A new North Central Review series will celebrate and recognise people who significantly contribute to our region. Today’s feature includes two business owners – one who is celebrating 10 years in real estate, and the other a young woman who has just started her own business. To nominate a worthy contributor to our region, email news@ncreview.com.au.
By Max Davies
NUTRIEN Harcourts principal Jeanette Laffan this month celebrated a significant career milestone, marking 10 years in the real estate industry.
Always working to help people and aiming to ensure selling or buying homes and property is a positive experience, Ms Laffan puts emphasis on supporting other agents and nurturing their careers in the industry.
She originally worked in publishing and marketing and first became involved with Nutrien Harcourts’ Kilmore office after a friend reached out and said they needed support with marketing.
Despite juggling her young children and other commitments, Ms Laffan said it quickly became clear that she was interested in a career in real estate.
“I said ‘if you can fit it around school life and make it a few days a week job then I’ll come and talk to you’,” she said.
“We did a couple of months and I really quickly identified that real estate was something I could be good at and that I’d enjoy, so I set about getting the qualifications and started to do a few sales within the first nine months of being there and it just grew.”
Ms Laffan has worked with Nutrien Harcouts, formerly Ruralco, for the whole 10 years and has witnessed numerous changes in both her industry and the area that her team services.
She said a significant challenge faced during her career was the COVID-19 pandemic, however the difficulties faced during that time brought about advancements in technology and communication that are still in use today.
“It was really difficult at times, but what it did do is make us really embrace technology and I think just find ways to get the job done anyway,” Ms Laffan said.
“We used video inspections and used technology with all of that, we dabbled with things like DocuSign but that really prompted us to invest in that top technology and implement it into the business, which has created a lot more efficiency.
“While it was challenging from a mental perspective and from a team perspective, I think there were lots of positives that came out of it as well.”
Ms Laffan’s career so far has drawn praise from the industry, being named number one agent for Harcourts in Victoria last year and part of the team that was named in the top 10 of sales consultants in the Harcourts national network.
Looking forward, Ms Laffan said she wanted to keep providing quality service to the community and grow further.
“It’s just about continuing to provide really exceptional customer services because we pride ourselves on that, I think we try to have that care factor and take a more personal approach to the business,” she said.
“When I walked in here 10 years ago I could never have imagined the amazing career that we’ve developed for me, so I’m very grateful for that.”
