Women In Real Estate: Meet Amanda Gould

Introducing our next 'Women In Real Estate'  award-winning Amanda Gould, Director / Principal Buyers Agent at Highspec Properties. She's been passionate about property since buying her first apartment when she was 18 ...

We had a chat with Amanda about her career and asked if she had any advice for other women wanting a career in real estate. Please read on for her expert advice...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Ten years, however I have been buying property personally since 1988.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started my Buyers Agency firm in 2010 while I was on maternity leave from my corporate job.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Yes, I love helping people through the maze of buying property and helping them achieve their dream of buying a property. It's what gets me up in the morning. It doesn’t matter if it's a first home buyer or a luxury buyer, I get just as excited to be of service.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Winning my first award in 2017 the REINSW Awards Of Excellence, the subsequent two REI and REIA awards, the most recent Buyers Agent Of The Year 2020, and also the REB Women In Business Buyers Agent Of The Year in 2019. I am humbled and grateful to be recognised by the industry with these prestigious awards. 

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Hiring too fast. Since my early days, I have quickly learned to hire slow, fire fast.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Relationships are the most important thing. Relationships with agents, your team and most importantly clients are so important. Also, hiring the right people that are aligned with your mission and values.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I am determined, resiliant and hard working (although I did know that in my previous career). I’ve also learnt that these traits have helped me build my company and standing within the buyers agent community.  

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

There are a lot more women joining the industry every day. I am a big supporter of women in business and women in real estate, and I like to forge relationships to help and nuture other womens’ businesses. Women owning businesses has definitely grown over the last 10 years, which is great to see.

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

Having a good support system within our team is very important. Also being consistent no matter what the challenges. You need to be consistent in your communication with clients, your team, consistent in your message within the industry etc.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Back in 1988 when I was 18, I was told to buy my first property, no one I knew was buying property. It ignited a passion that is still on fire today.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

No regrets so far. I have learnt a lot since I started my business a decade ago. I'm grateful for all the lessons.

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

Be prepared to work extremely hard for at least three years to learn the ropes, understand the business and build relationships. It is a great industry as it gives you flexibility unlike most 9-5 jobs.

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

While property is in my blood, I am just as obsessed with fashion and beauty. I always feel we are on show, so I like to dress well. People make their minds up in the first three seconds of meeting you, so why not look like you're put together? How you dress can also give you confidence. I don’t have one type of look and will dress according to my mood. With regards to beauty I like to give myself an at home mini-facial once a week and a salon facial once a month. If you look after your skin it shows. 

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

This job is adictive and sometimes it's hard to switch off and take time for yourself and family. That's a major lesson I learnt last year, to take time for me. That could be as simple as walking along the beach, having a facial, or catching up with good friends. Whatever downtime looks like to you, make sure you schedule it in and don't cheat yourself.

CONTACT AMANDA

amanda@highspecproperties.com.au

Ph 0410 608 352

Website: www.highspecproperties.com.au

Socials: instagram.com/highspec.properties