Court House Realty / Rentals Short Term
G ee n a
Court T
hrough hard work, creative thinking and positive energy, Geena Court has earned a reputable name for herself in the property industry. Despite already establishing two successful businesses; Court House Realty and Rentals Short Term, Geena is determined to pursue new avenues to help regenerate the building industry of Cairns. Originally from Sydney, Geena displayed an independent spirit from a young age. After leaving home at 15 her first position was in the real estate industry, and this was to become a lifelong passion. “I just loved property straight away,” she says. “It was this whole new world I hadn’t seen before.” Two years later, she bought a ticket around Australia making it as far as Cairns where she has lived for the past 26 years. “I instantly felt like I’d come home.” After taking on various roles within the Cairns’ real estate industry, Geena established Court House Realty in 1999. Since then she’s gone on to sell over 50 apartment projects including the 108-apartment, Amphora Palm Cove Resort, and was nominated sole agent for a 396 apartment development. Now celebrating 15 years in business, she has experienced a number of career highlights including being named Cairns Business Woman of the Year in 2006. “In order to give 100% you have to believe in yourself and be passionate about what you do,” she says. After selling the property management division of Court House Realty, Geena was inspired to start a new niche business. Positioned between the permanent and holiday rental markets, Rentals Short Term is based on a minimum 7-night stay. “The more you stay the less you pay,” says Geena. “Visitors are saving money on accommodation whilst owners are benefiting as well from a higher than normal return.” Now representing properties Australia-wide, Geena and her team manage properties in Cairns and Townsville, whilst
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also working as a booking agent for those outside the region. In her spare time, Geena is completing her 14th renovation project in Bayview Heights, studying a Diploma of Interior Design and Decorating, and writing a book. She also hints at plans to launch another business to help kick-start the local building industry.
‘If something isn’t working it’s time to change it,” she says. “Every obstacle is just a speed bump and there’s never been a doubt in my mind that anyone can do whatever they want to do, they just have to fully believe in it and themselves.”
Biggest inspiration My amazing team, the sheer love of what I do … the passion to create, design, build and help others achieve their dreams. Greatest obstacle/challenge Not having enough time in the day to accomplish everything I want to accomplish. Career Highlight Being named 2006 Cairns Business Woman of the Year. Secret to success Believing in yourself and being passionate about what you do. Future direction Looking for new ways to stimulate building in Cairns, and expanding Rentals Short Term to include international travel .