Women In Real Estate: Emily Hay

Meet Emily Hay, the dynamic Director at The Addison Group. With a decade in real estate, Emily's journey from a 17-year-old receptionist to co-founding her own Buyers Agency is truly inspiring. Scroll to read her insights on the evolving role of women in real estate, the importance of perseverance, and valuable advice for buyers and aspiring professionals...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

10 years

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started at LJ Hooker as a receptionist at the ripe age of 17, straight out of school. I worked in reception and then moved through to Leasing and then to a Sales Admin role before moving to Clarke & Humel and working there for 8 years.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Working in real estate is my dream job, I love the fast pace of the industry and although real estate has its challenges, it is extremely rewarding. 

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Taking the plunge and starting my own Buyers Agency with my partner. With a combined 20 + years in real estate, we were both ready for a new adventure.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

There’s nothing that springs to mind as the worst career experience, although I’ve found myself in some pretty tricky situations from being stuck in inclinators to turning up to a property that was completely flooded right before the first open home.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

I’ve learnt that real estate is actually very different to how people perceive it. It is a lot more about understanding people and handling their emotions and personalities more than it is about looking at nice properties.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

That I can handle more than I think I can. There have been many challenging situations where I didn’t think I could get through them, but I always have, so when a similar situation comes up next time, I remind myself I am well versed for the next challenge.

HOW HAVE WOMEN’S ROLES IN REAL ESTATE CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

There are a lot more female agents entering the industry which is great to see. There are also a lot of women working in senior management roles which wasn’t the case 10 years ago, that space has always been occupied by men, so it is nice to see a change.

IT’S BEEN A CHALLENGING YEAR, ARE THERE ANY REAL ESTATE TIPS YOU COULD SHARE?

As the market continues to tighten and prices continue to soar, my number one tip is to ensure you’re prepared when buying a property. It can be challenging for buyers out there who are at a disadvantage when they are up against an experienced agent and trying to negotiate with their emotions at an all time high. For those that have missed out on numerous properties and spent plenty of weekends at open homes, I know it can become an exhausting process. I encourage anyone in this situation to engage a Buyers Agent for their best possible chance at securing a property for a fair price and to remove the stress out of the process. If you’re based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, our team at The Addison Group would love to be a part of your buying journey.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

You can’t pour from an empty cup. This advice resonates with me a lot because a career in Real Estate requires you to have a high level of energy, enthusiasm and positivity. If you aren’t feeling 100%, it can really come across in the way you work. That’s why I have made it a priority to look after myself and get enough rest, so I am ready to handle anything the day throws at me.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

No regrets at all! I am really proud of my career and the direction it has taken, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO START A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?

Work really hard from the start and don’t rush your career in Real Estate. There are so many different roles in the industry, and I feel it is important that people take their time to learn as much as they can in each role, and they will find that different opportunities will present themselves along the way.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FASHION & BEAUTY TIPS THAT YOU’VE LEARNT WHILE ON THE JOB?

Always carry flat shoes on you! Whether it’s a steep driveway or wet weather, I find that being prepared for a shoe swap makes life much easier when you’re out and about inspecting properties.

CONNECT

Mobile – 0434 426 495

Email – emily@theaddisongroup.com.au

Website – www.theaddisongroup.com.au

Instagram – @theaddisongroup_