After nearly two decades in the corporate world, focused on investment and research, Rhoda Barsalli decided it was time for a change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she shifted her career towards flipping properties, a passion that led her to become a licensed real estate agent. Her ambition to grow her business is evident as she currently utilises virtual assistance to streamline operations. Barsalli Buyers Agents prides itself on offering personalised service, taking on no more than five clients at a time to ensure a high level of attention and care.
What motivated you to make a change?
Leaving the corporate grind behind, Rhoda sought a better work-life balance to spend more quality time with her family. Her dissatisfaction with the corporate environment and a burning passion for real estate drove her to start her own business. She aims to help first-time home buyers, downsizers, busy professionals, and investors navigate the often-intimidating property market.
What is your mission and what principles guide your business?
Rhoda’s mission is to transform the property buying experience from stressful to fun, ultimately helping clients find their dream homes or successful investments. Key business principles include:
• Limiting to five clients at a time for personalised service
• Simplifying the property-buying journey for those who need it most
• Building strong referral networks to benefit clients
Barsalli Buyers Agents stands out for its dedicated approach, ensuring each client's experience is smooth and successful.
What are the key products and services you offer?
Barsalli Buyers Agents offer a range of services tailored to clients' needs:
- Full-service agreement: From sourcing properties to due diligence, negotiating, and dealing with third parties like conveyancers and mortgage brokers, this comprehensive service simplifies the property buying journey.
- Negotiation only: For clients who have already found a property, this service focuses on securing the best price and handling due diligence.
- Auction bidding: Ideal for those intimidated by the auction process, offering professional representation to secure the property.
Serving primarily the Eastern Suburbs, Barsalli Buyers Agents also cater to clients throughout greater Sydney and even assist first-time investors purchasing in Queensland.
Why start a business?
The decision to leave a stable corporate career wasn't easy. However, the desire to spend more time with her family and the lack of fulfilment in her corporate role pushed Rhoda to pursue her passion for property. Her goal is to make the property buying experience fun and stress-free, transforming it for her clients.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice Rhoda received was to continuously engage in professional and self-development and to always remember her "why." This mindset helps her maintain focus and drive, ensuring that her business decisions align with her values and goals of providing personalised, high-quality service.
How has the community supported your journey?
The local community has played a crucial role in her journey. Joining the Buyers Agency Institute provided her with invaluable lessons and support from experienced professionals. Engaging with sales agents and brokers in the South-East of Sydney has also been instrumental, with referrals and word-of-mouth playing a significant role in her business's growth.
What unique challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from a corporate role to running her own business presented Rhoda with some unique challenges:
1. Mindset shift: adapting to being her own boss and creating her own structure was crucial
2. Startup overwhelm: prioritising tasks and focusing on one thing at a time helped manage the initial overwhelm
3. Financial adjustments: planning and adapting to the lack of stable income required significant lifestyle changes but resulted in long-term benefits
4. Forced transition: a premature end to her corporate contract forced her to fully commit to her business, leading to a deep re-evaluation of her finances and goals
Which are the tech tools indispensable for your business?
- DocuSign is essential for business operations
- WhatsApp is key for client communication
- Gmail and social media, both crucial for sharing successes and reaching new clients
How do you maintain work-life balance?
To unwind, Rhoda meditates twice daily, enjoys walking with her dogs, and engages in exercise like Pilates or yoga. Connecting with nature also helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Connect with Rhoda:
Website: barsallibuyersagency.com
Email: rhoda@barsallibuyersagency.com
Instagram: @barsalli.buyers.agent
