Top End real estate agents have let Territorians in on a few industry secrets
Hear from ten popular real estate agents in the Top End and what they think of the industry. READ THEIR STORIES.
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MEET some the Top End’s hard working real estate agents who are dedicated to their job and go far and beyond what is necessary.
These Territory agent profiles give insight into the lives of Darwin’s top agents and show their love for helping people find their ideal home.
There are plenty more agents who should be on the list but for now, here are profiles of ten agents who might be familiar faces to you from around town.
GEORGE PIKOS – REAL ESTATE NT BY GEORGE PIKOS
George Pikos has been selling property in the Territory for 35 years but he doesn’t pigeonhole himself to any specific property type.
Mr Pikos owns his own real estate agency Real estate NT by George Pikos and has a morally reputable ethos.
“My company slogan is creating clients for life, it’s my core belief – I believe in selling honesty, selling honest goods, to honest people using honest methods,” Mr Pikos said.
“I believe in trying to change people’s perception of real estate agents.
“I sell everything, everywhere,” Mr Pikos said.
Mr Pikos specialises in people.
“I have no area of speciality, my speciality is dealing with people – I’m a people person,” he said.
Mr Pikos does not stick to the traditional guidelines of being a real estate agent.
“I don’t have to have all the fancy clothes, for me it’s more like lets go have a beer and talk about it at the pub, doing business the Territory way while maintaining a level of professionalism,” he said.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Mr Pikos said he loved meeting people and listening to their concerns and issues.
“I love putting together a deal for my clients that’s going to help them out,” he said.
“I love the challenges of working out how to move forward for people.”
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY YOURSELF?
George Pikos walks the walk when it comes to real estate.
“I own a few properties in the NT, I put my money where my mouth is – I’m actually buying another one now,” he said.
Mr Pikos said he really liked what rural lifestyle blocks had to offer.
“I live and own in Fannie Bay with my family but I’m looking at a block of land in Wagait Beach for a weekend home.
“I’m into my fishing and camping like everyone in Darwin.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Pikos said to do your job well you must constantly communicate with your client and listen.
“We’ve got two ears and one mouth, we have to make sure we use it in that ratio – listen twice as much as what you talk,” he said.
“If you’re sitting there with a client, it’s all about them and not about you, pay attention.”
Mr Pikos said you should be calling your clients before they call you.
“I believe you have to be proactive, make sure you are constantly communicating, if you’re not communicating, what do they need you for?”
Mr Pikos said corners get cut when agents begin to look for where their next pay packet would come from.
“The day you start asking where your next commission is coming from is the day you start looking for another job because that’s when you start cutting corners.”
Traditionally a real estate agent would give home buyers a bottle of wine and a cheese hamper at the end of selling a house for a client, Mr Pikos brings over a spit and cooks for their house-warming party.
“I tell them to invite all of these people, so I meet 50 of their friends and from a marketing point of view, that’s where a lot of my business comes from.
“I’m a bit different to most people, I like to deal with people, real estate is not about property, it’s about people.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
“I don’t really think about it like, I’ve actually told people they should use another agent or helped people even sell their own properties,” he said.
Mr Pikos said when someone was about to buy or sell one of the biggest investments in their life it should be “memorable”.
“I’m a person who constantly communicates, so at the end of the day, it’s your property, you do whatever you want but I’m just going to guide you through the rest of the way,” he said.
REBECCA WESCOMBE – KNIGHT FRANK
After moving up to Darwin from Adelaide, Rebecca Wescombe joined the Knight Frank team under longtime local Mick Smith’s mentorship in April 2018.
Ms Wescombe said the property market was less than ideal when she started in real estate.
“It was a challenging market to come into,” Ms Wescombe said.
“I was very lucky to get put with an established agent (Mick Smith) who took the time to teach me everything he knew.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Ms Wescombe said she loved working for people and helping them figure out their challenges.
“I’ve always worked in customer service so getting to work with a broad range of people is always amazing,” she said.
Ms Wescombe said as a real estate agent you were with people for the whole process which was important.
“You meet someone, they come and look at a property, you’re with them for the whole process,” she said.
“You get to make that phone call at the end to say settlement happened and it’s now yours.”
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY YOURSELF?
Ms Wescombe said she does not own property in the Territory herself but was looking forward to doing so soon.
“Eventually – it’s one of those things, it’s on the list and then when you want to do it the markets goes ballistic,” she said.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
“Don’t be scared to give it a go, have faith in yourself and give everything a crack,” she said.
