It’s Not Just About Size…

Over the years, I’ve put together plenty of listing proposals for rural property owners. I truly appreciate the opportunity to meet with people and show them what I am about and how I go about things.

I don’t expect to get every listing I bid for. I look at situations analytically and acknowledge that others also do things well. That’s cool; that keeps me on my toes and encourages competition.

I may be a relatively small player on a big field, but I consider myself an impact player first and foremost. I believe my clients recognise and value this. From this vantage point, I notice that some in our industry do have some pretty odd habits that come out to unlevel the playing field.

On at least one occasion, it became apparent that my proposal was used as a basis for the winning agent’s eventual campaign. That’s pretty wild. Whilst I would never be able to prove it, part of my job is to keep my ear to the ground, so have no doubt about it.

Then there are the old, “we really like you, but we are going for a bigger brand / you don’t have backup” lines.

So, let’s talk about that.

I have been operating successfully as an independent agent based in the Uralla – Armidale district and servicing the entire New England region from Tenterfield to Nowendoc since 2006. I am still here. All the while continuously increasing my knowledge of the district’s pastoral industry, ecology, geology, agriculture and in some cases, change in primary land use and management.

Over that time, I have made fantastic business contacts and enduring personal friends. On many occasions, I have handled multiple transactions for the same client. I figure these clients were not only happy with the result I achieved, but also with the way I achieved it.

As an independent agent who comes from a genuine farming background, I was never indoctrinated by the big corporates. I didn’t become an agent until my late 30s. Always keen to learn from others, independence allows me to develop and adopt the best methods applicable at any time. Being independent allows greater flexibility. While always striving for best practice, I have done things my way, which seems to strike a chord with most landholders. I am always seeking self-improvement, learning new technologies and to understand emerging market opportunities, for the benefit of myself and my clients.

So, are the bigger brands inherently better? Are they more interested? Do they have an inherently greater understanding of the property, the district and the market?

One moment has stayed with me; I conducted an inspection of a property with an agent (from a “big brand”) who was introducing his clients when I was told, “Well, at the end of the day, we’re just really Uber drivers, aren’t we”.

To be frank, that shocked me. Even though I had already heard of this via unimpressed would-be buyers of property.

To me, it is an enormous privilege to be appointed to represent a client, be it a family or corporation, in the sale of their prime asset. I do not take it lightly. Some properties take one inspection to find the buyer, others may take thirty. Either way, I aim to provide each and every prospective buyer with a personalised tailored inspection of the property. Not just an Uber ride around the paddocks.

In addressing “you don’t have back up”, in 20 years I have rarely needed it. But if I do, I have others I can call upon. The difference is: you’re not passed around. You’re dealing with the person who is accountable for the campaign, the communication, and the outcome.

And here’s a small fact I’m quietly proud of. In New South Wales, all agencies are required to maintain a “complaints register” where complaints and the action taken to resolve them are recorded. My register is empty. Not one entry after 20 years..

In conclusion, I don’t think it is about size. It’s about being real: clear advice, consistent effort, flexibility, and a campaign built for your property, and for you.

Thanks again for taking the time to read. If you’d like to have a chat about your place and your future plans, please don’t hesitate to call me; I’m always happy to talk.

Best regards,

Graham MacDougall
0412 220 302