Justine Harris lives in a converted warehouse in Richmond, but would love an island residence in the Bahamas!

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

I first started out 18 years ago in the industry and have always been a sales agent.

Prior to that I worked in the travel and tourism industry for Ansett Australia.

I've been with two other real estate firms but have been with RT Edgar for six years.

I have always worked around the inner suburbs of Melbourne including Richmond, Toorak, East Melbourne, and South Yarra.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The diversity of homes that we sell, not to mention the people that we deal with.

Related reading: Get to know Jeremy Fox, Director of RT Edgar

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

I sold 39 Duke Street, Windsor, an old pub which was converted into a home.

It had an amazing infinity roof pool with unobstructed city views, and just under 400 people viewed the home throughout campaign.

We took drone footage for the marketing campaign, and there was heaps of media exposure on FM radio stations. It was an extremely unique property.

It sold for $4.85 million about two years ago. 

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

Although it may seem a difficult industry to break into at the start, just continue to work hard and your efforts will ultimately pay off with a rewarding career.

When I started in real estate there weren't as many female sales agents, women were more sales assistants or personal assistants.

I was doing letter drops until late in the evening.

You really have to work hard at the start and you will be rewarded.

Related reading: "Vendors who are prepared to meet the market are the ones selling"

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

I believe the market will remain strong within the area – Toorak is Melbourne’s most salubrious postcode so there will always be demand, regardless of how other areas of Melbourne are performing in the market.

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

I currently reside in Richmond in a converted warehouse which I love, however an island residence in The Bahamas where I holidayed recently would be my ideal place to live!

Related reading:

How Gen Y will reshape the property market

House price drops in Sydney and Melbourne not as "dramatic" as we are led to believe

Is the $50 billion Melbourne suburban rail loop the answer for congestion and housing?