Savva Koulouris has always had an interest in real estate, but fresh out of high school, he was determined to gain a university degree. Savva decided to study accounting where he spent a year working as an undergraduate before he threw it all in and jumped head first into the real estate industry.
“I eventually got laid off as an undergraduate due to lack of work. From there I worked in hospitality and quickly realised that’s not where I wanted to be. I now see this path as the push I needed to leap into the real estate industry,” says Savva.
“It was 2016, and at the time Denis Najzar had a position available in his team. I picked up the phone, called Denis and met with him the next day. From there, I had the job.”
Savva was hired as a leverage agent for team Najzar, learning all the ins-and-outs of the industry.
“My transition into real estate happened very quickly, I was really thrown in the deep end. I’m so glad I made the jump and I’ve never looked back,” shares Savva.
Today, Savva sat down with us and shared his real estate journey, offering advice for those of you who are looking to break into the industry.
What were some of the challenges when you started in real estate?
When I first started, I learnt a lot of the admin side of real estate. We believe it’s important to have those skills so you’re not always relying on sales support and can be as productive as possible in times of urgency.
I was thrown straight in the deep end making calls from day one. I remember starting and thinking, “I’ve never been on the phone so much in my life!”
It took me a while to get used to phone dialogue. It took practice to come across calm and confident on the phone. Luckily, I was given a lot of guidance.
I quickly learnt that when you’re confident in what you’re saying, people will have confidence in you.
What does the day-to-day look like for you?
The first thing I learnt when I broke into the industry is there’s no such thing as an ideal week in real estate. You can plan out your week as much as you’d like, but each day, things pop up when you least expect them.
I aim to get up in the morning at 5am and get to gym by 5:30. I’m then home for breakfast and Denis and I generally are communicating by 7:30am to brief each other on anything that the team needs to be aware of. From there, we will plan out our agenda for the day.
I make sure I’m in the office between 8 and 8:30am to action my emails first up and start appointments from 9am.
I worked out that in the afternoon I have much better phone conversations, as opposed to being a little too structured in the mornings. So, each day I’ll set aside a couple of hours to make calls in the afternoon.
Generally, we have about three nights a week where we have an open home, appointment or a property shoot.
What has working in a team taught you?
I’ve been working as a Leverage Agent for Denis for almost two-years now and am so appreciative of the guidance I have received.
I think it’s important to remember that it takes a lot of work to build yourself up to being a successful lead agent. I am grateful that I broke into the industry learning from someone as hard working as Denis.
Denis and I communicate with each other all day, every day, so that we’re on the same page with everything. I’ve learnt the importance of clear and communication and the importance it plays in a team.
It’s been a great foundation having someone to go to for advice and guidance. Moving forward, it’s my goal to work as a Lead Agent. Even then, I know I’ll have a mentor relationship with Dennis.
Throughout your career, what is a significant moment you can recall?
Last Christmas Denis was on leave for a number of weeks and over that time he gave me his phone and full control of the business. In the first two weeks of January, I put five properties under contract and dealt with obstacles on my own without the guidance of Denis who was in a different time-zone.
It was a really crazy time having the business placed in my hands, but a great confidence boost knowing I could do it myself.
This experience gave me a taste of what it’s like to work as a lead agent, having to make all decisions on your own.
It was great to have that sense of empowerment, and that moment made me realise I’m ready to invest my whole life into and commit to this industry.
For those looking at breaking into the industry, what advice would you offer?
Having recently completed a Bachelor of Business, I'm so glad I followed my instinct and broke into the real estate industry when the opportunity presented itself.
We all know of a few real estate agents that we could give a call at any time, offer to buy them a coffee and ask a few questions.
It’s great to get in touch with someone who you admire and see as a good role model.
It’s really important to partner with someone who has the same values as you. Denis and I are very in line with what we believe personally and professionally which makes communication and teamwork really great.
Working under someone is a great way to absorb as much information and experience as you can. It’s a great way to build confidence and skill.
Interested in starting a career in sales at Place? Learn more or get in touch, here.