Christie Nelson’s journey into real estate began with a moment of clarity early in her life, one that would ultimately lead to a career spanning more than two decades and the launch of her own successful agency in Gippsland.
“I met an agent that I wasn’t totally impressed with, and it actually spurred me on,” Christie said. “I thought, I reckon I can do that job.”
That moment in 1999 set her on a path into real estate, but it’s her longevity, return to the industry, and recent business growth that now define her standing in the Gippsland market.
After completing her real estate course at the end of her VCE exams, Christie stepped into the industry in 2000, starting in property management before quickly moving into sales in 2001, where she spent 18 years.
A winding path back to real estate
Christie’s career hasn’t been a straight line.
With six children between herself and her second husband, all under 10 years old twelve years ago, she moved into education and early childhood roles, and also ran health and wellness businesses.
But her drive for real estate never went away.
During the COVID period, Christie returned to real estate with another agency in Korumburra, before making the leap to start her own business three years ago.
Serving the Gippsland lifestyle
Based in Leongatha, Christie Nelson Real Estate services a regional area with a 40-kilometre radius, from Loch through to Fish Creek, covering lifestyle properties, residential homes, small acreage, and dairy country.
“If you like an outdoors sort of lifestyle, it’s a good place to be,” Christie said.
“And twenty minutes from the beach as well and only an hour and a half from Melbourne.”
The area attracts buyers making the tree change from the peninsula, drawn by the South Gippsland Rail Trail and the region’s natural beauty.
Working in a small community of around 6,000 people, Christie understands the importance of reputation and word-of-mouth.
“Word-of-mouth is a really big thing in this area,” she said.
“It’s very important to get that right.”
Rapid growth and recognition
Starting with @realty three years ago, Christie launched online without a shopfront, co-branding to maintain her personal identity while having the support of a full team behind her.
“I was very conscious to have my own branding. I still wanted Christie Nelson in there somewhere because people knew me rather than sometimes the brands I worked for before,” she said.
Within months, she secured a shopfront, and the business quickly gained momentum.
Her clientele from 26 years in the industry followed her, and she has grown from working solo to employing a personal assistant and a full-time salesperson since August.
She was voted number one by realestate.com in Leongatha for 2024 and achieved All Star status with @realty two Novembers in a row, placing her in the top 10% of agents in Australia and New Zealand.
“That’s not bad in the first three years of business. I’m pretty proud of that,” she said.
A people-first approach
Christie has built her brand on a simple catchphrase: “Where the people are just as important as the property.”
“It’s very much about building relationships with clients and caring for their needs,” she said.
“I think if you remain transparent and genuine, that will come back to you and referrals will come from there every time.”
Her office has organically become all-female, creating what she describes as a nurturing environment that resonates particularly well with first-time buyers and elderly clients.
“They just seem to respond well from a vendor and purchaser point of view to someone relatable and that’s there to listen to what they need to get the job done,” she said.
Looking ahead
Christie’s business is growing more rapidly than expected, and she is considering expanding into property management to meet demand.
“People have been happy with our service here, so they do ask that we could transfer that into another role as well,” she said.
She also believes in taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
“I’m a big believer in jumping opportunities if they’re put in front of you, even if you don’t think it’s the right time, it might be there for a reason,” she said.
Christie gives back extensively to her community, speaking at school careers days and supporting local initiatives.
“I’m just particularly grateful to people who have supported a small business when there’s quite a lot of large branding around and big businesses that have been around for a long time,” she said.
“I give back a lot to the community, so I’m really appreciative that they support us in return.”
Grounded in long-term relationships and a strong local reputation, Christie’s growth reflects a consistent focus on people, trust, and community connection.
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