8 minute read
Family, business, and music: A perfect balance for sustainable joy
BY SHARI HALL
PHOTOS BY EMPIRE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Cursio, Director of Cursio Property Buyers Agents, based in Noosa, Queensland, has cultivated a harmonious life blending family, a real estate career and music. Deeply rooted in his Italian heritage, his journey reflects a commitment to balance and sustainability, ensuring lifelong joy and success.
FAMILY AND MUSIC: THE CEMENT THAT BINDS
Adam’s story begins with his family. Born to Tony and Daniela Cursio, immigrants to Melbourne, Victoria, from southern Italy, Adam’s upbringing was imbued with the rich traditions and values of the Italian culture.
Many parents strive to create a better life for their children. For the Cursios, this meant developing a family business in insurance and financial planning that has sustained itself for over 40 years. Adam was destined for a pre-determined legacy.
His father, Tony, was also a charismatic singer, actor, and performer. His mother, Daniela, is a well-respected, retired school teacher.
“I didn’t realise it then, but Dad was a master on stage. He could make a thousand people silent or have them jumping up and down with joy. He was the best salesperson I ever met, a real natural. And Mum, she was a natural born educator who made it impossible to fail,” Adam says.
His parents instilled in Adam a love for music and a strong and disciplined work ethic. So, when Adam picked up the guitar at nine years old, he learned his first guitar solo from ‘Easy’ by Faith No More in one weekend. “I practised until my little fingers bled and it all sounded just right,” he recalls.
Admiring his father’s dedication and connection to the people, Adam also developed a passion for music that fuelled his determination to, one day, take the stage on his own terms.
This early exposure to performance and lessons learned from his parents would later develop into crucial skills needed in his real estate career, where confidence and communication are key.
REAL ESTATE: CONNECTING TO THE PEOPLE
While music was a significant part of his life, Adam’s professional life began in financial services. Influenced by his father's advice, he pursued a career in financial planning, obtaining his Bachelor of Business at RMIT. He joined the family business, selling life insurance and income protection. “I thought helping people manage their money (and protecting it) would be a fulfilling career,” he says. Yet he could feel it did not resonate with his core values as something was missing.
“It’s like when you’re a kid, and someone says you must wear this, but you really don't want to; they would never be your choice. You don't know how to behave; you don’t know what to say to match your chosen outfit. But, when you dress yourself, you do you; you feel like you and you are 100 per cent yourself. As a financial planner in Melbourne, it was stressful, and I did not really know who I was meant to be. It was somewhat the same as that little frustrated boy in the wrong clothes. I could only advise clients on limited approved financial products when I knew I was dealing with people’s lives and their money, and there was a huge piece of the puzzle missing in my advice.”
His clients talked about their mortgage payments, the high cost of living, and insurance premiums; yet, he couldn’t discuss the cause of these problems with them. What people really needed was guidance in making one of the most significant investments of their lives: buying property. “My vision was bigger than those ASIC limitations; I genuinely wanted to help people to build real wealth.”
This realisation prompted Adam to transition into real estate. He obtained his real estate license and began working as a project marketer, offering off-plan properties to investors. “I did well, but again, I felt like I was selling products rather than truly helping people,” Adam explains. This dissatisfaction led him to a pivotal decision: to become a buyer’s agent dedicated to representing and supporting buyers.
THE UNIQUE ROLE OF A BUYER’S AGENT
In Australia, the concept of a buyer’s agent is still relatively new. Unlike traditional real estate agents who work for the seller, buyers’ agents advocate for the buyer, providing impartial advice and ensuring their best interests are served.
“I am deeply passionate about buyers getting a good deal and being looked after in the big bad game of real estate, which is primarily dominated by selling agents. Many people don’t realise that when they go to an ‘open for inspection’ or auction, while the real estate agents do a great job of befriending buyers and servicing them, it needs to be understood, respected, and recognised that the reality is that selling agents are working for their sellers. By law, they must represent the sellers with their best interest at heart, getting the highest price on their terms. Buyers typically have nobody helping them and sometimes have no idea that they’re paying $50,000 to $100,000 more than they need to; sometimes they're bidding against themselves at an auction, not even realising nobody else is left to bid.” Adam describes his role as: “levelling the playing field.”
THE NOOSA PROPERTY MARKET: OPPORTUNITIES AND INSIGHTS
With its stunning beaches, high-end retail shops and restaurants, and laid-back lifestyle, Noosa has become a prime location for homebuyers and investors. However, its worldwide popularity also means the market is highly competitive. “The demand for property in Noosa is high, and supply is limited,” Adam notes. “Being based in Noosa, I know the market trends, the neighbourhoods, and what drives property values. We can access off-market properties and negotiate the best terms for our clients,” he explains. This expertise allows him to identify opportunities that others might miss, ensuring his clients get the best possible outcomes.
BUILDING TRUST AND LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
Central to Adam’s success is his ability to build trust and forge lasting relationships with his clients. He believes that honesty, transparency, and integrity are essential. “Trust is earned through consistent actions and clear communication. I keep my clients informed at every stage of the process,” Adam says.
Adam’s approach is deeply personal. He emphasises the importance of understanding his client's needs and dreams. “Every client has a different story. My job is to listen, understand, and help them find a property that fits their unique situation,” he says. His clients appreciate this knowledgeable yet compassionate approach, often praising his dedication and attention to detail.
ACHIEVING BALANCE: THE KEY TO SUSTAINABLE JOY
Adam’s life is a testament to the balance between familial bonds, professional ambitions, and personal passions. While his career in real estate is flourishing, and he carries on the legacy of the family business, he continues to nurture his love for music. Adam performs at festivals and events, leading his band Siesta Cartel and bringing audiences joy with his music.
“Whether it was business or music, my dad involved us in every aspect of his life. And sometimes I think I’m like a carbon copy of my dad. He was an insurance broker and a financial planner. I was an insurance broker, financial planner, and now a real estate buyer’s agent. Dad sang and performed, and now my band, Siesta Cartel, is singing the same Italian songs my dad taught me, songs we performed for years together on stage.”
“When my family began the Cursio Group, I knew it was meant to be there forever. The conundrum comes when you’ve got a passion inside you that needs to express itself and a desire to be free from the constraints of family tradition. I’ve now learned to balance all that— well, it’s always been the story of my life.”
“Music and real estate may seem worlds apart, but both require creativity, attention to detail, performance and an ability to connect with people. My parents taught me all that,” Adam reflects.
Balance within his heart and soul enriches Adam’s life and enhances his work as a buyer’s agent. “Playing music allows me to connect with people on a different level. It’s a reminder that at the heart of everything we do, it’s all about relationships and human connection,” he says.
Adam Cursio’s journey from his family’s musical roots to becoming a respected buyer’s agent in Noosa is a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. His unique blend of personal and professional experiences makes him a trusted partner for anyone navigating the real estate market. By creating balance in his life through his business, family, and musical passions, Adam has achieved sustainable joy, inspiring us all.
