Property agent Louise Snowden: Why 'biting off more than I could chew' was the key to her success

Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Louise Snowden was a motocross queen before turning to horse riding, a sport she still indulges in.

Starting out selling acreage on Sydney’s outskirts, Snowden then took her real estate career east where she has sold for high profile players including actor Toni Collette. Most recently she has launched Snowden Jones agency.

Happily single, she lives in Paddington with her greyhound, Leela.

How was life in the mountains?

It was cold and bleak, but a lot of fun because our property was right next to the national park.

What did you do for sport?

I loved motocross and owned a selection of dirt bikes. I had all the gear, body armour and boots – you’ve got to look the part. I really liked to launch off jumps and get some air. But after too many falls I ended up with pins holding me together.

Snowden loves horseriding and was a motorcross enthusiast growing up. Photo: Jessica Hromas

• Related: Georgia Cleary makes the cut
• Related: Melbourne’s most musical agent
• Related: “Why I’ll always love Sydney”

And horses?

Yeah, I had those too. If I wasn’t on a motorbike, I’d be on a horse competing in equestrian events. I started riding at five.

What was your first real estate agent job?

At Richardson & Wrench in Penrith in 1991. I was the only female agent in the area.

What was your first sale?

A market garden in Llandilo, owned by an old Aussie farmer. I went to get the listing and he came out onto the porch and said: “A sheila? They’ve sent me a bloody sheila to sell me farm? You can’t be serious.”

I was in my 20s, a little blonde poppet. I said: “Yes sir, they have sent you a sheila, so you better go inside and put the kettle on and make us a cup of tea, so I can explain to you how we’re going to sell your farm.”

In 1998, Snowden moved to Bellevue Hill, after buying Richardson & Wrench Woollahra. Photo: Jessica Hromas

How did you end up in the east?

I just saw myself living and working there. I was quite determined. I met the owner of Richardson & Wrench, Woollahra at a conference. I bought the business off him in 1998 and moved into an apartment in Bellevue Hill straight away.

How was Woollahra after Penrith?

Selling properties there was quite a shock after selling acreage. I had to get my head around the fact that those backyard courtyards were it; you didn’t open a gate and go into another paddock. But I loved the area, and I still do.

Your greatest achievement outside property?

In the past 12 months I have been appointed to the board of Meals on Wheels. It’s not easy for women to get board positions, particularly for someone who left school at 15.

Snowden says her defining trait is tenacity. Photo: Jessica Hromas

Your defining characteristic?

Tenacity. It wins every time.

What is success to you?

Having more time on my hands to do the things that I love. Now that I’m in a new business I’m working six days a week, sometimes seven, so if I have no appointments, Sunday can be my only day to ride.

Snowden sold a home in Bronte to actress Toni Collette in 2011. Photo: AP/Andrew Medichini

Your most memorable sale?

In 2011, I sold a property in Bronte to Toni Collette for $5.5 million. I had always admired her, she was my girl-crush. We both came from the western suburbs. So when I sold the house to her, I was absolutely stoked.

The secret of your success?

Hard work, perseverance, recognising opportunities. Biting off more than I could chew, and chewing like crazy.