Meet a Zango agent - Maria Selleck, Maria Selleck Properties

In Canberra, the name Maria Selleck is synonymous with property, but that very nearly wasn’t the case.

“I had never had any intention of becoming involved in real estate,” says Maria.  

“I was always interested and had been involved in property. We loved buying a house, renovating it and then selling it. But that's the extent of what we were involved in. Then I had a bad real estate experience which set me on the path of wanting to do it myself, and perhaps not wanting other people to go through what I went through.”

Maria started working in real estate in 2002, then in 2009 Maria Selleck Properties was born when she set out to build an agency under her own banner with a total focus on customer service and giving her clients value for money.

A decade on and the business is regarded as one of Canberra’s top agencies, boasting an impressive 95% repeat and referral business rate. Maria has worked hard and earned her reputation as one of Canberra's leading professional agents achieving great sale experiences and outcomes for clients.

Throughout her career, she’s received a number of local and national real estate awards, including the prestigious Real Estate Institute ACT Small Residential Agency Award of the Year 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016 plus the national REIA title in 2013.

It’s a career that’s included plenty of highlights, but she says one in particular always sticks in her mind.

"It was a very large house which was being taken over by the banks,” says Maria.

“When I became involved, the banks were actually looking at selling it at a sale price of $1.5 million. I ended up selling it for nearly double that at about $2.8 million. Can you imagine the look of delight on my clients’ faces? It’s moments like these, that really make me happy and feed my passion for real estate.”

What is your favourite part of Canberra?

Well I live in Yarralumla, so I love that area. But that doesn't mean I don't love other suburbs as well. There are areas of Gungahlin and Tuggeranong that I really feel all have so much to offer. 

What are your three homes must-haves?

The first thing is the orientation of the house. The next thing is actually ensuring that you have a very good floor plan, especially if you have a double storey house, for example you need to make sure that the master bedroom is on the lower level. And the third is a great entertaining area. Afterall, it is your family and friends that make the difference between a house and a home!

Where would we usually find you in Canberra?

Probably Manuka, because that’s where my office is as well. But I do love the water so generally you see me around Lake Ginninderra or around the Yarralumla area which is where I live.

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