After a long and successful career in real estate sales, Rita Galati feels the time is right to start her own agency.
Beginning her career as a computer programmer with PriceWaterhouse, Rita Galati made the switch to real estate because she could see it was a career she could progress in. She has had a long and successful career in real estate sales.
When Ray White approached her to start her own agency, she felt the time was right to take the next step.
Galati told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS she hopes to "make my family proud and be a role model for women".
How did you first get into real estate?
I started in the industry about 13 years ago. I was a single mum with three children and I had to start working in an industry that I knew I could progress in and be able to support my family.
Have you always worked in the industry or did you do something different previously?
I previously worked in the IT industry as a computer programmer. I worked for PriceWaterhouse and Australia Post.
Congratulations on starting your own agency, Ray White Yarraville. What led you to take this step and what do you hope to achieve?
I had never contemplated becoming a business owner until I was approached by the Ray White group. After working for someone for so long, I felt that maybe it's time I stepped out and start my own agency. A courageous step none the less.
I hope to achieve a successful business, an extension of what I had already achieved as a sales person. I hope to make my family proud and be a role model for women.
You began auctioneering four years ago. What do you enjoy most about calling auctions?
I enjoy the banter with the crowd and achieving a great result for my clients. I also enjoy peoples' reaction when I announce I am the auctioneer. Its rare to see a female auctioneer in the Inner West.
What’s your reading of the market at the moment, and what’s your outlook for the next 12-18 months?
With the introduction of the new quoting laws, I found that there was some hesitation from buyers as they needed to adjust to seeing more realistic quote ranges. I have seen less bidders at auctions and sold many properties before auction.
Some experts are saying that the outer suburbs experiencing the strongest sales momentum is a sign the market is cooling. People looking for the lifestyle of cafes and bars will flock the inner suburbs. Affordability is still an issue hence outer suburbs price and demand growth.
Is real estate a good profession for work / life balance and equal opportunity?
I believe you have to create your own work life balance in this profession. You can work 24/7 if you want to. However, its important to take time off to recharge.
They say that women make better agents than men. I think that if you are in a good work environment then equal opportunity shouldn't be an issue. So it's important to align yourself with the right people. There are some great female role models who are doing exceptionally well in this profession.
If there was one thing about the real estate industry you could change, what would it be?
I think if I could change the perception of agents that would be good. Most of us are really nice people who just want to do their work well. We have the same issues as everyone one else and we actually do have to work hard for our results.
Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
I live in Yarraville. If I could live anywhere I think it would be Rome! I love the antiquity of the city.
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