This International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on the women that make Ray White great. Get to know one of our top women, Ray White Castle Hill agent Sara Perry.
Why real estate and how did you start in the industry?
I started my career and passion whilst working my first job for Ray White Parramatta office as a receptionist. I loved observing the team in their negotiations and providing service to clients on the agents behalf. It was during my time at this office I decided this was the only career I wanted to pursue. Over 14 years later, I still feel the same passion for real estate as I did on my first day. Once I sold my first property there really was no going back, it gives you an adrenaline rush, and you just want to go from strength to strength from there-on.
How does your usual day look?
To prepare for each day I write a to-do list - this is a must for me! It keeps me on track and ensures my clients are getting the right level of customer service they deserve.
I strive to have buyer enquiries responded to on the same day whether its an email touching base or providing information or preferably a phone call so I can get to know them and their property needs more personally.
What do you enjoy most about being with Ray White? What makes real estate different?
Ray White was an agency that has always attracted me and it was the company I saw as the one able to advance my career the most. Ray White is a family owned franchise with the White family heavily involved in the running, mentoring and growth of the brand. As a family and community focused person, I couldn't think of a better brand to represent.
The team culture at Ray White Castle Hill is a real attraction to me and the success I have been able to achieve in both tough and buoyant markets is due to the support, energy and team players I am proud to call my colleagues. The team environment as a whole, offering the best service possible to its clients, is what I live for.
Tell me about a unique success story?
In addition to the numerous suburb records, auctions selling above reserve prices, I believe every sale and purchase is a success story in their own right. A property or property portfolio is a family's or person's largest asset (other than their loved ones), getting great results means our clients and their families get more life opportunities which means the world to me.
Being a local resident and local real estate agent, we are in the best position to give back. Give back to the community who supports us, recommends us and refers us business. I am a big believer in supporting local schools, sporting clubs, along with deserving charities and I love that my colleagues hold the same values… We have fun giving back to our community together.
What’s the one thing you know now, that you wish you knew when you first started out?
I don't regret anything! Every lesson is an opportunity to grow as a person and grow your skill set.
Where do you see yourself in the next 12 months?
I genuinely hope to be doing exactly the same as I am doing now. Helping my clients achieve their property goals whilst earning a living to support my little family and having loads of fun along the way.
Are there any other Ray White women who inspire you and why?
I think all women in real estate inspire me. Regardless of whether they are young and single and fight to prove their worth and status, or whether it is a mum juggling the long hours, lengthy phone calls and time away from her family because she loves the industry and she is making a difference in so many lives.
My 8 year old daughter Eva was born on International Women's Day, she is a constant reminder of what women are capable of and encourages me to be the best version of myself each day.
The other women within the Ray White Network who inspire me and I admire greatly, is the group's support team…. From our amazing girls in Head Office Marketing, our tech support and of course our very own admin team here at Ray White Castle Hill, they are the backbone of our office without their passion, resilience and help, our jobs would be all the more difficult.
What advice would you give to women starting out in the industry?
Be strong, be resilient and don't take no for an answer.
I have had the privilege to work in admin, management, property management and sales over my time in real estate. I feel like I gained a lot from learning from each department. My passion definitely lies in selling property, which I have done full time for at least the last nine years of my career, however being able to know the process of a property transaction from start to finish and even long term investment opportunities has helped me provide more versatile knowledge to my home owners, buyers & investor clients.
