Network West Cork award-winner: ‘I want to build on dad’s legacy’

Everyone has a story and nothing is as straightforward as it might seem.

So says multi-award winning estate agent Majella Galvin, whose accolades are almost too many to mention – and she’s only getting started!

The latest piece of silverware to be added to her awards cabinet is ‘Emerging Businesswoman’, presented by Network Ireland West Cork.

“I was thrilled to get that one, it meant an awful lot,” said Bandon-based Majella. However, she’s keen to point out that, while from the outside, her story looks like a linear route to success, the reality is that she’s faced obstacles, like so many others.

That included health challenges which saw her take time out of the business, set up by her late father Michael, over 40 years ago.

Michael died after a short illness two years ago.

“Michael was the business. I was already working with him at that time, and I knew it was what I wanted to do, but I made the leap sooner than I anticipated,” she said.

Majella its that finding herself at the helm of the company so early in her career was not what she expected.

“People would come to us looking to deal with Michael, so I had that challenge of building up connections, making new connections, and all in a very male-dominated sector,” she said.

It was difficult at times at the beginning until people saw that I could deliver results.

Not only was Majella a steady hand at the helm of the business after Michael’s ing, she also brought it into previously unexplored territories. In fact, in many ways, it seems like she was starting over – hence the appropriateness of the Network award.

“I wanted to move in new direction, so we restructured the business, focused on innovation and future planning.

“Another exciting move is DNG recently collaborated with Hamptons International and has launched a new country homes division. This is something that I am proud of. There are a lot of lovely properties in West Cork and we will be looking to provide our services further afield to both local and international clients buying and selling.”

In another innovative move, Majella also hosts monthly clinics for buyers and sellers.

The way I look at it is that the more prepared you are when buying or selling a house, the less stressful it is. There’s so many unknowns in the process, so the more you can equip yourself with knowledge, the better.

The biggest variable in the process is the length of time it takes from going ‘sale agreed’ to ‘sold.’

“That’s always something that people aren’t prepared for,” she said.

Majella clearly relishes her job and says every day is different.

“There are highs and lows, given what we do. It can be hard going back to an under-bidder who feels they’ve lost their dream home, but I tell them something will come up, and it always does. There’s a multitude of emotions to be managed, and you do have to wear a number of hats, but you get used to that. I feel I’m empathetic to people, which helps.”

The favourite part of her job is helping people find their dream home.

The market is very strong at the moment, supply is low, especially supply of second-hand homes. People are almost afraid to put their home on the market, in case they can’t find something themselves.

Majella works with her younger sister Caroline.

“We’re totally chalk and cheese – so different. She’s the mother figure!” said Majella.

She rarely ‘switches off’, she its – but it doesn’t feel like work.

“My brain never stops really, but when I get a chance I play a bit of golf and enjoy walking the dog,” she said.

When Michael ed, Majella was offered positions in some of Cork’s leading agencies.

“I never even considered it, even though the alternative was daunting. You have to step-up, stay motivated, believe in yourself. I want to build on dad’s legacy.”