Success Story:  A Career Change to Real Estate

By Tristan Hooker/MediaPA

Imagine a career where you can work flexible hours, be your own boss and make a good income.  If that sounds like you, a career in real estate might suit you.  However, as the saying goes, no matter how flat you make a pancake it still has two sides. 

Careers New Zealand has advice on their website for people thinking of a career in real estate and it’s not exactly a gushing endorsement for the real estate game.  Their website states, “the chances of getting a job as a real estate agent are average, as there is a shortage of homes for sale.  Pay for real estate agents varies as they are usually paid on commission.”

However, new real estate agent Emily Hunt has been working in the industry for about a year and is one of real estate’s success stories.  Emily works with Lodge Real Estate in Hamilton and says changing careers and going into real estate was the right move for her.

“I wanted to be my own boss,” says Emily, “and I love working with people and making them happy.”

Emily says she has had great support from her mentors at Lodge Real Estate.  “When I “first started,” she says, “I did a one-month course and I had great support from the Lodge team”.

Emily, who came from a background in café management, says a career in real estate isn’t for everyone but can be very rewarding if you’re hard working, honest and enjoy helping people.

“Real estate is 100 percent customer service and if people don't like you they don't use you,” she says.

“Being completely commission based, if you’re no good you don't get paid.  I love solving problems and making people happy”.