Not Just A Boys’ Club

When people think of a real estate agent, they’ll often imagine a bloke in a suit with a shiny car and sunglasses on his head. And whilst this is an unfair stereotype, when it comes to the Australian real estate profession – there’s often some truth to it. Real estate sales tends to be the preserve of men, and property management and administrative functions are often peopled by women.

Unpacking exactly why this dynamic exists is tricky. Clues lie in social ‘norms’; that blokes are more aggressive and thus make more compelling agents and auctioneers, and that women are nurturing and better suited to the long term relationships of property management. These ideas are patently false. In America, real estate ‘brokers’ are predominantly women. Women are formidable multi-taskers and make superb negotiators. So why the lack of women in sales roles more locally? Similarly, men can be extraordinary relationship builders and bring their own set of skills to property management.

Which brings me to the subject of my blog this month; Not Just A Boys’ Club. If a business – any kind of business, including real estate practices – is going to ably serve their customers in future, it must reflect the diversity of the community. The time of ‘Boys Club’ estate agencies is over. It’s also over in the legal profession, accounting and other traditionally male-dominated professions. The professions themselves are taking time to catch up with contemporary sentiment. I’m happy to say that Love&Co is focused on providing a diverse workplace that offers career mobility for all – regardless of their gender, sexuality, nationality or religion. Today, I’d like to introduce you to two leading real estate practitioners from Love&Co – sales agent Laura Mancin, and property manager Taylah Vella. My interview with Laura (a veteran of over a decade with Love&Co) and Taylah (a relative newbie) illustrates the unique experience we give our colleagues. Both these great professionals buck the trend when it comes to their careers in real estate, and I’m proud to call them part of the Love&Co team.

What unique point of difference do you think female property professionals bring to the industry, and how does this benefit clients?

L: I think that being female means you do have a point of difference over guys. We seem to bring a calm and trustworthy nature to sales – not to say that male agents don’t do that either! It is important to remember that a lot of decision makers are female, especially when it comes to purchasing a home.

T: I think it’s the same in property management, which is more female dominant. I think that is because of the way we can build rapport and deal with the owners corporation a lot of the time. It’s having that communication and building a relationship with people. Many owners see this as a good thing as well; they find it easier to approach you.

Why do you think that property management and administration is often female dominated?

T: I think it’s just a stereotype that all salespeople are male and all management are female. It’s not the case, but it is reflected in many agency dynamics.

Sometimes you can get stuck in a particular role in real estate, but at Love&Co there’s been ample progression in your careers. Can you tell me about your career progression?

T: I was hired as a receptionist at the Reservoir office 7 months ago, and Mike saw a lot of potential in me and decided to move me up straight away. I’ve been in real estate for 3 years just doing background admin roles for sales and property management. I never considered being a property manager, but Mike simply said ‘if you’ve got the right support, you’ll do fine.’ It’s been 7 months now and I’m absolutely loving it. I think the career progression here is just constantly happening.

L: I joined the company back when I was 22 years old. I finished my law and arts degree, before falling into real estate and I haven’t looked back since. It was just courtesy of a chance encounter with a friend that I was introduced into the industry. I love being part of a team and being able to empower people. As someone who is quite ambitious and enjoys the thrill of chasing a new sale, this career progression has really served me.

What benefits does a career in real estate bring to women?

L: I think there’s flexibility in hours, and encouraging you to think outside the norm. I’ve experienced welcoming arms at Love&Co. I’ve been blessed – I know other female real estate agents may not have had the same experience. They may be achieving amazing sales results but not get acknowledged for those efforts. Culture certainly plays a massive role.

T: Real estate is a world that women can been excluded from, and working within it helps you gain a better knowledge of everything. I have worked in 3 different real estate companies, and I’ve not experienced the culture I’ve seen here. Everyone is so welcoming, Michael understands culture on a different level. It’s not just ‘I’m your boss.’ At other agencies, there’s a lot of egos and you feel like a number.

Can you tell me about some of your favorite training and mentoring opportunities experienced at Love&Co?

T: I actually was enrolled in a course after a month of starting at Love&Co, it was an 8-week self development course in Carnegie. Just getting aspects of you developing as a person within a business. It was great to do that for an employer that I’ve just started working with, which I was really grateful for. This constant training was essentially part of my onboarding.

Have you ever dealt with sexism or negative stereotypes from clients? What kind of support are you given by Love&Co?

L: One I’ve never forgotten happened in my first year of sales, was unfortunately when I went to do an appraisal with a male colleague. The client didn’t want to engage with a female and but even told me to my face ‘you can’t sell property because you’re a female.’ I managed to keep calm at the time but obviously was not impressed. The best part was I sold his place within 24 hours for a price that exceeded his expectations. I was angry naturally, but I transformed that anger into motivation. Managing to pull it off within 24 hours was probably a miracle in itself, but I really wanted to prove a point that females can in fact sell real estate over a reserve price. It’s horrible to think that in this day and age you still experience those kinds of comments, but I turn it into motivation.

T: Previous agencies that I’ve worked at were very sexist and I did not receive any support. I have had an instance where I was followed and stalked by a tenant recently. I felt comfortable enough to speak to Michael, who immediately took action and contacted the police. I felt comfortable enough to do something about it and knew he wouldn’t have just swept it under the rug. I don’t manage the property anymore.

If you had a friend from outside the industry approach you about working in real estate, what would you tell them? Would you encourage them to work at Love&Co, and if so – why?

T: Obviously with my previous experience at other agencies I wouldn’t have wanted to tell people to work in real estate. But now that I’ve had this experience at Love&Co, and know there are agencies out there who are culturally sensitive, I would definitely recommend Love&Co. A hundred percent.

L: I would say the same, after 10 years at the company, transitioning through branding changes – you name it! Certainly as a female, whether it’s sales or property management, the opportunities are there. It’s definitely what you want to make of it as well, but there’s a great culture with family morals. You’re not just a number, you’re very well looked after. It’s what you bring to the table as well, it goes both ways. But you have a great foundation from which to build.

What’s your most memorable milestone?

L: Winning Sales of the Year award in my first year! I didn’t think I would even be a contender for that! But it’s not necessarily about winning the award, it’s the sentiment that you were voted for by your peers. That meant more to me that the actual title, seeing how my colleagues viewed me within the team.

T: I think it’s the career progression, just from getting hired in reception to becoming a property manager in such a short amount of time. Just getting the appreciation that I’m doing a good job. People were willing to talk to me, showed me a better way to do things and supported me.

Are you curious about a career in real estate? Love&Co is the place for you if you’re forward-thinking, open-minded and service focused. Email Michael Love for a confidential discussion: michael.l@lovere.com.au.