I was a single mum raising four kids under the age of 12 and I was working three jobs. It was really hard, but I did it.
How did you get your start in the real estate industry?
I can’t even count the number of rental properties I’d applied to lease. But being a single mother with four kids, nobody wanted me. One day I walked into the First National office in Edgeworth in tears. I literally begged the property manager for a house for myself and my children. She approved me for a property and I ended up living there for three years.
I eventually admitted to her that I was interested in property management. At that stage I was working as a cleaner and it just so happened that the agency needed one. So that’s how I started in real estate – as a cleaner. And now I’m the Licensee of No Bull Real Estate, which I own and run with my husband Jon.
What are the key skills needed to be successful in your job?
Definitely knowledge, because your clients are relying on you for your knowledge and understanding of the legislation. Then professionalism; landlords and tenants are looking to you to do your job and do it in a professional way.
You also need to have excellent communication and people skills. You need the ability to listen. I always joke that I’m a social worker, I’m a marriage counsellor, I’m a negotiator, I’m a handyman. I’m really a jack-of-all-trades!
“Anything in life is achievable. But you have to be true to yourself and others. It’s that simple.”
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
That’s easy! Without doubt, winning the Residential Property Manager award at the 2015 REINSW Awards for Excellence. It took me eight years of entering! There was no way I was giving up. It was really, really special. I just couldn’t believe it; I’d won.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
This year, one of my goals is to become a member of the REINSW Property Management Chapter Committee. That’s the big one! And I’m also committed to sharing my passion with young up-and-coming property managers who are new to our industry.
I’ve also challenged myself to do more in the local community. We have lots of tenants that are really struggling and I want to do more for them. And I want to take my family on a holiday!
When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your time?
For me, it’s all about family. Even though Jon and I work and live together, it still seems like we don’t see each other. I like to make time for him and my children. And my grandson is the light of my life. He lives up in Queensland, so I don’t get to see him as much as I’d like – but when I do, everything else is put on hold!
Is there a particular adage that you live by?
Treat others how you would like to be treated. It’s how I’ve always lived my life and I’ve taught my children the same.
What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?
Never give up. Live your dreams. Set goals for yourself. Anything in life is achievable. But you have to be true to yourself and others. It’s that simple.
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REINSW Awards for Excellence
The REINSW Awards for Excellence gives recognition to the real estate industry's top performers. The most prestigious awards of their kind in NSW, finalists and winners set the benchmark for professional standards and service in their specialist fields.
Entries open Thursday, 26 April 2016 - Don't miss out!
Find out more >>>
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