Women in Real Estate: Meet Michelle May

Meet Michelle May, Principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents and host of the Buy Your Side podcast. She's going from strength to strength in a career that she absolutely loves, and she's inspiring others along the way. Scroll to read more about her journey ...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

Officially since 2008, but I bought my first property at the age of 22 and flipped properties for 12 years before becoming a Buyers Agent. I had never sold real estate and worked for a number of buyer agencies in QLD and NSW before starting my own in Sydney in 2017.

WHERE DID YOU START?

When I moved to Australia in 2007 I was seven months pregnant with my second child. A year later I decided I wanted to start my new career as a Buyers Agent after watching Location Location Location obsessively for many years ( and flipping properties in the process). I decided that being a Buyers Agent was my dream job. I knocked on the door of the most reputable (and pretty much only) Buyer's Agent agency in Brisbane ( PS Property Advisory) and convinced them to give me a job! I was a student for a long time as they thoroughly trained me up, and slowly, slowly allowed me to help with clients. I have to say that I was met by many weary sales agents in those years who didn’t quite grasp the concept of what we were doing for our clients! Thankfully that has now changed.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

100%!!! I love my job. I love how my team and I can have such a massive impact on people’s lives. One that quite often extends beyond just the bricks and mortar we have purchased for them. I will never forget one client who burst into tears after an auction, as we had successfully purchased their dream home. When I asked whether those tears were hopefully happy ones she replied - “Yes! We have been waiting to have our second child until we purchased a home and we have been looking for so long on our own before we got your help, that I was worried we had missed the boat! Now we can have another baby!” I have many more stories like that, and it reminds me every time that the property buying journey is often a very emotionally charged one. We never take our position of trust with our clients for granted and I feel enormously privileged to be able to help our clients with the knowledge and experience we bring to the table.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Applying for the Women In Business Mentorship program through the Inner West Council a number of years ago. Whilst I was very confident in my abilities as a buyers agent, running a business was a whole other ballgame. I was very fortunate to have access to four mentors for the duration of three months, during which I also connected with other female business owners in the catchment. Since then, my agency has been a finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and I am in the running to win Buyers Agent Of The Year. So bring it on!

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Working in a toxic work environment. The best thing I did was stand up for myself and walk out the door. It is amazing how many people since have approached me about that situation and have shared their own stories with me. No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable, pressured, inferior or ridiculed, I don’t care who they are.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Real Estate is an ever-evolving game of chess, with perhaps the biggest factor being the fact that human emotions are involved. Everyone has a stake and part to play in every transaction. Taking the time to understand people’s motivations is both fascinating and extremely helpful in getting your clients the best possible deal every time.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I love teaching people what I know. I am extremely passionate about equalising the power in the sales transaction for my buyer clients. I love being able to share my knowledge and educate buyers through my podcast and blogs.

There's a rather corny saying that ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’… I’ve learnt that I don’t mind working the hours that I do, because as it turns out, that saying is actually very true!

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

Women have become much more visible and are now in leadership roles like they have never been before, which is great to see. Women are actually extremely well suited to this industry and I hope to see many more join the ranks over the coming years.

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

Invest in your staff, the business and yourself, and never take your eye off the ball. In our agency, a consistently high level of service to clients is always the highest priority. Never cut corners when it comes to any of this as you’ll suffer the consequences when you least expect it.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Listen more.

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

None! I am still learning every day, have an amazing team around me, am excited about the things that I am planning for the future and LOVE working with my clients and others in the industry. I hope to be able to do this for many years to come.

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

Seek out quality courses from places like the REINSW and don’t just do your compulsory CPD points. Actively seek out further learning opportunities. Try and work with a mentor, particularly a woman who has a leadership role in the industry to show you the ropes. So much about real estate cannot be taught in a course, hands-on experience is invaluable.

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

Be yourself - you can look professional without wearing a suit. Invest in quality - it will last. People often make the mistake of thinking that black is safe and looks good, but don’t be afraid to wear colour and stand out from the crowd.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

It’s an exciting time to be joining the real estate industry, particularly for those thinking of becoming buyers agents. So if you have a passion for property, go for it!

CONNECT

Website: www.michellemay.com.au and www.buyyourside.com.au

Instagram - @michellemaybuyersagents

Podcast: @buyyourside.podcast