One thing that makes my team unique in the fast-paced world of Sydney real estate is the longevity of our relationship.
Geoff Cox, Anne Humphries and I have all worked together for over 12 years and that kind of loyalty is definitely part of the key to our success. We know each other well – and we work together seamlessly, with well-defined roles.
Anne sits between Geoff and I and looks after vendor management and runs the diary. From setting up new properties and arranging vendor meetings to helping with opens, looking after pre-settlement inspections, through to settlement and all the important paperwork – we’d be completely lost without her.
I sat down with Anne to have a chat about her behind-the-scenes work, and what she loves about real estate and the Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay area.
In many ways it feels like we’ve always worked together, but I think I met you for the first time at the beginning of 2007. A mutual friend introduced us as I was looking for someone to join my team in a support role, and you’d just moved to Sydney from the Sunshine Coast. But you were originally from the Central Coast, right?
I grew up on the Central Coast, in Terrigal, and before I moved to Sydney I spent six years working on the Queensland Sunshine Coast in a solicitor’s office. I ended up doing a bit of conveyancing work while I was there, so although I hadn’t worked in real estate, I knew a fair amount about the process.
Personality and rapport matters a lot for the day-to-day stuff in real estate. After more than 12 years, what do you like about working in real estate?
I’ve never had any plans of becoming a real estate agent, but I really like the management side of selling real estate, and the people you get to meet. Every day is different which makes it a fun environment. You don’t know what you’re going to get on any day.
I like building relationships with clients, then over the years, you see the repeat business. It’s nice to see people again, catch up on how they are. Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay have a lovely vibe. It’s a little community with so many characters and different types of people in the area. This office feels like another little community.
I really enjoy coming to work because it’s a relaxed and friendly office and great area to work in. We have a lot of people popping in – being on street level encourages this. I also like that the pace of work is busy, I get to see amazing properties and get to meet a variety of different people. In this area, in particular, you meet some really unique individuals. Everyone has different reasons for buying and selling, and I like helping them and hearing all the different stories.
Your role is vital to what Geoff and I do. I’m not joking when I say we truly couldn’t get through the day without you. You’ve got great attention to detail, you develop amazing relationships with buyers and sellers and you really take the pressure off me.
I like the way we work as a team – you don’t try to micromanage me, and we all have our own distinct roles, so we don’t cross over. You and Geoff have completely different personalities and that’s why you work well together. We all know each other’s family well, but we’re all very different. We have synergy in the office and we balance each other out. Maybe that’s why it works.
We sit so close together, the three of us, we help each other out but we also know when to leave each other alone. After all this time we have a depth of understanding about the way we work together.
We’ve also seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives and the property market and the area.
How has Potts Point changed over the years?
When I first started there were not as many families, kids and prams in the area. Now you see families with kids, and it feels a lot busier. I think that reflects some of the wider trends and changes in the area.
You’ve taken a few breaks to have kids of your own and look after your family, but Geoff and I have always been glad that you’ve come back.
It goes both ways. There must be a reason I keep coming back! Our personalities work well together, and we all have trust and mutual understanding. I really enjoy it.
What’s your favourite Potts Point building?
I really like the old Art Deco buildings the best. My favourite is probably 1 Greenknowe Avenue. There are different kinds of apartments in there, and what some owners have done with these Art Deco apartments is pretty incredible.
Favourite Potts Point hangout?
I don’t really go to lunch as it’s usually too busy in the office. But I like Room 10 at Lankelly Place. Now I’ve got kids I often come in early and don’t hang around after work, but there are some really cool bars.
