Meet the top 15 real estate agents in the Mid North Coast, Port Macquarie and surrounds
From those destined to work in real estate, to those who fell into their role – meet the top 15 real estate agents on the Mid North Coast, in Port Macquarie and surrounds.
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The Mid North Coast has seen massive growth in the last few years, with Covid triggering what locals call ‘The Great Migration of 2020/21’.
Helping families, businessmen and women, young students and everyone in between as they move, are dedicated local real estate agents.
From those destined to work in real estate, to those who fell into their role – meet the top 15 real estate agents in Port Macquarie and surrounds.
Read on to find out what inspired them to work in the industry, and the advice they have for anyone thinking of becoming a real estate agent.
Greg Bates | Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie
With 26 years’ experience working and living in the local area, Greg Bates was a shoo-in for this list.
The 54-year-old licensed real estate agent and auctioneer takes pride in working for Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie.
Greg said he’s always “had an eye for real estate”, but working in the industry happened by chance.
“I was working and commuting to Sydney when I first moved to the area,” he said.
“I convinced my employer at the time to allow me to become a sales representative for the Mid North Coast.
“One of my clients was a real estate agency at the time and he decided to offer me a job as an agent.”
As it turned out, Greg had a real talent for the work – he’s sold 104 properties as the lead agent, and four as a secondary agent, in 108 suburbs.
But he warns this kind of success doesn’t happen overnight.
“Firstly, you need to be consistent with building a profile for yourself – this takes years,” Greg said.
“Secondly, you have to be hungry to succeed – motivation plays a massive role in this game.
“You have to want it!”
His advice for those thinking of a career in real estate is simple: be realistic.
“It’s a long game – it takes years to build yourself a profile and start to gain some market share.”
The median number of days a property is advertised under Greg is just 25, meaning a lot of his sales happen in under a month.
The median sold prices for Greg’s properties is $590k.
0418 112 025
greg.bates@eldersrealestate.com.au
Nathan Wilson | Elders Real Estate Crescent Head
At just 27-years-old, Nathan Wilson is the youngest licensed real estate agent and stock and station agent listed here.
He started in the industry in 2011, giving him more than a decade of experience.
Nathan made his start in real estate after being head hunted in a previous customer service role.
“I jumped at the opportunity to learn the ropes within the real estate industry,” he said.
“In my 11 years here I’ve grown so much, have amazing client relationships and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
When it comes to finding success in the industry, Nathan says it has a lot to do with personality.
“I’m always genuine in my approach and try to understand the circumstances of others,” he said.
“An ability to connect and ensure the best outcome for all parties has helped me in my real estate journey.
“Having a passion for all things real estate has helped too, as has having my own personal experiences with property I own – it gives me an understanding on how things work from both sides, and direction on how best to help my clients.”
Over the last calendar year, Nathan has sold 88 properties, with an average sale price of $639k.
To those looking to make their mark in real estate, Nathan says a positive attitude will serve you well.
“I would say if you are after an exciting career change, no day in this industry is the same,” he explained.
“You’ll need to be flexible on working conditions, excited to meet new faces, and keen to explore so many unique properties.
“You have nothing to lose – be humble and you will enjoy it!”
0418 766 977
nathan.wilson@eldersrealestate.com.au
Michelle Percival | Percival Property Port Macquarie
Michelle Percival started working in the industry at just 17-years-old, with her first job as a receptionist with a real estate firm.
She quickly fell in love with the work.
“After three days of working there, I told my boss that one day I’d own my own real estate business,” Michelle told The Mid North Coast News.
And that dream quickly became a reality, as she moved from admin to sales and – at 32-years-old – opened her first business.
In 2010, she established Percival Property with her husband Michael.
Michelle says her passion for the job is driven by a desire to help people achieve their dreams.
“Home is such a personal place – memories and lives are all interconnected in your home,” she said.
“It’s an extreme honour to assist people through that journey, helping them change their financial position to become homeowners.
“You really are part of the fabric of their family’s lives.”
But life as a real estate agent requires a lot of work, Michelle warns.
“You need to live it – not just walk the walk, but live it,” she said.
“You need to be absolutely, 150 per cent committed to the clients and the outcome.
“It takes dedication and many, many hours of work – my work day never really finishes.
