Celina Gregory // Buying South Coast
Celina Gregory – Director/Buyer’s Agent @ Berry Buyer’s Agents/Buying South Coast
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Berry community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
My parent’s moved to Berry over 50 years ago so this is my hometown. I went to Berry Primary School but I went to high school in Sydney so I left quite young. After living in Sydney, London and the Southern Highlands I moved back many years ago. My mother was the local ballet teacher before she became a psychologist and my Dad was the local music teacher. My Dad still lives here. Berry feels like home to me. I’ve come full circle. It’s so nice to be back here, it’s such a beautiful lifestyle.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I help people find and secure property on the South Coast and Southern Highlands. I work as their advocate throughout the entire process from search to settlement. I first started working in real estate in 2007 and worked for many years in sales and holiday rentals. Covid was the catalyst for me to open a buyer’s agency although I had wanted to make the switch for years prior. During covid I was selling properties as a sales agent that buyers hadn’t even seen in person and I thought, this is crazy, we need a strong local independent buyer’s agent. So that’s when I finally took the plunge and opened Berry Buyer’s Agents which has now expanded to Buying South Coast and Buying Highlands.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
To me, work life balance means being able to work to my own schedule, having flexibility for my kids and our wellbeing; having time for plenty of self care and time with friends and family. I think setting boundaries and not taking on too much helps manage the juggle. I try to focus on quality not quantity with work, which is beneficial to both my clients and myself.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
Buyer representation and advocacy is still a growing industry in Australia, however 80% of buyers use an advocate in the USA. It’s taken a while for Australia to catch up. I got in relatively early so that has its pros and cons. In the earlier days people were unsure what I did and whether it was needed, now people are confident in the process but there is more competition. Like any business, there are always challenges. The most recent challenge has been the property slump over the last few years across lifestyle regions, which has been felt quite heavily in Berry. It seems to be picking up now which is great!
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
I love travelling, living a healthy lifestyle, meditating, hot yoga, relaxing with my loved ones, catching up with friends, swimming down at Jervis Bay, going to the snow.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
I’m really trying to spend more time listening to podcasts. I’m quite passionate about health so they are mostly in that category. Some of my favourites are The Vedic Worldview which is great for life wisdom hosted by my meditation teacher, The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett always has interesting guests, The Vital Veda podcast for Ayurvedic wisdom, Dr Louise Newson and Dr Mary Claire Haver for women’s health and menopause.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I think as you get older you get better at boundaries. You can distinguish between what’s important and what’s not as important. You prioritise more effectively and know where to put your attention. I was always a bit of a workaholic and like to be available to my clients 24/7 so for me, not taking on too much is the key. That way I can still be totally available to my clients but not overworked or too tired and busy to give my personal life attention.
Home and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
Anyone that knows me well will know I love white, so there’s lots of white in my homes! It’s nice and bright and light which makes me feel good. I love to combine that with browns and timber to add a rustic element. I have a few antiques and family heirlooms in my home which my grandparents shipped from England like an old grandfather clock and dining table, so it’s lovely to have those reminders of family and ancestors.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
Everything has been thought of. WorkLife has been set up brilliantly by Kate, with everything you need. It’s so valuable to have that complete office set up to tap in to when needed. Being a property buyer’s agent, I mostly work out of my car, but having WorkLife there when I need it and to have meetings with clients is such a bonus.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
Gosh there are so many options! We are so lucky. We have brilliant restaurants like South on Albany (Berry), Bangalay Dining (Shoalhaven Heads), The Noble (Gerringong), Miss Arda (Kiama) just to name a few. Great cafes like Milkwood Bakery, The Berry Chocolatier, The Berry Tea Shop, IV Coffee, and now an Acai Bar to satisfy my acai addiction. For beaches I love Gerroa, and many in Jervis Bay. If you like wine, there are plenty of wineries along the coast also.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
Meditating in the morning and evening to increase efficiency and creativity. I’m also a list person. I can’t survive without them. The Evernote app is my best friend!
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
Like so many other locals I’m sure, I’m so grateful we have WorkLife in Berry to offer more flexible working arrangements. To be able to keep home and work separate but not have to leave town is a dream.
To connect with Celina you can get in touch via her website or you can check out Berry Buyers Agents Facebook, Instagram and Celina’s LinkedIn here!
