Elite AgentFEATURE INTERVIEWSRay White

From cold calls to selling a $55 million harbourfront mansion

In Sydney’s prestige property market, reputation is everything, says Adam Reichman — and it’s a lesson that runs deep. “It was something my late father impressed on me,” he says. “It takes many good deeds to build one and only one bad one to lose it.”

At just 28, Adam Reichman has achieved what many seasoned real estate agents might only ever imagine. He secured the mammoth $55 million sale of 69 Wolseley Road, Point Piper – one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourfront homes.

For a young agent, it wasn’t just a career milestone, it was validation of a decade’s worth of determination and an unwavering belief in the value of reputation.

“Reputation is everything,” says Adam. “It was something my late father impressed on me, that it takes many good deeds to build one and only one bad one to lose it. I’ve carried that with me from day one.”

Having worked his way up from a sales associate at Ray White Double Bay to associate director, his path wasn’t carved out overnight.

“I got into real estate at 19 after a gap year in Europe. My father became very unwell not long after, and that changed things. I knew I needed to do something meaningful,” he says.

One early defining moment? Chasing director Elliott Placks, principal and managing director of Ray White Double Bay, down New South Head Road to ask for a meeting. “I was that hungry to get my foot in the door,” he admits.

That same hunger eventually led to the 69 Wolseley Road listing. Though the owners were family acquaintances, the journey began with a cold call in 2019, one that, at the time, went nowhere. It was years of consistent, relationship-focused follow-up that paid off.

Selling a property of that calibre isn’t a typical campaign. It took 220 days, 45 private inspections, 100 virtual tours, and unwavering patience.

International buyers from Asia and Europe were part of the mix, drawn to the home’s scale, privacy and show-stopping harbour views.

“We knew this wasn’t about speed; it was about precision,” Adam says.

“It’s not like selling a $3 million home where demand is wider. At this level, it’s about finding the perfect alignment between buyer and home.”

He credits his boss, Mr Placks, for instilling a valuable principle: focus on what you can control.

“You can lose a deal at the last minute.”

There’s emotion, there’s pressure. I had to learn to manage that – go for a drive, switch off for a moment, reset. Because in this business, your energy is your currency.”

The power of consistency and relationships

In an industry where reputation often precedes marketing, Adam says that high-net-worth clients choose agents based not just on track record, but trust.

“In the prestige market, it’s almost always referral. They’re not Googling you – they know someone who’s worked with you.”

That trust must be earned through service, not ego. “

You need to understand your clients, tailor your approach, and have the runs on the board. These are complex transactions with layers of decision-making. You have to bring more than charm to the table—you need credibility, strategy, and authenticity.”

To date, he’s clocked up over $800 million in property sales, with ambitions to double that in the years ahead.

“I wrote a 10-year plan when I started. I wanted to be in the market I’m in now. But I never thought I’d hit this milestone so early.”

Why giving back matters

Despite the numbers, what Adam speaks about with the most emotion is not real estate. It’s his father’s passing from Motor Neurone Disease when he was 20; a moment that reshaped not only his career ambitions but his broader purpose.

“I’m an ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease Foundation because I want to raise awareness and give back. If you’ve been through it, you know how brutal it is. And if I can help even one person understand what the journey might look like, it’s worth it.”

“We’re in a privileged industry. If you’re not giving back, I think you’re missing part of what life’s about.”

For younger agents eyeing the prestige market, Adam doesn’t sugarcoat it.

“You need a mentor. Someone who teaches you the fundamentals, like Elliott did for me. And you need to play the long game. Focus on being useful, not flashy. Give honest, transparent advice, even when it’s hard. And never compromise your ethics.”

His approach is refreshingly candid, underpinned by both conviction and humility.

“I wasn’t the smartest kid at school. But I knew how to read people and work hard. In real estate, that goes further than most realise.”

Looking ahead

Now stepping into a leadership role at Ray White Double Bay, Adam is focused on building not just a personal brand, but helping elevate the team around him.

“It’s not just about Adam Reichman anymore. I want to help grow our office, mentor the next wave, and keep learning myself.”

As for the next $55 million sale?

“It’ll come. But only if I keep showing up the same way I did when I was 19. Hungry, honest, and focused on what really matters.”

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Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Catherine Nikas-Boulos is the Digital Editor at Elite Agent and has spent the last 20 years covering (and coveting) real estate around the country.