What were some of the key milestones or turning points along
that journey?
Enrolling in a Certificate IV in Property Services was a key turning
point that opened my eyes to the agent’s world, where connection,
negotiation and emotional intelligence matter as much as technical
expertise. Auctioneering, the final subject, was transformative. I still
remember standing at the front for the first time, trying to navigate
the energy of the room. It felt natural, like all the pieces of my journey
had finally clicked into place.
Is there a standout memory you have from an auction or property
story that captures the spirit of the neighbourhood?
One that stands out involved an elderly woman selling the family
home after losing her husband. For her, this wasn’t just a sale it was
the closing of a chapter filled with decades of memories. We took
the time to guide her with empathy, offering clarity and reassurance
when she needed it most. When the property sold, there were lots of
tears, a mix of grief and gratitude.
What initially drew you to the real estate industry?
My path into real estate began with a gentle nudge from my father.
At 21, fresh from a commerce degree and unsure of my next step,
he arranged a meeting with the Dean of RMIT’s Property program.
That conversation sparked my interest in the strategy and scale of the
industry. I spent my twenties at two major Melbourne development
firms, watching ideas become buildings, then added a postgraduate
diploma in property valuations and a Master’s in Property Business.
Those years quietly built the foundation for the career and business I
lead today.
In this article, Byron Kerr, Managing Director of Jellis
Craig Kingston, shares his journey from commercial
property to leading two high-performing residential
real estate offices. At home, he and his wife Josie
raise daughters Lyla and Ella, along with their golden
retriever Polly, balancing busy careers with family
breakfasts, and life lessons in empathy and resilience.
City of Kingston
Winter 2025
In Focus Magazine
10