Real estate consultant

Dale Matravers says real estate is a 'people job' that he finds rewarding on both a personal and financial basis. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Name: Dale Matravers
Job Title: Real estate consultant
Working hours: 60-70 hours a week
Employer: Milford Real Estate
Salary: Variable (100 per cent commission based)
Qualifications: Sales and business development background
Post graduate project management training
Licensed real estate salesperson
Career prospects: Growth of my own business opportunities

What do you do?

As a real estate consultant no two days are the same. I am in charge of my own business, and organise my time between seeking new listings, negotiations, marketing and increasing awareness of the MRE Property brand.

Why did you choose the job?

I have always had an active interest in residential property, and longed for a job with no boundaries, so in late 2003, I said goodbye to a regular salary and started selling real estate in partnership with my wife Shirley. I joined MRE Property because they have an excellent reputation.

Leaving the security of a permanent job was a scary decision at first. However, I have realised there is no other job I would prefer as each day offers unique challenges and more potential. It's a 'people job' which I find rewarding on both a personal and financial basis.

Why is the job important?

Because I am dealing with a client's largest asset on a daily basis. People don't buy or sell a house every day, and when they do, they want the process to be smooth and hassle free.

What is the best part of the job?

Seeing people happy. It's fantastic to see a young couple buying their first home, a family finding a new home with more rooms for the kids or an older couple finding the perfect home for retirement - when I do my job properly people are happy.

I get to meet great people - many of whom become good friends and lifelong clients.

What are your strengths?

Determination, motivation, organisation and people skills. I am honest and upfront with both my clients and prospective buyers as I believe buying or selling a home is an extremely important decision that warrants professional, well-considered advice.

In today's market which is perceived to be a little slower, the energy generated by an agent can make even more of a difference to the sale of a home.

What are the challenges of the job?

I know real estate agents are high on the list of disliked professions, so I always consider it a challenge to achieve great results for clients so they experience first hand the value we can add to the sale of a home.

As the aim is always to sell the property for the highest possible price getting the sale price right and tailoring a marketing campaign to suit the property and the market conditions are critical to the end result. Equally challenging is matching a purchaser to a property, and negotiating the sale.

What experience / skills do you require to do the job well?

I think you need some personal experience in the property market as you will be making big decisions on a daily basis.

Imagine selling your own house every single day - you want to achieve the optimum price, in the optimum timeframe. People skills are very important as 'word of mouth' referrals lead to success. Achieving a good result for one seller can lead to many more opportunities.

Time management skills are critical to your health and sanity as this is a job that can consume you.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I have found a career that I really enjoy and I see myself staying in the industry, although I would like to expand my business.

Do you have any job hunting advice?

Don't take on this job lightly as the attrition rate is huge. I would advise speaking to several different real estate consultants before making the move, then talk to the different agencies and find one that best suits you and your business plan.