Ray White Franchise and Career Success Stories

Ray White Appoints Chief Marketing Officer

07/05/2012

I am delighted to have recently joined Ray White as Chief Marketing Officer, based in Sydney.

I hope to bring the management and marketing experience gained with Virgin brands in the Asia Pacific region to Ray White, to help articulate and manage the experience consumers have when interacting with our brand.  And amplify all the good stuff we're already doing.

The Marketing team will deliver traditional functions such as creative material, brand style guides and supplier management, as well as communications (including internal comms), social media strategy and content curation, customer satisfaction and complaint handling. The role will relate closely with the sales and training disciplines of our Group.

Outside of work I:

• Am a proud Kiwi (Rotorua-ian) who succumbed to the bright lights of Sydney 12 years ago
• Like running; boxing; scuba diving; mountain biking; triathlon; adventure sports; and borrowing my nieces, nephews and friend's kids
• Love handing my nieces, nephews and friend's children back!
• Am passionate about raising awareness of - and taking action to reduce - youth homelessness
• Study part-time at Deakin University
• Play the saxaphone (random fact!)

Feel free to drop me a note, otherwise I hope to meet many of you soon.

Exciting new staff join the Number One team in Cranbourne

17/04/2012

We take great delight in announcing the arrival of Alesia Kasy to our property management team. Alesia has a broad range of experience from hospitality to real estate both in Australia and overseas. Her broad experiences and attention to detail are the skills that will ensure she follows through in her belief that landlords come first, and that landlords investments are thoroughly looked after.

Alesia has the desire to keep improving her skills and that is one of the reasons that she was attracted to the Ray White Cranbourne team. We are excited to have her as part of our award winning team and welcome her aboard.

Ray White Cranbourne welcomes Carolyn Hempel

17/04/2012

Welcome to Carolyn Hempel. Carolyn has a wealth of experience in real estate and all is local experience in the south eastern suburbs. This knowledge will be invaluable to the Ringeri team.

As a result of massive growth of the last few years the Ringeri team required the services of a team orientated, focused, highly skilled and passionate new member, and Carolyn definitely fits the bill. Her vast experience will be invaluable to the Ringeri team and the rest of the Ray White Cranbourne family over many years to come.

We welcome Carolyn aboard and wish her all the best.

Peter Gow

28/03/2012

An accomplished real estate professional, Peter’s results have been both acknowledged and demonstrated beyond his clients’ expectations over a 17 year period.  As a licensed real estate agent, stock and station agent and auctioneer Peters integrity and reputation have withstood the highs and lows of a number real estate cycles.

Peter possesses a unique calm nature with an intuitive read and a sensitive feel for his environment. He remains results orientated under pressure, giving him an ability to thrive in challenging, seemingly impossible situations where others simply give up!

An articulate thinker and strategic planner with a crystal clear purpose, Peter willingly shares his knowledge, time, and expertise together with his dedication, passion and commitment to ensure his clients have all the facts at hand.

Possessing strong, consistent communication and negotiation talents ensures Peter’s clients have all the information they need to make unpressured informed decisions to achieve their desired real estate transaction.

Welcome Jeanette Henderson

26/03/2012

Being teamed with Brian Caba, Jeanette Henderson only adds to the value of service. Jeanette’s experience spans over 12 years within the industry, combined with her personal professional approach, positive nature and determination make her a highly valued member of Brian’s team. Being a local resident gives Jeanette vast knowledge and an enviable track record within the Hills area, and being committed to assisting clients through every step of listing and selling their property.

Welcome Brian Caba

26/03/2012

Experience is on your side

Armed with over 19 years of listing and selling Real Estate, experience is definitely on your side when dealing with Brian Caba.

Having been a local resident for over 43 years, Brian boasts an intimate regional knowledge which most Agents fail to offer. With excellent negotiation skills and service that knows no bounds, Brian’s greatest motivation is the end result for his clients. “Seeing everything come together is incredibly rewarding. Knowing you’ve helped someone move onto the next stage of their lives and in turn being involved in creating a new home for someone else’, is just a great feeling.”

