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Many real estate agents would never consider transitioning suburbs. Those that are looking to move house in a neighboring suburb often stay as an agent in the same area.
But it is possible to transition suburbs, even as far as to the opposite side of Melbourne, but when there is no synergy between suburbs, there is sure to be a lot of hard work ahead.
A combination of reasons led me to move from Yarraville to Sandringham, one being my family and another being the opportunity to become a partner in a business.
For those considering transitioning suburbs as an established agent, make sure you are ready and are fully aware of what will happen.
Be willing to start fresh
Real estate is different to most other jobs. Wherever your office or workplace is located, the work and situation doesn’t change a great deal, but the same can’t be said for real estate. It’s an industry that is very “local”-centric. Everything revolves around a single area, and while skill set can be carried, there’s not much else that can be transferred.
Most, if not all, of your database becomes redundant when you move. I gave up the database I had spent a long time building and this meant needing to start over.
This is where using your skill set is a necessity. Knowing where to fish, where to make strategic contacts and ultimately sell homes.
Get involved in the area
A challenge I faced was having a good skill set but not knowing anyone.
Unfortunately, real estate has a lot to do with who you know rather than what you know. It means networking in your local area is a necessity rather than an option. Having a strong network of contacts in your area is a massive advantage, so if you can, move somewhere that you may already have some contacts. If that’s not an option, be willing to take a lot of time to meet people and make a name for yourself in your new neighbourhood.
One of the reasons I transitioned suburbs was because I was thinking about where I wanted to raise my children. For those agents that have children of their own, use your child’s school as a great way to meet other local people.
Building a database takes years, so finding ways to minimise this time is a must.
Think about your career
If moving suburbs will have benefits for your career, then give it some good consideration. If you feel that it will be worth it or allows for more personal and professional growth, then be ready to take the leap.
Make sure that the agency you are moving to aligns with what you want for the future. Whether it is culture or ownership responsibilities, the agency you move to (unless you remain with the same brand) is just as important as the suburb itself. While the grass is rarely greener elsewhere, sometimes it can be.
One thing I have noticed is that too many people go from one business to another looking out the window instead of in the mirror.
A note of caution is, be careful not to move too many times as it shows that an individual may not be taking responsibility for why they haven’t evolved in their career.
I don’t want to put people off changing suburbs as an agent, because it most certainly is possible. My top tip, however, is to really think the move through. Good skills never go to waste, so if you are confident in your own capabilities, you can make it happen.
