AFL legend Jason Akermanis is suited and booted, ready to sell houses as part of Ray White Ascot. He will be mentored by agency director Dwight Ferguson (left)
AFL legend Jason Akermanis hopes to be kicking goals in the property market after joining Ray White Ascot as an estate agent and auctioneer.
The Brownlow Medallist, dubbed ‘Aker’ throughout his career, played 248 games for the Brisbane Lions, kicking 263 goals and winning the AFL Premiership three times. Now, Mr Akermanis has set his sights on making his ‘mark’ on the real estate industry.
The ex footballer admitted his decision to enter the real estate industry was a little spontaneous, but he professes to having had an interest in property from a young age, thanks to his Mum.
Jason Akermanis spent the past few years improving his golfing skills. Photo: David Kapernick, Golf Queensland
“We didn’t have much growing up but Mum managed to save up and she bought a house in Kedron,” he said.
“She was always teaching me things, such as if you’re going to invest in property it’s good to have a nice house but it’s the land that goes up, and location is crucial. It was general stuff like that, but it’s always good to hear and it’s the type of advice that we have always done well out of,” he said. “If you can afford it and you can stick to the general rules then you’re never going to go wrong.”
Ironically, Mr Akermanis and his family are themselves in the market for a home having recently returned to Queensland to live after 14 years away.
Mr Akermanis is married to speech therapist Megan Legge to whom he has two daughters Charlotte and Sienna.
“At the moment we’ve got nothing. We sold our house in Melbourne and I came up first and the girls were meant to follow but they were delayed and then before we knew it they closed the borders, so it was a mad rush to get here, but they made it.
Akermanis has ditched his trademark blond crop for which he was famous back in his AFL-playing days.
“We’re staying with my wife’s family, so there’s ten of us in three-bedroom house, with her parents stuck in the caravan outside. It’s crazy stuff but we make it work.”
Mr Akermanis’s foray into real estate is not the first career change he has made since stopping playing professional football. He has been involved with several tech-based start-ups and most recently was pursuing a golfing ambition before deciding he wanted to try something entirely different.
Having been in his new role for just two weeks, Mr Akermanis said he was looking forward to mastering his new profession under the mentorship of Ray White Ascot director Dwight Ferguson.
“I’m excited to start this new path, to educate myself and to grow as a sales agent. I’m looking forward to finding my place within the real estate industry, talking to people, getting to know them, and building relationships.
“There are plenty of people wanting to buy and sell property in Brisbane and I relish the chance to be a part of that.”
Mr Akermanis has a particular eye on becoming an auctioneer, yet is no stranger to handling a gavel.
“I’ve spent the past 20 years auctioning off stuff at footy clubs and gigs to raise money for charity, who would have thought, all these years later, that I would get an auctioneer’s licence and be able to do it professionally selling houses,” he said.
“If anyone will give me a go, I’d be happy to auction their place.
“At the end of the day I just want to master my craft and have the enjoyment of autonomy.”
Mr Ferguson said that Mr Akermanis was an exciting addition to the Ray White team.
“I’ve employed a lot of ex-athletes in the past and the vast majority of them have gone on to be a great success in the real estate industry,” Mr Ferguson said. “I expect the same from Jason.”
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