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

I worked in PR and Advertising most of my life, and also had a costume jewellery business which also supplied orders to David Jones, Myer, amongst other stores. My mother wrote for Vogue Living and renovated a number of properties to sell and kept suggesting real estate would be the perfect career for me. I went to see the owner of a Double Bay Agency who said to me – there is a desk and a there is a phone, you can start tomorrow…. And that’s how my career started!

What do you love about your job?

I’ve always enjoyed being around people socially and professionally and I love the interaction and communication on a daily basis with wonderful people from all walks of life. It is very rewarding helping someone realise their dream of owning a home, or achieving a premium price for a seller so that they can move on to the next venture.

Is real estate a good profession for women?

It’s an excellent profession for women now as there are so many female leaders in the industry. Di Jones Real Estate was predominately women when Di Jones started the agency 23 years ago. Men have previously dominated so many professions, including real estate and I’m happy to say that times have changed since then and continue to change – we have had a female prime minister, and now have a female deputy leader of the Liberal Party and a female deputy leader of the National Party.

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

One standard commission rate%, so that sellers choose the right person for the job, not just the agent with the cheapest commission.

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

Be very diligent, work really hard and put in the hours to increase your product knowledge, build your database and never think you know everything!

Where do you live now?

Waterloo

What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?

My dream home belongs to a friend of mine in Wolseley Road – I don’t think she’s moving anytime soon…..