Managing director of Place Bulimba, Sarah Hackett sits down for a one-on-one chat.
It was when Sarah Hackett was working in a cafe in her 20s that a professional women who came in every day told her she would be good in real estate.
Fast forward to today, and she and Damian Hackett are running real estate agency Place, selling high-end real estate in Brisbane.
WILLIAMS MEDIA caught up with her.
How did you first get into real estate?
I deferred from university and was working at my mother's café 'Room with Roses' and I served a professional, immaculate woman every day who told me I would do well in real estate. It was meant to be.
121 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson. As seen on Luxury List
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that you are rewarded for your efforts. Hard work was instilled in me from a young age. My mother worked incredibly hard and I adapted that work ethic.
What I love about this industry is knowing that if I worked harder than everyone else, I could have the chance to sell more than everyone else and that is a real attraction.
I love that you’re also given the chance to change people’s lives in an incredibly positive way.
Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?
35 Berkeley St, Holland Park was the Malouf Pharmacy’s family home. It was architecturally designed to mirror the 1960’s post-modern Palm Springs lifestyle. The home had the most amazing split level living room with a grand piano; many dinner parties were enjoyed here with a concert pianist.
The home oozed Frank Sinatra and the golden years. We even had Frank’s music playing during opens. This home attracted an incredible 21 registered bidders, proving this style of architecture is extremely desirable.
Is real estate a good profession for women?
Absolutely, I am immensely proud to firmly say that Place is absolutely behind gender equality. The same opportunities apply for everyone, at any age.
Residential real estate is not about houses, it is about building relationships with people and nurturing them. It’s not a business where you can see quick results. It takes time to grow these relationships and become their trusted advisor.
Are there elements of the real estate industry that you would like to see changed?
I would like to see real estate agents remembering to stay humble throughout their careers. I don’t like the focus on the agent and how some may use social media to showcase their life every day in an extravagant way. This journey for me is about giving back to the community. I guess I am now older and wiser than I was in my 20s and rewarding others is just as important.
Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
New York City would be fun for a little bit. But I truly love Brisbane. It is such a lovely place to bring our children up.
Related reading:
Millions of dollars of properties set to change hands at Place Bulimba's upcoming All-Star Auction
Place Bulimba All Star Auction: 75 per cent of properties sold or under negotiation