Perth real estate agent Michelle Kerr, of Abel McGrath Property Group Claremont, has always worked in property, but decided to become an agent because she knew she could offer a higher level of service than was on offer.

She told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS one of the best parts of the job is guiding sellers and buyers through what can be a challenging time.

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

I have always been involved in property and small business, but on the other side of the fence. I have bought and sold a lot through property development and sub-division.

I came into real estate sales due to a desire to provide a higher level of service than I felt was currently on offer.

Image: Kerr is selling this six-bedroom, architecturally designed home at 83 Thomas Street, Nedlands. Image supplied.

What do you love most about your job?

Bringing families and homes together – there is nothing better than handing the keys over on settlement day.

Also the impact we can have for the positive in what can be the most challenging time in people’s lives.

Can you tell us about an interesting property you've sold recently, or are selling?

Most interesting property I have sold recently was an original home from the 1920s. It was built by one of Perth's most prominent builders of the time, and is probably the most feature packed character home I have ever seen. It was like walking through a home frozen in time! It had been owned by the same family since then.

Is real estate a good profession for work / life balance and equal opportunity?

One of the biggest challenges in this business is work/life balance. I always joke with people that I have amazing flexibility around the 100 hours a week I work. It's definitely not for someone who likes the 9-5 life or for someone who likes structure.

The opportunities for success for men and women are enormous and this is shown through the percentage of top agents in Australia who are women

What’s your advice to a young person starting out in real estate?

Choose your agency well and find a good mentor. Don’t focus on learning much, but rather learning a lot. The rewards will come later. Be honest and don’t compromise your integrity – ever .

If you could change one thing about the real estate profession, what would it be?

Maybe the general public's opinion of us. I hold myself to very high standards and it's always been a challenge for me the general stereotype of us from the public's side of the fence.

What’s your outlook for the Perth property market for the remainder of the year? 

I have given up guessing since the GFC. We are in uncharted waters and the economy on a domestic and global level is still fragile and unpredictable, so it's really a roll of the dice.

Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world? 

I live in Nedlands and would stay living in a tent to stay in the area. It offers amazing lifestyle and infrastructure. I love to travel but feel I am already living the dream.

Other stats:

• Top agent in my area for the past four years
• 40 per cent market share
• 2016 REIWA Agent of the Year
• Grandmaster for the past three years 

Read more about Perth real estate:

Perth's top suburbs in 2017: North Fremantle, Applecross, and Dalkeith

Perth property market begins recovery in December quarter: REIWA

Perth real estate: "We should just hang in there" says David Arnold of Ethos Property