The town of Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley has an interesting cross-section of property and people.
Of the population of around 16,000, many find work in the mining industry. However, locals are quick to point out that Singleton is far more than a mining town. Having the vineyards of the Hunter Valley on their doorstep, a large nearby military base and many agricultural families using ‘Singo’ as a base means there is always someone different to talk to.
Property-wise, Singleton has had its ups and downs, most recently after the mining industry experienced a downturn in 2012. Between then and 2014, prices took a tumble by around 20 per cent.
“…we outsell everybody, every month.”
Now, however, things are beginning to look up again for Singleton. This is great news for Lindy Harris from the area’s One Agency office. She and her team had their best month ever in July 2019, with 21 sales. Lindy is also the current holder of the title for Singleton’s highest-ever residential property sale after helping her neighbour to secure $1.4 million for their home.
After 19 years in the real estate industry, Lindy knows her stuff. In evidence, Lindy made the 2019 REB Top 50 women in real estate list.
“I began my career as a hairdresser and when I was ready for a change things led me from my home of Muswellbrook to Singleton,” explains Lindy. “Four years ago I decided to go out on my own and I have never looked back. I began with one team member and a small office with a shop front but have since expanded to a team of eight plus the office next door.”
Like hairdressing, real estate is a ‘people game’. “I wanted something more than hairdressing, which is why I made the switch,” says Lindy. “Real estate is ever-changing and every day is different.”
Lindy’s approach as a sales agent is to always put the client first. “You have to service them and make sure they’re happy so they are clients for life. It’s all about doing an unbelievable job so they come back.”
As real estate agents know, repeat business is key. For Lindy, this means engaging her buyer as well as her seller management. “Your buyers become your vendors so you need to do an incredible job with them. Even if they don’t buy from you, they’ll remember you when they go to sell.” Lindy makes a point of building great relationships, dropping off congratulatory bottles of Champagne to homebuyers whom she hasn’t worked with directly.
This approach has allowed Lindy and her team to top the competition. “There are 12 agents in Singleton but we outsell everybody, every month.”
Lindy believes there’s no better feeling than having your own business but she can’t speak highly enough of the team who help her make things happen. “They are there with the same goals and values, and they all want to see the business succeed,” she explains.
While Lindy is the lead selling agent, her team provides backup by bringing in listings, taking care of marketing and supporting the sales process. “We meet every morning to plan the day,” says Lindy, who spends most of her time out and about.
Despite being the top agency in the area, marketing is still a focus. “We’re big on social media including Facebook and Instagram,” she says, “You need to approach marketing from all angles so we also have a great website and regular blogs as well as printed materials.”
As a result of their marketing efforts, Lindy and her team have opened the door to new opportunities. “We’re starting to delve into developments and land banks, which is a massive win.”
Lindy does confess running her own business is a juggling act. “We can have up to 90 vendors at a time, plus the properties we manage.”
Juggling staff has been a challenge but Lindy still finds it rewarding to have her own team. “I’ve worked my butt off and I’m constantly learning!” she exclaims, “Because I’m on my own, I have found it really beneficial to have a mentor and be constantly training. I’ve learned to let go where necessary and to find good people.”
In the future, Lindy hopes to progress to building a sales team. This way she’ll have more balance and be able to focus on a select number of listings. “I’m in a growth phase now, looking to invest and see what’s possible.”
In between all the hard work, Lindy focuses on supporting the close-knit community where she works. “We have a budget for giving back,” she says, explaining that One Agency Lindy Harris supports a range of initiatives including kids sporting teams. “You’ll often spot me at a match over the weekend.”
It was while attending training several years ago that Lindy was introduced to One Agency Group. “Paul kept in touch and ‘broke’ me in the end!” she laughs.
“One Agency is so well received in town. The marketing is fresh and ‘One more sold’ is massive… even kids recognise the brand.”
Joining OAG made sense to Lindy as she enjoys being within a group and having someone to lean on. “You’re still independent but you have support,” she explains, “I call it ‘the family’. They’re there if you need them.”
Like many OAG agents, Lindy recommends anyone who is interested in joining should reach out to find out more. “Take the leap of faith. You’ll get the support you need… it’s a no-brainer.”
“It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep that counts.”
‒ Paul Davies, Founder and CEO
As founder and CEO of the fastest growing real estate network across Australasia, I offer real estate professionals an opportunity to reap the financial rewards of going it alone with the security and clout of an established brand. Talk to me and my team about your options.
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