taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs and tailoring his strategies accordingly. His commitment to delivering the best possible service, even in challenging market conditions, has been a cornerstone of his success.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
Robert has consistently adapted to the evolving real estate landscape over the years. When he first started, the industry relied heavily on printed media, and open houses were not common. Agents would personally drive clients to properties for viewings. As technology advanced, Robert embraced digital platforms and online marketing to reach a broader audience and streamline the buying and selling process. He also stays ahead by maintaining strong relationships with developers, builders, and clients, which helps him secure valuable listings and stay informed about market trends. Despite the increasing competition from larger real estate firms, Robert has remained independent, which allows him to maintain the exclusivity and prestige of his agency, Strathfield Partners. His ability to adapt while staying true to his core principles has enabled him to thrive in a constantly changing industry.
What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Over the course of his career, Robert has faced numerous challenges, including economic recessions, droughts, bushfires, interest rate hikes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these events brought unique difficulties, from fluctuating property values to changes in buyer behaviour. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market experienced significant volatility, with the median price of a three-bedroom house in Strathfield soaring by 30% in 2021 and a further 9.2% in 2022. Despite these challenges, Robert relied on his core principles of honesty and integrity to navigate uncertain times. He focused on providing exceptional service to his clients, ensuring they felt supported and informed throughout the process. By staying adaptable and maintaining a positive outlook, Robert has been able to weather these storms and continue growing his business.
What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?
While the article does not explicitly outline Robert’s goals for the next five years, his actions and values provide insight into his aspirations. Robert is deeply committed to maintaining the exclusivity and prestige of his independent agency, Strathfield Partners. Unlike many other independent agencies that have franchised, Robert has chosen to remain solo, as he believes this approach allows him to deliver a higher level of service and maintain his agency’s unique identity. Over the next five years, it’s likely that Robert will focus on further expanding his business while staying true to his principles of honesty and integrity. He may also aim to continue adapting to market changes, leveraging technology, and building strong relationships with clients and industry professionals. Additionally, given his track record of success and recognition in the industry, Robert may seek to achieve even higher rankings and accolades, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in real estate.
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