Women In Real Estate: Meet Samantha Burgess

Introducing Samantha Burgess, Executive Assistant at Cohen Handler, Buyers Agency. Her advice to anyone working in real estate, "Networking is key, make sure everyone you meet you treat with respect. You never know if they will turn into potential clients or become someone who influences your career." Scroll to read more of her insights...

We chatted with Samantha 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?

Just over a year.

WHERE DID YOU START?

Raine & Horne Mona Vale and now I am working at Cohen Handler, Buyers Agency.

IS IT YOUR DREAM JOB?

Yes 100% I love what I do.

BEST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Starting at Cohen Handler, I have been able to have so many new and exciting experiences. My best to date is closing the first client, it was exciting to watch how excited they were to purchase their property. Being involved in a person's biggest life decision is something you never forget!

WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

Haven’t had one, but don’t wear heels to a construction site!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT REAL ESTATE DURING YOUR CAREER?

Having a career in real-estate is a lot of hard work, you have to be prepared for long hours and weekend work but when it pulls through it is one of the best feelings knowing your hard work has paid off.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT YOURSELF DURING YOUR CAREER?

I have learnt that self-confidence is really important. It also helps to have good organisation skills, when you are organised, it makes life 300 times easier.

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

Women are more involved in the industry than ever before. Young women like myself have to take the leaps; you might miss opportunities, but there will always be another one around the corner.

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

Cohen Handler had one of their busiest years last year which we are all very thankful for. I think it is important to remember that even in challenging situations, it is crucial to stick to what you know and be confident in those decisions.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Networking is key, make sure everyone you meet you treat with respect. You never know if they will turn into potential clients or become someone who influences your career. Always maintain your relationships, be honest, and welcome everyone with a smile.  

ANY REGRETS REGARDING YOUR CAREER?

No regrets at all, but its important to ground yourself sometimes, try not to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour that comes with the job.

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

My advice to women wanting to start a career in real estate is to have confidence put yourself out there because belief in yourself is a game-changer. Take the leap; you never know the opportunities that you will miss if you don’t try.

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

You do not need expensive clothes to look good! Just make sure you are always well presented, neat & tidy. I would also advise packing a spare change of clothes because you never know what might happen!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Take good opportunities that come to you, but remember it’s not always pretty, it’s a lot of hard work but it pays off in the end.

CONTACT: Samantha Burgess | Cohen Handler

Instagram: instagram.com/sammiburgess_cohenhandler and instagram.com/cohenhandler/

LinkedIn au.linkedin.com/in/samantha-burgess

Email: sammib@cohenhandler.com.au