Women In Real Estate: Kate Fraser

Six years into her career as a buyer’s agent, Kate Fraser brings a sharp eye, steady judgement and genuine care to every property search. Working alongside the team at Michelle May Buyers Agents, she has built a reputation for clear strategy and securing homes that genuinely suit her clients’ lives and long-term goals. Read on as Kate shares her career journey, lessons learnt and advice for women considering a future in real estate...

TITLE: Buyer’s Agent, Michelle May Buyers Agents

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

I’ve been a buyer’s agent for six years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I actually started in my early twenties, which is (ahem) let’s say a while ago now. I’d always had a love of property and used to help friends and family look for their first homes, trying to find places that ticked as many boxes as possible, often on very tight budgets.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

It does give me more satisfaction than any other role I’ve had, so I’d say that’s a yes.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Every time I buy a quality property with a client, one that suits them down to the ground and that they genuinely love, that’s incredibly fulfilling. I might inspect dozens of properties for someone, but when they secure the right one, whether to live in or invest in, that moment is always special.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

There’s no single instance, though it’s always hard to see a client miss out on a purchase. But there is always something else we can find for them. It might just take a little longer.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Looks can be deceiving. Always dig into the detail and get a strata report or a pest and building inspection. You’d be surprised at what can lie just below the surface.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

Be tolerant. Expect the unexpected. There are interesting things about everyone, and it’s worthwhile taking the time to understand them.

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

Many more agencies are now being run by women, and very successfully so. I work with Michelle May, who is extremely experienced and a great example of how well women can perform in this industry. My female colleagues at Michelle May bring experience from many other areas of life, and I think that makes them more capable and knowledgeable.

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

If you see something you really like, and it checks out as a good buy, move quickly.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Don’t make assumptions. Be thorough and do the due diligence.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

I worked for a while as a photo director in print media. While that role strengthened my appreciation of light, style and design, I realise now I could have switched into property earlier. That said, I’ve learnt it’s never too late.

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

Do it. Take the leap. Many of the best agents I’ve met, in both sales and buying, are women.

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

You don’t need to fit into a standardised look or image. Dress well, but be yourself. If you’re not a fan of jackets or heels, don’t wear them. When you’re comfortable, that natural ease shows and others feel comfortable too.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

There can be so many factors involved in buying a property, but it’s a fantastic outcome when the place you live brings you joy. Yes, the practical aspects matter, but I’m always looking for that sense of pleasure and rightness in a home.

Contact Details Website: michellemay.com.au Email: kate@michellemay.com.au Instagram: @kate.fraser_mmba