“Honesty, loyalty and above all, service, is what will always put you above the rest”, Brian says, ‘and that is what I pride myself on.’

Brian has sold a broad spectrum of properties from small, medium density apartments, acreage, to multi-million dollar homes, and being completely focussed on delivering the best possible price within the shortest period of time.

Welcome Jerry Zhu

13/03/2012

Jerry is a firm believer that Real Estate is not only about property but also about people.

Having sold many properties in the Knox area, Jerry believes his strong negotiating and communication skills, with persistency, determination and hard work, will make sure that excellent prices and outcomes are always achieved for his vendors.

The property market in Knox has become more international in its perspectives in recent years.

Not only can Jerry can speak both English and Chinese –Mandarin but also knows the Chinese culture very well. This enables him to assist a much broader span of clientele and takes exceptional pride in helping overseas buyers find ‘homes’ whilst building long term relationships with all clients.

As a former editor & columnist, Jerry still regularly writes articles in local Chinese newspapers and becomes one of the best-read columnists in the Chinese community. He has a special affinity with buyers from China and elsewhere in Asia and has established a large network throughout the Chinese community in Melbourne.

With the support of the leading agency in the Knox area, Ray White Wantirna, Jerry’s friendly and approachable manner will help guide you through the sale process and his expertise will guarantee the highest possible price for your property and will make sure your ‘best asset’ is always in the ‘best of hands’.

In his spare time, Jerry’s favourite activities include music, reading, writing and enjoys spending quality time with his wife Katherine and children Helen and Sarah.

Leading team joins the network

10/10/2011

Leading team joins the network

Ray White Hills Group Welcomes Simon Mitrovich

29/07/2011

Simon understands that being in the real estate industry is not just about servicing the needs of sellers and buyers, but more importantly providing exceptional service that extends to a long term professional commitment. He ensures that his clients are completely comfortable and that their real estate needs are attended to.

Simon has been involved in the real estate industry from a young age and this has given him a very realistic and practical approach with a firm belief that it’s the little things coupled with going that extra mile which makes the difference.

Simon continually echos that anyone can sell a property if they are prepared to sell it for less than what it’s worth but only a qualified agent is capable of exhausting all opportunities to secure a premium price on the best terms for their clients.

If you are thinking of buying or selling or would simply like an idea of what the current market is doing, feel free to call, Ray White Hills Group, Simon Mitrovich – 0405 928 897.

Ray White Hills Group Welcomes James Barlow

19/05/2011

James Barlow is a valuable addition to the elite property marketing team at Ray White Hills Group.

Returning to the Hills from time with the Ray White Double Bay Group, James has an extensive background as a sales manager and principal combined with his attentive and diplomatic nature has prepared James with a powerful skill-set to drive the sale of your most prized asset, your home, above and beyond expectations.

With over 5 years in the competitive real estate sector, James brings youthful enthusiasm, undivided attention, and genuine appreciation to each client and ensuring he follows through on any promise made.

James is determined to match each buyer with a property that best suits his or her individual lifestyle, financial budget and aesthetic desire. Side by side with being an excellent communicator he is an agent who really listens to client’s needs and wants who will provide a comprehensive service aimed at obtaining and then surpassing these goals.

The Ray White Hills Group is an acknowledged industry leader who collectively represents prestige and excellence among the property marketing specialists and James Barlow is a perfect fit.

Ray White opens in Scone

18/05/2011

Local housing market growth and continued expansion has seen Stephen Bell and his sales team join the largest property company in Australasia this month.

The office started out 30 years ago as a livestock agency and has evolved to also become a specialist real estate business also. Today, Ray White Scone holds an impressive 43 per cent market share in 2337 postcode.

“This level of market proliferation is almost unheard of in competitive property markets,” explained Ray White NSW chief executive Stephen Nell, “the Ray White Scone team sells almost one in every two properties in the Scone area.”

Ray White Scone has an unusual mix of specialist skills ranging from residential and livestock sales to rural developments.

