In celebration of International Women's Day, we interview women from diverse backgrounds and roles within the property industry, including Julia Portnoy, Senior Property Consultant at Flare Real Estate, as they share insights into their careers in real estate.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the property industry, and how did your journey start?

A friend's casual suggestion sparked my entry into the property industry. Initially, I didn't know much about real estate, but the idea sounded appealing, so I decided to give it a go. What started as a leap of faith turned into a passion as I discovered the dynamic and rewarding nature of the industry. The opportunity to help people find their dream homes and make significant life decisions has been incredibly fulfilling and has kept me motivated throughout my career.

Can you share a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

One of the most significant challenges many real estate agents face is maintaining daily motivation and finding the right balance between work and family life. To stay motivated, it's essential to genuinely love what you do. Real estate is not just a job; it's a lifestyle. It's not a typical 9-to-5 job. Overcoming this challenge required me to develop a deep passion for real estate, stay organised, and prioritise my time effectively to ensure I could meet both my professional and personal commitments.

What is the best advice you have ever received, and how has it impacted your career?

The best advice I ever received was to ensure that my clients receive a blend of top-tier professional service with a personal touch. This advice has profoundly impacted my career, as it taught me the importance of building strong, personal relationships with my clients. By providing professional yet personalised service, I have earned my clients' trust and loyalty, which has been instrumental in my success.

What achievements are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am incredibly proud that many of my clients return to me for repeat business and refer their friends and family. This level of trust and satisfaction is a testament to the quality of service I strive to provide. Building long-term relationships with my clients and knowing that they value my expertise, and dedication is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What advice would you give young women and men considering a career in property?

Anyone considering a career in the real estate industry should be prepared to work hard. Many young people are drawn to the glamorous portrayal of real estate agents on TV, with their luxurious lifestyles, expensive cars, and designer clothes. However, the reality is quite different. Real estate is all about hard work and commitment to your clients—vendors and buyers—understanding their needs and doing your best to help them achieve their dreams. You must be self-motivated, well-organised, loyal, professional, and genuinely love your work. If you can embrace these qualities, you will find a rewarding and fulfilling career in real estate.

Celebrating Women in Property:

Celebrating women in property - Julia Portnoy | Commo.

Colliers celebrate women in property - Berri Jones | Commo.

Celebrating women in property - Olivia Ross | Commo.

Colliers celebrate women in property - Catherine Scott | Commo.

Colliers celebrate women in property - Indiana Garlick | Commo.

Colliers celebrate women in property - Lisa Murdoch | Commo.

Celebrating Women in property - Suzanne Jones | Commo.

Colliers celebrate women in property - Lucy Munday | Commo.

Women thriving after reinventing their careers - Ray White | The Real Estate Conversation

How Buxton Real Estate champions Women in Real Estate every day | The Real Estate Conversation