As the daughter of local real estate founder John O’Leary, real estate is in Kate’s blood. After stepping into administrative roles to raise her young family, Kate re-entered sales with sharp focus, determined to give 100 per cent to her clients. Facing a challenging market and ten local competitors, Kate’s return has been nothing short of a masterclass in consistency, proactive service, and regional connection.
What has it been like stepping back into active sales ('back in the saddle')?
I was so nervous to return after nearly 2 years not selling and worried that I wouldn’t do as well as in previous years. However, I was full of fresh energy and looking back now I should not have doubted myself.
In January, I set a goal based on the sales volume for my region during the two years I was absent and by July I had already reached my yearly goal. I am just about to exchange on my 14th sale for the year.
This time around I am solely in sales and love that I can focus only on my clients and their properties without the distractions that come with a business. You can do both but you can't give both 100%. These days I can give 100% to sales.
I am enjoying sales now more than ever. I love my town; I love the strength and value of The Ray White Network. I could not imagine selling real estate anywhere else or for anyone else.
How did it feel returning to sales in Dorrigo when the market was quite tough?
Back in 2012 when we started in the business, it was a similar market and looking back now I am so grateful that I began my real estate career in that challenging market.
I had to learn from the very start how to have the not so easy conversations but most importantly deliver them the right way, along with communicating consistently and being proactive to keep the momentum going. If you follow this, your clients will have confidence in you, which builds a good business relationships.
So, I look at this as one of my points of difference in this challenging market. I have the skillset and mindset to handle it and that has never been more important. I am ambitious, I love doing business, it’s in my blood to make deals happen.
The results of Kate’s dedicated approach speak for themselves. In just six months, she has secured a commanding 38 per cent market share in the region against 10 active local competitors, officially making her Dorrigo’s highest-volume sales agent. Reclaiming lost market share in such a short window highlights the power of clear focus, deep community roots, and unyielding work ethic.
Marking her 200th property exchange with the Ray White Rural group this week, Kate continues to set the benchmark for regional real estate excellence.