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Ms Wescombe said she was a real estate agent her clients could easily relate to and communicate with.
“I’ve got a really strong work ethic and drive to make sure all my clients feel appreciated and get the best result they deserve,” she said.
Knight Frank real estate agent Mick Smith said “Rebecca is a natural and a talented person in real estate”.
DEREK HART – ELDERS DARWIN
A lifelong career in real estate was sparked by a fleeting conversation in a lift with a friend 13 years ago.
Since then, Derek Hart has had a fruitful career in the Darwin and Palmerston real estate market, representing Elders in Leanyer.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Mr Hart said he loved the versatility working as a real estate agent brought every day.
“There is so much involved in selling – you’re indoors and outdoors and dealing with different people everyday
“I like the challenges of real estate.”
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Hart said he owned property in the Territory.
“I have two properties in NT and one in WA,” he said.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Hart said if aspiring or new agents worked hard and were honest and upfront “you will gain success”.
“I encourage people to start a career in real estate or continue their career, it’s an awesome job,” Mr Hart said
“If you work hard and be honest and upfront.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Hard said he was an award-winning agent.
“12 out of the 13 years I have won an award,” he said.
“I have knowledge of the market and have the experience – I’ve sold more properties than any agent in the last three years in the NT.”
Mr Hart said his marketing skills attracted buyers.
“I have the reputation of getting you a higher price than most agents,” he said.
TIM MACKENZIE – ELDERS DARWIN
Tim Mackenzie is an advocate for the Territory lifestyle with a family of three kids he says “there’s everything for kids under the sun and always something to do” in the Top End.
Mr Mackenzie has been in the real estate game for 25 years and has been selling in Darwin for 12 years.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Mr Mackenzie said meeting new people everyday was one of his favourite parts of the job.
“Everyday is different, selling different properties, everyday brings something new, meeting new people and seeing new houses,” he said.
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Mackenzie said he owned a couple of properties around the Territory with some in the northern suburbs.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Mackenzie said real estate agency was a job where everyday was different.
“You’re not chained to a desk, you can make it what you want and you can be as successful as you want to be – work hard and be on time,” he said.
“Make sure you get out and about and meet a lot of people.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Mackenzie said he worked hard to get the best results for his clients.
“If they have a look at the reviews I have had over the years there’s a common theme that I say what I'm going to do – what I say is what I do,” he said.
“Whether that takes a week or months, I’m always working for my sellers – I’ll get the best price.”
RICK TRIPPE – KNIGHT FRANK DARWIN
He wears an iconic red hat … and now you already know who it is, Knight Frank real estate agent Rick Trippe.
The red hat wearing days started when Mr Trippe established a reality company called Your Home Fannie Bay but the original hard shelled hat he wore was green.
“We had green helmets and my agents agreed to wear them 24/7,” Mr Trippe said.
“Now I’m with Knight Frank, the hat is red.”
Ms Trippe said the helmet was made out of fibreglass and was light to wear.
“It keeps the sun out of my face – I feel naked without it on,” he said.
He’s an ex-publican and used to run the NT Hospitality centre many moons ago, then he fell into real estate.
Mr Trippe was born in the Philippines, he spent some time in America and eventually went to school in Sydney.
A fun fact about Mr Trippe is he is a mad keen diver and spearfisherman
“It’s my passion, what I get out of bed for,” he said.
“I eat fish for lunch and at night, the only time I eat meat is when I go out.”
Mr Trippe gifts fish he has caught to his clients or tenants who have an upcoming inspection.
“So they look forward to me coming instead of hating me to come,” he said.
Mr Trippe focuses on a bit of everything.
“I like to sell up market properties but I sell all properties,” he said.
“Similar to my diving, I get a buzz out of selling homes, it motivates me.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Mr Trippe said he loved answering questions for people, making clients happy and assisting buyers in finding the right home.
“I always tell people I will help move mountains for my buyer to get the house they are chasing,” he said.
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Trippe said he owns several properties across the Territory.
“Fannie Bay, one in Smith St and a couple in the wharf area apartments,” he said.
“Anywhere is good as long as you have a roof over your head.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Trippe said the best way to start in the industry was to find a company to work for who had your best interests in mind.
“When you sell a property, keep note of birthdays, or the anniversary of the house being sold,” he said.
“And on the anniversary send them a message wishing them a happy birthday or congratulations.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Trippe said he told all of his buyers he worked 110 per cent for his vendor but would go extra lengths to assist them in buying the property.
