How did you start in the real estate business? Have you always worked in this industry or did you do something else previously?

I started my working life as a Legal Secretary working in Parramatta NSW, before moving into the Conveyancing Department. I enjoyed this role so much that I enrolled myself in a part-time (3 nights a week), 4-year Real Estate Diploma at TAFE to obtain my real estate licence. Meanwhile, I worked for “love” on Sundays at a local real estate office. 

After I obtained my licence I worked for an international land development company, Taylor Woodrow, which was an amazing experience. We launched Harrington Park near Camden in Sydney’s South, which was a joint venture with the Fairfax family. Then during the late 90’s and 2000s I had some very successful positions with a large independent real estate agency in The Hills before moving into commercial leasing with the Hills District’s landmark shopping centre, Castle Towers.

My partner Charlie Markham and I also opened a restaurant in Norwest Business Park – Iso Lounge – which we started from ‘ground zero’. The restaurant picked up numerous business awards over the time we owned and operated it, which is still a proud achievement. But ultimately we missed our true calling and passion – real estate. I joined up with Ray White Hawkesbury and very soon become one of their top performers, before eventually relocating to the NSW Northern Rivers and making it our home and place of business, after years of holidaying in the region.     

In the short time that Raine & Horne Ocean Shores/Brunswick Heads office has been open, the community support we’ve received has been overwhelming, confirming that we made the right decision in moving to this amazing area. What’s more, with family scattered through Pottsville, Burleigh Heads and Mt Tamborine, it’s been a really easy transition.

What do you love about your job?

Absolutely everything! From the million dollar deals, to meeting the local builder, putting home and land packages together, helping first home buyers get into a property, and assisting my clients to create profitable property portfolios. It is an amazing although sometimes challenging industry – every day is different and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else!

What would you like to see done differently in the real estate industry?

If I had my way, there would be more collaboration and more examples of agents working together to assist the property needs of the public.

What’s your advice to a young person thinking of entering the real estate profession?

Be aware that a career in real estate is hard work, but the rewards are definitely worth it. I can’t think of any other profession that has such an uncapped earning potential if you work hard, listen and truly enjoy what you do.

What's the outlook for the rest of the year in your region? 

At this stage the outlook is really positive. We’ve seen considerable growth across the Northern Rivers region over the past 12 months, bookended by the strong capital markets in Sydney and Brisbane, meaning this forecast is set to continue.

What was your first home?

A great little brick home in Glenwood, NSW.

Where do you live now?

Goonengerry in the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

If money were no object, what would your dream property be?

I’d buy a home in Wategos Beach, which has amazing ocean views with the Byron Bay Hinterland as a backdrop – the best of both worlds!