The coronavirus pandemic prompted Aaron Worrad to reflect on the real estate industry, concluding there was new way of doing business emerging and he wanted to be part of the wave of change.
After seeing sales success while working from home, Mr Worrad decided to leave the franchise he had been working at to go out on his own.
“I think the future of agencies is no longer in the big franchise model. Ultimately, I wanted to do something for myself, and I was feeling a bit limited where I was,” Mr Worrad explained.
He went on to launch his own independent agency, Worrad Property on the Gold Coast powered by UrbanX. .
Mr Worrad believed the industry had evolved in a way that met his desire to produce optimal results for his clients.
Working in a popular tourist destination like the Gold Coast, Mr Worrad was able to use new technology to connect with interstate and overseas potential buyers.
“My market is high-rise and beachside apartments along the coast,” he said.
“A lot of my clients and buyers are interstate or international and because of this, most of my meetings and inspections are online, video link or over the phone.
“I don’t need to be working in a big office or for a big company to do that.”
Mr Worrad fell in love with the Gold Coast after he moved to the region to study at Griffith University.
After graduating, he travelled for some time before returning to the region and starting in real estate.
“I have some family working in real estate and they encouraged me to have a go, so I took up an opportunity with a large group and started my career,” Mr Worrad explained.
Mr Worrad said he loved the work, and his core market of high-rise units is the epitome of glamour-strip property.
“One thing I really love about real estate is that your income is determined by how hard you work, and I love putting deals together and interacting with clients,” he said.
The option to boost his own brand and retain more commission were big factors driving his move to a more independent model.
In addition to sales, integrating property management and other revenue streams are also important to him, which he felt was more achievable with his new business.
He partnered with UrbanX to assist with his business and these alternative revenue options, explaining the system was advantageous for experienced agents.
“Once you’re an established agent, UrbanX is a platform that works really well, as long as you have that drive and determination to work for yourself,” Mr Worrad said.
“Service is everything in this industry, and the way UrbanX caters to their agents is really appealing.
“Their communication has been exceptional too. Having assistance from the foundation and up is enormously helpful.”