“I move mountains for my buyers to help them get that property and I offer them advice,” he said.
“I get excited when I get a new property.”
MICK SMITH – KNIGHT FRANK
Mick Smith has been living in the Territory since before Cyclone Tracy which qualifies him as a true local.
Before becoming a real estate agent, Mr Smith spent 31 years as a police officer in Darwin.
“I always wanted to be a real estate agent but to get to Darwin I needed a job so I joined the police force,” Mr Smith said.
He has trained and mentored some of the Top End’s most promising young agents like Sascha Smithett and Rebecca Wescombe.
Mr Smith sells residential, rural residential and 5 to 20 acre blocks.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
With a background in being a policeman, Mr Smith said he loved to help people as a part of his job
“The thing I enjoy a lot about the job is the challenges and the rewards you get from that,” he said.
“In terms of rewards, it’s not about the dollars, it’s more about the fun you have along the way, it’s the journey.
Mr Smith has people ask him why he has not yet retired and still chose to work 70 hour weeks.
“It’s the challenges and the rewards, people ask me why I’m still working and I say this is my game of golf.
“I work very long hours, around 70 hours a week, but I enjoy every minute of it and in fact I think I’m quite lucky to be living in Darwin this whole time and to be so occupied by something I love doing.”
Mr Smith said mentorship was a very fulfilling part of his job.
“One of the things I enjoy about my job is training people like Sasha or Rebecca,” he said.
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Smith owns property in Darwin, Palmerston and Southport.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Smith said being a real estate agent was a very enjoyable lifestyle but warned people the hours were outside of the traditional 9am to 5pm.
“My busiest time is the weekend because we’re showing properties and half the contracts I do are on a Sunday,” he said.
“For most young people those sorts of hours are not all that suitable but it’s like any job you can also take time off whenever you feel like it.
Mr Smith reminded beginning agents to keep their ethical standards and always strive to get the best results for their clients.
“If you can keep the owner of the property and the person buying it happy, then it’s a very good outcome,” he said.
“See the whole job is to get the best possible outcome and that’s not just price, being able to illustrate to the buyer all of the virtues of that property and the value of those virtues.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Smith said Knight Frank was the “best in Darwin”.
“The measure of that is the results we achieve and the satisfaction of our clients and customers,” he said.
Mr Smith said it has been a “very busy year” for Knight Frank with many properties sold throughout the last 12 months.
GENNIE COX – ELDERS REAL ESTATE – PALMERSTON
Gennie Cox is a self described family person, living in Palmerston with most of her family close by, she has been in the Top End of 23 years and also lived in the Territory for a stint pre Cyclone Tracy.
Ms Cox focuses on selling mostly residential properties, particularly the Palmerston market.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Ms Cox said it was very exciting and always a pleasure knowing she has assisted people in moving forward with their goals.
“The joy of being able to help people achieve their goals and the excitement when you deliver the keys to the buyers, particularly when it is their first home, it’s a real buzz,” Ms Cox said.
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Ms Cox owns property in Palmerston and Darwin.
“If you’re going to talk about buying properties and investment, you have to be able to walk the talk and not just talk the talk,” she said.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Ms Cox said it helped to have a mentor for the beginning of an agent’s career.
“A career in real estate can be very exciting but it is also extremely demanding – I think you’re a rookie for the first four years,” she said.
“Be mindful of people and their circumstance and situation – have attention to detail and be self-critical.”
Ms Cox said earnings will happen if you’re a good agent.
“Create BBQ stories – if people are sharing stories at a BBQ and someone asks which agent you used, BBQ stories is where you get your business,” she said.
“It’s the same as any service industry, you can tell when people really care about what they’re offering or presenting to you.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Ms Cox said she was extremely honest and has genuine care for her clients needs.
“I have integrity, and everyone can say those things, but you have to be able to care,” she said.
“Like the old saying, people want to know how much you care before they care about how much you know.
SETH CHIN – CHIN PROPERTY GROUP
Seth Chin began his industrious career on the Gold Coast in 2010 and then shortly after moved to Hong Kong for five years where he did commercial leasing and sales.
Mr Chin relocated to Darwin in 2014 and since then has achieved a lot in the Top End, establishing his own company Chin Property Group in 2018.
Chin Property Group covers a breadth of services from commercial sales, commercial leasing, residential sales, and advisory work.
