Agent Spotlight: Alan Bourke, Founder, Bourkes 

After more than 40 years in real estate, former REIWA President Alan Bourke has now sold his agency and is looking toward the next chapter.

In this Agent Spotlight, Alan shares how his career began, the achievements he’s proud of and where he’s directing his energy now.

How did you get involved in real estate?

I actually started on April Fools Day in 1980, which always makes me laugh. Before that I’d been working for Shell Oil, but after a few years I realised I enjoyed sales far more. 

A family friend who ran an agency in South Perth encouraged me to give real estate a go, and that led me to working with former REIWA President Frank Woodmore. Those first four years with Frank really shaped my direction and showed me what the industry could offer.

How have you seen the industry change over the years?

The biggest shift has been technology. When I started, everything was analogue and face-to-face. Now we’ve got portals, online marketing, DocuSign and a range of digital systems that sit between us and the client.

It’s made the industry more efficient and given buyers and sellers more access to information, but it also means we need to work harder to keep that personal connection. That’s where good agents stay relevant. The technology helps, but the relationship still matters most.

You served as REIWA President from 2009 to 2011 – What are you most proud of during your term?

REIWA House is the first thing that comes to mind. It was built during my term, and I signed the building contract, so it’s something I’m proud to have been part of.

The friendships I made along the way were just as significant. After eight years on Council you spend a lot of time together, and many of those relationships have stayed strong ever since. That camaraderie was one of the best parts of the role.

What have you enjoyed most about your career in real estate?

I’ve always liked that real estate is straightforward in the best possible way. There’s no office politics, just effort and reward. If you work hard, stay focused and have a clear vision, you’ll see the results. That’s something I’ve always believed in.

It is a big commitment, though. For many years it wasn’t a five day job, it’s a seven day lifestyle.

I came across a quote recently by John P Myers that sums up real estate perfectly: “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, enthusiastically act upon will inevitably come to pass.” I love that. If you’ve got a strong vision and plenty of drive, it will come to life.

Now after 45 years, I can step back and feel proud of what I’ve achieved and the people I’ve helped along the way.

You’ve recently sold your agency. What led to that decision?

I was approached by a broker who had a buyer interested in the business, and what stood out straight away was that they wanted to keep the brand and keep the team together. That was important to me.

After almost four decades building a name, the last thing I wanted was for everything to change overnight or for the people who’ve been part of the business for so long to feel unsettled.

Knowing Maree wanted to continue the business in the same direction, support the staff and even grow it further made the decision much easier. It felt like handing over something I’d built to someone who genuinely understood it and wanted to see it thrive.

What’s next for you?

I’m shifting my focus to training and coaching. Over the years I’ve noticed that while new sales representatives complete their registration course, the real confidence comes once they’re in the office and trying to put everything into practice. That transition has always been the hardest part of the job.

I’ve been working on a way to support that early stage, giving new reps more guidance on the practical side of listing, negotiating, and working with clients. Principals want to help, but they’re often stretched for time, so new staff don’t always get the one-on-one support they need in those first few weeks and months. If I can step in and help people find their feet and stay in the industry, that’s where I’d like to put my energy.

What would be your advice to those thinking about a career in real estate?

The great thing about real estate is the direct link between your effort and your reward. If you’re focused, disciplined, and willing to work hard, it pays off.

There aren’t many careers where you have that level of control over your own success. For the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.