Women In Real Estate: Meet Gemma Baker

Introducing Gemma Baker, Investment Manager/Leasing Consultant at Di Jones. Her advice to women wanting a career in real estate is, "Go for it girl! Go out there and show how great you are and that women can do anything!"...

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

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Two years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started at McGrath Southern Highlands and now settling in my new role at DiJones Illawarra.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Yes, it definitely has its challenges, but I think that’s why I love it. I love talking with new people and solving problems. It’s my dream job!

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

The best experience I’ve had so far was for sure closing my first deal! It was so liberating and exciting to have landlords who genuinely seen and knew how much I would go above and beyond for them. It’s all about building connections and building my first real connection with a landlord was by far the highlight of my career.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Being in Investment Management you can have a few bad experiences if you aren’t organised. Real Estate sometimes is a challenging industry to be in, it’s all about the way you handle the situation and what you do to overcome challenges.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Always be prepared and organised. What I’ve learnt is if you aren’t prepared and organised you will go crazy and be all over the place, which will create more workload and unhappy clients.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

How strong I can be. You have to have a thick skin in this career and handle anything that comes to you.

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

Not really, my role in Investment Management is very female dominant and I love that! I’m all for women in power.

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

We’ve been super lucky and have been busier than ever! People have the flexibility working from home now, and tend to move areas, rent for a short period of time and then buy in the area. Its like a little trial they’re doing.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

People buy your energy! Best advice EVER!

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

None, I love it. I get up every morning excited for the day. In this career its either you love it or hate it. I don’t believe there in an inbetween.

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

Go for it girl! Go out there and show how great you are and that women can do anything!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Look, I’m the agent wearing the heels, dresses and makeup, but, when I’m doing inspections, ingoings, outgoings and routines, my best advice is to wear flat shoes! I can't stress enough your feet will thank you for it.

CONTACT: Gemma Baker | Di Jones

Mobile: 0412 651 825

Email: gbaker@dijones.com.au

Instagram: gemmabaker_dijones

Website: www.dijones.com.au