Top agents: Meet SA’s rockstars of real estate
There may be a chronic shortage of homes on the market, but that hasn’t stopped these agents from selling stacks of them. See the top 50 metro sellers by volume, and top 20 regional stars here.
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The rock stars of South Australia’s real estate industry have been put up in lights, with a new report revealing the young guns and veterans who have sold the most properties over the past year.
Analysing realestate.com.au sales data from April 2022 to March 2023 – but excluding agents who requested not to be included – PropTrack’s report highlights strong performance in a tough economic climate, with agents across the state still citing stock shortages an all segments of the market.
According to the report, Edge Realty’s Mike Lao, who sells in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, was the state’s biggest seller. He sold a whopping 317 homes for the period – almost 150 more than the state’s next highest seller Kate Smith of Harcourts Smith with 171.
“We’re fortunate up north because we are a high-volume market and we haven’t been too affected by stock shortages,” he said.
“That said, that 317 is down on the 355 I sold in the year prior, so there has been some effect.”
PropTrack figures for April show new listings across metropolitan Adelaide are down 30.1 per cent on the previous month, and 18 per cent on this time last year, while overall listings are down 6.4 per cent on last month and 3.5 per cent on their levels last April.
Mr Lao said the demographic buying northern homes had shifted in recent months.
“Previously investors far outweighed anyone else but with every interest rate rise they have dropped off and now we’re shifting to more owner-occupiers and first homebuyers, and now it’s slightly in the owner-occupier’s favour now,” he said.
“It’s nice to see that change and see them getting more of an opportunity.”
Mr Lao said a number of the first homebuyers purchasing in the north hadn’t necessarily planned on it, but had decided to as they couldn’t find an available rental.
Harris Real Estate’s Tom Hector, who sells in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs and recorded 113 sales for the period, said he had seen a significant change in the market in the past month and echoed Mr Lao’s comments.
“In 14 years of selling I have never seen a market like the past four to six weeks,” he said.
“Stock levels are so low that people are back to panic buying because they’re moving out of rental properties and are tired of renting, they’re tired of it, there’s nothing to rent, and so they’re choosing to jump at what’s currently for sale.
“We’re finding days on market are reducing, prices are exceeding people’s expectations and my auction clearance rate for the month of May was 100 per cent.”
Mr Hector said there were little to no aspirational sellers in his market, with most selling because they need to – those that want to sell are not because there is little for them to move up to.
“That tide will turn, especially when inflation stops and rates stabilise, but because of the uncertainty in the market people are choosing not to sell, hence the reason why there’s so little supply,” he said.
“I think in the next six and 12 months things will turn around, but I think it will get worse for a buyer before it gets better.
“For a buyer looking for a family home within a six to 10km radius of the city right now, it’s very difficult.”
Mr Hector said he had made 21 sales in just May alone, but expected that to slow over the coming months.
“Moving forward into those colder months, being June and July, there’s no question sales will be down, but interestingly out of those 21 sales, in every case the expectations of the owners were met because of the amount of buyers we had on every property,” he said.
“We were seeing up to five bidders at auctions and multiple-offer situations because there’s a backlog of buyers out there in the market that are unable to buy because there is so little supply.”
And so, without further ado, here are the top 20 sellers in SA by volume from April 2022 to March 2023, according to PropTrack, with information taken from their realestate.com.au bios.
20. Jimmy Wu
Agency: Boffo Real Estate
Geographic area of focus: Metropolitan Adelaide
Number of sold listings: 85
Jimmy is well known for uncompromised service levels, both for buyers and sellers, and this is his proudest achievement. He has a passion for the arts of service and negotiation, which he has spent years perfecting, and the glue that holds it all together is his commitment. When Jimmy earns your business, you receive his total commitment.
19. Jemma Turner
Agency: Magain Real Estate – Seaford
Geographic area of focus: Southern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 86
Jemma prides herself on providing the highest level of personalised service. “I believe patience and my genuine approach to be one the main reasons why I build such a good relationship with my clients. This, teamed with a ‘straight shooter’ approach, mean’s not only a great relationship with clients but great results also”.
18. Danielle Comer
Agency: Magain Real Estate – Happy Valley
Geographic area of focus: Southern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 91
Understanding that selling or buying property can be a demanding and stressful time, Danielle maintains consistent communication with her clients throughout the sales process, keeping them well informed at all times and setting a positive frame of mind.
“I am very easy going and I tend to see my clients more as friends. I have a much more personable approach when it comes to customer service and I find my clients and potential buyers do appreciate it.”
17. Simon Noakes
Agency: Noakes Nickolas – Adelaide
Geographic area of focus: Metropolitan Adelaide
Number of sold listings: 92
Simon brings his attention to detail, his speed of service and his extensive background in marketing and real estate to his role as director and auctioneer at Noakes Nickolas. His clients enjoy a rare level of access, around the clock seven days a week, with thorough communication and a ceaseless drive to always go above and beyond. With a focus on world-class service for his clients and improvement for his own staff, Simon sees every new campaign as an opportunity to deliver above expectations.
16. Samuel Paton
Agency: Ray White – Glenelg
Geographic area of focus: Western and southwestern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 93
Samuel genuinely loves his job – not because of the houses, but because of the people. He truly cares about his clients and has a deep hunger to help people achieve their goals. After a high achieving eight-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, Samuel is extremely disciplined, hardworking, loyal and organised.
