Why every sale means something more for local real estate agent

Megan Manly with her sons Sam and Josh.

For local real estate agent Megan Manly, giving back to the community has never been an afterthought – it's been part of the way she has always done business.

Over the past decade of living and working in the Nambour region, Megan has regularly supported local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations through sponsorships and fundraising. Her commitment to the community has recently been recognised with a nomination as a finalist in the Marty Hunt Above & Beyond Awards in the Community Minded Business category.

Now, as she celebrates 10 years of calling the Nambour region home, Megan is taking that commitment one step further.

To mark the milestone, she has launched a new initiative where $500 from every property sale is donated to a local charity, sporting club, school or community organisation chosen by her sellers.

"It's my way of celebrating 10 wonderful years in this community while making every sale mean a little bit more," Megan said.

"Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest milestones in people's lives. I've been incredibly fortunate to build a business doing something I genuinely love, and I wanted to create a way for every sale to leave a positive impact beyond the transaction itself."

Rather than selecting the recipient herself, Megan invites each client to choose where the donation goes.

"Everyone has a cause that's close to their heart," she said.

"It might be their child's sporting club, their school P&C, an animal rescue, a charity that supported their family, or a community group doing amazing work.

"By letting my sellers choose, the donation becomes far more personal and meaningful."

Having lived and worked in the Nambour community for the past 10 years, Megan says she's seen firsthand how much local organisations rely on volunteers and community support.

"These groups are the backbone of our community, but many are constantly fundraising just to keep doing what they do. If I can help them while helping my clients achieve their property goals, that's a win for everyone."

Giving back has always been a core value of Megan's business.

"Each year I've chosen local organisations to sponsor, including Nambour & District Netball Association, Chevallum State School, the Woombye Snakes Football Club and the Burnside Bandits Volleyball team," she said.

"But it's impossible to sponsor everyone. This initiative means the support can be spread across many different organisations and causes that matter to the families I'm helping. Hopefully it allows me to make a positive difference to an even wider part of our community."

Megan believes the initiative reflects what real estate should really be about.

"My business has always been built on looking after people first. This is simply an extension of that.

"If I can help someone sell their home while also helping a local organisation continue the incredible work they're doing, then that's something I'm really proud to be part of."