Agent of the week Real Estate
By Jo Kennett
THIS ISSUE’S Agent of the Week is your property advocate at Evergreen Exclusive Estates, Belinda Franks.
With over 20 years experience in the industry, Belinda brings her passion for interior design, architecture and renovating, and loves to guide sellers to get the best results for their property.
She also has an interest in rural properties, having owned and operated a cattle property in the Tyalgum Valley for many years. The Weekly caught up with Belinda to find out more.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT REAL ESTATE AGENT?
A great agent is a person that can navigate and respond to the needs of their client, aligning them with their own professional judgement and knowledge in the industry in assisting them in their property journey. This professional must be able to respond to and validate their clients on various levels, not just on the basis of attentive service and a dedication to securing the best outcome for them, but also to provide sound, impartial advice on a personal and property level, empowering the client to know they are in control of the process and to set their focus and intention for the outcome they want.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT BEING AN AGENT?
This one is easy. I care about people, genuinely without judgement. Every person I meet is treated with the same level of respect and courtesy.
Sure, people will disappoint you some of the time, but in the end, all that matters is your good intention towards your fellow man.
WHAT OTHER INTERESTING/ UNUSUAL JOBS HAVE YOU HAD?
My career has been varied, having started in the property industry when I was 18, straight out of school. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to venture into property development, interiors and design along the way which has complimented my skill set that I bring to the services I can provide to my clients.
WHAT’S HOT ABOUT THE TWEED SHIRE PROPERTY MARKET?
It’s not so much about what makes it hot, as special. The relaxed energy of this valley is what draws people from far and wide. They come to reconnect with themselves and refocus on how they want to live.
It’s all about the energy that pervades the area and whether people acknowledge it or not, subliminally they are connecting on this energetic level in deciding to make this spiritual area their home.
Open Homes
All times are DST unless specified.
Saturday, March 1
DJ Stringer Property Services
• 5/16 Coyne St, Kirra, 9 – 9.30am QLD Time
• 9/12 Marian St, Tweed Heads West, 10 – 10.30am
• 2/206-210 Pacific Pde, Bilinga, 10– 10.30am QLD Time
• 1066/20-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11 – 11.30am
• 2/20 Rutledge St, Coolangatta, 11 – 11:30am QLD Time
• 143 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 12 – 12.30pm
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGES ACROSS THE MARKET OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
Last year, buyers and sellers were in a holding pattern, waiting for the right time to move forward until there was a shift in interest rates, inflation and consumer confidence.
As an agent, we always know when the market is shifting and moving forward.
Buyer activity is the strongest indicator of that and buyers were actively pursuing property from the beginning of 2025. The interest rate reduction has come at the perfect time for buyers and sellers. Buyer demand is exceeding supply.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET A FOOT ON THE PROPERTY LADDER?
It’s hard. There is no way to put it that will make it any easier. My advice to anyone trying to get into the market is; save as much as you can, stay at home to save for as long as you can, encourage your parents to assist in going guarantor if that is an option, buy anything that you can afford and move into it. Lowering your expectations will be harder for some, but it is worth the sacrifice because the value will increase and your equity will grow. It doesn’t have to be your forever home, it just has to be your first home and that in itself is rewarding.
• 3/4B Chitticks Lane, Fingal Head, 12 – 12.30pm JET Real Estate
• 169 Byangum Rd, Murwillumbah, 9.30-10.00am
• 303 Crabbes Creek Rd, Crabbes Creek, 9.30-10am MANA
• 55 Kyogle Road, Bray Park, 9-9.30am
• 1/50 Hall Drive, Murwillumbah, 10-10.30am
• 8 Kiyung Court, Ocean Shores, 10-10.30am
• 80 Harbour Way, Brunswick Heads, 11-11.30am
• 1 Tree Street, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am
• 2/10 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores, 11-11.30am
• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah, 12-12.30pm