15. Thanasi Mantopoulos
Agency: LJ Hooker – Mile End | Woodville
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 98
Thanasi’s preparation, communication, negotiation and overall forward-thinking sets him apart from his competitors. Whether you are preparing to move or a past client, he will strive to ensure you are supported throughout the buying and selling process. His diligence continues through every sales campaign, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
14. Tayla Taarnby
Agency: Taarnby Real Estate
Geographic area of focus: Metropolitan Adelaide
Number of sold listings: 100
Tayla believes each property should be individually analysed and a sales campaign created to fit the purpose of extracting the highest price with best conditions for her clients. “ A real estate agent is a strategic negotiator and concise communicator, not just a messenger of offers”.
13. Andrew Rose
Agency: LJ Hooker Craigmore | Elizabeth | Salisbury
Geographic area of focus: Northern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 101
Andrew approaches his professional life with enthusiasm and a passionate drive to succeed. Strong relationships with all his past and present clients have been built on trust, communication and professionalism. He believes that dedication, impressive marketing, teamwork and his ability to negotiate a successful sale can only lead to success and happiness for all his clients, and this is the reason why clients recommend him to family and friends.
12. Anthony Fahey
Agency: Ray White – Henley Beach
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 107
Anthony has created a team that has a strong emphasis on providing “knock your socks off service” for all vendors and purchasers, as well as landlords and tenants. He is continually recognised as one of the top selling agents in South Australia. He has also been an elite performer in the Ray White Group for the past decade.
11. Peter Kiritsis
Agency: Ray White – Woodville
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 109
Peter Kiritsis is an industry leader, proud business owner and enthusiastic local, excelling in western and beachside suburb sales for over 26 years. And despite his elite performer status, countless awards and professional recognition, Peter’s focus remains firmly on his clients in the name of outstanding results.
10. Rhys Digance
Agency: Belle Property – Glenelg
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 109
Honest, genuine and transparent communication along with strong relationships are the foundation of Rhys’ business, and his strict attention to detail, marketing experience and tireless work ethic ensure that your expectations are not only met but exceeded. He is extremely personable and prides himself on his integrity, high level of communication and ability to negotiate the best possible outcome for your greatest asset.
9. Carly Frost
Agency: Harcourts Wine Coast
Geographic area of focus: Southern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 112
A natural communicator with boundless energy, Carly combines a can-do attitude with an ability to think outside the square. With Carly, you will always come first. Expect clear and consistent communication, utmost integrity and genuine care from an agent who knows that building trust is at the heart of every successful transaction.
8. Nick Psarros
Agency: Ray White – Port Adelaide
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 113
Boasting a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a host of life skills, Nick continues to provide that ‘wow factor’ and 100 per cent commitment to his clients – and they in turn are rewarded in their choice of representation. Nick continues to draw on his unique and genuine qualities and abilities to the benefit of his clients – he is incredibly passionate and understanding of all those he has been able to help through his work in real estate.
7. Tom Hector
Agency: Harris Real Estate
Geographic area of focus: Eastern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 113
Tom’s drive, energy and genuine enthusiasm for your sale and auction success is second to none. His ability to listen to what you are saying and hear what you want places him in a unique position – dedicated to getting the best result for you. Tom’s focus is on you and your property from start to finish.
6. Travis Denham
Agency: Magain Real Estate – Brighton
Geographic area of focus: Southern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 119
At the beginning of 2020, Travis became the first franchise owner of Magain Real Estate and is now the proud owner, principal and sales director of Magain Real Estate Brighton. “I enjoy creating partnerships with my vendors and working closely with them to get the best possible results we can. More often than not these partnerships grow into long term friendships and that gives me the greatest satisfaction”.
5. Matt Sergeant
Agency: Harcourts Sergeant
Geographic area of focus: Northern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 127
With over 10 years of experience, Matt has experienced the booming market and tough market. He is a highly skilled communicator and negotiator and can handle any buyer type in a professional manner. He is well known in the real estate industry for his focus on delivering the finest service to all his valued clients and achieving the best possible result in the current market place.
4. Rosemary Auricchio
Agency: LJ Hooker – West Lakes | Henley Beach
Geographic area of focus: Western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 136
Choose Rosemary and you can be confident you are working with a progressive & creative agent. Her experience, knowledge and finely honed negotiating skills combined with her clear, straight talking communication, diligent follow up and the perfect mix of resources at her disposal will ensure your property will be reaching its full market potential.
3. Thomas Crawford
Agency: Toop + Toop
Geographic area of focus: West and northwestern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 166
As a fully qualified carpenter and joiner possessing numerous construction certifications, Thomas is a rare breed of agent who knows a property from the inside out. Further to his building and construction expertise, a professional sales background has provided Thomas with a solid foundation in all aspects of sales, including marketing methods, negotiation techniques, closing strategies and account management. His high attention to detail and ability to think outside of the box provides a vendor with an agent who is always willing to go the extra mile to succeed.
2. Kate Smith
Agency: Harcourts Smith – Semaphore
Geographic area of focus: Lefevre Peninsula and western suburbs
Number of sold listings: 171
Strong willed, responsive, and efficient, she’s admired for her extensive local area knowledge, the heels-in persistence she shows to every sale, and her fierce determination to meet her clients’ goals and their best possible price. Today, as the principal/director of Harcourts Smith, she’s just as proud of her young, dynamic and hard-at-it team of professionals, all guided by her experience. When it comes to communicating and negotiating on your terms, in her territory the outcome will far outweigh your expectations.
1. Mike Lao
Agency: Edge Realty
Geographic area of focus: Northern suburbs
Number of sold listings: 317
Originally completing a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering and a master’s degree in business administration and marketing, Mike started as an investor buying property in the northern suburbs where he lived and grew up. In 2007 he decided to pursue his passion full-time learning real estate sales and marketing. He is genuine, friendly and hardworking with expert knowledge of the northern residential property market, which has enabled him to be the top agent in the area.
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