Agents and their spaces: Nicole French

With over two decades’ success in the industry, Director Nicole French certainly practices what she preaches when it comes to preparing a property for sale. Currently in the process of selling her own home, the award-winning sales agent has been super busy organising and styling..

13 August 2021

Director Nicole French certainly practices what she preaches when it comes to preparing a property for sale. Currently in the process of selling her own home, the award-winning sales agent has been super busy organising and styling – ensuring her space will be presented in the best possible light – just as she would advise her clients to do.

“It’s actually good to put yourself in your vendor’s shoes every now and again. There’s a lot of work involved in putting your home on the market, but you know you’ll get there in the end,” Nicole explained.

Nicole’s styling inspiration comes from the beautiful houses she sees every day as part of one of Marshall White’s leading teams, Team Hayne.

“I love art works and all the different high-end finishes of the homes we sell plus the interesting architecture and stunning garden design. To prepare my home for sale, I enlisted Megan Robinson of Cooper Robinson, who does much of the property styling for Marshall White and also Natalie Wheeler of Norsu Interiors. I’m thrilled with the finished product – most of it is mine – my furnishings and wall art, but it’s a bit more pared back then normal.”

Last year, Nicole welcomed a new puppy into her home, “Honey Bear is a ‘Covid’ dog. He has been fantastic during the lockdowns. Whenever I go out with friends they ask me to bring Honey Bear, and people love to pat him when I’m out walking – I definitely feel better for having a dog.”

Nicole, who was named ‘Agent of the Year’ at the 2019 Australasian Real Estate Awards (AREAS), has spent her entire working life in Melbourne’s real estate industry and has been part of the Marshall White family for the past 13 years.

“I started my real estate career as a teenager, while still at school, doing weekend reception. Over the years I’ve worked in administration, trust account management, marketing – the whole gamut – mostly in residential but I have spent a little bit of time in commercial.”

Not long after joining Marshall White in a ‘hybrid’ role – part administration, part sales, her outstanding achievements were recognised with the company’s 2011 Rising Star Award. More recently, Nicole has earned the role as Director at Marshall White. Furthermore, Nicole has been an integral part of leading her team to win the company wide Sales Team of the Year award 2021.

It soon became apparent that Sales was the ideal area for Nicole and she is now regarded as one of the most sought-after agents in Victoria, regularly achieving record-breaking results. So, what drives her to this level of success?

“I just love what I do. No day is the same. The market, the industry, the properties – it’s always changing and evolving, it’s exciting. Plus, it’s the people and making connections with them. My team, working together with them, the vendors being able to relate to them, and the buyers – connecting with my clients, understanding their needs and achieving their property goals.”

Nicole’s current real estate status reinforces the strong connection she makes with her clients.

“Being both a vendor and a buyer, you experience the full spectrum of emotions. You can empathise with your clients and understand how they’re feeling and connect with them,” she explained.

Nicole bought her current home around 3 years ago. “To be honest, I wasn’t looking to buy at the time, but I began thinking about the property, and I just loved the location and could see the potential, that it could suit me and how I like to live. I stripped the whole interior back and put my own touches on it.”

“I will miss this place. I do love the location and have great neighbours, but it’s also exciting to look forward to the next chapter. I like to buy homes and renovate. I’ve undertaken three now, so I’m looking for somewhere not too far away, that I can put my own touches on.”

“And, of course, new streets to walk with Honey Bear.”