“Stephen Bell has sold real estate for over 15 years and is one of the most successful agents in the Upper Hunter. He has countless accolades based on the volume of sales and prices he achieves annually,” Mr Nell said.

Renee Towler, who last year placed in the top 15 per cent of agents worldwide in her network, will be working with local vendors expanding on her success in the Muswellbrook market.

“In the same office is Adam O’Regan, a high profile rural property specialist, who has worked directly with some of Australia’s largest developers and private landholders.”

Well-known livestock sales agent Dean Taylor will head up their livestock transaction division, bringing with him 12 years of experience in trading in the Upper Hunter area including Scone, Merriwa and surrounding districts.

“This team has some of the best known operators in their individual areas servicing the seemingly unstoppable Upper Hunter market. We’re excited to have them in our network and look forward to supporting their continued growth and impeccable service to the local population,” Mr Nell said.

Ray White Scone principal, Stephen Bell, says the market place has changed dramatically in recent years.

“The local marketplace currently turns over $44million in property annually and more transactions occurred last year than in any year prior. Heading into winter now - typically the busiest time of year for the local market - we’re able to provide even stronger marketing for local sellers and more stock for buyers,” Mr Bell said.

Ray White Baulkham Hills Welcomes Tracey Dixon

11/05/2011

Tracey has recently joined the Ray White Hills Group after joining the real estate industry in 2010.

After a long and successful career in the travel industry, Tracey decided on a career change to focus on her passion of real estate.

Tracey is energetic, honest and friendly with great communication and marketing skills. She believes in providing a service that she, herself would expect if selling her own property.

Ray White Special Project’s & Commercial Welcomes Matthew Thomson

08/04/2011

Matthew Thomson has been appointed to the Ray Whites Special Project’s & Commercial Queensland team based at the head office in Brisbane. After working with a land development company, Matthew spent a number of years as a Senior Sales Executive and has negotiated a number of sales and Leases throughout Brisbane and regional Queensland. Matthew predominantly focuses his attention on the outer north precinct specialising in commercial, retail & industrial sales and leasing.

Now as a marketing specialist of commercial real estate at Ray White Commercial (Queensland) & Special Projects (Queensland). Matthew understands the process of creating maximum exposure and activity, thereby achieving the maximum price in the property market within a realistic timeframe. Matthew is involved in all facets of Real Estate including Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Investment and Development. Matthew has a high level of work ethic & is renowned for achieving the best out come for his clients and up holding the integrity of the property as well as his own integrity.

Matthew is also a family ambassador for Redkite, a unique children’s cancer charity which provides real and practical support to children, young people and their families through their cancer journey, a worthy cause. Recently Matthew was involved in speaking at the annual Brisbane Markets Mango Auction helping to raise $50,000 for the symbolic first tray of mangos for the season. He continues to support Redkite in many ways. www.redkite.org.au.

Top performing team moves to Ray White

25/03/2011

Ray White is thrilled to welcome the team at Ray White Mt Lawley to the Ray White Group. The team consists of Di Pitchford, Helen Bond and Peta Cron. Di and Helen are sales professionals and Peta provides the property management expertise.

Di began her real estate career ten years ago and has worked alongside Helen for the last five. They formed a partnership that has seen them become the top performers for Western Australia four years in a row. They had been in partnership for about a year when they brought in Peta as a Sales Assistant.

We asked Peta why the team chose Ray White?

“Ray White is the biggest and the best, we were approached two years ago to move over and we have kept in touch ever since. It seemed like a natural progression. We are already overwhelmed with the training and support available and really feel like part of a family.”

The team has now been with Ray White four weeks and are already run off their feet by increased enquiries. They didn’t expect to be so busy so soon, in fact they are considering employing another team member in the near future to maintain their professional service levels.

Beachside growth calls for big brand

16/03/2011

Ray White, is predicting significant growth in the Yanchep and Two Rocks (WA) property market over the next decade.

Local agent Kylie O'Connor recently opened a Ray White office in the New Capricorn Estate and says she looks forward to the predicted growth and the opportunity to offer first class and professional market services in the region.

