Top 10 real estate agents of the Illawarra and South Coast
It has been an extraordinary few years in the real estate market, with agents busier than ever before. Meet 10 of the most successful men and women selling homes in the Illawarra and South Coast.
The South Coast News
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It has been an extraordinary couple of years in the South Coast and Illawarra real estate markets with a boon in regional immigration spurred by an exodus from the region’s major cities like Sydney and Canberra throughout the pandemic.
With Covid lockdowns likely a thing of the past, the market regionally has slowed somewhat.
But, people will still be buying and selling, looking to realise their coastal sea change, and the men and women who facilitate those transactions will continue to work around the clock doing so.
Meet some of those who have, according to realestate.com.au data, been the most successful across this busy region in the previous 12 months:
Ben Pryde – Raine and Horne Mollymook/Ulladulla – 105 properties sold
Fresh out of university, Raine and Horne Mollymook/Ulladulla principal director Ben Pryde was making his living as a PE teacher when he made the switch into real estate.
“I had a friend in real estate, and I started picking his brains,” he said.
“Somehow, I managed to stumble into real estate before ever really getting my teaching career off the ground. I thought it would be temporary … however, 22 years later, I am grateful I took this path.”
Since then, Mr Pryde collected a number of big sales under his belt.
He counts a $10 million sale in Mollymook as being among the most notable of his career.
“I had so many phone calls and messages in the weeks afterwards from every state in Australia, congratulating me or asking how the result was achieved,” he said.
“It was the perfect campaign and vendor. And, I actually had a lot of fun through the process, it was an amazing position and view. The property was so hotly contested with 13 registered bidders. It was auctioned online and each bid was generally $100,000 –$150,000 higher than the last.
“It was such an exciting experience but also quite surreal.”
Mr Pryde said the ideal climate, with an array of pristine beaches, the Budawang Ranges, as well as cafes and restaurants, made it an ideal place for big city buyers to settle.
“The close proximity to Sydney and Canberra is very appealing for a weekend away,” he said.
“The South Coast has become noticeably more popular and I think this trend will continue. We have to get used to sharing our beautiful playground, and showing it off to the myriad of tourists that visit.
“It is great to see the smile on their faces when you recommend a new restaurant, a unique beach to visit or a bushwalk they didn’t know about: there is so much to do and explore.”
Mollymook, Narrawallee, and Milton will always be go-to destinations for real estate, Mr Pryde said.
“However, I truly believe Ulladulla will be the next up and coming opportunity, as well as Lake Tabourie and Fishermans Paradise for value for money. But, you pretty well can’t go wrong with any location on the South Coast.”
Darren Kay – Belle Property – 101 properties sold
For Belle Property Darren Illawarra principal Darren Kay, the key to success is an honest, genuine, and hardworking approach to the real estate business.
Whether it be in the real estate industry or any other sales driven industry, Mr Kay said he has always found the most successful people are the most convincing.
Mr Kay entered the real estate industry at 30 years old after noticing an advertisement in the newspaper that had the picture of a dinosaur with the tagline “Is this you”.
“It really resonated as at that stage of my life as I was single with no qualifications, absolutely zero dollars in the bank and no real direction in life … much like George Costanza,” Mr Kay said.
“Eighty applications were received and I was lucky enough to be given a start in the industry.”
Wollongong has been slowly moving away from its industrial roots, Mr Kay said, and has grown into a vibrant coastal city with a distinct community-centric focus.
“Situated an hour and a half south of Sydney, Wollongong is garnering a lot of attention for its thriving beachside city and stunning coastline,” Mr Kay said.
“Land to sea, Wollongong’s love affair with the great outdoors is infectious. Whether you’re into thrill seeking adventures, mellowed activities or basking in the sun, there is a team, organisation and place for it here. Wollongong has a burgeoning foodie and small bar scene that’s evolving, with Crown Street Markets and Globe Lane leading the charge, and locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of it.
