A passion for Mission Beach saw Tania Steele of Tropical Property leave her resort management role for a career in property. Now, with over 10 years in sales, she's assisted hundreds of sellers and buyers and helped launch top-rated boutique property services company, Tropical Property, in 2012. WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Tania about why she’s never looked back. 

You didn’t start out in property, how did you get into the industry?

My husband and I arrived in Mission Beach back in 2006 – passing through really on our way to manage a resort down at Coffs Harbour for a company we had worked with for a number of years. A 2-month break turned into a life re-assessment and we decided we just couldn’t leave the beauty and relaxed feel that Mission Beach offered! I was approached to fill a position in property sales for one of the franchise companies here in Mission Beach and thought I would try something new – I’ve never looked back!

It’s over 10 years since you have been in Mission Beach, what are some of your career highlights?

Selling my first Million Dollar property – What a buzz!
Attending some great conferences all over the country.
Being involved in launching Tropical Property back in 2012 – a new boutique, property services company.
Being at the top of the highest selling agents list locally and the most reviewed agent.

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

It’s become more competitive with on-line real estate companies offering low selling commissions. We have not seen a shift in our area to these companies as locals understand having a trustworthy, local agent representing their sale with their best interest at heart is the number one priority in selling their biggest asset.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in their careers?

Service, service, service – work hard and be the best human you can be. Be honest and up-front and become an agent your clients trust to go to. Work in the right office environment with a team who encourage and support you and not compete with you and kill your confidence. Be prepared to receive knock backs, adopt the “you can’t win them all” attitude.

What do you think the biggest challenges facing the industry are at the moment?

Unethical agents that don’t do the right thing and give the whole industry a negative
reputation. 

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

More industry compliance for continuing professional development for salespeople. More training and conferences focussing on health and wellbeing in the industry verse making money.

What’s your outlook for Mission Beach over the next year?

I’m feeling positive about the local market here in Mission Beach. We have a number of small developments underway at the moment which is giving confidence to our area. With Australia’s ageing population and retirees in search for a sea change (as cities get busier), Mission Beach is a destination to consider and its liveability is becoming more and more attractive as infrastructure is added.

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