This month the world celebrated International Women’s Day, so it seems only fitting that we celebrate the women who work here at Walkom Real Estate, acknowledging their significant and invaluable contribution to our business and our lives.
Walkom Real Estate was founded by Sonia Walkom, long considered the matriarch of the Newcastle real estate industry. Her knowledge of the local market was second to none and with almost half a century of experience, she enjoyed a long and distinguished career peppered with many industry accolades before passing away in 2014. Sonia was passionate about sharing her good fortune and worked tirelessly for charity, was a foundation member of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and even today there are scholarships dedicated in her memory at TAFE in support of students in real estate. Sonia would be proud of the women working at Walkom today.
At the Walkom Real Estate head office in Newcastle we employ 18 people, 12 of whom are women. Most of the staff are long term employees, loyal to the values of the business and their team.
“I am incredibly grateful to the women who work at Walkom Real Estate,” said Scott Walkom, Managing Director. “Every single one of them is an integral part of our team. Their professionalism, expertise and fantastic customer service is invaluable to our business. We’ve got a great workplace culture where people feel heard and valued and always give that little bit extra. It’s what makes the difference in our business – our customers know it and choose us because of it.”
Meet the women of Walkom Real Estate:
Kate Rundle – Licensed Real Estate Agent
Kate’s natural empathy with clients is matched only by her incredible energy and commitment to the task at hand. For Kate, the job is about building relationships, listening to people and responding appropriately. Her no-nonsense approach is often a breath of fresh air for clients who just want to know the truth and to be treated with respect. Her clients know they can trust her knowledge and judgement, and her dedication to getting the best possible result.
Kiah Lawford – Licensed Real Estate Agent
Kiah has a lot of enthusiasm and passion for helping people with their real estate goals and a strong desire to achieve the very best possible outcome for each of her clients. Her ability to guide and support people through an individually tapered real estate experience, helps clients make clear and educated decisions. Trustworthy, with a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile to find the right solution, her warm, friendly personality immediately puts people at ease, and she works hard to build strong professional relationships that ensure a seamless process every time.
Tayla Brooks – Licensed Real Estate Agent / EA to Thomas Hook
In 2017, Tayla fell in love with the process of selling and purchasing and decided that a career change was in order. She gained her Certificate IV in Property Services and hasn’t looked back. With over seven years’ experience across various roles throughout the Civil Construction and Power industries, Tayla is extremely driven, both personally and professionally. Her organisation and attention to detail is second to none. From project marketing (off the plan), boutique developments to family homes, she is comfortable assisting in all areas and is extremely passionate in her execution of professional customer service.
Emily Wong – Licensed Real Estate Agent / EA to Graeme Brownlow and Kiah Lawford
With years of experience in customer service, Emily brings a friendly and approachable attitude to all her dealings with clients. She has a genuine love for property and is known for her positive nature and natural ability to establish relationships. At the core of Emily’s approach is her willingness to go that little bit extra to look after her client’s best interests and needs, bringing genuine enthusiasm and passion for the ultimate buying and selling experience.
Kate Ellis – Sales Assistant
With over 15 years’ experience with Walkom Real Estate, Kate’s experience covers all aspects from property management to sales. Working in both administration and accounts, Kate’s strong communication skills provides support to both clients and colleagues. Her industry knowledge, reliability and positive demeanour combined make her a valuable member of the team.
Ami Hynds – Executive Support Sales
Ami has 13 years in the industry, is driven, passionate and focused, with excellent organisational and time management skills that keeps the property sales team on track. Her friendly and approachable personality coupled with a strong work ethic means that Ami is always up for a challenge, and she does it all with a smile on her face. The smooth management of our property sales is a testament to her meticulous attention to detail.
Susan Saetta – Department Manager / Licensed Agent
Susan’s tremendous experience is invaluable to her property management team and her dedication to the role is obvious to her colleagues and clients. After more than 20 years in property management, Susan provides expert advice on every aspect of managing an investment property. Susan is an REI Accredited Property Manager, a member of the NSW Property Management Chapter and has received a NSW Real Estate Institute Award for Excellence in Property Management. Susan participates in property management forums as a panellist passing on her extensive experience and knowledge to up and coming young property managers throughout the region.
Shannen Murphy – Senior Property Manager
Shannen has been in real estate since 1997 and thoroughly enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy property management office. She lives in the inner city and keeps up with the area’s changing demographics, providing valuable insights for her clients so they can invest wisely. Shannen is committed to maintaining her professional qualifications, having completed a Certificate IV in Business (Real Estate) and a Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Vicki Powell – Property Manager
Vicki started in real estate in her late teens and joined Walkom in 2001. Born in Mayfield, Vicki knows Newcastle like the back of her hand, and her clients consistently benefit from her extensive local knowledge. Fiercely committed to her profession, she enjoys helping Walkom stay ahead of the competition by offering people more ways of engaging with the market, whether it’s a virtual tour online or just going that extra mile for her client.
Eleni Kolotas – Property Manager
With over 9 years’ experience in the real estate industry Eleni brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her bubbly and approachable nature and passion for the industry goes a long way when building strong, long lasting relationships with her clients. Maintaining a stress-free investment that gains maximum return on her client’s valuable assets is her priority.
Susan Brealey – Property Manager
Playing an integral role in the busy property management team, as Property Management Administrator, her eye for detail, extensive property management experience and strong work ethic enable her to deliver a flawless service. From paying clients’ strata, council and water rates to reconciling trust accounts and managing the rent roll, Susan’s efficiency and customer service focus means that the office runs like a well-oiled machine. Friendly, approachable and highly driven, Susan loves being part of a close-knit team where she can combine her love of real estate with her accounting and administration skills.
Lucy Cutcher – Assistant to Property Manager
Lucy has been keeping clients and staff organised for over 12 years at Walkom Real Estate. Lucy’s friendly, warm and professional manner represents the values of the business, impresses clients and is highly valued by her work colleagues who rely on her communication skills for the smooth operation of the office.
In acknowledgement of International Women’s Day, we thank the women in real estate and in particular, the women of Walkom Real Estate for their hard work and dedication.