Women In Real Estate: Helen Singleton

With over a decade of experience in the property industry, Helen Singleton has built her career on the buyer’s side of real estate, guiding clients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives. After transitioning from the corporate sector, Helen followed her passion for property and found her niche helping buyers navigate an often complex and emotional process. Known for her calm, patient approach and unwavering advocacy for her clients, Helen shares her journey, insights and lessons learnt throughout her 11 years in real estate...

TITLE: Buyer’s Agent, Highspec Properties

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

11 years

WHERE DID YOU START?

After many years working in the corporate sector, I decided to follow my passion for real estate. My first role was assisting the sales team at Burgess Rawson Commercial Real Estate. At the time, I had young children, so I worked part-time.

I then secured a position with a local real estate agency on the Lower North Shore. It was during this period that it became clear my true interest lay on the buying side of the transaction. One day, while greeting buyers at an open home, I met a buyer’s agent. I asked her how she had entered the industry and, after a coffee catch-up, I began working alongside her. The rest, as they say, is history — nine years on, and I’m still loving it.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Yes. I love helping my clients find their next home. There’s nothing better than being successful with a purchase and seeing how happy they are.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

I worked with a family who had been trying to enter the market for two years without success. As prices continued to rise, even when they increased their budget, the market kept moving just beyond their reach. During this time, the wife was also battling breast cancer, which made the experience particularly emotional for the whole family.

After a few months, I was able to secure them the perfect home in their dream location at a great price — an outcome that felt especially meaningful and well deserved. Around the same time, she also received the all-clear, making it an incredibly special moment for everyone involved.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Early in my career, I had a client I’d been working with for just over a month when I came across an off-market opportunity that I assumed wouldn’t suit them. It didn’t align with the brief in my mind, and I felt the property had limited natural light, so I didn’t present it.

After not hearing from them for over a week, I discovered they had purchased the very same property directly after being contacted by the agent. I was devastated — and it was a valuable lesson learned early on: never assume on behalf of your client and always present every opportunity.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

It’s always about the people, and making sure my clients know I am firmly in their corner. Buying a property — no matter the size of the budget — is inherently stressful, so it’s important to be there every step of the way.

I never assume clients understand the process. Just because we deal with it every day doesn’t mean they’re familiar with the jargon or the complexities involved.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I am very patient and can be a lot more resilient than I thought.

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

Throughout my career in real estate, aside from my time in the commercial sector, I’ve predominantly worked in female-led environments, so it’s difficult for me to comment broadly. From my experience, the sales side of real estate does tend to be more male-dominated, while the buyer’s side has always had a strong representation of women.

I believe this is largely due to the nurturing, supportive approach required when guiding clients through such an emotional and significant process.

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

You never know what’s around the corner, and opportunities are always out there. Stay positive, do the right thing by your clients and the sales agents you work with, and remember that our industry is heavily referral-based. Don’t burn bridges. Keep building relationships and continue networking.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Never assume. Always check and double check — communication is key.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

Not really. Even when things are hard and you think you’ve made the wrong decision, you always learn from them.

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

The more you put in, the more you get out. I started in real estate when my children were quite young, which was challenging at times, particularly with Saturday work. With a strong support network around you, it is absolutely possible.

Learn from others wherever you can. Finding a strong mentor who can guide you and help you navigate the industry is invaluable. Don’t try to cut corners. Although working on the sales side was never my original goal, it gave me a well-rounded understanding of the industry and proved to be an invaluable foundation.

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

Always look professional, but wear flats on open home days. You’re working with people who are trusting you with what is often the biggest financial decision of their lives, so how you present yourself matters. You never know when you’ll meet your next potential client, and more often than not, it’s at an open home.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I love what I do and feel fortunate for the path that’s brought me here. It wasn’t easy at the start — real estate isn’t an industry where you start making money in your first week. When I began my first role as a buyer’s agent, I actually had two jobs just to cover the bills.

By working hard, building strong connections and establishing a good reputation, I’ve found it to be an incredibly rewarding career.

CONTACT

📞 Phone: +61 412 136 169 ✉️ Email: helen@highspecproperties.com.au Office: Suite 18, 20–28 Maddox Street, Alexandria 🌐 Website: www.highspecproperties.com.au