Women in Real Estate: Meet Donna Burke

Introducing Donna Burke, Sales Consultant at Coogee Real Estate. She has been in the industry for 30 years and loves the diversity of working in real estate, meeting people from different age groups, and the fact that no two days are the same...

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

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

30 years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

Elders Randwick in Sales.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

I worked in sport for a number of years then fell into Real Estate as I loved the property market and meeting people in different age groups. I love the fact that in one day I can deal with a young first home buyer,  a divorcing couple then an elderly person having to make the decision to go into aged care. No two days are the same.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Being an advisor on real estate to clients at various stages of their life whether it be first home, upsizing, divorce, downsizing, moving to aged care or advising executors of deceased estates.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Watching incompetent males move into management roles because they wear a suit and drink with the boys. Our industry suffers because of it.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

It's all about communicating effectively whether it be with buyers, vendors, tradespeople, solicitors or tenants. So many problems are erased if there is effective communication from day one.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I am not afraid to speak my mind.

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

Not as much I would like to see. Too many talented intelligent young women are not encouraged enough, get sick of the games played by the Boys club and leave the industry. The number of female Associate Agents does not seem to be increasing enough which is a big concern for the future.

"Respect everyone you come in contact with. Tenant one day, vendor the next. Real Estate is a roller coaster ride; you just have to hang in there to enjoy the good times." - Donna

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

The behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept. Call out bad behaviour.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

I have stayed 30 years and am still enjoying it, so I do not have any regrets.

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

Be true to yourself. Find a company that  respects their staff, with leaders who have values and are not afraid to exercise them.

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

Dress professionally for comfort. Don’t wear heels to an outdoor auction!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

It is a great industry for a woman as you can organise it to suit your life, particularly nowadays with advances in technology.

CONTACT: Donna Burke

Coogee Real Estate

Office: 9665 3341

Mobile: 0418 213 210

Email: donna@coogeere.com.au

Instagram: instagram.com/coogeerealestate

Facebook: facebook.com/DonnaBurkeRealEstate

www.coogeerealestate.com.au