Words of Wisdom – with Recruit RE and Marnie Seinor

“Be patient, be willing to work hard, learn the ropes of the different roles in the industry and surround yourself with good people and mentors.”

High energy, a fast pace and exceptional communication skills set Marnie Seinor apart in the competitive Eastern Suburbs market while winning many awards and achieving record breaking results.

Over 25 years’ experience and learning from the best in the industry have allowed Marnie to carve out an incredible career spanning across property management and sales while working within some of the biggest offices in the country.

Tell us about your career and how you started in the industry

When I left school, I studied and completed Travel and Tourism, but somehow knew that it wasn’t for me. I then travelled overseas and when I returned, I was lost as to what would come next. My sister-in-law worked at an office in the Eastern Suburbs as a property manager and her leasing consultant never turned up to work one day and she rang me in a panic and asked me to come and help.

I jumped straight into the leasing consultant role, and I had no idea what it would entail. I was driving executive clients around looking at high end rental properties and I loved it.

I was fortunate to work in a beautiful office with great people. They offered me a full-time role and I knew it was right for me because it wasn't a nine to five job sitting at a desk. I was out about all the time, and I loved meeting people.

I worked my way up to property management until there was an opportunity to go into the sales side of the business. After some horrendous hailstorms in Sydney, Di Jones long standing PA, Jacquie who had been with her for over 20 years, resigned, and I went into the office and asked for the job.

For a time, I was juggling the hundreds of insurance claims from the hailstorms, property management and the PA role, but I made it work.

I was so grateful. At the time you just don't realise how lucky you are to be surrounded by incredible people. Even though it was a small boutique office everyone was very hands on and knew what was going on. It didn't feel competitive, everyone got along, and I was surrounded by top performing agents.

What qualifications did you complete to get into the industry?

I went to McLeay College two or three nights a week after work for three years to gain my Real Estate Licence. It's changed since then and it much faster to get it done now.  

How would you say that your friends and colleagues would describe you?

Organised chaos and I go a hundred miles an hour. Organised chaos with lots of energy!

What is your proudest career moment?

It would be coming in the top100 agents Australia wide and the top 50 female sales agents for the last 5years running. I’m really proud that I have made that for so many years.

What do you find the most rewarding part of your career is?

Getting involved and getting to know your clients and helping them with the next chapter in life. I find it really satisfying to help when they are buying an apartment or if somebody's downsizing and going into their next chapter or next stage of life and helping them through that.

How has your company helped you to reach your career goals?

Joining McGrath early on in my career helped a lot. It gave me the confidence that I could achieve the goals that I wanted to achieve because I feel that lack in confidence can lead to self-doubt. John sat down and had a plan, and I didn't share my numbers early on, but I needed to set goals and that time was invaluable in teaching me self-belief.

What advice would you have for early career professionals?

Be patient and don’t think it’s about the flashy car and the nice phone, be willing to work hard, learn the ropes of the different roles in the industry and surround yourself with good people and mentors.

What advice would you have for maintaining good mental health?

You really need to take timeout for yourself. Find the hobbies that you love outside of work. Taking timeout is really important, in whatever form that may be, and get off the phone, spend time with friends because otherwise you just get overworked and burnt out.

What do you think the biggest recruitment challenges in the industry

Being too hungry too soon. You need to be willing to put in the hard work and gain the experience and work toward the bigger things. Success will come, it’s having patience and working hard.

What's your opinion of the current real estate market?

We have to work harder in the current market, but it gives me the opportunity to build more relationships with buyers and vendors. It's not just about showing up, you have to communicate, you have to know the clients, you have to know the product you are selling, and it makes you work harder.

Advice for you got me something. advice for anyone that's looking to buy or sell.

Research the market and do your homework and be patient. Be honest with the agent and direct, we are selling someone’s home and it’s your money, so it is good for us as agents to know what the expectations are and what you are trying to achieve.

What is your top tip for anyone to flourish in the real estate industry?

Be authentic, be yourself and have a really great energy!

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