Coffs Harbour real estate agents reveal advice for buying and selling
Some of the top real estate agents on the Coffs Coast have revealed how they stay ahead of the game, and as we discovered their backstories are as diverse as they are interesting . SEE THE FULL LIST
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The Coffs Coast’s leading real estate agents have an eye for a buy and a sell when it comes to property.
To a man and a woman they are driven, professional and above all, great communicators.
In a nutshell, they are people’ people.
Their backstories are as diverse as they are interesting.
We catch up with some of the top local agents to find out what makes them tick - and how they got to where they are today.
Aleta Stephens, Cardow & Partners Property Coffs Harbour
Aleta Stephens always wanted to work in real estate but thought it would be an unrealistic dream as she had three very young children and believed the hours required would prevent her from giving 100 per cent to her clients and family.
She was on maternity leave from a previous government job when she had her home appraised by a local agent who suggested she should give real estate sales “a go” herself.
Having now been in the industry for 12 years, Aleta took the leap and went into partnership with the Cardow and Partners family franchise alongside Nicole and Andree Cardow.
Ms Stephens, whose children are now aged 12, 16 and 19, was hesitant at first about balancing family commitments in an industry renowned to be demanding.
But she credits her success to the support of her husband and now the aid of her daughter Whitney who has joined her team as a real estate agent/executive assistant.
The accolades have come thick and fast - Ms Stephens won the Rate My Agent gong four times as the Agent of The Year for Coffs Harbour area.
“I’m very systemised and very organised in my approach, I work the hours I need to look after my clients and still love this industry,” she said.
“I’m very lucky to be doing what I enjoy, to have such a wonderful family and the support of all of my family and friends.
“It can be a tough industry, but I’ve never looked back.”
Michelle Olsen, LJ Hooker Coffs Harbour
Ms Olsen has been in real estate for three years after starring in retail management.
“I started off in sales for Lovisa - a costume jewellery store in the Plaza - and worked my way into management,” Ms Olsen said.
“I actually won a trip overseas through retail.”
But the lure of real estate was ever present.
“I got to the point where I thought I should definitely make the change,” she said.
“The move from retail to real estate made it easier and I transitioned really well.”
And it’s no secret recipe to success.
“Communication is so important, as is hard work, prospecting and being really honest,” Ms Olsen said.
“I’ve had a lot of good reviews so that word-of-mouth recognition helps a lot.”
Avi Aronsen, First National Real Estate Coffs Harbour
Born and raised in Greenland - “Eskimo-land, it’s very, very different to Australia” - Ms Aronsen’s family moved to Denmark when she was 11.
She was 22 when she arrived in Australia as a backpacker.
“I worked in hospitality for 13 years - in hotel management and front-of-house,” Ms Aronsen said.
“I was ready for a career change and thought real estate sounds very interesting.”
The career pivot five years back has quickly paid off.
“I love it and enjoy being able to listen to clients,” Ms Aronsen said.
“We are all different people and at different stages in life. I try to find out what people are looking for and to make it as stress-free as possible.
“I do take my time to really look after them.”
Brett Finnie, The Edge Coffs Harbour
Fresh out of school, Mr Finnie started a mechanical apprenticeship and worked in that field for six years.
In 2005, he moved into property management for five years before taking a break - where he worked in sales for a tiling company.
Property came calling again in 2013 when he joined the sales team.
“It’s critical to be working for a reputable brand - and at The Edge their ethics and culture is in line with mine,” Mr Finnie said.
He said he looked at about 30 new listings a month.
“Having great market knowledge is important,” he said.
“And always doing the right things by people - ensuring you have that quality connection with people.”
His achievements can also be measured in numbers - with his total annual sales value put at $37 million, according to ratemyagent.com.au.
“I love the variety that real estate offers. Every property is unique and I’ve met some really great people from all walks of life,” Mr Finnie said.
“I still get a buzz out of every sale.”
Tammy Blundell, Excel Property Agency
Born and raised in Esperance, Western Australia, Ms Blundell was on the scissors as a hairdresser for 25 years before moving into property sales five years ago.
“I was looking for a mid-life career change,” she said.
“And the two aren’t that different, you still have to know how to talk to people.”
Property was always in the genes though, as her father worked as a builder and draftsman.
“I’ve always loved houses and talking to people,” Ms Blundell said.
“As much as it’s long hours, it’s very rewarding.”
She said being an agent could be “stressful” but she felt enormous joy when she slapped a sold sticker on a sign after a young couple had secured their first home.
While estate agents deal with property sales each and every day, Ms Blundell said you need to realise “it’s the biggest thing in their (a buyer’s) life at that time”.
Adam Cross, The Edge Coffs Harbour
Adam Cross worked at a service station while still at school and on graduating moved straight into real estate when Rodger Pryce offered him a traineeship.
“Real estate is all I know,” he laughed.
“It’s very fulfilling for different reasons.
“I like the challenge for people when you can help them.
“If I was doing it just for the money I would have burnt out by now.”
Mr Cross said he still found surprises after 18 years in the industry.
“Most people will buy or sell property in a certain way and then someone will come along and turn it on its head,” he said.
Craig Gardner, Nolan Partners
Like many who have been successful in property, Mr Gardner came to the industry from a different path.
While he has now been in real estate for 14 years - before that he had a stellar media career which saw him at NBN Coffs for 12 years and 2CS and Star FM for three.
“I’ve always loved sales and always had an interest in real estate,” Mr Gardner said.
He said being open with clients and having strong knowledge of the market were foundation stones.
“Number one is communication - getting back to people and giving the right advice,” Mr Gardner said.
In a rising price market such as we have on the Coffs Coast, he said it was also important to “manage people’s expectations”.
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