Gennie began her real estate career 20 years ago in the Northern Territory. Prior to that, she sold Nutrimetics while raising four children as a single mother.

Gennie dreams of a retirement on the coast, somewhere that she can walk on the beach without having to worry about crocodiles.

She answered WILLIAMS MEDIA's questions about her career, and her outlook for the Darwin property market.

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

I began my real estate career just over 20 years ago in the Northern Territory after moving up from New South Wales. Prior to that I was very involved working in the direct selling industry for Nutrimetics, as well as bringing up a family of four as a single mum.

What do you love most about your job? 

I don’t believe I ‘sell’ homes... rather I market them the very best way I can to give an opportunity for potential purchasers to find, fall in love with, and, if possible, if finance goals match, to make an offer for and buy - making both sides of the transaction successful and happy.

You’re a finalist in the REIA’s upcoming 2018 National Awards for Excellence in the hotly contested residential salesperson category. What do you attribute your success to?

Possibly long hours, a never-give-up attitude, sheer determination, empathy, a commitment to understand everyone’s set of circumstances - and sheer grit!

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

The range of properties in my core area have average prices of between $350,000 and $600,000. They are often first or second homes, and I sell a few to empty nesters, with an occasional property around the $1 million mark. 

(Properties range) from houses that have been trashed, to mortgagee in possession, to court ordered sales where one needs to walk a fine line down the middle between warring parties, and to impeccable homes that vendors are emotionally reluctant to part with.

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

Know what you want out of this industry, it’s a long time commitment... not a quick get rich scheme. Be like a sponge - soak up every bit of knowledge from every seminar. Even when you think you know it all, you don’t!

Understand it could be, and for most is, a long apprenticeship. Don’t ever be arrogant. Don’t ever presume who has or who has not got the ability to purchase. 'Rough diamonds are still diamonds.'

Don’t rubbish the opposition. Don’t try to ‘take’ a competitor's listing.

Disappointed vendors will find you if you are honest with integrity and energy.

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

Agents who undermine other agents or agencies. Agents that are only considering the easy money, not their vendor's best interests.

The Northern Territory property market has had a tough time over the last couple of years. What’s your outlook for the next 12-18 months?

Gosh wouldn’t we all like THE crystal ball.  My glass is always half full... I have to remain positive that the next boom cycle is on the horizon... and encourage others to look, feel and act positive. 

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

When I retire? On the coast somewhere... so I can walk along beaches without worrying about crocodiles!

The REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence are being held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney, on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Click here to find out more about the REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence.

Read more about finalists in the upcoming REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence:

REIA reveals finalists for the 2018 National Awards for Excellence

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