REBAA talks to Matt Reeves, buyer’s agent and founder of Your Property Hound in Brisbane, about why he became a buyer’s agent:
What do you enjoy about being a buyer’s agent?
I am passionate about investing in property, and particularly enjoy discussing and formulating investment strategies for clients. I enjoy the responsibility of running my own business, fostering a work culture based on hard work and integrity, and in the process building long-term relationships with clients. I have a genuine love of property and can think of nothing better than spending my days inspecting million dollar homes or planning a value-add opportunity. Did I mention I love spreadsheets?
What did you do before coming a buyer’s agent and why the switch?
I first trained as a veterinarian, and worked as a veterinary specialist overseas and in private practice in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. As a veterinarian I honed my problem solving skills. I became experienced in providing practical and trusted advice, assisting pet owners to make some difficult decisions.
While working as a veterinarian I purchased and renovated my own home and built a portfolio of investment properties. By day I was treating sick cats and dogs, and by night I buried myself in property investment magazines. After 12 years working as a veterinarian I found my passion and enthusiasm was changing – I had been well and truly bitten by the property bug!
It was a difficult decision to move-on from my veterinary career, and one that surprised my friends and family. How could I leave such a well-respected and noble profession to become a real-estate agent? The answer was simple: There is no reason that a career in real estate cannot also be well respected and noble! And so I left the world of veterinary medicine founding my own business – Your Property Hound. (Obviously there had to be a canine connection, and my pet beagle became the mascot of the new business!)
How has being a vet helped you as a buyer’s agent?
Working as a veterinarian and buyer’s agent seems worlds apart. It was therefore surprising how seamless the transition became. As a veterinarian and scientist, I had developed a rational, logical approach to decision-making. Recommendations were always evidence-based. Advice needed to be practical and in accordance with the client’s wishes. Clients needed help and support with their decision-making. Pet owners respected honesty, even if this meant delivering bad news.
As a buyer’s agent I have used these same principles to establish a business that delivers independent advice based on quality research. Being open and honest, I recognise the importance of presenting a balanced assessment of properties – I’m never afraid to present the good with the bad. My goal as a buyer’s agent is to provide enough information and guidance, that clients feel empowered and confident to make their purchase decision.
Transitioning from a veterinarian to buyer’s agent has been a challenging and rewarding experience. It is now four years since Your Property Hound was established, and I could not have anticipated the amount of success we have so far achieved. Over this time we have built a great network of loyal clients and trusted colleagues, and have enjoyed plenty of laughs along the way.