“I eat, sleep, and breathe real estate – have done for 40 years, but you couldn’t do it unless you love it.”
Michelle says she feels very involved with her clients, always wanting the best outcomes for them.
“In real estate, you need to be prepared to act in the best interest of your client,” she said.
“First and foremost, you need to act with care.
“You also need an enormous amount of trust and transparency in this industry.”
With almost 40 years’ experience, Michelle’s median sold price sits at an impressive $900k.
The principal of Percival Property Port Macquarie has sold over 100 homes.
As a licensed real estate agent, she’s helped 98 buyers achieve their dreams as the lead agent, and a further eight as the secondary agent.
These properties were advertised for median of just 20 days.
0404 466 500
Simon Hancox | PRDnationwide Laurieton
Entering the real estate game in 2008, Simon Hancox has 14 years’ of experience in the industry.
The 43-year-old is both the principal at PRDnationwide in Laurieton, and a licensed real estate agent within the group.
He’s been a local of the Camden Haven community since 1984, and it seems selling properties is in his blood, with Simon’s father having worked in the industry since the early ‘90s.
“My father had been in real estate since 1991 and had owned the PRD Laurieton office since 1998,” Simon told The Mid North Coast News.
“After studying sports management at university, then travelling overseas followed by working in some professional sporting organisations, my dad invited me to join the family business in 2008 and we haven’t looked back since.
“I purchased into the business in 2015, and am now the sole operator with my wife, Natasha.”
The median sold price for Simon’s properties is $433k, with a median of just 24 days advertised before making a sale.
The PDR principal has sold 77 properties as lead agent, and another one as the secondary agent.
When it comes to finding success in the industry, Simon says it’s all about trust.
“It will sound a little cliche, but being honest with both vendors and purchasers is incredibly important and cannot be understated,” he said.
“No deal is ever so important that I would put myself in a position where I was going to be dishonest to either party.
“Looking after people comes back to you in your career, with referral after referral for new business.
“Secondly, it’s probably a split between my industry knowledge and my work ethic – I am first one in and last one out of the office most days and I find it hard to switch off.
“It may be that I am working on a particular deal, but a lot of the time it just might be that I am spending time upskilling, learning new things, researching new methods, ensuring the best result for our clients in what is a fast-paced and moving industry.”
For those thinking of a career in real estate, Simon suggests playing the long game.
“It can be difficult when you are starting out, but the most important thing is to always think about the long game,” he said.
“By building your business from the ground up, and not taking shortcuts along the way, the rewards later in your career can be most enjoyable.
“And make sure your desire for a strong profile in your market is not just about spending money on billboards and Facebook marketing, but by having a genuine interest in your community and ensuring you play an active part in that through sports groups, volunteering, business groups, whatever you’re most interested in – but being genuine and approachable in your community is critical.”
0423 941 136
Stewart O'Brien | Elders Real Estate Camden Haven
With 16 years’ experience, licensed real estate agent Stewart O’Brien takes great pride in servicing the Camden Haven area.
Having lived there since 1980, Stewart believes there’s no better place on earth, saying the lifestyle and friendly community are simply unbeatable.
Having started in 2005, the 48-year-old came to real estate with a background in similar industries.
“I had always been involved in a sales or customer service role prior to starting in real estate and this was a natural progression for me,” he said.
“I built and sold a number of homes in the 10 years prior, so always had strong interest in property.
“I felt that, with my knowledge of what it took to build homes, combined with my customer service background, I could bring something a bit different to the local real estate market.”
Stewart says he’s motivated by the smiling faces of happy customers.
“I believe I am always working to achieve the best result for the clients I work with, not just financially but also to help them achieve their end goal,” he said.
“Whether it be downsizing as they retire, families looking at building their dream home, or investors looking to add to their portfolio, I like to get an understanding of what their long-term plan is and work towards that with them.
“Sometimes that may mean finding out they are not being quite ready to sell and we can just help them stay in their home longer.
“It’s all about doing the right thing for the client.”
He warns the job can come with challenges but, for the right people, it can be great.
“The last two years have been crazy, and people watching on think that real estate agents are making a fortune and their job is so easy,” he said.
“It isn’t easy, and plenty of long hours and hard work go into it.
“Being an agent is a long-term career and it takes time to progress – real estate is about the long-term relationships you build in your community.
