The Daily Post

Thursday March 12, 2009

PASSION: Property finder Maree Mortimer believes in taking something positive from the
down times and learning from people more knowledgeable than herself.

Property scout seizes chances

by Julie Taylor
julie.taylor@dailypost.co.nz

Shifting from physiotherapy to property finding was a leap of faith that paid off for Rotorua Property Investment Association president Maree Mortimer. Maree arrived in Rotorua 21 years ago as a new physiotherapy graduate, expecting to stay a couple of years. But she loved the city and built up a career that, at one point, saw her juggling three practices. After starting her family, Maree started to wind down her practices and two years ago decided to leave physiotherapy altogether; thus enabling her to follow her interest in property.

"This has now become my passion. However, I went into property investment very uneducated and made a lot of mistakes, so that is something I am keen to help others avoid now."

Having successfully traded a number of properties, Maree then became a property finder - adapting to a changing market. "What that means is that I source investment properties for other investors who pay me a fee for my service. I have now built up an international database of investors. I absolutely love what I do."

Things have been more than a little uncertain in the property markets during the last 12 months but Maree sees that as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle.

"It's a time to be creative and find a way to do something differently or better. Property is wonderful as you can be incredibly creative within it. There are a lot of different strategies, depending on the market".

She says people with money can make more in down markets by going against the flow.
Maree cites American entrepreneur Warren Buffett's words: "When others are greedy be fearful. When others are fearful be greedy." She describes joining the Rotorua Property Investor's Association as "a great decision".

"I started to become educated and met wonderful, great people who freely shared their knowledge."

Having only recently taken over as president, Maree's mission is to make the association a vibrant and welcoming place for investors to meet, network and learn together. "I am especially keen to see new investors, or not-yet-investors, join. Investing in one's education would have to be the smartest way to start investing. I know because I didn't do it! Networking with like-minded people is a very natural and powerful way to become educated."

A number of new members attended the association meeting on Tuesday, including a 16-year-old. Maree said it was great to see new investors recognising that they did not need millions of dollars to get started.

ROTORUA PROPERTY INVESTORS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

After graduating I worked at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Rotorua. I really didn't enjoy it; nearly left physiotherapy and thought about medicine. I guess that taught me that if something doesn't go the way you want keep to searching and making changes until you get the result you are after. And I would have to say that philosophy is pretty much how I do business now.

List three qualities you see as the most important in your field

People come before the deal. I would much prefer to lose a deal than to sacrifice my integrity or reputation.
Not being afraid to ask for help. There are so many knowledgeable people who are more than willing to share their knowledge.
Being co-operative rather than competitive. Before I became an investor I imagined property investors to be greedy people - the typical "shark" mentality. I've found that (most of the time) the opposite is true. Most successful investors I know are generous with their knowledge. There is generally not a "scarcity mentality", but rather a belief that there is enough to go around.

What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome to get where you are today?

Dealing with disappointment. Learning neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has helped with this immensely as I am now aware that we can choose the meaning we give to our experiences. If I have a number of deals fall over and no income for a while, I create a great meaning for that, such as: "this experience is going to be fundamental to my success as I am learning something really important".

That's way better than thinking "I'm a loser - I can't do this". Having useful meanings is empowering and enables me to move through things quickly and become resourceful again. I have also developed a belief that I am responsible for my own outcomes. Whether intentionally or subconsciously, I create my own experience. Believing that has enabled me to take 100% responsibility for things - good and bad.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I'm thinking about developing an internet business - I don't know what yet. I am also moving towards more coaching and mentoring as it enables me to contribute to others. As I love learning I will continue to keep training and educating myself in property, investing, further NLP and personal development training.

When I did my real estate papers last year I discovered that salespeople are given no training on how to work with investors, so I see an opportunity there as well.

I definitely plan to keep on investing in real estate. I never plan to "retire" - rather, have enough passive income to live and work as I choose.

What is the single best piece of business advice you have ever been given?

There is no such thing as failure - there are only results. Whatever outcomes we experience are just feedback. Notice the feedback and act on it. Again, this is an NLP idea - but I love it because it has totally freed my world up.