Women In Real Estate: Meet Kimberley Ackerman

6 August 2021

Introducing Kimberley Ackerman, Senior Buyer’s Agent at Trelease Associates and creator of The Property Buyble podcast. Kimberley believes relationships are key and that you should “always think outside the square” – in any situation. She also believes that resilience in situations that push the boundaries make you do things that are courageous, scary and tough, and will not only grow your character but enable you to achieve things far beyond what you had imagined...

We had a chat with Kimberley and she shared her advice for other women wanting a career in real estate...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Two years.

WHERE DID YOU START?

I started in the Construction/Development Industry of property nine years prior and moved over to the Buyer’s Agent world at Trelease Associates and have been there ever since!

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

It sure is! To make the move over was quite a big deal for me at the time but I knew I wanted to be a Buyer’s Agent so the rewards far outweighed the risk.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Every time I get to tell a client that we’ve secured a home or investment for them. I’ve had people cry, scream, laugh, you name it – but it's always a rush and the most enjoyable part.

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

I think just generally when things don’t go according to plan – losing property opportunities that I thought we’d get over the line, dealing with conflict etc.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

There are many personalities in the real estate industry – and it’s about trying to adapt and relate to all people you speak to – whether clients, Agents or other. Everyone has a story, their own struggle and their reasons for the decisions they make or the communication styles they have. Relationships are key when you are undertaking a role like this.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I have learned that I’m capable of pulling off some pretty extraordinary things! Haha I’ve learned that you don’t need to be in the industry for 10 years to start making traction and anything can be learnt if you tackle it hard enough – you absolutely MUST put in the work though.

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

In the last few years, I haven’t really seen a huge change in the real estate industry with regards to women’s roles. For a while now there has been a ratio dominance of women to men in the industry. I love seeing strong women be successful in any industry and I think real estate is just another example of that.

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

My real estate tips for what we’ve endured in the past year is to do what is right for you. Everyone has a different financial situation so its important to explore all avenues and ensure as much as possible that buying/selling/renting etc. is the right thing for you. Always do your own research and this will translate into any informed decisions you make – even if you are working with a professional.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

I learn so much from other professionals in the industry every day, but something that has always stuck out to me is to “always think outside the square” – in any situation. Pretty cliché but I think very few people truly know and feel what that quote really means. It’s looking beyond what has been done. True intelligence for me is being creative with the information you learn and collect to create solutions to problems that aren’t the norm and that aren’t average. Moulding those solutions into “out of the box” decisions will put you ahead of the game.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

That I didn’t start earlier…

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

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Resilience in situations that push the boundaries make you do things that are courageous, scary and tough, and will not only grow your character but enable you to achieve things far beyond what you had imagined. Fear will 100% hold you back from success. Making that call you don’t want to make, knocking on that door you don’t want to knock on. Every action you make in your career will pave the way to something average or something amazing. My colleague, Annabelle, and I always say “one phone call can change everything!”.

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

Presentation is everything. At Trelease Associates, Daniel Trelease has always encouraged us to show up and dress up. Whether we have a 10 minute inspection or a quick meeting, dress professionally as your presentation will display a façade to the services that you provide.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I’ve always said that if you decide to do something, do it well. If you want to be a Buyer’s Agent for example, don’t just get the job done - be a great Buyers Agent. I think you know if you’re in the right profession, by the amount of effort that comes naturally to you while you’re undertaking it. I also think its important to have a “niche”. There are so many Buyer’s Agents, even more Sales Agents. Decide what you are good at and what your niche is and market the hell out of yourself emphasising that component. It will set you apart from the competition and people will start hiring you for your niche – not just because you are front of mind.