“Your first clients will be people you probably know, then from there the results you achieve and the referrals you obtain will see your career progress.
“You must remember that this is about the client and their sale, so make sure everything you do is in their best interests – don’t make it about the money.”
With 70 properties sold in the last calendar year, it’s clear Stewart’s approach has reaped great success.
He has an average sale price of $938k, with a median of 27 days advertised before sale.
0409 707 441
stewart.obrien@eldersrealestate.com.au
Chris Koch | Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie
In 2009, just three short years after entering the industry, Chris Koch was inducted into the prestigious Laing+Simmons Hall of Fame.
He’s now principal of the Port Macquarie business, and is continuing his work as a licensed real estate agent.
Chris has been in the local area for 40 years, and says there’s a lot of qualities that are needed to find success in the industry.
“Communication and honesty are key, as well as empathy” he said.
“A desire to continue learning, and ability to keep up with technology, also helps.
“A good work ethic is a must – you need to be prepared to put in long hours.
“And you need to be a people-person with good negotiating skills.”
His close-knit team work together from their Port Macquarie office, welcoming buyers and sellers warmly.
Before real estate, Chris worked in car sales – he says a passion for helping people is required of both industries.
Since joining the real estate game, he’s sold plenty of properties – with 55 as the lead agent in the past year.
The median price for Chris’s properties is $830k, with a median of 33 days advertised prior to sale.
0427 831 100
Naomi Hunter | HEM Property Port Macquarie
Joining the industry in 2011, Naomi Hunter has loved every minute of her 11 years in real estate.
She’s the licensee/director of HEM Property in Port Macquarie, as well as a licensed real estate agent.
Naomi says she loves the new experiences that come with the job.
“The opportunity to work with such a diverse range of personalities and situations is what inspired me to enter real estate,” she said.
“As a single mum, it offered me the versatility to adapt the hours to suit me and I quickly leant that the harder you worked, the more capacity you had to earn.
“I believe there are three things you need to be successful in this industry: a desire to work hard, empathy, and honesty.”
Naomi’s clients benefit from her extensive network of contacts and deep understanding of the region, having lived in Port Macquarie since 1984.
To anyone looking to work in real estate, she offers the following advice: “don’t ever give up, be humble and always remember that it is a privilege to be asked into someone’s home and to assist them on their journey.”
Naomi’s median sold price is $888k, with just 17 days (median) of advertising prior to selling.
She sold 57 properties as the lead agent, and an additional three as the secondary agent.
0434 358 298
David Plews | Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie
53-year-old David Plews has an extensive background in the industry, having been a property valuer before switching to real estate in 2007.
The licensed real estate agent and auctioneer says a number of factors encouraged him to make the move to Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie.
“The love of Port Macquarie, and I enjoy people and property itself,” David said.
“So it made sense to work as a real estate agent here in my home town.”
When it comes to the makings of a great agent, David says a drive to succeed is a must.
“A mighty work ethic is important,” he said.
“That and an understanding, supportive family that believe in what you are striving to achieve.”
Over the last calendar year, David has sold 44 properties, with an average sale price of $810k.
When asked what advice he would give those looking to make a start in the industry, David said it’s all about the big picture.
“Working as a real estate agent is a long game not a sprint – be patient,” he said.
“You must be 200 per cent committed to the role, and be an absolute sponge and learn as much as you can.
“Know the market, know your numbers and build a brand that people can trust.
“It‘s a demanding role, so routine and a balanced life is ultra-important.
“Ensure you have fun and enjoy the journey.”
0448 836 000
david.plews@eldersrealestate.com.au
Todd Bates | McGrath Port Macquarie
Todd Bates is the principal at McGrath Port Macquarie, as well as a licensed real estate agent and qualified auctioneer.
The 51-year-old has held a prominent position in Port Macquarie’s property industry for more than a decade and a half.
Todd has been in the industry since 1999, and says he gets a lot out of the job.
“When I started in real estate, it was because I liked the idea of being rewarded for the amount of time and effort I put into my work,” he said.
“I actually worked for free for 12 months when I was looking to enter the industry, just to prove that I could do it and be successful.”
Todd has relied on his natural ambition throughout his time in real estate.
“I’m very competitive by nature so, when someone employs me to sell their home, I genuinely want to make sure that I achieve the absolute best result I can,” he said.
