AGENT EXPANDS IN TOUGH TIMES
AT A time when many businesses are closing, one new kid on the block is expanding her footprint.
Real estate agent Tarja Barnes opened her new shopfront at 3/60 Mosman St in Charters Towers this week.
Ms Barnes, who is the sole agent behind Gold City Realty, said starting her own business and opening an office locally was a dream come true.
“I’ve been working in real estate for 10 years now and I’ve run offices for other employers,” she said.
“I was looking at coming back off maternity leave with a baby and working for someone else … and thought now would be the time to work on the dream.”
The mother of two started her real estate business looking after residential and commercial property sales and management from October last year. Her success has resulted in expanding her operation to a shopfront, which is open from 9am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Inside the busy office are old sepia photographs taken around Charters Towers which hang beside black and white images from around the town today.
It’s a nod from the Charters Towers-raised businesswoman to her local roots.
“I was raised here, went to school here at Columba Catholic College,” she said.
“I’ve always believed Charters Towers is a very small town and people do like everything to be local, and I’m working for a local interest.
“Everyone really welcomes you with open arms.”
Ms Barnes said with a full rent roll and multiple properties on the books, she was hoping to hire some staff soon and keep her focus on the clients.
“Business is going really good, it’s been quite positive,” she said.
“I’m heavily focused on the customer service side of things. I really believe in offering superior customer service — same-day call backs and always making sure their emails get answered.”
To arrange an appointment, call 4401 5077 or you can find Ms Barnes online at goldcityrealty.com.au or search for “Gold City Realty CT” on Facebook.