Sydney property market: Hornsby Shire real estate agents securing most home sales

We’ve uncovered the top agent in one of Sydney’s most in demand real estate markets. Check out their biggest sales, secrets of success and why they love Hornsby Shire.

Sydney’s upper north shore is experiencing a stunning housing boom and real estate agents are fast discovering glitzy and enviable properties are not just confined to Sydney’s eastern suburbs and lower north shore.

Now the real estate agents cashing in one the boom are here to reveal their secrets, tricks of the trade and what makes Hornsby such an in demand property market.

The analysis relied on data from international real estate reviews platform ratemyagent.com.au, as well as statistics agents have exclusively provides to NewsLocal.

Nick Berman, McGrath Hornsby

Sold the most properties in Mount Colah

Nick Berman

Nick Berman knew for many years he wanted to become a real estate agent. So when the principal of McGrath Hornsby reached out to him, he didn’t hesitate to take the plunge.

“Obviously it involves hard work, but the flexibility makes it family friendly, which is important to me,” Mr Berman said.

“It is an opportunity to help people with property, which to many in Sydney is pretty central to their lives.”

Mr Berman doesn’t deny there are challenges but he said these challenges “pale in comparison” to the highs of getting to know a client and deliver outstanding results.

“I don’t see it as work. When you love what you do and don’t see it as a chore, you are happy to do it day in, day out and work harder,” he said.

Mr Berman has sole 25 properties in the past year but there is one sale particularly close to his heart. He says he is most proud of managing to achieve an exceptional result — well above anyone’s expectations — for a client who lost their business due to Covid.

Francesca Parrino, Francesca Parrino Property

Sold the most properties in Berowra

Francesca Parrino

After starting out styling for a real estate agency, Francesca Parrino was told she should give sales a shot.

“I now combine sales and styling elements in my career which fulfils the creative aspect of my personality as well as the service-oriented aspect,” Ms Parrino said.

For the past 13 years, Ms Parrino has been smashing real estate records in Sydney’s upper north shore. For five consecutive years, she has been rated Berowra’s agent of the year.

“To have been awarded Agent of the Year for the area I work and live in over five consecutive years makes me very proud,” she said.

“It is an amazing feeling to feel the appreciation of my clients as they move onto the next stage of their lives — whether its by buying their first homes, upsizing, downsizing or changing their lifestyle.”

Sally Dodd, McGrath Hornsby

Sold the most properties in Hornsby Heights

Sally Dodd

Sally Dodd has sold 47 properties in the last 12 months alone.

She said real estate was a natural career choice for her because it is all about helping people.

“I also enjoy meeting different people on a daily basis and I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in some of the biggest life decisions they will make,” Ms Dodd said.

Of all the sales Ms Dodd has made across her career in real estate, she says she’s most proud of those where she’s worked with people who are going through difficult periods in their lives.

“On these occasions I have been able to help make a real and a positive difference for them,” Ms Dodd said.

Anna Cavill, Stone Real Estate

Sold the most properties in Normanhurst

Anna Cavill

Consistently ranked as one of the very best in Sydney’s upper north shore, Anna Cavill is a multi-award winning real estate agent who loves her job and a good negotiation.

She has sold an incredible 96 properties in the past year alone.

For Ms Cavill, real estate was an obvious career choice.

“I love homes, helping people and solving problems so becoming a real estate agent seemed like the natural fit,” Ms Cavill said.

“Selling your home is one of the most stressful things you can do — it is up there with death and taxes.

“So I love helping people minimise stress and make this process as easy and seamless as possible, all while achieving the best result possible.”

Karen Page, Ray White

Sold the most properties in Thornleigh

Karen Page

A long-term local who has raised her four daughters in Sydney’s upper north shore, Karen Page’s love of property lead her to a career in real estate.

“I’m obsessed with property and I love helping people find the home that best suits them,” Ms Page said.

For Ms Page, the people she meets are what make her job so special.

“Everybody has a unique story of where they have come from and where they would like to go — that’s what I love about being a real estate agent,” she said.

Ms Page doesn’t have a single sale or achievement as a real estate agent she is most proud of — instead, it’s maintaining her reputation as an ethical, hard working and honest agent.

Ingrid Stewart, Chadwick

Sold the most properties in Berowra Heights

Ingrid Stewart

Real estate is in Ingrid Stewart’s blood — so it’s no wonder she’s one of the upper north shore’s most in-demand agents.

As a child, she used to spend every weekend attending open homes with her mum because her grandparents bought and sold 26 properties throughout their life.

Ms Stewart loves being a real estate agent because of the relationships she forms with her clients.

“The sale of your home can be one of the most emotional and important decisions you will make in life. Long lasting client relationships are paramount and for me, it certainly goes beyond the transaction,” she said.

There isn’t one sale Ms Stewart is most proud of — instead she says they’re all important to her for different reasons.

“I actually never thought I could become a sales agent as I’m very shy and don’t like public speaking, but I love meeting people, hearing their stories and helping them get through what can be a very overwhelming life event,” she said.

“My passion helped me to overcome my fear and I am proud of that.”

The Noakes brothers, Steve and Adam Noakes, Stone Real Estate

Sold the most properties in Asquith (Steve Noakes) and the most properties in Hornsby (Adam Noakes)

The Noakes brothers (L-R): Adam and Steve Noakes

Together these high-achieving brothers, Adam and Steve Noakes, have sold 114 properties in the past year.

But neither of them started out their careers in real estate agents.

Steve used to work as a chef but thought the long hours and people skills this career involved would stand him in good stead in the fast-paced world of real estate. Adam was working in sales for pharmaceutical companies around Sydney until he too discovered his true passion lay in real estate.

Both Adam and Steve enjoy meeting people and the long-term relationships they form with their clients.

“We’re really proud of opening our business together and growing in such a short time, we can’t wait to see the success our team will achieve in the next few years,” the Noakes brothers said.