How to Change Careers – From 5 People Who Know

Whether you’re tossing up if a career change to real estate is the right decision for you, or you’re simply unsure where to start; take a leaf out of the book of those who have ‘been there and done that’. Five real estate professionals who took the leap into the wide world of real estate, share their top pieces of advice for starting out in the industry.

Stay True to Yourself

Daniel Brisblat, now Lead Agent at Place Graceville, believes you should never lose sight of your core values. Brisblat spent 23 years in the sales industry before transitioning into a career in real estate mid last year.

“My advice to anyone would to be honest with yourself about who you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and find an office or company that represents your core values,” says Brisblat.

Get Your Registration Certificate

Jason Akermanis, now a Real Estate Licensee at Akermanis Property Bluemoon played 248 games for the Brisbane Lions before setting his sights on the real estate industry. His words of wisdom include getting certified, as your first point of call.

“Go and get your Registration with the REIQ,” says Akermanis.

“Get a feel for it, it’s a wonderful industry. It’s a lot of work but it gives you a lot of purpose. If you work hard, you will get the results.”

Perfect Your Property Personality

Ben Kingsberry, Harcourts Managing Director believes that having the right real estate personality is the key to a successful career change into the industry. He challenges prospective career changers to question why they want to enter the industry.

“When you have that ‘unconditional moment’, or you’ve helped someone into their new home and out of their old one – those are the worthwhile moments. The really good agents are thinking about how they’ve helped these people, not about what they’ve just earned in commission,” says Kingsberry.

Kingsberry spent many years in property economics before becoming a Principal at Harcourts in Townsville in 2012.

Find a Mentor

Jacinta Crickmore, Senior Property Manager at Ray White Wynnum began her professional life as a florist before transitioning into healthcare sales, and then into the real estate industry. Crickmore believes that finding a mentor who works in the industry is one of the best things you can do.

“You need someone you can talk to, get advice from and who can give you a lending hand,” says Crickmore.

“Make sure you’re picky with who you can get help from – it should be someone who does things by the book.”

Be Assured That Age is No Barrier

Ron Hicks, Principal at Elders Nambour began his career in real estate back in 1965, before the introduction of decimal currency in Australia. He believes that beginning a career in real estate later in life should not be a barrier to success.

“Highly successful people have a choice on whether they wish to retire because, if you’re really good, you can earn sufficient money and certainty within 10 years. That’s when entering real estate at an older age becomes a real benefit,” says Hicks.