We Are Real Estate

Jo Mooney: Going ‘all-in’

Top listing Just Realty International agent ticks real estate off her bucket-list

On getting into real estate
It’s probably strange to say, but real estate sales was always on my bucket-list, but the timing had never been right earlier in life for the commitment I knew it would require to go ‘all in’. Seven years ago, at just the right time, the opportunity came up within a well-established franchise group, so I grabbed it and haven’t looked back!

The happiest moment in my career
On a work level, being awarded the top listing agent for my then franchise group is right up there. But more importantly, my success in this industry put me in a position to be able to splurge on some extremely special (and extravagant) gifts to celebrate my parent’s milestone 80th birthdays. Knowing that I’ve been able to do that – especially for my terminally ill father – will always warm my heart.

The most memorable moment
Memorable for all the wrong reasons would be the only property that I’ve had to re-sell due to the original buyer placing an unconditional offer only to disappear into thin air and failing to settle, never to be seen or heard from again. My vendors had already moved into their new purchase under licence agreement, four hours away, with what was supposed to be a “simultaneous settlement”. Not quite how it unfolded!

Best advice she’s received
“Find a market that is capable of supporting your goals and STAY THERE!”

The day I was told this golden piece of advice I put it into action and moved to my new market five years ago – and I’m not going away!

Biggest challenge
We don’t seem to balance the high tech/high touch formula very well at all. We need to be continually adapting and innovating to remain relevant to consumers. Consistency and relevancy will minimise power of the disrupters that the industry seems to be obsessed with blaming.

Change for good?
The minimum requirement for entry into the industry needs to be addressed. To be considered a skill-based profession, more attention must be paid to ensuring we are actually skilled and representing the industry at the highest standards. This will also assist with the previous question – if we take recruitment more seriously and raise the bar, staff turn over will not be as high and the ability to remain relevant and consistent would increase.

‘Elite’ agent means
A person of integrity who is a combination of trusted advisor and innovator. A professional who operates with a mindset of abundance, open to growth and all the opportunities that come with it.

#WeAreRealEstate is a series of short interviews with 140 agents all over Australia, exploring the industry’s hopes, concerns, future challenges, and what it really means to be an Elite Agent. 

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To contact the editorial team at Elite Agent email editor@eliteagent.com.