Geraldine Hermens' Journey with LJ Hooker
After more than a decade in real estate, Geraldine Hermens knew she needed to make a significant career change to grow her business. This is why she joined LJ Hooker in 2003.
Having spent a decade with a competing real estate brand, Geraldine recognised the benefits of joining a supportive group with an internationally recognised brand. She and her husband, Peter, were looking for a company that offered robust support and global reach, making LJ Hooker the perfect choice.
Today, Geraldine has carved out a success story with LJ Hooker. She is regularly recognised as one of the Group’s top-performing agents and is now a co-owner of LJ Hooker Dunedin. Her story is one of hard work, dedication, and the backing of LJ Hooker.
A Strategic Move
For Geraldine and Peter, the decision to join LJ Hooker was driven by the brand's international presence and reputation for fostering growth.
"We wanted to grow ourselves and our business, and that's what LJ Hooker could deliver," Geraldine reflects.
The support and resources provided by LJ Hooker enabled them to secure a promising future in a competitive marketplace. As a strong local brand with a global outlook, LJ Hooker offered the perfect platform for their aspirations.
Building a Team and Achieving Success
Initially, Geraldine did not embrace the team approach in her real estate career. However, upon joining LJ Hooker, she quickly realized the immense benefits of working as part of a team.
Today, she works with a team of four, including her husband Peter, daughter Amelia, and their personal assistant Mikayla Bennetts. Not only does Geraldine thrive with the backing of her team, but she has also helped them foster new careers in real estate.
“Amelia has been with us for 10 years and is now a real estate agent managing her own clients- sellers and buyers. Mikayla joined as a PA with a real estate license and will soon be progressing into a sales associate to support Amelia and I and develop skills to eventually be a stand-alone agent. “Geraldine said.
She admits that being part of a team is something she wished she had done earlier.
“My sister started in real estate with a PA, allowing her to achieve in five years what has taken me 20 years to achieve.”
“You need time to deal with your clients. If you're bogged down with admin, buyer inspections, and building inspections etc, you don't have time for the day-to-day work with your clients, who need your attention 24/7. Having a team means I can list properties, conduct open homes, and negotiate deals.”
Geraldine and her team, supported by LJ Hooker, have been able to create more efficiency and enhance the client experience.
Leveraging LJ Hooker's Support
One of the standout benefits of being part of LJ Hooker is the unparalleled support the brand offers.
"LJ Hooker has been phenomenal in providing support and doing things that local businesses can't do," Geraldine said.
Training is a significant benefit of being with an international brand. Geraldine and her team have access to regular on-demand and live training opportunities, both locally and nationally. These opportunities help her stay relevant and competitive in her market.
This support has been crucial in helping her team consistently meet their appraisal, listing, and buyer targets. The structured approach to setting and achieving these targets keeps the team motivated and aligned with their goals.
Focused Marketing
Geraldine has carved out a niche in her market with a focused marketing strategy. With a dedicated patch of 1,500 houses, she maintains an impressive 50 to 60 percent market share. Her method involves a proactive yet strategic approach called "hot spotting," where the team intensively markets in areas with new listings.
If it is one of her listings, they distribute "just listed" flyers before the signboard goes up. She also describes the type of property her buyers are looking for to potential sellers. Her strategy has earned her the respect and trust of property sellers and buyers in Dunedin.
The Culture of Sharing and Mentorship
A significant factor in Geraldine's success is the culture of sharing and mentorship at LJ Hooker.
Throughout the year, LJ Hooker hosts training and events that bring the entire network together to upskill and, more importantly, to network and learn from one another.
At one of these events, Geraldine had the opportunity to talk to Jeannie Boswell of LJ Hooker Palmerston North, who has been the number one LJ Hooker salesperson for 30 years.
"I picked her brains and learned a lot, which changed how I did and now do things," she said.
Geraldine emphasised the importance of a supportive environment where ideas and strategies are freely exchanged.
"If you're in an environment where ideas and strategies are not shared and if you are not getting help from other mentors, then move. Go somewhere where you are getting help because, in this industry, you need all the help and support you can get."
Flourishing Careers
Geraldine Hermens' journey with LJ Hooker showcases the profound impact of joining a supportive, growth-oriented real estate network. Her story highlights the benefits of teamwork, strategic marketing, and a culture of sharing.
For those considering a career with LJ Hooker, Geraldine's success is a compelling testament to the opportunities and support that come with being part of a connected brand. With LJ Hooker, real estate professionals can achieve their dreams and create flourishing careers.