Women In Real Estate: Meet Connie Gerakis

Introducing our next 'Women In Real Estate' dynamo Connie Gerakis, Director of Sales at Stone Real Estate Earlwood. She loves her chosen career and loves helping her clients achieve their property dreams...

We had a chat with Connie about her style 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?

I started in 2014

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started with LJ Hooker Rockdale, we then bought the Earlwood office and I moved to the new office there.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Absolutely, love what I do.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

My best experiences are always the same, having that client smile and thank me for helping them realise their real estate goals.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Let’s just say the house was supposed to be empty, vendors were away and I had booked in a private inspection with some buyers. When we got to the back yard the vendors neighbours were sunbaking nude. I think we all got a shock that day.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Don’t worry about the money you’re going to make - worry about the client. If you care about your clients’ needs, you’ll always make a sale. Help people get what they want and what they dream about, then you’ll be successful. Don’t wait for an opportunity; make your own!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I learned to not settle for anything but the best, and to also see the benefit in all the opportunities that were presented to me. While not everyone wants the same things, it is so important to work for what you want and not be afraid to ask for it, we only have this one life after all.

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

Despite the challenges, being a woman in real estate today has its advantages. Women are generally known to display a greater level of empathy, and persistence. They also tend to be more sensitive and patient towards the client’s need leading to higher client satisfaction ratio.

We are also typically good at balancing work and family, women are better at multi-tasking, which is a critical aspect of real estate.

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

After reflecting on the last year of being in the business, the number one advice that I would give to agents is: “forget about the sale, and start caring about people”.

People like to deal with people who can genuinely show that they care.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Take time to know yourself. When you know who you are, you can be wise about your goals, your dreams, your standards, your convictions. Knowing who you are allows you to live your life with purpose and meaning.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

Wish I started in the industry earlier, I love what I do.

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

Don’t try to change who you are to try and fit the typical mould of the real estate industry. Be genuine, and be you.

Working as a real estate agent has its challenges: you don't get paid unless you sell, you can work long hours and still have no pay cheque, and you have to adapt to changing market conditions. That said, it can be a rewarding career, both financially and professionally.

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

Creating classy outfits is about putting together crucial elements and making sure your style and confidence also shines through. Put on some mascara to open up your eyes, add some blush to bring some life and dimension to a face, and wear a bold lip to add a pop of colour.

Dressing classy requires a bit of modesty — no midriff-baring tops, revealing low décolletage, or mini skirts.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Number one lesson learned: Your contacts are everything. Build relationships with buyers, vendors, and everyone you have come across in your life. Care about their lives and what they like to do outside of work.

The other thing is, I’ve managed a lot of people in my career and I’ve seen a lot of people succeed and a lot of people fail. The key difference between the two is that those who succeed have real passion for what they do. Whether you’re looking to break into or grow in the industry, if you have passion, you will succeed. Conversely, without passion, you will fail.

CONTACT CONNIE

Stone Real Estate Earlwood

Website: www.stonerealestate.com.au

Socials: instagram.com/conniegerakis