Paula Pearce isn’t your average real estate agent; she’s a force of negotiation, local insight, and authentic connection, all wrapped in one.
With over 25 years in sales and more than 15 years in Brisbane real estate, Paula has built Team PP into one of the most trusted names in Brisbane’s Inner East.
Before real estate, Paula honed her skills in the corporate world as a contract’s negotiator for a global software company. That experience gave her a razor-sharp edge in property - knowing how to make every word, every condition, and every offer count.
She doesn’t just do business in Bulimba, Norman Park, and Hawthorne, she lives and breathes the community. From supporting local schools to championing charities, Paula’s reputation is built on more than just property, it’s built on people.
Consistently ranked in the top 1% of sales agents in Queensland, Paula combines grit, strategy, and heart in everything she does. For her, real estate isn’t a transaction - it’s a partnership. And that’s exactly why clients return to her time and again.
We sat down with Paula Pearce to talk career pivots, client-first philosophies, and what it really takes to thrive in real estate.
1. When you think about the “top 1%” of agents in Queensland, what do you believe separates them from the rest, not in output, but in mindset and daily discipline?
The top 1% don’t just chase results, they play the long game. They understand that true longevity is built on trust, consistency, and delivering an exceptional client experience every single time. It’s about discipline in the small, daily actions that compound into a reputation of reliability and professionalism.
2. Can you walk us through one of the toughest strategic decisions you’ve made in your career that directly impacted your trajectory?
My toughest call was leaving behind a successful IT sales career in Sydney to start over in Brisbane real estate, right in the middle of the GFC. IT sales was financially rewarding, but it cost me time with my family. I was always away, missing my children grow up. The decision to pivot industries and cities meant backing myself with no network, no safety net, and no guarantee of success. It was the hardest, but ultimately the most rewarding decision I’ve made.
3. You’re known for running a very systemised and intentional business. What’s a behind-the-scenes process or structure that most agents wouldn’t think to implement, but has been critical to your results?
It’s about investing in both people and technology to create consistency at every touchpoint. From the way an open home is set up, to the speed of a follow-up call, the details matter. The 1% touches build trust, demonstrate professionalism, and reinforce your brand in the marketplace.
4. Many agents chase volume. You’ve built a high-performing business within Place One Group. How do you balance growth with maintaining a premium level of service?
I made a conscious decision not to chase volume at the expense of quality. If a client lists with me, they get me - at every inspection, every negotiation. Behind me is a team that manages the systems and processes so I can focus on what matters most: my clients. With the right team structure, you can scale without compromise.
5. What role has Place’s culture and platform played in helping you unlock bigger thinking or giving you the leverage to operate at this scale?
It’s been pivotal. Place has a “learn it all, not know it all” culture. The constant training, innovation, and exposure to the best in the business, like Sarah Hackett, pushes you to think bigger and operate smarter. We’re encouraged to try new ideas and supported every step of the way.
6. Can you share an example where a collaboration or partnership inside Place elevated your results in a way you couldn’t have achieved on your own?
Recently, Sarah Hackett gave me feedback on my listing presentation. I wanted to refresh my approach, and her insight was game-changing. The tweaks I implemented directly helped me secure my last three listings. That kind of collaboration is invaluable.
7. How do you audit your business and know when to pivot, whether that’s your marketing approach, client engagement, or team structure?
We run monthly audits against quarterly targets. That way, if we’re off track, we have time to course-correct within the quarter. Recently, after a long-time team member started her own business, it forced me to rebuild. We reviewed everything: marketing, expenses, processes, and reset milestones. The discipline of regular audits gives you agility without losing momentum.
8. In real terms, what does your prospecting strategy look like today versus when you first started, and how do you keep it fresh in a crowded market?
It’s evolved into a multi-layered approach from social, digital, written collateral to direct contact via calls, texts, and emails. But one thing hasn’t changed: you still need to pick up the phone. Technology can enhance prospecting, but it can’t replace the discipline of consistent, personal conversations.
9. The top 1% isn’t just about sales, it’s about leadership and influence. What’s been your biggest growth edge as a leader, both for your team and your clients?
Maturity. I’ve learnt that every client and every deal matters, no matter the size. I’ve instilled in my team that our reputation is our currency. Results matter, but so does service, and the two are inseparable. Protect the reputation, and the results will follow.
10. Looking ahead, what strategic bets are you making on the market, on your business, or on yourself that you think will keep you ahead over the next five years?
I’m doubling down on buyers. Anyone can list a property online, but the best agents know the power of working a database. The future belongs to those who connect deeply with buyers, present every opportunity, and extract the absolute best result for their clients. That’s where the next edge will come from.
For further media enquiries, please contact Place’s Head of PR, Jenna Fearnley: 0423 362 570.