BY ALEX TIGANI
Local real estate agent Lindy Harris claims that she was left stunned when she found out she had featured in the 2020 Women in Real Estate Top 50 list.
Not only did the founder and boss of Singleton’s One Agency make the coveted list but she was also ranked fifth for most houses sold (with a total of 125).
“I didn’t even know I had made it until my phone started flooding with congratulatory messages from peers across the nation,” Mrs Harris revealed with delight.
“To be recognised within the REB (Real Estate Business) is an honour because you are up against all the big names Australia wide.
“When you’re playing against the city folk, I think an achievement like this is also great for Singleton because it helps put us on the map.”
Originally from Muswellbrook, Harris initially ran a popular hair salon from the age of 19.
Fast forward 14 years down the track and it was time for a new challenge.
“Even though I was in Muswellbrook a friend referred me for a position with Peter Dunn real estate and I just threw it out there,” she reflected.
Thankfully, she would land the position.
She would also call Singleton home from that stage and would commence what she now describes as a joyful 20-year career in the industry.
“It has gone by in a flash,” she continued.
“The reason I say that is because at the start I was selling for local couples and now I am selling for their children.
“There are also many clients I had 20 years ago who I am still working for today.”
While Harris has previously ranked in the top ten for most houses sold, the significance of her recent achievement could only be understood when reflecting on her past five years.
By 2015, it was time to spread her wings.
“There came a point where I thought I’m getting old now so time is running out if I don’t open my own (real estate business) up,” she explained.
“So, I started with a team of two, sharing an office space with @ The Coalface magazine and the Chamber of Commerce and I didn’t even have a shop front.
“But very quickly the business just grew.”
Over time Harris would expand her team, office space and would even conquer her fear of public speaking when presenting at the Australian Real Estate conference on the Gold Coast in 2018.
“As much as I hate public speaking, it was well received because I kept it real,” she added.
When asked for the secret of her recent success, she couldn’t help but credit her entire staff.
“My team is like my family and (sometimes) I feel like I’m going 100 miles an hour but they’re just sweeping up the mess behind me,” she explained.
“This is the best industry that you could possibly be in because no day is the same.
“This isn’t about houses; this is about listening to what peoples’ needs are and wants are and connecting them together.”
*This story was published on Friday, July 3 2020.
