Women In Real Estate: Meet Melanie van Bentum

Meet Melanie van Bentum, Operations / Asset Manager at Blake Property. Working in Real Estate is her dream job however she says it isn't necessarily all about the properties, but rather the people you meet and the business relationships that grow over time. Scroll to read more about Mel and the industry she loves...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Sssshhhhhh just over 26 years! 

WHERE DID YOU START?

A small agency in Quakers Hill where I grew up. 

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Absolutely.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE

? There are so many. Being able to work with an amazing team each day and to be able to assist our clients in so many areas of our industry is what makes me happy. Building relationships with our clients is very special and makes my role so rewarding. 

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Having to enforce legislation on tenants when they don’t pay their rent.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Real Estate for me isn't necessarily about the properties, but rather the people we meet and the business relationships that grow over time, and the friendships that can form as well. Working in an amazing community like Avalon is unique and very special. There are many amazing and inspiring people we get to work with. 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

At times you need very thick skin. Resilience and being able to separate your emotions can be hard however to do the best job for a client you need to be able to focus on the endpoint and not get caught up in the emotion that can occur. Especially in times of covid or flooding etc when as Asset Managers we become emotionally depleted. We are human and we have feelings and empathy. Being able to manage that in a business environment can be a tricky balance at times. 

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

Well over 25 years ago there were not many women in the Sales Teams. Women were fierce back-end administrators and Property Manager heroes. Now we see women ruling the Real Estate sector. 

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

This too shall pass. Breathe and take one day at a time. And, always be kind.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Balance – find your balance with work, life and play.  

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

We live and learn. I try to never have regrets. We all make silly choices and think about how we should have changed them. Growth comes from failing and stuffing up. Learn from it!! Move forward and don’t look back. 

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

It can be a tough road, there will be long, hard days. Stick with it. Commit to yourself and always turn up. Turn up and smile. Learn – never stop learning within your industry and on a personal level. Stay fit and active as this creates an outstanding balance that you need for a long career in Real Estate.

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

Yes – always carry flat shoes in your car (well for me I personally take my shoes off if I'm walking up a steep driveway etc.} Smile – it not only makes you feel good but everyone that receives your smile as well.  

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Personally, I am very thankful for the many years in this ever-changing, challenging industry. I am currently in a fantastic agency (coming on 10 years) where I am supported in my personal and business growth and have the pleasure of working with amazing people every day. We spend so much time in an office with our teammates so make it a good place to be. Ensure you are supported and cared for and do the same for your teammates. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do. Always try to be better than you were yesterday and smile, and be kind.

CONNECT

P  | 9973 4444

E  | assetmanager@blakeproperty.com.au

BLAKEPROPERTY.COM.AU

@instagram.com/blakepropertyavalon/