I'm seeing unprecedented demand from buyers matched by insufficient supply of properties which is challenging.
Matt McKee
Where were you raised and what influenced your career?
I grew up in Newcastle, attending St Phillips. Dad was always in sales and I learnt how to close deals under his guidance; he also taught me the importance of impeccable customer service. My parents always conveyed compassion, kindness and the importance of helping others.
What was your first job?
As soon as I was old enough I got a job at Broadmeadow McDonalds. It was the best start to my career because it taught me the power of teamwork, hard work and good processes. I also learnt about leadership as I worked my way up the ranks whilst at high school.
Why did study business and commerce at UoN?
I am forever grateful to one of my mentors who said that if I had a background in accounting and finance it would be a strong foundation for a successful business, no matter the industry. This invaluable advice led me to pursue business and commerce studies at UoN, a natural choice owing to the world-class reputation of our university.
How did your interest in real estate start?
Property interested me from a young age when I would travel to Sydney with my dad on work trips and admire the big city buildings - I would say I wanted to be a big developer when I grew up. During my three years of an accounting traineeship, my interest in property evolved into a passion for real estate as a means to help others.
You have worked in four different realty businesses in nine years. What did you draw from the experience?
Learning through experience is essential in real estate because every deal is unique. I've been fortunate to work with agencies of different sizes and learn from some of the best in the business. I've met some incredible mentors along the way who showed me the importance of character, ethics and relationships built on common values. Real estate is a demanding industry, and you have to be able to find balance between work, family, health and self-care or you can easily burn out.
Why did youstart your own realty business?
My success in real estate to date has been as a result of my personal brand - authentic, professional, optimistic and efficient. My fiancé encouraged me to harness my personal brand and launch our own agency to serve the needs of the dynamic property market in our region. As a boutique, technology-driven agency we are equipped to respond to the rapidly changing market around us and meet our clients' expectations. More than that, we wanted to build a legacy and help raise up the next generation of real estate agent professionals.
There are so many real estate agents in the Hunter - what is your point of difference?
My brand and I are one - when you deal with McKee Real Estate you gain direct access to my energy, enthusiasm and well-regarded experience in real estate. I've incorporated technology and flexibility into the sales process to not only achieve great results fast, but also enhance the experience for both sides of the deal.
What is the geographical area you work in and is there any specialty focus?
Our geographical focus is the Lake Macquarie growth areas; from Charlestown out to Cameron Park and in between. Being young and ambitious myself, our client focus is young families and first home buyers, and with my grounding in finance I excel at negotiating deals for developers and investors.
How do you believe the Hunter market is performing at the moment?
COVID has impacted the industry - by fuelling property demand in our region, particularly as Sydney residents seek a change of scenery in their working from home environment. The continued low interest rates are keeping the cost of borrowing down and keeping the buoyancy in the property market as a result.
Any tips for first home buyers?
Get organised. Get your finance pre-approved, analyse your expenses and be confident with your budget. Do research on the buying process so you know what's involved. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the experts around you. Lastly, prepare a list of the 10 things you want in a home and if you find a property with 7 or 8 of those things, strongly consider it because property is about compromise.
And investors?
Search for properties that may be slightly older or suffering more wear and tear where you can add value and lift the profile of the property. Paint, flooring, fittings and furnishings are all relatively easy ways to add value.
The hardest part about your job?
I'm seeing unprecedented demand from buyers matched by insufficient supply of properties which is challenging. It's hard when I can't meet the needs of all my buyers - my heart goes out to those who miss out.
And the best part?
I'm in the industry of helping people to either buy or sell property, and that's where I get joy from - being able to help my clients on their real estate journey. Real estate can be very stressful for the interested parties, so I strive to remove the stress and bring my own brand of positivity to every deal.
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