Embrace your extrovert side

Thriving in real estate takes a certain personality – we all know that. So, if you’re extroverted, assertive, approachable and authentic, you might already be a natural.

‘You’ve got to have a personality,’ Leon says. ‘But staying sincere and grounded is important.’

Confidence and boldness will get you far – and that means keeping your real estate persona active, even outside work.

‘Wear your branding to social events and remind people you’re in real estate,’ Leon advises. ‘If you shy away, you won’t go far.’

Just make sure confidence doesn’t veer into cockiness.

‘Learn where the line is. Then learn how to stretch it without crossing it,’ Leon says. ‘You want to be the agent people trust.’

Extroversion isn’t only for salespeople. Roles like New Projects and Gary Peer’s Coffee Van thrive on it. The Coffee Van offers a great entry point to the business, while New Projects focuses on building relationships and taking initiative.

‘This industry is all about building relationships and getting your foot in the door,’ Leon says. ‘So extroversion is important.’

 

Put in the hard yards

A career in real estate isn’t easy. It’s weekend work, long hours – and often round-the-clock availability, particularly in the sales and rental departments.

But for those who embrace it, the rewards are well worth it.

‘This isn’t a 9-to-5 for most people,’ Leon says. ‘If you treat it like one, real estate may not be for you. The best agents are responsive, no matter the hour.’

Top professionals answer that email or text at 10pm or 7am and are often on the job all weekend. Leon admits it’s a challenging aspect of the business.

‘It’s a tough environment to be in if it doesn’t click,’ he says. ‘You’re putting in unsociable hours and sometimes dealing with difficult people.’

But hard work translates directly to success in real estate.

‘It’s a 24/7 business that requires self-discipline. If you have it though, it’s incredibly rewarding,’ Leon says.

This ethos applies to admin roles too.

Starting as a receptionist or in admin, many team members have climbed to senior positions within Gary Peer, like EA, account managers or property management leaders.

‘In admin, you’ll cross over with different areas and discover passions you didn’t know you had,’ Leon explains. ‘Admin can be the perfect launchpad at Gary Peer if you work hard.’

 

 

A degree isn’t always necessary

While education is valuable for those who seek it, it’s not essential for success in real estate.

What’s genuinely beneficial is real, on-the-ground experience and a solid understanding of the industries tied to real estate – like banking, construction and economics.

‘You don’t need a degree, but you should know how houses are built and understand the basics of finance,’ Leon says. ‘It’s about knowing what you’re selling and speaking your clients' language.’

Practical knowledge helps agents build credibility and connect with clients on a deeper level. It also makes providing informed, relevant advice easier – which is key to building trust.

‘I think it’s really critical,’ Leon says. ‘You don’t want to be walking into a building with no idea of what’s going on.’

This rings especially true in the rentals department, where sharp problem-solving skills and emotional resilience are essential. Here, a deep understanding of property laws and strong organisation skills are must-haves.

‘You’re constantly putting out fires,’ Leon says. ‘You need to stay calm under pressure, know the legislation and make the right call.’

 

 

Network like your life depends on it

Networking. It’s essential in any industry. But in real estate, it’s everything.

Real estate is a relationship-driven field where your reputation can make or break your career. Through networking, you can connect with potential clients, industry peers and local businesses, which can lead to referrals, new business and support.

‘The key is to be proactive and consistent,’ Leon says. ‘You need to become someone’s agent even before they need one – so when they do, they’ll call you.’

So, connect with people at sporting events, social gatherings or school gates. And always remember, especially while networking, reputation matters.

‘If you over-promise and under-deliver, word travels fast,’ Leon says. ‘Be conservative, do a great job and offer outstanding service.’

 

 

Find good mentors and be disciplined

In real estate, learning by doing is essential. And starting with the right habits can set the foundation for a successful career.

A mentor can be key to fast-tracking your growth and navigating challenges. For young professionals, working as an assistant to a top performer is a valuable way to learn the ropes.

‘The best move you can make is to partner with someone who is truly at the top of their game,’ Leon says. ‘You want someone who’ll help you build good habits from day one.’

Ultimately, though, it’s your discipline that will set you apart.

‘If you have self-discipline and join an agency that teaches strong skills and systems, you can’t fail,’ Leon insists.

 

 

Reach out to Gary Peer & Associates

At Gary Peer, the opportunities for career progression are endless. And trust us when we say this: it matters where you get your start.

Your first job is where you’re most open to learning and building foundational skills. So, if you want to nail the basics, choosing a company with a personalised, hands-on approach is the ideal approach.

‘Gary Peer is the perfect starting point for someone new to the industry,’ Leon says. ‘We’re outperforming franchises when it comes to training people.’

Our close-knit team, collaboration and hands-on leadership make us an exceptional work environment for developing your real estate career – whatever area or role you’re interested in.

And it’s a place where young people thrive.

‘We’ve got people in their early 20s earning a good income. And they’re not chained to a desk or breaking their backs on a building site,’ Leon says.

‘Real estate can be manic and really busy. It’s 24/7, but it’s also very exciting. And if you succeed? It’s the best job in the world.’

 

 

Do you want to work in real estate? Own your career – with Gary Peer.