Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with fellow Australian and LA transplant to discuss all things real estate and motherhood as she begins her journey with the Oppenheim Group, the mega real estate brand behind the popular Netflix Series Selling Sunset and Selling The OC.
“It takes a great deal of organization, patience, self-awareness, and compassion to juggle being a single mum and also a heavy work schedule, it is not always easy, but It’s not impossible”
Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with fellow Australian and LA transplant to discuss all things real estate and motherhood as she begins her journey with the Oppenheim Group, the mega real estate brand behind the popular Netflix Series Selling Sunset and Selling The OC.
How do you balance being a mother and an entrepreneur?
I know many single mothers can relate to this, but it is still a work in progress. It takes a great deal of organization, patience, self-awareness, and compassion to juggle everything, and it is not always easy. I wake up and put one stiletto in front of the other and set my intention to achieve as much as humanly possible in the day while still making my son smile.
What drew you to becoming a real estate agent?
For several years now, I’ve been told real estate would be a great career path for me. But it really was once two of my closest girlfriends on Selling Sunset, Amanza Smith and Mary Fitzgerald, encouraged me to JUMP! I watched the success, fun and the journey they were on specifically with The Oppenheim Group, and knew it was time for me to take the leap and get my real estate license.
What is life like in the US compared to Australia?
I have lived in the U.S. for twenty years now, but of course I still get homesick. My son was born here in LA and while I have a strong connection to the US as well as great respect, my roots and heart will always be in Australia. I have accomplished so much in the past 20 years, and I could not have done that without being here in the US so I’m very grateful.
How can we prepare a house for sale with your tips and tricks?
To start, I always like to learn the seller’s desires, from budgets to timelines to emotions and connections to the house. I’ve found the emotional connection an owner had to the house can be intense and I have to be sensitive to that. I’m currently listing a client’s home that he grew up in. Both of his parents have recently passed and he’s very attached to the home but knows he needs to sell. This is where the psychology and compassion of being a realtor comes into play. I’m helping him with sorting through his mom’s personal belongings to be appraised and sold. This is out of the usual scope of what an agent generally does but It’s what needed to be done. Aside from that, I always advise the seller on current market trends, mortgage rates, and more, to ensure a smooth and successful sell. In terms of getting the house ready for selling, staging and photography is critical and is always recommended to my clients.
What advice would you give new mothers?
Motherhood can feel very lonely sometimes. Especially first-time moms or even moms that are doing it again after a few years! It is hard not to beat yourself up if you feel you are not doing everything right, but do not expect to do everything right, just keep doing the best you can. Motherhood in all stages is hard! Every baby and child is unique, as is every mother. And this will be a learning experience for both of you, so you need to be open minded and go with the flow a bit more than you would in your fully planned or manifested life. You watch them unfold joyfully and sometimes painfully as they create their own existence because they are going to make mistakes and you have to let me learn in their time not your time.
Which things about selling luxury homes do you enjoy the most?
From a young age, I’ve been drawn towards creative endeavors. I modeled, acted in TV shows and films, and was signed to Warner Chapel Publishing for my songwriting. Most recently, my passions include fashion, art, music, and all that is contemporary and elegant. I enjoy getting involved with forward-thinking enterprises, so much so that I really admire anything that has modern aesthetic beauty and a green sustainable aspect to it as well. The creativity, freedom and excitement of the Oppenheim group is what drew me in. I’m so happy working there and I feel perfectly at home to be myself.
Can you share anything exciting with us from the office in the OC?
I have just closed two real estate deals and have some high-profile developers working with me to sell their new projects, so I have hit the ground running and I am looking forward to many more exciting projects in 2023.
Are you going to be on the next season of Selling OC?
Wouldn’t the announcement of another season be nice!!?? Of course, I am hoping for the opportunity, and I do not think there is any reason why they wouldn’t want me! The O group OC is performing very well right now and individually, three months after joining, I’ve closed $13 million in real estate deals. Since I love to add value, creativity, and intrigue wherever I can… and because I have over 20 years of business and life experience, I believe I could bring a lot more depth and likely some more intellectual drama to the show. Stay tuned…
If you were to give advice to a young agent, what would it be?
It takes bravery, tenacity, resolve, and hard work. There is no quick and easy path. It’s extremely competitive. To have success, you must be personable, knowledgeable, and reliable. On top of being active in our country’s legal field, with vast networks of clients to my credit, I’ve spent over twenty years making a name for myself in the Venture Capital, Green Technology, Entertainments and Real Estate industries here in the US. I guess you could say I’ve paid my dues.. and now it’s time to reap the benefits of years of hard work.
How do you see your real estate career developing over the course of the next 12 months?
The projects I am working on are a little out of the box and creative, combining my experience in green technology and real estate. I also just received my NAR Green Designation, which puts me at the forefront of sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate.
Are you returning home for Christmas? What do you miss most about Australia?
Yes!! I’m taking my son to Australia for Christmas and I can’t wait!! I have missed Australia the most because that is where my family is. Plus, there are 4 new additions to our family that we have yet to meet because of the pandemic travel restrictions ….I cannot wait to spoil and hold them! Hugging my Mum and Dad, my brothers and sisters again after being away from home for four years will be like being in heaven. There’s really nothing better than seeing my son happy with our family in Australia with his cousins, my nieces, and nephews.
Of course I also miss the culture, humor and carefree attitude, the creativity of the people, and the natural beauty of Australia. BUT ALSO THE FOOD!!
There is nothing like Australian produce. The fruit and veggies there taste so divine. AndI’ll admit I’m looking forward to my Mum’s lamb roast.
