Paula Pearce moved to Brisbane to enjoy the better weather and spend more quality time with her children.

The move also meant a career change from a contracts negotiatior to real estate.

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

I have been working as a real estate professional in Brisbane for almost ten years. 

Prior to real estate, I worked as a professional contracts negotiator for a global software company managing the company’s largest account.  

The role was based in Sydney and included significant national and international travel. 

The change in career came about as I wanted to spend more time with my children and enjoy better weather. 

I managed to achieve both, moving to Brisbane and entering the real estate industry.

Related reading: Australians prepared to move interstate for affordable housing, new research shows

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love helping young professionals secure their first home and later helping them upgrade when they start a family. This is really rewarding. 

Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?

I recently sold 37 Quay Street Bulimba, which was a beautifully renovated Queenslander. 

The quality, design, location and size of the property really resonated with buyers and it was extremely popular with many views online.

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37 Quay Street, Bulimba sold by Paula Pearce of Place Bulimba, as seen on Luxury List

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

Be ready to work hard. There will be many challenges but if you have excellent work ethic and always work in a professional, friendly and honest manner, you will enjoy success.

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

The image of real estate agents. The professional, successful sales agents I know have worked extremely hard over many, many years to be successful. 

I feel that sometimes there might be a misconception that it is an easy job and that success comes quickly.

Related reading: Savvy homeowners cash in on high capital growth suburbs in Brisbane

What’s your outlook for the property market in Bulimba for the next 12-18 months?

Excellent. Currently there is a healthy appetite for Brisbane real estate from interstate buyers (specifically Sydney and Melbourne).   

People know how great Queensland is, especially the weather and relaxed lifestyle. 

I see this demand increasing over the next 12-18 months as these buyers start to implement their plans to move north. 

I was one of these buyers myself and have never looked back!

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

We live in Brisbane and love our community. It is perfect for our young family. 

We travel overseas often to explore but love coming home! We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

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