One of Brisbane’s top real estate agents, Cara Bergmann, has joined Coronis to lead the company’s newest office, Coronis Bridgeman Downs / Albany Creek.

The new office opened on 3 April.

Bergmann is regularly ranked one of Queensland's top real estate performers, and has sold more than 700 properties on Brisbane’s northside since she moved to Australia in 2007.

Bergmann spoke to WILLIAMS MEDIA about her time selling real estate in South Africa before she moved to Australia, and says the Brisbane market is poised for growth, with Sydney and Melbourne investors looking north for greater affordability.

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

My father had always bought and sold real estate and it was something I was interested in from a young age. At the age of 19 I decided to get into one of the top agencies in South Africa, and the rest is history. I did step away from real estate to manage the sales division of a Holden & Isuzu car dealership for seven years, and I also bought a Spar supermarket for four years, after which I returned to real estate. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

My favourite part of the job is meeting and helping people. Buying or selling your home is one of the most important and stressful things people will ever do, so making this experience stress-free is the best feeling in the world. 

Coronis MD Andrew Coronis says you’re one of the best agents in Brisbane, with an impressive track record over 20 years. What do you attribute your success to?

Loving what you do and being consistent in life would be the main reasons for my success. Doing the right thing by your clients always pays off.

You’ve also worked in South Africa. Can you tell us a little about selling real estate in South Africa?

Real estate on South Africa is a completely different process. They work with the buyers and listings are generally multi-listed and the focus is very strong on getting the client in the car and beating the other agents to get the deal done. Commissions are also much higher at 7.5 per cent. Wouldn’t we love that in Australia? 

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

Don’t lose faith, join a business that has processes and that will hold you responsible. Focus on the one patch, and always, always do the right thing. 

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

I suppose it would be to change the public’s perception about our profession.  I would like to see a better training system in place. 

What’s your outlook for the Brisbane property market for the next 18 months?

I think we are in for good growth over the next 18 months, with Sydney and Melbourne properties being out of reach to most investors which is pushing them up to Brisbane. 

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

I live in Carseldine with my family and love it there. I am privileged to live in Australia and this is my preference of country. A beach shack would be an added bonus though...

Coronis Bridgeman Downs / Albany Creek is the group's twenty-seventh office; the organisation's goal is to reach 40 offices by 2020.

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