“In fact, I even aim to beat the sale prices of anything similar that may have recently sold.”
Todd is proud of the business he leads, and hopes McGrath can be a cut above the rest.
“I take great pride in everything we do at McGrath in terms of our marketing and communication, I continually strive to ensure those very key elements are the best that any client can experience,” he said.
“We also make an effort to continually evolve with technology – looking for that extra edge.”
When it comes to advice on finding success in the industry, Todd says it’s all about continuously showing up.
“Be prepared to take rejection, work very hard with long hours – many without much reward and, just when you feel like quitting, don’t,” he said.
“Most new agents won’t make it because it is a tough, competitive business but the ones that do will remain focused, stick to the basics, stay consistent, and be genuine and authentic people.
“The second thing I would say is, be prepared to do all the things that others won’t so you can have all the things that others don’t – it’s not my quote unfortunately, but certainly one that resonates with me as it is just so true.”
All that hard work has paid off, with Todd’s median sold price sitting at a tidy $1.06m.
His properties don’t last long before being snatched up, with a median of 17 days advertised.
He has sold 56 properties as the lead agent, and another one as the secondary agent.
0420 318 305
Lisa Dixon | Elders Real Estate Lake Cathie
Lisa Dixon and her husband opened their own real estate office in Lake Cathie in 2005.
The 50-year-old has seen plenty of success in her time as a licensed real estate agent, crediting her passion for helping clients.
“I’m driven by a love of helping people,” she said.
“Whether it be selling or buying, that feeling you get when you hand over the key to the new owners – and being able to help the owners move on to their next dream – is priceless.
“It’s the energy around real estate, I just love it.”
Lisa says a genuine interest in the work is essential in the journey to success.
“I genuinely care,” she explained.
“It doesn‘t take much to be a good human, and listen – like I really listen.
“We are dealing with one of the biggest most stressful transactions they will ever go through, so keeping the client’s interest at heart is important.”
In the last calendar year, Lisa has sold 44 properties.
She averages a sale price of $865k.
For anyone hoping to enter the real estate industry, Lisa says to make sure the passion is there.
“Get into it for the right reasons,” she advises.
“It‘s not as easy as some think, but can be so rewarding in so many ways.
“And know your stuff!
“Be the area expert, know your product and be the region’s specialist.”
0413 881 594
lisa.dixon@eldersrealestate.com.au
Gaven Whalley | One Agency North Haven
Gaven Whalley started working in real estate in 2000, making a career change after a term in the Royal Australian Navy as an aviator.
He found success in the industry in Sydney, which gave him the skills needed to relocate back to his hometown on the Mid North Coast and open three real estate offices.
“Flexibility and lifestyle were the main things that attracted me to the industry,” he said.
“So when the opportunity presented itself, I thought ‘yep, time to get out of the navy’ – it ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done.”
After 22 years in real estate, Gaven says 95 per cent of his business is now repeat or referral.
“Honesty and integrity are paramount in this industry,” he said.
“No false promises, or hard sells – it’s about doing the right thing by people instead of trying to look like you’re the best.
“Especially in tight-knit communities like ours – looking after people makes everything work so much better.”
As the licensee, director, and sales manager of One Agency North Haven, Gaven’s advice to those looking to work in real estate is to be patient.
“It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen,” he said.
The median sold price for Gaven’s work is $525k, with just over a month (32 days median) of advertising prior to sale.
As the lead agent, Gaven has sold 50 properties.
0414 424 373
Heath Askew | Elders Real Estate South West Rocks
Heath Askew started in real estate in 2003.
The 46-year-old says he still has plenty of energy and passion for the industry, after almost 20 years in the game.
With a background in the military and corporate sales, real estate was somewhat of a career change for Heath.
“I was limited, outside of government work, to get a job in South West Rocks,” he said.
“So I door knocked and a salesman opportunity at Elders came up.
“Within three months working here, I purchased half the business – I secured the remainder within the following four years.”
Heath credits the Elders support network – the biggest real estate agency on the Mid North Coast – for the success he’s seen over the past 19 years.
“David Gray certainly has helped me to grow and prosper with Elders South West Rocks,” he said.
“And now we’re leading the market and sales in market share.”
