Submitted by: Eline Wesselink, Sales Executive LAWD Agribusiness Transactions
Most real estate agents can relate to a day filled with inspections, phone calls, and appraisals across the suburbs, but for agents working in rural and agricultural real estate, a day can look very different, yet the core goal remains the same.
Eline Wesselink, Sales Executive at LAWD, is based near Corryong in regional Victoria and is head-quartered out of Albury. Her days are incredibly varied, meaning no two are ever the same. Around 80% of her time is spent in the office managing listings, communicating with buyers and clients, and preparing marketing materials or submissions for new opportunities. The remaining 20% is spent out in the field, visiting farms for inspections and appraisals.
While the distances may be greater and the properties larger, the goal remains the same.
Eline says, “At the end of the day, the fundamentals of the role don’t really change. It’s about understanding your client, communicating clearly, and guiding them through the process to achieve the best outcome.”
Rural and agricultural listings often bring a different level of complexity, with some properties spanning hundreds or even hundreds of thousands of hectares. Buyers can range from families seeking a lifestyle change to corporate investors focused on productivity and long-term land value, and understanding those motivations is critical.
Eline explains, “Buyer goals can vary significantly. Some are looking for productive farmland, others want a lifestyle property with space and privacy, and some are relocating for work or affordability. Every buyer comes with a different set of priorities.”
This diversity requires adaptability; a skill every residential agent needs too as no two transactions are the same. Whether you’re selling a suburban home or a large rural holding, the ability to listen, ask the right questions, and tailor your approach builds trust and confidence.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from working across different real estate sectors is that the most valuable skills are universal, from communication, organisation, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Eline said, “These are the skills that underpin every successful agent. Whether you’re selling a suburban home or a rural property, your job is to manage relationships, provide clarity, and deliver results.”
Rural work also places a strong emphasis on planning and efficiency. With long distances between listings, agents need to carefully structure their days to maximise time and productivity.
“Time management becomes incredibly important. When travel is involved, you need to be organised and strategic with your schedule, but in many ways, it’s no different to residential agents managing multiple listings and competing priorities” she explains.
Eline’s experience highlights a broader leadership lesson, that great agents aren’t defined by the type of property they sell, but by how they serve their clients. From the suburbs to farmland, the landscapes may change, but the core principles remain the same, to build trust, communicate clearly, understand your client’s goals, and guide them with confidence.
Looking beyond immediate markets can offer valuable perspective for residential agents. While the settings may differ, the profession is built on the same foundations everywhere. Whether it’s an apartment in the city, a family home in the suburbs, or a farm, the mission is the same; to help clients make the right decision and deliver an experience that earns their trust, and their recommendation, long after the sale.
Based in Pine Mountain, Victoria, Eline Wesselink specialises agricultural and lifestyle real estate across Victoria, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. Previously based in Katherine, Northern Territory, Eline worked on both residential and agricultural sales, building a strong foundation in diverse property markets. Since moving to Victoria, the main focus is on agricultural sales across New South Wales and Victoria while maintaining a strong presence and continuing to focus on agricultural sales in the Northern Territory. Around 80% of her time is spent in the office managing listings, communicating with buyers and clients, and preparing marketing materials or submissions, with the remaining 20% spent in the field conducting inspections and appraisals. Her role is highly diverse, working with family-owned farms, corporate operators, and buyers seeking productive, scalable land or lifestyle acreage, ensuring clients achieve their property goals.
