Journal: My Tree Change Journey & Real Estate Venture
Entry 1: The Beginning of a New Chapter
It all started with a quiet desire for change. I found myself yearning for fresh air, open spaces, and a slower pace of life. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go, but I knew the future I envisioned wasn’t one of cramped apartments and endless traffic. The concept of a “tree change” had always intrigued me—leaving behind the chaos for the tranquility of the countryside, surrounded by nature.
After months of research and visits, I found my new home—a 2 acre property which we named "The Edge", nestled among rolling hills, with towering trees and wide, open fields. The kind of place where everyone knows your name and the air smells like fresh pine. It was the perfect escape, but also a fresh start.
Entry 2: Settling In
The first few months were a whirlwind of getting used to the rhythms of country life. Mornings started with bird songs instead of alarm clocks, and I quickly fell in love with the quietness of the streets. My new home became a sanctuary—a place to recharge after the fast-paced city life.
But the real excitement began when I decided to turn my passion for real estate into a business. The idea had been brewing for years. I wanted to connect people with their dream properties, especially in this area, where the beauty of the land and the warmth of the community made everything feel like a treasure. I saw a gap in the market—there was a growing interest in the area and, with my extensive sales experience, I felt I could make a positive contribution to both prospective vendors and buyers.
Entry 3: Establishing My Business
Starting a business was no easy feat. Having previously worked for franchised estate agents in both Melbourne and Ballarat,I had to learn the nuances of rural real estate, from understanding land values to establishing relationships with local builders and contractors. It wasn’t just about selling properties; it was about building trust and becoming a part of the community. I spent hours meeting with locals, learning the history of the land, and soaking in every detail that could help me serve future clients.
I invested in building a brand (Cumberland Kent) that felt as authentic as the area itself. I didn’t want to just be another real estate agent. I wanted to be someone people could rely on, someone who cared about the place as much as they did. I developed a network of local professionals, from landscapers to solicitors, who could help bring a property to life, offering more than just a sale but a seamless experience for buyers and sellers alike.
Entry 4: Overcoming Challenges
Like any new venture, the road wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of doubt, times when I wondered if I had made the right decision to start a business in such a niche market. The early days were tough—long hours, building a client base, administration and accounts. Yet, with each challenge, my passion for the business grew stronger.
I also had to learn to balance my personal and professional lives. The very thing that drew me here—nature and peace—was sometimes the thing that was hardest to enjoy with a new business demanding my attention. But as time went on, I figured out how to make it work. I took weekends off to explore the surrounding forests, went hiking on the trails, and used my time to reconnect with the land that had drawn me here in the first place.
Entry 5: Building a Legacy
A year into my new life, things began to click. The business gained momentum, and I started to see the impact I was making. I had become the go-to agent for those wanting to make the move to sell and those wanting to buy and enjoy country living. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I was part of their journey.
The tree change, which had once seemed like a dream, was now my reality. The peace I had sought was no longer just in nature but in the balance I had found between my personal life and my business. The real estate venture was growing, but I was also growing with it—learning new lessons, meeting new people, and embracing all the ups and downs that came with it.
And I knew, deep down, this was only the beginning. There was still so much to explore, so much to build, and so much to experience in this beautiful, peaceful place I now called home.
