Packing the most into 30 years
It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has just this minute bought their very first home unless you were the agent that sold it to them, I suppose. Well, that was my good fortune today. Kathryn, more widely known as KP in the Sydney market, was clearly on a high when we got to speak.
‘I’ve been researching the market looking for my start for some time now and came across this place in Kingswood that ticked all my boxes. I went for the inspection, made an offer, and it was accepted just before our conversation now. It’s really exciting and, at the same time, daunting, with mortgage repayments, rates, and the prospect of renovating now in my world.’
Switched on and flying
Kathryn is a very impressive 30-year-old who has achieved a great deal in a short space of time. Getting her start in real estate as a BDM, she threw herself into the role, learning all she could about the industry. Leasing, rental arrears, investing, contracts, site plans, strata plans, etc., delving into the details to truly understand how it all fits together—setting her up for a career as a successful sales agent.
‘I’ve been fortunate to have worked for a number of powerful and influential people that have shared their wisdom, and l have learned through their example to be smart with my money and prepare for my future.’
Investing for the future
‘Superannuation began to play a big part in my overall investment strategy. Dad’s been on my case forever to take more notice of my super, but it wasn’t until around four years ago that I did. There’s so much helpful information on the REI Super website; when you log in, it’s so easy to change or do anything you need to better your outcome.’
‘The first thing I did was change my investment strategy to Growth; my investment timeline is long, so I can afford to ride the ups and downs in cycles for a greater likely outcome in the future. The other thing I did was make voluntary contributions from my salary – don’t see it, don’t miss it.
With the app, I check in every 3 or 4 months to see how investments are going and see that payments are going in. It’s amazing how quickly it has grown.’
Three degrees
‘Real estate is something you have to have a passion for because it can be all-consuming at times. That said, I do get bored easily, so have continued my studies and completed another 3 degrees since starting out in the industry.’
‘The last of those was a psychology degree, and I did toy with the idea of switching careers, but hey – the money was too good in Real Estate.’
Needed a break
‘Recently, I realised I was working seven days a week, taking calls at 2am from international investors to manage changes to contracts, not having a personal life or time for a serious relationship. I needed a break.’
‘One week into my sabbatical, I get a call from a recruiter saying they have the perfect job for me, selling compliance to landlords and property managers with Detector Inspector. A 9-5 job developing new business in NSW. In that same week, my first-ever boyfriend reached out, and I found myself saying yes to both.’
Life’s great
‘Fast forward a year - the phone doesn’t ring after five, and I am now sales manager for NSW, ACT and QLD. I’m in a completely different space; my boyfriend and I are in a serious relationship, I’m three months pregnant, we’ve bought our first home and started a business together – ‘Safeway plumbing’ I’m in sales, can’t resist a plug.’
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Kathryn Pearce is a member of REI Super and is not authorised to provide advice on superannuation.
The information contained in this article does not constitute financial product advice. However, to the extent that the information may be considered to be general financial product advice, REI Super advises that REI Super has not considered any individual person’s objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Individuals need to consider whether the advice is appropriate in light of their goals, objectives and current situation. Members should obtain and read REI Super's Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before making any decisions. REI Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd ABN 68 056 044 770 AFSL 240569. RSE L 0000314 REI Super ABN 76 641 658 449 RSE R1000412 MySuper unique identifier 76641658449129. December 2023.