Women In Real Estate: Meet Kate Smith

Introducing Kate Smith, Sales Agent at Ray White Woollahra/Paddington. Passionate about the industry, she loves the fast pace, the thrill of the negotiation process and the opportunity to constantly build new relationships in her community...

We chatted with Kate 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?

Seven years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I came from a marketing background and started my real estate career in leasing. When I was in marketing, I worked for one of my favourite brands, which I loved, but at my core, I am a 'people person' and felt the urge to dive into more of a client facing role. Growing up on the Central Coast, I was always interested in a lifestyle near the water and thought Bondi Beach was a great place to start. Leasing was the perfect springboard into sales as it taught me the open home process, working to a set of KPI's and the pace at which you are expected to operate. 

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

I work at Ray White Woollahra / Paddington in a sales role within The Brodie Group and I have to say, I feel like I have found my passion. Every day is different, I have met some incredible people along the way and the fast pace is how I like to work.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

A magic moment for me was only two weeks ago. I have always tried hard to achieve big prices for my clients, it's the thrill of the negotiation process and never leaving money on the table that I love the most. So two weeks ago I ran an auction campaign for a very special house in Randwick. I knew setting the suburb record may be a possibility, but our core focus was getting the highest possible price for these lovely clients. Instead of taking a pre-auction offer, we stuck to the process, ran the auction and sold the house for $400k above the suburb record and $500k above the original offer. I will never forget the auction and how happy the vendors were.  

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Sometimes things don't go the way you would like but I tend not to dwell on the past. I have navigated some tricky situations however with the right support network at the office, I do believe these experiences make you stronger, more well equipped for the future and even more motivated to keep pushing forward. 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

I always say to my buyers, the three things you can't change about a property are the aspect, the location and the neighbours - choose wisely!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I've learnt that I respond really well to setting goals. I am naturally a competitive person and having stretch goals set in place makes me more focussed and driven.

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

They haven't changed as such given my tenure but I have been lucky enough to be associated with offices that really empower women and appreciate their contribution to the industry. From monthly in-house women's forums to incredible female leaders, I have found that having access to other women to learn from and listen to, has really shaped my career.

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

I've learnt that it's important to have empathy with all clients becaue sometimes you don't know what is happening in the background. Some clients have lost their livelihoods, family members they never got to say goodbye to, divorces etc and as agents, we are at the forefront of these life altering moments so it's important to react with compassion and respect.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got. This resonates with me so deeply and always reminds me to take a risk and to continue to challenge myself.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

Not starting sooner! I wish I had started this role straight out of school, however I guess sometimes you need to go on a journey to find out what it is that you love.

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

It isn't what you think it is. It's not always all male teams, fast cars and working 24/7. Sure, there's an element of that but I feel that can also be common in other industries too. It can be long days and high pressure situations, I won't lie about that, but it is so rewarding in every way. There can be days of looking at incredible homes, helping a lovely family find their dream house or even popping a bottle of champagne with a wonderful couple after you sell their place at auction. It's so special that you get to be a part of these big events in people's lives, which hopefully may create a long lasting friendship. In real estate you get out what you put in, and you are solely responsible for your own trajectory, which is hugely exciting. If listings are not coming in or I haven't met my target, it's on me and I know I haven't done enough work. If you want to be successful, you can be with enough structure, tenacity and determination - male or female.

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

The day you don’t make an effort with your outfit is the day you will be called into an important listing appointment, or run into a new potential client - always dress to impress!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Time in the industry, where you grew up or your professional background really does not impact your next day, week or year. It's what you do with your time and the way you make people feel that's actually important. 

CONTACT: Kate Smith

Ray White Woollahra | Paddington

Mobile: 0413 763 350

Email: kate.smith@raywhite.com

Instagram: instagram.com/kate_smith_realestate

Website: raywhitewp.com.au