For Valerie Sim, who joined Caporn Young Estate Agents after a 14-year career as a hospital pharmacist, real estate has provided the “personal and professional growth” she was seeking when she embarked on her new career journey.
“I wanted to test limits and push boundaries, and was excited to take on new diverse opportunities that would take me to new heights,” said Sim, who recently earned the Newcomer Achievement Award at the 2023 REIWA Awards For Excellence.
“When you love what you do, it hardly feels like work at all. Turning a passion into a rewarding career is an exciting and fulfilling endeavour.”
Reaping the rewards
Ray White Broome’s Stephen Cole made the leap into real estate almost three years ago after working in sales, telecommunications and construction.
“I love building relationships with clients and guiding them through one of the most significant transactions of their lives,” he said.
“An agent’s income is directly related to the work you put in. While in other industries your value is predetermined, we are in complete control of the income we can earn, and that keeps me motivated.”
Cole, who moved from Perth to Broome, did his training through REIWA and said he was very grateful for the opportunities it had given him.
“The agent I am today is very different from who I would have been if I had jumped in at 18,” he said.
“Life experiences, such as running businesses and flipping properties, have given me a unique perspective that I can now use to advise clients.
“More importantly, it has given me empathy to better understand the personal pressures and circumstances that surround buying and selling.”
The 3 Fs of real estate
Kareena Ballard AM, a former president of REIWA and REIA, shifted to real estate after nearly two decades in nursing.
She said it provided “financial independence, freedom and flexibility“.
“My children were young and I wanted to send them to college for secondary school so as a bored housewife I completed my equivalent Diploma in Real Estate Management,” she said.
“I also needed to be free and not be limited to nursing rosters – maybe I matured late!
“As my father had made a lot of money out of real estate investment, I figured maybe I too could make money and achieve great independence and hopefully wealth.”
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It's never too late
For those thinking of making a career change, “it is never too late to pursue your dreams and passions”, said Sim.
“Change starts with you taking the first step,” she said.
“Be curious. Believe in yourself. Do not be afraid.
“But be prepared to work hard – it’s not as glossy as the TV shows!”
Choose a training provider wisely
Choosing a reputable training provider such as REIWA is crucial to ensure you meet licensing requirements and are job ready. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has raised concerns about graduates not receiving adequate training and has launched an investigation into some real estate training providers.
REIWA, as the leading body for real estate in WA and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 1927), offers high-quality training programs for both members and non-members to help you launch and develop your real estate career.
To learn more, visit http://reiwatraining.com.au or contact REIWA Training at 9380 8285 or [email protected] for personalised advice on starting your journey.
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