'If you can work out people, you can list and sell': Agent Ercan Ersan on Disney movies and life lessons

Ercan Ersan’s parents moved to Australia in search of a better life. Using their sacrifices as his inspiration, he has forged a formidable career.

In his downtime, the director of Ray White’s Erskineville, Alexandria and Surry Hills office enjoys keeping fit, spending time with his family and staying up to date with Disney princess movies.

You credit your parents’ hard work to find a home as one of your inspirations for entering real estate. Tell us about them.

Mum and dad were both very humble villagers from Turkey. Dad wanted more out of his life and realised he would probably need to move to a different country to achieve this. He tells the story that he and his best mate worked washing dishes in a restaurant. They both bought tickets to fly to America but they slept in and missed their flight. The next flight they could get ended up in Australia.

Where did he settle?

In Redfern. He arrived with five bucks in his pocket and started working straight away. In those days, to get married back in Turkey was all the rage, so he went back and got married and returned to Sydney by himself. Three years later he had enough money to bring his wife to Australia. Their first house was in Enmore, where they still live.

What are your strongest memories of your childhood home?

Dad worked for Sydney Water for more than 30 years. When he used to come home from work, we’d sit and watch telly together. Being able to provide for his family was really important to him. I still visit my parents twice a week.

How did you end up in real estate?

I was a bit lost when I left school. I had various jobs and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. In 2006, my parents suggested it might be worth giving real estate a crack.

What drives you?

One hundred per cent, my wife Angie and my two girls, Elvie and London. Real estate is a very arduous job but it can be very rewarding. Being able to provide a nice life for my girls is really important.

How do you spend your time with your family?

I live 30 seconds from the office, so I can spend a bit more time with my family at night and come home to have lunch with them. The girls are also pretty obsessed with Disney movies. I’ve probably seen every one about 100 times. You’ve got to be fairly in tune with who the princesses are and how to dress the girls up‚ otherwise you’re gone.

What has this job taught you about people?

No two people are ever the same. People tend to think that real estate is about property but it’s really about matching the right person with the right property. If you can work out people and what their needs are, more so than their wants, you can list and sell regardless of market conditions.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Buy as much property as you can, as fast as you can. In terms of my life now, I think everything I did in my past got me to where I am today. I met my wife at the right time, had kids at the right time and moved agencies at the right time. I wouldn’t change any of that.