Women In Real Estate: Meet Anita Wildash

Introducing Anita Wildash, Residential Sales Manager at Cunninghams Real Estate on Sydney's Northern Beaches. She believes the harder you work the luckier you are. She is also incredibly grateful for her support team at work, and at home...

We chatted with Anita about working in real estate and asked her what advice she had for other women wanting to get into the industry...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Since 2018. I couldn’t have picked a better market to cut my teeth in as it’s no secret there are great learnings to be found in a tough market.

WHERE DID YOU START?

Cunningham’s...and still here.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

That’s a Y-E-S!!

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

New ones cropping up every week…

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

None yet – touch wood!!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Every day is different. Every deal is different. Property is our game, but I choose to concentrate on servicing and supporting the people behind the properties – both sellers and buyers. It’s a relationship business to me.

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

Not much to be honest as I’ve only been in the industry for three years. After leaving University my career background was in Research and HR/Accounts. I made a career switch in my 40’s and started again from the bottom up. Females are key decision makers when it comes to buying property – probably making around 80% of property decisions - and yet Real Estate is a male dominated domain. Empathetic and intelligent females are under-represented in this Industry. I saw a gap I could fill and an exciting new challenge. At Cunningham’s the norm is bucked - there are many strong and successful female role models.

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

We’ve been blessed to have been busy in our business when so many industries have suffered and been hit hard during this unprecedented pandemic. Invest and buy property where you want to live, not where you want to work. So many people are now making properties decisions based around lifestyle and not their work – we’re seeing a major mindset shift in priorities. I think we’ve all had time to reflect on what’s most important to us.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

The harder you work, the luckier you are. And most importantly - there’s only one you, be yourself, everyone else is taken.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

No regrets career wise, only learnings. When it comes to a life/career balance, I could not work the long hours I do without the support of my husband. He runs a company but also finds himself at the forefront of most of our day-to-day household happenings. I do feel guilty about this, but he is the bomb and looks after me so well!

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

Have a go and believe in yourself. Women naturally have the qualities that are needed in this industry – but equally be prepared to put in long hours and a commitment to learning. It won’t be easy. Surround yourself with the right mentors – and don’t be surprised that this might not be another woman. My work partner James and I complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. James has had a massive influence on me becoming the agent I am today.

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

Your feet will suffer so invest in the best quality heels you can afford!! Always have ballet flats in the car for those tricky situations that have you scaling tiered rock gardens and steep driveways.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Success is a team thing. I love being part of a part dynamic team and working alongside people I genuinely respect. It makes the long hours and sacrifices worth it. There’s an engine room behind every successful sale, not just the names on the signboard. James and I are kept in our lanes by our EA Leah, pictured above. Work with those that support you and celebrate your wins, and always reward hard work #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

CONTACT: Anita Wildash

Cunninghams Real Estate

Office: 9430 9427

Mobile: 0411 147 796

Email: anita@cunninghamsre.com.au

Instagram: instagram.com/anita_cunninghams/

cunninghamsre.com.au