Peter Chauncy is a finalist in the upcoming REIA 2018 Awards for Excellence.
Peter Chauncy is a finalist in the residential salesperson category of the upcoming REIA 2018 Awards for Excellence, being held in Sydney on Thursday 22 March.
Chauncy has been with McGrath for 14 years, and says he is still loving every minute.
He took some time out of his busy schedule to answer WILLIAMS MEDIA's questions.
How did you start out in real estate? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?
During school I did well academically, but once I graduated I couldn't find my feet with a university degree that I actually liked. So three university attempts later I decided to take a different path and started selling furniture and beds for leading bed retailer, Forty Winks.
I always had an interest in sales from a younger age so this gave me a good platform to further develop customer service skills and I gained valuable experience on how to ultimately sell and build trust with customers.
At age 22, after selling beds for two years, I decided to embark upon the real estate journey. I spent my first twelve months with Ray White and then moved across to McGrath where I have been ever since. 14 years later, still here and loving every minute.
What do you love most about your job?
I actually love the pressure and how fast paced our job is. I also believe that ultimately an agent plays a very pivotal role in a client’s life for that period of time we work together when selling their home. I thrive on that pressure and love every step of the selling process. In particular, the thrill of winning a listing is what really motivates me as I have always been a very competitive person!
You’re a finalist in the REIA’s upcoming National Awards for Excellence in the hotly contested residential salesperson category. What do you attribute your success to?
My father taught me from a young age that if you want something enough, you have to work around the clock to make it happen and never give up on your dreams and aspirations to become a success at what ever you decide to do. From my perspective, I love what I do and I am very passionate about it and how I go about my work.
I also love giving back to others in the industry which I think really helps with your profile but I always can pick up new things from them too as I enjoy always continuing to strive to be better at what I do.
Is real estate a good profession for work / life balance and equal opportunity?
It’s a tough industry to crack and most of what is required is hard work and long hours. I work 70-80 hours a week but I do it because I love it. We have recently become a family of four though, so I guess I may need to cut back a touch! I definitely think I need a bit better balance that's for sure.
What’s your advice to a young person starting out in real estate?
Work for a leading brand, and most importantly, a good agent who knows what they are doing. What you learn on the job is the best learning curve. Be prepared to work around the clock and never give up. Set some goals and make it happen and have the right attitude and mindset right from word go. Be prepared for more downs than ups, and work hard constantly to refine your skills. But most of all never become complacent, once you reach a goal, raise the bar – because that’s where the true rewards happen!
If you could change one thing about the real estate profession, what would it be?
I would change the negative stigma that can be around real estate agents. I currently do a lot of work within the industry to try to phase out these opinions. I want to be there when being a real estate agent is considered a highly regarded professional career. I do see this happening in the near future as when I am meeting with the top agents out there we are all of the same mindset.
What’s your outlook for the Sydney property market?
We have come off a huge growth cycle where we have seen some incredible uplift in property value in the Sydney market. I expect the next 12-18 months to be fairly solid but perhaps without a huge amount of upward growth. We are simply now in a normal real estate market. This is where the good agents set themselves apart from the pack as communication skills, solid market knowledge and passion for job are what is going to get the transactions done when there isn't as much competition.
Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?
I live in Cremorne but we have a farm at Sutton Forest in the southern highlands as well. I grew up in the country and love the country air so when my time is up in real estate, I see myself moving back there.
The REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence are being held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney, on Thursday 22 March 2018.
Read more about the REI's National Awards for Excellence:
REIA reveals finalists for the 2018 National Awards for Excellence
Best in the industry recognised at REIA's 2017 National Awards for Excellence