Meet Amy Arthur, a real estate enthusiast with a lifelong interest in home interiors and styling. Hailing from the charming town of Moulamein in NSW, Australia, Amy grew up on a family farm where she experienced the joy of rural life and cultivated a strong work ethic. Here we get to know what makes Amy, Amy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you grew up and your family?

My hometown is Moulamein NSW, a tiny river town in the Riverina district. It has about 150 people total and is a major rice-growing region for Australia. I grew up on a cereal cropping and livestock farm on the Edward River. I have one sister who is very close in age, our childhood was a pretty good balance of pitching in on the farm work including driving tractors, helping in the shearing sheds, and mustering sheep on horseback. But also having time to hang out with the other farm kids on neighbouring properties riding dirt bikes, and spending most of the summer in the river. My sister Tess and I hatched chickens and ducklings from incubators, bottle-fed orphaned lambs, and our daily gripe was having to outrun the goose on the way to the horse yards. We wouldn’t DARE say to our parents we were bored or we would be given a job to do - hand-weeding crops! Not even joking. Nevertheless, it worked well, it kept us out of the house and determined to find our own fun.

What led you to pursue a career in real estate?

For as long as I can remember I have always had an interest in home interiors and styling, as a child I would love to flip through my Mum’s home magazines. It wasn’t until I went to purchase my first home on my own that I started to take a keen interest in the real estate market. It was actually the fear of spending my life savings on the “wrong” property that had me wondering how DID the agents work out the value? How do I KNOW if I am overpaying for a home? What are their secrets?! This started my obsession with scrolling REA. I loved guessing what they’d sell for and then check back later to see how I did. I quickly realised that this was turning into a passion of mine and decided to get my agents rep certificate and give it a go. 

Provide an overview of your role and responsibilities in the real estate industry? 

In a nutshell, I see my job as helping people progress through life’s chapters. There are some key reasons people sell their home: Upgrading, retirement planning, relationship changes, financial pressures, and health reasons. No matter the reason, usually this is one of the biggest transactions someone will make and usually it is quite an emotional journey too. I see my role as not just a professional advocate for my clients but also just a real person helping another. 

How would you describe the current state of the real estate market in Bendigo?

As interest rate rises continue to decrease buyers borrowing capacity, I am finding the market easing in the $700,000+ bracket and strengthening for the more affordable homes. I am finding strong competition for homes priced in the $500,000 - $600,000 range.

What are some recent trends or shifts you've observed in the real estate industry?

Covid saw a huge shift towards homes on acreage, however, since lockdowns ended this has gradually eased off. Due to the high cost of building and building materials, I have noticed a preference for existing homes rather than land to build on. I am also seeing a trend for homes that have already been renovated and do not need any urgent work. 

Can you share a memorable or challenging experience you've had while working in real estate?

The first time I sold a home during COVID via FaceTime! Never in my life would I have thought that was going to happen, yet it became a “normal” thing to do during the lockdowns.

That, and the time I was selling a tenanted property and for the inspection, the tenant left a blood-splattered gnome on the front doorstep holding a sign that was, erm, “telling them where to go”. The buyers were suitably nervous. That was interesting. 

Can you discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in the real estate business?

I wouldn't say I network as such… I just go about my life trying to be the best person I can be. Relationships are everything in real estate and I figure, if I focus on doing my job to the best of my ability, work hard, and stay focused on my client experiences, the networking will take care of itself.

What are some common challenges or obstacles you face in your day-to-day work in real estate?

Keys. Some houses have so many keys! And some keys only work if you hold your tongue just right!

How do you approach pricing and valuing properties in the current market?

A combination of comparing sold data, looking at what similar homes are currently advertised for and ensuring it is competitive, knowing what buyers are currently out there, knowing their budget and what they are looking for… and a dollop of intuition. 

Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you?

I sent myself off to boarding school for my senior years. I applied for a scholarship to Yanco Agricultural High School which is a co-ed boarding school based on a 280-hectare operational farm in Leeton NSW where you can take your horse to school. I was annoyed at having to spend 2 hours a day on a bus to get to and from high school in Swan Hill - it was interfering with my horse-riding time - so I got it all organised and then pitched it to my parents. It was a blast! 

How would you describe yourself?

An old soul. Probably should have been French, so I could eat pastries and gaze at the Architecture all day haha

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in real estate?

I would do property styling!

How do you spend your weekends?

Saturdays are for selling!

Sundays are spent Still. Painting. My. House. 

And cutting wood.

And spending time with my children Oli & Bella