Fast forward to today, and she’s one of the most successful and respected agents in the Barry Plant network – leading her own office, mentoring a growing team, and achieving Pinnacle Club status as one of the Top 30 Agents in the network for a fourth consecutive year.
This year, Sarah had a rare opportunity to reflect on the journey that brought her to this point when she was invited to speak on the panel at a women’s real estate event.
The room was filled with women at all stages of their careers, across a variety of roles in the industry, and it was clearly a special moment.
“It was really special to be able to speak to a room of like-minded women in my industry and take a moment to reflect,” Sarah said.
“A lot of younger women came up afterwards to ask questions.
“It felt good to be able to give back and try to make sense of the path I’ve taken to get to this point.”
Sarah’s journey into real estate wasn’t planned – in fact, her entry into the industry was entirely unexpected.
While juggling university and part-time work, she took on a role as an Executive Assistant at a major real estate network.
What began as a temporary job focused on admin and marketing quickly became a calling.
She fell in love with the energy, the people, and the fast-paced nature of the property industry.
Two years in, she made the move to Barry Plant, where she continued to thrive as an Executive Assistant.
It was during this time that Sarah made the bold decision to leave her degree unfinished and commit fully to real estate – a leap of faith she has never regretted.
“I realised I loved real estate more than I loved animal science. It was scary to leave my studies behind, but it just felt right,” she said.
After joining Barry Plant, Sarah spent five years honing her skills as an EA before diving headfirst into a sales agent role.
Nine years later, she’s still with Barry Plant and now leads her own office in Yarra Glen – the very area where she was born and raised.
Growing up on a farm with racehorse trainer parents, Sarah is no stranger to hard work.
She attended Wandin Yallock Primary School and Lilydale High School, and her family remains deeply involved in the local community, particularly within the farming and equine circles of the Yarra Valley.
Her country upbringing – grounded, practical, and community-focused – continues to shape her approach today.
“I know the area inside and out, which helps so much when you’re selling here, she said.
“I’m part of the community, and people can feel that.”
What truly sets Sarah apart is her caring nature and strong connection to her clients.
She finds deep meaning in the impact her work can have on people’s lives.
“Buying or selling a home can be one of the biggest moments in a person’s life,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s life-changing money.
“Helping someone reach that goal is incredibly rewarding.”
Where she once thought her empathy and sense of responsibility would be best used caring for animals and their humans, she now brings that same compassion to her real estate clients, approaching every listing with unwavering customer focus.
Sarah’s professional success is underpinned by two key traits: adaptability and authenticity.
She’s comfortable working across all property types, from multimillion-dollar estates to humble first homes.
“You have to be a bit of a chameleon in this job,” she said.
“You meet people from every walk of life, and you need to connect with each of them in a meaningful way.
“That’s how you build trust.
“One day you’re selling a $3 million estate, the next it’s a shack by the highway.
“No matter the home, it’s important to someone. You’ve got to treat every property and every client with respect and care.”
She is also proudly transparent. What you see is what you get.
“I don’t really put on a ‘sales face’,” she said.
“I think people appreciate that I’m just me.
“What you see is what you get.”
That straightforward approach has been a breath of fresh air for clients and colleagues alike.
Since 2022, Sarah has been named to the Barry Plant Group’s Pinnacle Club each year, recognising her as one of Barry Plant’s top 30 agents.
She’s also approaching her 10-year milestone with the company, putting her on track to join the prestigious Oak Club, recognition for those who’ve been in the group for at least a decade – an impressive feat for someone still in her 30s.
Now, her focus is turning outward.
After opening the Yarra Glen office in July 2023, she stepped fully into a leadership role.
“It’s not about me anymore – it’s about the team. I want to help them grow into senior-level agents as quickly as possible,” she said.
The team has already achieved over $1 million in commission annually, three years running.
Sarah’s next goal is to maintain that high level of performance while making day-to-day operations more sustainable for everyone involved.
Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell says it gives her an enormous sense of satisfaction in seeing young women thrive within the network and rise to leadership roles.
“Real estate was once very much a boys’ club when I first got involved in the industry 25 years ago,” Ms Pennell said
“While we celebrate the achievements of all our hardworking, talented team members, it’s especially inspiring to see more and more women excelling across the network and our industry more broadly.
“Sarah is an inspiring woman, and I don’t doubt we’ve only seen the beginning of what she is capable of achieving.
“Earning a place in the Pinnacle Club for four consecutive years is a remarkable accomplishment, and I’m excited to watch her continue leading the Yarra Glen office to even greater success.”
Despite her exceptional track record, Sarah’s advice to new agents is refreshingly simple: be curious, stay connected, and never stop learning.
“Go to every training session, every conference. Be a sponge. And use your network. Other agents aren’t your competition – they’re your greatest resource. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; learn from them.”
Sarah Savio’s story is one of transformation – from paddocks to property, from assistant to agency leader. She’s proof that with the right mindset, a strong support system, and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible.
