From hairdresser to high-performing agent: How single mum became number one in Carindale

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Mar 6, 2025

From hairdresser to high-performing agent: How single mum became number one in Carindale

Place Bulimba’s Anna Dunne’s journey from hairdresser to Carindale’s number one real estate agent on realestate.com.au and RateMyAgent is a story of hard work, dedication, and a refusal to give up.

Place Bulimba

Place Bulimba Team

What started as a leap of faith into a new career turned into an extraordinary rise to the top.

Anna spent ten years running her own hair salon in the bustling suburb of New Farm. The experience taught her invaluable lessons about customer service and communication in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Seeking more flexibility, Anna transitioned into hair product sales, where she quickly proved her knack for selling.

In 2017, Anna’s brother encouraged her to consider real estate, noting that if she could sell products, she could sell anything. The idea struck a chord, and Anna dove into the industry with no prior experience, taking on a lead agent role. At first, she was unsure of how to navigate this new world, but she was determined to make it work.

When COVID-19 hit, her work ethic was put to the test. As a single mum, there was no option to fail. She adapted quickly to the new normal, conducting private inspections wearing a mask, door knocking until dark, and making sure to always show up for her clients.

“I was doing whatever it took to make it work for my daughter and me,” Anna said.

“I made sure to put in the hours, no matter what. I’m highly competitive, and I wanted to be the best version of myself for my clients. Every single day, I made sure I was giving my all.”

Her dedication paid off in a big way when, in 2023, she achieved the highest sale price ever recorded in Carindale for a property that wasn’t situated with city or water views. The property at 70 Stanmer Street sold for an impressive $3.82 million – a record that still stands today.

Anna joined Place in November 2021, bringing her passion and drive to the Place One Group. Since then, her business has flourished, and she now leads a team of seven. She credits her success to a few simple yet powerful principles: showing up, controlling what you can control, working harder than everyone else, and always striving to be the best version of yourself.

“I worked seven days a week for six years,” Anna explained. “I believe that work ethic is what sets me apart in the market. In real estate, it’s like sport – you’re either first or last at the listing table. You must go in every time knowing you’re going to win,” Anna shared.

Now ranked as the number one agent in Carindale and recognised as a top performing auction agent for Place, Anna is proud of her achievements but remains focused on the future. She continues to prioritise her clients’ needs, always striving to offer them the best possible service and outcomes.

For agents wanting to dominate in their suburb, Anna attributes her success to the following six factors:

Work ethic: Consistently putting in the time and effort.
Showing up: Always being present for clients, no matter the circumstances, and ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.
Being highly competitive: Striving to be the best version of herself every day and approaching each challenge with a winning mentality.
Controlling the controllables: Focusing on what she can control, such as being punctual, staying organised, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Communication: Staying proactive and engaged with clients.
Consistency: Never taking shortcuts and always going the extra mile.

Paul Curtain, Managing Director of Place One Group, said Anna’s rise reflects her tireless work ethic and her commitment to her clients.

“Anna is a remarkable agent,” Paul said. “She’s the epitome of dedication and professionalism. Her success is a direct result of her hard work,” he said.

With a record-breaking sale under her belt and a team that continues to expand, Anna is proof that with determination, hard work, and a relentless commitment to serving others, anything is possible.