Getting to Know: Rosalie Gordon of Planet Properties
Local property expert Rosalie Gordon of Planet Properties has worked in the real estate industry for more than 30 years. She co-founded Planet Properties in 1992. A resident of the inner west for more than 55 years, Rosalie brings a deep knowledge and love of the area to her role.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been an inner west resident for more than 55 years. I’ve lived in Strathfield, Dulwich Hill, Annandale, Stanmore, Balmain and finally I settled and purchased homes in Petersham, where I have lived for more than 25 years. I am married to Mark Gordon who works with me and I have a daughter Holly who completed her degree UTS and currently lives overseas in the US working in e-commerce for Walmart. My business Planet Properties is a family-run boutique real estate office catering for inner west clients. Our business has two components, real estate sales and leasing. I love being a part of the inner west community and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Why did you decide to go into real estate?
I had a retail and hospitality background from my earlier years and enjoyed sales so much, so I saw real estate as a natural progression. I’ve always been interested in Australian architecture and the inner west has some of the best examples of our heritage in both Victorian and Federation housing. I love helping clients to get the best property for their needs.
When and why did you set up Planet Properties?
We set up Planet Properties in 1992, 30 years ago. Our office in Croydon was originally opened 1999 with my sister Rita Gibson, as we saw a need for a good real estate agency in this part of the inner west. Having a highly regarded reputation in the Petersham and Marrickville areas, it was natural to move to other areas of the inner west so we could offer our clients opportunities to move to bigger homes than the Marrickville/Petersham areas had to offer but still offering great service and advice to all of the inner west.
What services does Planet Properties offer?
We have a holistic approach to real estate servicing mainly landlords and vendors looking for an ethical, personal approach. We have sales and property management departments and we specialise in inner west residential sales and leasing. We also look after a small amount of commercial property but most of our business is residential-based real estate.
What can clients expect from you?
Our clients can expect honesty, integrity and one-on-one service. We pride ourselves on attention to detail in everything we do and we believe communication on a day-to-day basis is what sets us apart from the large franchise groups. As a family-run business, we value loyalty and in turn our clients receive our full attention at all times.
What do you enjoy most about working with your clients?
What I enjoy the most is the satisfaction I get from achieving a record result for my clients and the gratitude they show me for a job well done. My clients quite often become friends as they usually are buying or selling in the area and we’ll often bump into each other in local coffee shops and restaurants.
Best piece of advice you can offer to someone who is wanting to buy or sell right now?
Clients wanting to buy or sell in the area should do their research. Having a good relationship with an agent can be very beneficial in understanding the market and ultimately not paying too much in a slower market. With the change in the property market, comes uncertainty and stress.
This is where experience counts in a tight market. Negotiating skills are extremely important when markets change. Many inexperienced agents are battling to get results in this changing market. It’s no longer as easy to sell properties for record prices without experience and patience. At Planet Properties we are constantly training and educating ourselves so we can offer our clients the best advice so they can make good decisions. Honesty and ethics make for a transparent negotiation which usually ends up less stressful and an easier procedure.
As a mother, do you have any advice for new parents?
Enjoy the time with your children, they are small for such a short time. Before you know it, they are taller than you. Encourage your children to play sport, dance, sing or have an interest. Be honest with your children and always cherish every minute. Allow your children to express themselves and encourage them to be the best individuals they can be. My 26-year-old daughter has flown the coup. We miss her terribly. In fact we’re booked to visit her in the USA at the end of September for a few weeks. Keep active yourself and always remember don’t sweat the small stuff.
Which book/podcast has inspired you recently?
I loved Julia Gillard’s biography recently which inspired me. She always held her head up high no matter what was thrown at her. She says to never listen to negativity and move forward to bigger and better things in life. I take this on board. I also like reading about history.
Favourite places in the inner west?
I love doing the Bay Walk every Sunday morning and miss it when it’s raining or I can’t go. It’s so lovely to walk close to waterways such as the Cooks River Parklands and The Bay. You can’t beat my local coffee shop, The Counter Cafe in Petersham, every morning for my coffee – I’d be lost without it! I also love visiting Marrickville’s speak easys, brewerys and Vietnamese restaurants. South King Street in Newtown is a great place to window-shop and check out bric-a-brac. Lastly my favourite dress shop is Leona Edmiston’s boutique on Darling Street in Balmain.
Planet Properties is located at 40 The Strand, Croydon. For more information visit: planetproperties.com.au
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Jayne Wyeth
14/11/2018 at 1:49 amI have dealt with Rosalie when selling and buying property several times
She and her husband Mark , THE FORCE, are amazing. Complete professionals in every aspect and damn good people. I would recommend them to anyone looking at selling their home.