THE WIRE’s top career advice for real estate professionals in 2023

1. “You have to work hard and you have to be patient. You can’t demand for the opportunity — you have to wait for the opportunity and take it with both hands, zero hesitation. You have to know that every opportunity is gonna push you outside your comfort zone. 

You’re not gonna look at an opportunity and go, ‘Yes, I absolutely know 100 per cent how to do that, every element of it and it’s gonna be super safe and secure’. You’ve kinda gotta take those leaps of faith when they come. 

You’ve gotta back yourself [up], but most of all, be patient, work hard and when opportunities come, grab them with both hands.”

- Harriet Saunders, head of growth and development at Laing+Simmons 

Are you looking to take the next big step in your real estate career this year? Ms Saunders, who discovered the real estate industry when she knocked on the door of a London agency, advised agents who are unsure of how to take their career to the next level to practice “resilience” and explained how this guiding principle can help you hurdle whatever challenges life throws your way. 

To hear more about her journey, listen here. 

2. “Ask yourself, what’s driving you? Why do you wanna do this? Get clear on what your vision is for your life because that vision is the thing that's gonna keep you grounded, that’s gonna be your compass, it’s going to help you when the world is dark and you need a light at the end of the tunnel.”

- Jordy Woolley, head of property management department at Molenaar + McNeice

The Property Manager of the Year - Regional at the Women in Real Estate Awards 2021 reminded real estate professionals to remain true to their “authentic self” and not be blinded by impostor syndrome that may prevent them from reaching their full potential. 

Learn more about overcoming impostor syndrome and Ms Woolley’s quest to find her rightful place in the real estate world by listening here. 

 3. "I'm super passionate about women believing in their ability to run businesses. There's so many you know, incredible women salespeople that would make amazing business owners and they just bring something different to the table.  

As a female in this industry and certainly as a female in leadership — you don't have to lead like a male. You can do it, and you can do it in a nice feminine way. You can just be yourself.” 

- Hayley Van de Ven, principal and owner of RE/MAX Bayside Properties

Stepping into a leadership role can be a daunting undertaking, but Ms Van de Ven says women should not be afraid to be the captain of their own ships. 

She also advised female business leaders not to mold their leadership strategies on their male counterparts — but, rather, aim to make their own feminine mark.  

Make sure to check out how Ms Van de Ven rose to the challenge of turning a legacy business into a legendary one. 

 4. "Build good relationships and maintain them and don't ever leave anywhere on bad terms. The way your reputation will precede you. So handle yourself well, be respectful.”

- Jacqui Barnes, head of people and culture at Laing+Simmons 

If you’re looking for a new year’s resolution, Ms Barnes’ career advice of not burning professional bridges and instead building good relationships may be a worthwhile addition to your list.

And while unpleasant work experiences are sometimes unavoidable, she called on agents not to “sweat the small stuff on it and get bogged down in the weeds with it all”.

Want to hear more words of wisdom from Ms Barnes? Make sure to check out THE WIRE: Strive to be above the line. 

5. “[When] opportunities present themselves, be a yes person and take that leap of faith and just give it a go because what's the worst that could happen? You fail, you pick it up. Give it another go or go to the next thing.”

- Leteicha Wilson, business development executive for commercial property management at Ray White Commercial 

While the commercial property management space can seem like uncharted and daunting waters for most real estate agents, Ms Wilson advised agents to take the plunge into the sector and explained why commercial property management space can be the next best career step for real estate professionals. 

Learn more about commercial real estate management and its inner workings by tuning in the podcast episode, THE WIRE: The changing face of the commercial property management space. 

6. “[Push] yourself. Be hungry. Just immerse yourself in the auction space. I've said to a few girls that have approached me: be painful. Almost push yourself in front of people. 

 [The] squeakiest wheel gets the most oil I say. So put yourself ahead of people, just show that you're passionate about it. Show your hunger. Practice, practice, practice.” 

- Tara Kelly, auctioneer at Place Estate Agents in Queensland

It’s no secret that the auction space is a male-dominated arena. But Queensland’s only female auctioneer believes it’s time for women to take their rightful place behind the podium. 

If paving your way into the auctioneering field is in the cards for you this year, make sure to take a pointer (or two) from Ms Kelly’s journey by listening to her feature episode. 

7. “This is not an easy career. It's seven days a week. It's not all about driving fancy cars and drinking coffee all day sitting around cafes. It's hard work and you've got to be prepared for the hard work and roll with the punches because it's going to be plenty, just roll with the punches, take each day as it comes.” 

- Suzanne Hibberd, director of Abode Property Agents

For individuals hoping to enter the real estate industry in 2023, Ms Hibberd’s sage words on mindset adjustment one needs to make in embarking on a real estate career is both timely and handy. 

Make sure to check out her episode, The WIRE: ‘Accelerator down, 100%’: How an agency quadrupled its settlements.