Recently awarded the CEO Harcourts Award at the SA Annual Awards, today we get to know Sam Forde, Managing Director of Harcourts South Coast.

Sam is the Managing Director of Harcourts South Coast. She became very passionate about real estate from an early age, starting in the industry at the age of 19, as a receptionist, then continuing in all aspects in the real estate industry following on into administration, property management and sales. Her true passion was always in administration, which is why she undertook and completed an MBA to understand what was required to successfully run her own business. In 2010 Sam and her husband Mark, purchased Harcourts South Coast. “I just love the high energy and there is always something new every day. My father was in the industry all of his life, being one of Adelaide’s best known Commercial Agents - I suppose you can say real estate is in my blood.”

“I am people orientated, I love helping people see their dream come true, either through buying, selling or investing in property. It’s their biggest asset and dream, I feel it is an honour to assist them in this process”. “I have always had the motto if you are going to do something, do it well. I am very passionate about seeing people succeed and become the best version of themselves.” Sam, wouldn’t tell us but she was recently recognised for excellence, by being awarded the CEO Harcourts Award at the SA Annual Awards, together with being recognised as the No 1 Office in SA.

“I love the area we live in and am very passionate to give back to the community, especially groups in our community who are doing it tough. Over the last 12 months in particular we have assisted in gathering food, toys & gifts for Junction Australia, Life in a Bag and Winter Warmer. We are strong supporters of Operation Flinders and in the last 5 years have assisted students from both Encounter Lutheran College and Victor Harbor High School to participate in the program. We sponsor the local Football & Netball Competition – sponsoring Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor and Goolwa/Port Elliot Clubs. We are also very strong supporters of various other sporting and community events.”

I believe you have lived and worked around much of the state. Can you give us an idea of where and also what was your favourite region and why? (besides the Fleurieu of course!)

“I have always love living in regional areas. I started my career in real estate in Adelaide and then moved to the Clare Valley.   The Clare Valley is one of my favourite regions, with its beautiful big gum trees and vineyards, love the lush countryside. But I also love what we have in our backyard - McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Currency Creek, fabulous for their amazing wineries and restaurants.”

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Mark and yourself and what you love to do out of work…guessing you don’t get much of that time....

Mark and I love what we do so it doesn’t feel like work, but in saying that Mark loves his coffee, and we really enjoy our breakfasts, so you will find us often on a weekend supporting one of our local eateries. We are so fortunate, that we have some great places in our backyard. On a beautiful day we like to pull out our MG TF and explore the region for a glass of wine or dinner, when we are not working.

I know you are very passionate about the Fleurieu. What is it that makes you proud to call this region home?

I grew up in Blackwood and we had a holiday home in Encounter Bay, coming down for 45 years before calling it home. I grew up visiting Yilki Store for a bag of lollies, and enjoying Horseshoe Bay.

I love the Fleurieu as it is such a beautiful region with so many opportunities. There are so many different places to discover, amazing beaches, spectacular walking and running trails – not to mention Whale watching. Everyday has a different story to tell.  I love the Coastal Lifestyle and the people it attracts. The pristine coastline, with its beautiful climate. Fabulous bike track with great view of the coastline. Not to mention, it’s an easy commute to Adelaide if you need to go there!

What is something many locals would not know about that (that you are willing to share!)

I am a marathon runner. A marathon is a 42km run, I have participated in the Paris, New York, Auckland, Tokyo, London, Boston, Chicago, and the Great Ocean Road marathons.

Sam's TOP TIPS for the region:

We try to get around and frequent various eateries in the region. We like to support everybody.

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

Feel at home

Best memory of being here:

Driving in our 1954 Ivory MG on a beautiful day out to Langhorne Creek. With the roof off, you get to see everything and experience everything all around you. Amazing feeling of being part of nature. 

Most colourful & admired character I’ve run into:

Kathleen Fry she is very fun and full of energy and has so many stories to tell. She is very passionate about the Fleurieu, people and the real estate industry.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

Explore it, there are just so many hidden gems.

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