When it comes to the makings of a great real estate agent, Heath says honesty is important, as well as the ability to place your vendor‘s needs above any purchaser.
“Do not tell stories, be honest and upfront,” he advises those interested in making a start in the industry.
“Real estate is a long-term game to invest in the moment, and reap the rewards in the future.
“Repeat business is the best business as a purchase today becomes a vendor tomorrow.
“It is a rewarding game, and you get out what you put in.”
In the last calendar year, Heath has sold 60 properties, with an average sale price of $715k.
0413 360 485
heath.askew@eldersrealestate.com.au
Natasha Costigan | Wauchope Real Estate
Natasha Costigan started in the industry in 2004, giving her 16 years’ experience in real estate.
She has always had an interest in the industry, getting her start in admin.
Seven years after entering the industry, she moved in to sales before joining the team at Wauchope Real Estate.
Natasha says there’s plenty of qualities needed to find success as a real estate agent.
“You need to be friendly, good with negotiations, and be a natural empath,” she said.
“Just being a good, genuine and trustworthy people-person.”
“Knowing your area, and knowing the industry are also important.”
Her advice to those interested in real estate is to be prepared to be busy.
“It can be challenging, and if you’re good at multi-tasking and good with words you’ll thrive,” she said.
“You won’t make millions, but it’s such a rewarding industry for those who like helping people.”
Natasha’s median sold price is $465k, with her sales usually happening within a month of going on the market.
Her median number of days advertised prior to sale is just 27.
Natasha has sold 44 properties as the lead agent, and a further seven as the secondary agent.
0419 854 437
office@wauchoperealestate.com.au
Brendan Stead | Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie
At just 28-years-old, Brendan Stead already has eight years of experience in the industry.
Starting in real estate in 2014, the young gun admits he “kind of fell into it”.
“However I soon learned it was an industry that, if you treated people well and worked hard, you would be rewarded,” Brendan said.
When asked about the makings of a great real estate agent, Brendan said two things were important.
“One, I keep the process very simple for my clients by communicating regularly and making them feel comfortable with the process,” he said.
“And two, I do everything I can to make sure people have a pleasant experience when buying or selling through me.
“That way, I know they would use me again and refer friends and family.
“Reputation is everything.”
In the last calendar year, Brendan has sold 50 properties with an average sale price of $870k.
For those keen to follow a similar career path, Brendan says a good work ethic will take you far.
“Be prepared to work very hard,” he said.
“Be patient and remember it is a long-term career.”
The licensed real estate agent’s median number of days advertised before a sale comes in at just 28.
Brendan has also been the recipient of a number of accolades, including Elite Agent for Sales Excellence 2018 and NSW/ACT Best New Talent Runner Up 2017.
0447 788 509
brendan.stead@eldersrealestate.com.au
David Evans | HEM Property Port Macquarie
David Evans has been working in Australian real estate for 13 years, and did a few years in his 20s in London prior to that.
After his time abroad, David relocated to his wife’s home of Port Macquarie where he became the director of HEM Property.
The 43-year-old said his career in the industry happened “more by accident than anything”.
“I had followed the popular path and been to university, but was a bit directionless so thought I would give it a shot,” he explained.
“I loved property and the psychology of sales, so it was worth a try – I ended up really enjoying it.”
David believes exceptional customer service is the key to success in real estate.
“My approach is very client-focused,” he said.
“I listen and provide a personalised advice tailored to their situation, rather than just treating it as just another one-size-fits-all transaction.
“My goal is to get a great price, but make the move easy for the client too.”
David says a strong work ethic is also important in the industry.
“I have always been a hard worker,” he said.
“When selling someone’s home, I do not stop working until I get them the best result.
“I genuinely care about the clients I work for and treat every sale with the same energy as if it were my own.
“This care factor means my clients know I’ve done everything possible to get them the best outcome, and that’s why I get good referrals from past sales.”
To those looking to work in real estate, David says it’s important to remember that it’s about the client.
“Too many agents get caught up in promoting themselves, their ego and chasing the next commission cheque,” he said.
“Listen to your clients, go above and beyond to make their move stress-free and successful, work hard and do a good job, then the future listings and success will follow.
His median sale price is $760k, with just 17 (median) days of advertising prior to being sold.
David has sold 72 properties as the lead agent, and an additional 21 as the secondary agent.
0421 833 167
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