In 2003, hotel manager Penny Neep moved from ‘whisky country’ in Scotland to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Now, almost 20 years later, she’s launched her own business, Penny Neep Real Estate, after gaining a reputation as one of Noosa hinterland’s most recognised, approachable and successful agents.

Penny’s start in Aussie real estate sales resulted from being a frustrated buyer.

“We came from the north of Scotland and my last home had two-foot-thick granite walls with turrets. The couple of agents I met here weren't able to give me what I was used to – a comfortable, sturdy, safe home. They were talking about removable homes and lightweight construction. I saw the REIQ licensing course and thought, 'I'll do that and then I'll know what I'm talking about!’ During the course, I discovered I loved real estate and decided to become an agent myself.”

Penny would go on to work locally for national real estate groups, earning her stripes before eventually buying national real estate franchises of her own.

“I eventually sold out of those and worked for another boutique agent in the hinterland.”

Giving clients what they need, not what the industry thinks they need, is foundational to Penny’s approach.

“I consider myself a service person, and that’s exactly what I believe real estate should be. You don't sell to someone; you make them comfortable, give them the service they need, and then they’ll want to buy”.

While there are a lot of uncertainties when opening a business, there was one thing Penny knew for sure – she would never work under a big franchise again. She said her past experience with the brand names had been very average.

“We paid them a franchise fee and they did occasional training, but to me it wasn't worth it. That first time years ago, I didn’t understand Australian business and thought if I go with a franchise, they'll guide me through running a business but in the end, I was extremely disappointed because they didn't guide me through anything.”

And working for a big brand can be a two-edged sword. While the name might be trusted by some, Penny also discovered that she could be tarred with the same brush when other agents failed to look after clients.

“We’d often find that the big franchise wasn't a trusted name. If someone had had a bad experience with the company elsewhere, we wouldn’t be considered for their listing.”

But that won’t be a problem with ‘Penny Neep Real Estate’. After more than 15 years working her local market, Penny has the name recognition needed to promote the new operation.

“That's why I chose ‘Penny Neep Real Estate’ as the name. I've sold a lot of homes in the area and wherever I go, if I just say, ‘Hi, I'm Penny,’ they’ll say, ‘Are you Penny Neep?’ It’s a name that seems to resonate and stay with people.”

Penny met with UrbanX CEO, Dan Argent, after a recommendation from another agent on the platform. She said once she understood the service UrbanX provided, there was no question she’d join.

“I just want to list and sell. I don't want to be bogged down, particularly when things get busy, with all of the paperwork that goes on behind the scenes. I think a lot of other agents who’ve gone out from their own will find that out when they get busy too.

“Also, I love Dan's energy. I went to a dinner the other day with UrbanX and their agents and there were just no egos in the room. They were the nicest people who are all successful and want to help each other thrive. I loved it. It was so refreshing.”

Penny said she’s also decided not to open a bricks-and-mortar shopfront but, instead, stay mobile to ensure the best possible experience for her clients.

“In my last job I would only go into the office for the sales meeting, so ‘Penny Neep Real Estate’ is going to embrace technology and do it all without a shopfront – but I’ll still make sure client relations are a top priority.

“I like getting in front of a buyer and walking them through the contract so that they understand the whole process. I like to make sure everything's smooth and comfortable, so I go to people's homes. I’ll drive to Bribie Island and Brisbane… I’ve even flown to Sydney in the past to interact with sellers and buyers.”

Penny’s feels the coming year could well be her best yet.

“I want to grow market share, but I also plan to enjoy my work rather than feeling restrained – actually have some fun.

“My plan is to get on with my job and then enjoy it. I don't need a holiday; I love what I do, and a lot of my clients become friends.”

For more information, please visit www.urbanx.io

This is a sponsored feature article. 

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