Ray White Sun City is being headed up by Kylie O'Connor herself and her team members include well known local sales agent Kellie Penton, who has returned to real estate after successfully running her own business, and Bryleigh Stimpson who has been in real estate for three years. Currently in training to be a property manager, Alana Lindsay, has also joined the team to be their receptionist.

Kylie says there was a need for a well known and reputable company in the area. After seeing a recent spike in buyer inquiry as well as local listings, she realised business expansion was required.

The increase in property activity is expected to continue in the popular holiday destination north of Perth, according to the chief executive of Ray White Western Australia Mark Whiteman.

"Kylie is an energetic operator who has started to make a big impression on the growing Yanchep and Two Rocks area. This is an area that we believe will grow into one of Perth's most significant markets in time to come," Mr Whiteman said.

The average house price in Two Rocks is $419966 with 37 per cent of homes currently being purchased and the same amount fully owned. Another 23 per cent are rented.

In Two Rocks, the average house price is only slightly more at $422,479 with a greater percentage of homes currently being paid off by the owner-occupiers.

"The number of houses in both Yanchep and Two Rocks is expected to more than double in the next ten years," Mr Whiteman said, "As the often discussed "Satellite City" takes shape, and infrastructure is put into place."

"We're lucky to have a fantastic team working to service the growing population and property needs of the community."

Located in the New Lindsay Beach Boulevard Centre off Beachside Parade, Ray White Sun City can be contacted on 08 9561 6411 or via yanchep.wa@raywhite.com.

Welcome Donna Whitehead

10/03/2011

Ray White Western Australia is delighted to announce that Donna Whitehead has joined the corporate team in the role of Business Development Executive (BDE) starting today.

Donna has a wealth of experience now available to our Western Australian members based on her 15 years industry experience in Blenheim, New Zealand.

Donna began her real estate career in Blenheim, New Zealand in 1996 and in her first year was awarded “Rookie of the Year” for Ray White, New Zealand. 

After only 15 months in real estate, Donna was then offered the opportunity to purchase the business she worked for and in May 1998 became a Ray White Franchise Owner.  

Donna has won numerous National Awards for both her personal and company achievements including the Ray White (NZ) National Award for Marketing and Technology.  

Donna ran a strong, auction focused company that consistently received awards for being in the top four businesses on the South Island where she also assisted in the training of other Ray White Offices in Auction Marketing throughout the South Island.

Donna believes in utilising team building sessions to build strong relationships amongst team members and for helping her teams achieve outstanding results. 

One such example of this was where she entered her team in the Inaugural Corporate 8 Rowing Regatta in Marlborough in 2007. Not only did Ray White Blenheim became the first team to win the Corporate 8 Rowing Regatta in Marlborough, but they forged a stronger more united team in the process.

Donna’s responsibilities in WA include the presenting of our foundation training ATP, working with offices across the network together with seeking opportunities for Ray White open new businesses or re-brand existing offices to expand Ray White’s network in Western Australia.

Please join us in making her feel welcomed to the Ray White Western Australian family.

Ray White Centro Welcomes Beth Clifton

07/03/2011

Beth Clifton has been in the Real Estate Industry just over 12 months receiving her CPP07 Sales Registration on 9th February 2010.

Beth started her career by completing the 12 Months Future Champions Training Program at LJ Hooker and moved to Ray White Centro commencing her employment with the Ray White Family on the 14th of February 2011.

During Beth’s first 12 months in the industry she has handled 13 successful list to sell transactions, 2 of which were sold under the hammer.

Ray White Centro offers Beth the opportunity to expand her expertise, reach out to a more diverse group of clients, develop a broader skill base and help her start her own franchise in the future.

Beth wants to reinvest her wealth that a successful real estate career brings her back into the community by getting largely involved in developing a specific non-profit organisation later in life.

Ray White Centro has a warm nurturing mentality that helps rookies flourish in the industry and Beth is looking forward to a bright future with the Ray White Family.

Family duo start new business under family network

03/03/2011

Ray White Ryde opened under mother and son duo Philomena and David Turley.

The family connection with the property sector is long-standing, Philomena explains, with her brother having run a highly successful real estate business in Newtown and three of her four children immersed in the industry.