“We do a whole range of different things,” Ms Chin said.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“Honestly, it’s probably the interacting with different people and interaction with clients,” he said.
“Being involved in something from start to finish and following the deal right from the start to the end.”
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Chin owns a variety of residential, commercial and rural properties in the Territory.
“I’m heavily invested in the NT,” he said.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Chin urged anyone who was interested in real estate and property sales to study an economics degree.
“It gives you a good understanding of how property works and an intrinsic understanding of how to value property,” he said.
“You really need to know everything about what you’re doing, you want to speak confidently to the client.
“People think property is cut and dry but it isn’t.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Chin said because Chin Property Group offered a variety of services they have a greater understanding of the market it “gives us an edge”.
“The five years I spent in Asia gave me a good basis of overseas clients and international money,” he said.
Mr Chin said Chin Property Group doesn’t do a lot of advertising.
“What we offer is really different, we do everything very quietly, we’re not on the signs of billboards or buses,” he said.
“We get really good achievements and clients are very happy with the outcomes but we let our work do the talking for us – we don’t do a lot of advertising.”
VICTOR HARRIS – CHIN PROPERTY GROUP
Victor Harris and Mr Chin were schoolmates and completed university together on the Gold Coast, following which Mr Harris has worked across commercial valuation, agency and development for global firms in Australia and throughout Asia.
In mid-2019, Victor joined Seth at Chin Property Group to combine their experience to provide “a point of difference” for their clientele in the Northern Territory.
Mr Harris has a plethora of experience in his industry, from commercial valuations and consultancy, through to negotiation and delivery of commercial developments in Australia.
“At CPG we offer agency services across all sectors and provide strategic advice, there isn’t a property too big or too small for us and this could range from residential through to a commercial asset such as a hotel” Mr Harris said.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“We have a huge amount of flexibility, work on a wide variety of projects and interact with specialists in all areas, every day offers something a little different for us,” he said. “We’re best mates and enjoy ourselves on the job and in the process get to build lasting professional and personal relationships” he said.
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
Mr Harris said he “buckled down” and bought a home in Cullen Bay.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Mr Harris said his advice varied depending on where people’s interests and strengths lie along with their prior experience.
However, for those starting the journey in agency, he said “people starting out should grasp the fundamentals of assessing a property’s market value, learn where to access information and understand your client – communication and organisation is key”.
Mr Harris continued “with my background I’m a fairly detail orientated operator and like to pick through things with a fine-tooth comb, it’s a blessing and a curse, but I’d encourage those starting out to be proactive and delve as much as possible into the detail with highlighter and pen in hand”.
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
Mr Harris said that being a small business with wide reach, Chin Property Group goes above and beyond for their clients, providing bespoke advice and taking on each project as if it were their own “as a family business in a relatively small market, reputation is everything and we are directly accountable to our clients” he said. “Depending on the asset type and price point, we either have direct contact with the right clientele, or can use our network to get in front of them” he continued.
Mr Harris said that throughout his career, his foundations in valuation have been an advantage in his various roles as the skillset can be applied extensively across the industry, including in the role of real estate agency.
SASCHA SMITHETT – REAL ESTATE CENTRAL – DARWIN CITY
After being inspired by her parents friend who was a real estate agent, Sascha Smithett when she was 17-years-old started working towards obtaining her agent licence.
Although it wasn’t until 1999 when she was 25-years-old she arrived in Darwin and started her prosperous career and has been “loving it ever since”.
Rapid Creek up into the City was Ms Smithett’s primary focus of area to sell and “everything between ‘’.
“I personally have a love for the traditional elevated homes but I generally work for good people, many whom I’ve had a long relationship with,” Ms Smithett said.
“The years of experience have allowed me to have the opportunity to sell some beautiful homes.”
DO YOU OWN PROPERTY IN THE TERRITORY YOURSELF?
“Yes of course,” she said.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
Ms Smithett said you should be prepared to work hard and “I mean hard, long hours”.
“Be practical and learn new things,” she said.
“It’s not an overnight success industry – it takes years of trust and friendships but it’s a hugely rewarding career personally and professionally and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“Join an Agency that has a diverse range of Agents, technologically savvy and work your butt off.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SELL WITH YOU?
“I know I have a reputation of being rather blunt …. but honest,” she said
“I’ve always just told it how it is to both buyers and sellers.
“I am an exceptionally hard working woman and I hate to disappoint, so I strive to do my very best for everyone.
“This has proven to be a good recipe for my career.”
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