Guess who’s joining us from the land down under? Rachael Goldsworthy! Rachael is a long-time realtor with a brokerage in Hawkesbury, Australia, and she’s got a knack for visualizing potential and opportunity when others don’t. Inspired by her less-than-ideal experience when she bought her first home, Rachael launched her real estate career with a mission to improve the consumer service experience in the industry. Tune in as Rachael fills us in on a story of a house full of rats, black walls, and stench – and why she bought it anyway.   Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Rachael’s Background 1:20 – She bought her first property in the late 90s and has a brokerage (they call it agency) with a team of 6 in Hawkesbury 02:05 – Buying her first home inspired her to begin a career in real estate; she had dragged the whole family along 03:30 – The home was in extremely bad condition but she fell in love anyway; her family thought she was crazy 04:50 – It was the worst house on the best street, and she saw an opportunity there; she renovated it and moved away for 2 years 05:15 – She listed with a big agency and the agency had placed terrible tenants in her home; they had severely damaged the home and landscaping 06:05 – She was sad and disappointed and thought there had to be a better way; she let the company try to sell the house, too 07:23 – In Australia you list with one agency; she didn’t know so she got a second agency to try and sell it 08:50 – She wasn’t an agent but decided to put an ad in the paper for it; she got two buyers and both wanted it, she sold it for 75% more than her original purchase price 09:13 – That marked the moment that she realized she wanted to be in real estate, so she could improve the experience for the consumer 09:45 – She’s been constantly growing and learning ever since; she found opportunity in crisis 11:00 – Rachael’s marketing approach and how she incorporates customer service 11:10 – There are a lot of pain points for the consumer and for real estate agents; agents must continue growing and networking 11:30 – She works her business around the gaps she sees in the market 12:00 – Rachael can visualize what “could be” with a property; how she conveys this to potential buyers who are viewing “ugly” properties 12:55 – It’s all about taking the emotion out of the equation and working with the facts 13:07 – Write a list of pros and cons and know what makes the property a good investment 14:16 – She knew the bones of the house were good, despite other cosmetic things that looked like a lot of work; she focuses on the good with potential buyers, too 15:04 – Focus on the big picture and what will increase the property’s equity; make sure they’re buying for the right reasons and are happy with the purchase 16:24 – Rachael’s biggest surprise since entering the industry: People 16:38 – She found that the more she invests in others, the more they’re willing to invest in you 17:00 – At first, she tried to do everything alone, now she collaborates a lot with others 19:00 – Rachael’s contact information: Website RachaelGoldsworthy.com.au or on any social media channel 3 Key Points A good realtor can see an opportunity where others don’t. Always continue growing, learning, and improving the consumer experience.   You don’t have to do everything alone; collaboration is good!   Credits Audio Production by Chris Mottram Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder