COMBINING challenging roles has become an art form for one of Queensland’s most high-profile real estate agents, Sarah Hackett.
The Place Estate Agents Queensland managing director, who has been in the industry for nearly 20 years and works alongside her husband, Place CEO Damian Hackett, is also a strong voice at home where she is the mother of four children, and pregnant with her fifth.
Ms Hackett is a panellist at this year’s Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC13) on the subject of the most powerful women in property and one of only four women speaking at the event on the Gold Coast next weekend (May 19-20).
She and her husband have sold 87 per cent of properties over $2.5 million in Brisbane’s inner east over the past 18 months.
“If you can become a voice or leader in what you do, you will always have a high market share,” she said.
Many industry experts, including 25 people who participated in the Ideas Exchange conference earlier this year, now believe women are more successful in the field than their male counterparts.
Women often also have a stronger say than their partners when choosing both an agent and home.
Ms Hackett is not surprised by these findings.
“I think women are great at being intuitive about people and gaining their trust,” she said.
“As an agent, I definitely fall in love with many homes but I enjoy talking to people even more.”
Ms Hackett said female agents often found it easier to connect with families and their needs.
“Women understand the need to be organised and how important it is for a home to be functional and practical,” she said.
“Mums will only get more stressed living in an impractical home.
“Family homes also need to be handy to amenities such as schools and shops.”
However, Ms Hackett said with the amount of stock on the market doubling since 2007, even the most practical homes still needed to present well.
“Buyers don’t always have the imagination to see a home’s potential but they do want to fall in love at first sight,” she said.
“Vendors should aim to present their home as if they’re having a massive party for their best friends.
“So when selling a home, I believe it’s crucial to call in a stylist.”
Ms Hackett said marketing was also a crucial point for vendors to consider.
“The more you can promote your home, the better,” she said.
“After all, you don’t want just one buyer for your home but three or four or more.”
Ms Hackett advised vendors to choose their real estate agents carefully as well.
“Don’t be afraid to really interview your agent and pick one wisely,” she said.’
Original article published at www.news.com.au by Charlotte Durut, News Limited 17/5/2013