“Two of my children are in this business and one is in the commercial property sector,” Philomena explains.

Her son David brings key skills to the business, primarily from his background in valuations in the inner city, Balmain and Eastwood.

“The team has a good range of experience. Alan Broadfoot, our sales manager, has been with us ten years and has a strong history of sales in the area including time with Ray White Eastwood.”

The Chief Executive of Ray White NSW, Stephen Nell, says the Turley’s family business model fits well with the Ray White brand.

“Philomena has been in the industry for over twenty years and David has grown in the business. Their family and business values fit well with the Ray White network – a brand that has been grown and strengthened by five generations of the one family,” Stephen said.

“In her own right, though, Philomena is an accomplished real estate professional. Recently she was a finalist in the realestate.com.au Agent of the Year awards. She has a great rapport with vendors and buyers alike and we look forward to watching Ray White Ryde grow under her leadership.”

Ray White Ryde opened on 1 March 2011 at 10 Church Street, Ryde and can be contacted on 02 9807 1500.

Ray White opens in Avalon

11/02/2011

The Ray White brand re-emerges in Avalon this month, with long-time international investment banker and northern beaches property specialist Tim Bentley.

The top end residential specialist has operated on the Northern Beaches of Sydney for over a decade and says that, even after twenty-odd years of seeing around the world through his banking career, there’s nowhere better to live and work.

“Having worked all over the world and lived in major capital cities, I can say without a doubt that Sydney is the best city in the world to live in and the Northern Beaches is, frankly, the best location in this city,” Mr Bentley says with an English accent.

He has been a top end residential specialist operating across Palm Beach, Mona Vale and Avalon for ten years and this month has established Ray White Avalon.

“Ray White has a heritage, you could say, on the Northern Beaches and I’m looking forward to working closely with Ray White Prestige Palm Beach and Ray White Newport.”

Ray White NSW CEO Stephen Nell said Tim’s experience in luxury residential sales and affiliation with the Northern Beaches will be an asset for buyers and sellers in and around Avalon.

“Tim’s background working with top end properties in this area will be really valuable for vendors looking to sell with someone who truly understands the market,” Mr Nell said.

Tim Bentley at Ray White Avalon, 3/42-44 Old Barrenjoey Rd, can be contacted on 0406 995 066.

Back to the family for Bryan Reinhardt

08/02/2011

Bryan Reinhardt is coming home.

After first working with Ray White in 1998, Mr Reinhardt is returning to Australasia’s largest real estate group to head up the Ray White Albany Creek franchise on Brisbane’s northside.

"I always wanted to get the Ray White franchise at Albany Creek," said Mr Reinhardt, who has resumed with Ray White after four years running an independent agency.

Mr Reinhardt and business partner Bruce Slater started their own agency Reinhardt and Slater four years ago at Albany Creek and have enjoyed great success.

"When we first opened up our office, people thought we were solicitors," Mr Reinhardt said.

"But we did well and boosted our market share in the area."

Mr Reinhardt said the strength of the brand, particularly in the current challenging market conditions, had made a return to Ray White all the more appealing.

"The reason why I have gone back to Ray White is that I appreciate the name of Ray White and I fully understand the brand and the resources that they have," he said.

"What also comes with the brand is the opportunity to grow our business."

After starting out at Ray White Albany Creek more than a decade ago, Mr Reinhardt moved on to Ray White Arana Hills/Keperra before forming an agency with Mr Slater.

The pair will be co-principals at Ray White Albany Creek.

"I am very excited about coming back to Ray White Albany Creek," Mr Reinhardt said.

"I have always lived in the area and I am very fond of the area. I know a lot of the business people and it’s a great part of Brisbane."

Mr Reinhardt said he was confident the residential real estate market would bounce back after a tough year in Queensland.

"The market has been through a combination of things from the GFC, the federal election, rising interest rates and also the ending of the expanded First Home Owner’s scheme at the end of last year," he said.

"All of these things compounded together and brutalised the market but I think it will sort itself out in the months ahead."