Along with an abundance of quality schooling, including some of the state’s top performing high schools (Smiths Hill High School and The Illawarra Grammar School) the area is also home to a leading academic institution, the University of Wollongong.
“All of this only 90 minutes south of Sydney makes Wollongong an ideal location,” Mr Kay said
Would-be buyers should keep an eye on areas like Mangerton, which Mr Kay said are proving popular with medical professionals due to their tree lined streets and close proximity to the private and public hospital.
“We’ve also witnessed an increase in higher end buyers favouring the Northern Suburbs of Wollongong (Bulli, Thirroul, and Austinmer) particularly since the pandemic started,” Mr Kay added.
“The population increased by 10 per cent over the past five years. Wollongong no longer sits in the shadows of the metropolis to the north. Instead, Sydneysiders are drawn to Wollongong for its slower pace and world-class amenities.”
Pat Jameson – Blacksaw Batemans Bay – 79 properties sold
After almost 20 years experience in the real estate business, Blackshaw Batemans Bay’s Pat Jameson shares how she made the shift from restaurateur to home and apartment salesperson.
In 2002, Ms Jameson sold Jameson’s on the Pier, a popular bayside Bateman’s destination, after deciding to make a pivot into real estate.
Ms Jameson looks back at that time fondly.
“I was looking for a new career and was fortunate enough to join the team at First National, where my joint principals were David Hayes Williams and Ray Bassett,” Ms Jameson said.
“Their contribution to my real estate career has been invaluable. They are quite different and bring unique perspectives to situations but both were thoroughly professional and honest in their dealings. I am immensely grateful they were my mentors.”
While not the mainstream path for would-be real estate agents, Ms Jameson is grateful for her hospitality experience.
“I think my hospitality background is an advantage as being able to deliver great service and working as a team are strong features that translate well to the real estate industry,” she said.
“An ability to communicate and empathise with a wide range of people is a key factor in being a good agent. It is important to give good advice to both sellers and buyers as people make important decisions based on the information you give them and in many respects you are dealing with their major asset.”
The South Coast has traditionally been where Canberra buyers have their holiday houses and retirement homes, Ms Jameson said, the area being the closest to many buyers from the “West” who love the coast for its great boating and fishing.
“Since Covid began, many buyers from Sydney who could not go north during lockdowns, and have discovered our regions and have fallen in love with our unspoilt beaches, coves and national parks,” she said.
“This has created a new market for real estate agents. The new infrastructure that people can see with the new bridge in Batemans Bay, the Performing Arts and Aquatic Centre, TAFE, and the new hospital are also factors that are giving buyers confidence in the area.”
Ms Jameson said the South Coast had enjoyed a period of strong growth over the past 18 months, with some exceptional prices achieved in all types of land and property sales, but that was slowly starting to change.
“In the past month we have experienced a slow down in buyer inquiry and some owners looking to secure a sale have adjusted their price expectations to achieve a sale,” she said.
“Based on previous market rotations it is likely we will see prices slow and plateau for some years although as ever there are always some exceptions especially prime waterfront locations which are always highly desired.”
Regardless of the market’s trends, Ms Jameson’s key to real estate success remained the same.
“Being prepared to work hard and not miss any opportunities for your clients is major factor in being successful,” she said.
“I never make it difficult for clients, and if they want to watch the sun rise or set from a property. Trust is a major factor in the industry as our clients trust us to act in their best interests at all time, and this is a responsibility I respect and always endeavour to honour.”
Anthony King – Right Choice Real Estate Albion Park – 190 properties sold
As one of the industry’s most outstanding performers, Right Choice Real Estate Albion Park director Anthony King has earned himself the title of sales director at the wide-reaching sales body, with more than 190 properties sold in the last year.
Mr King is a proven performer who leads by example, according to Right Choice Real Estate, winning ‘Salesperson of the Year’ at the Australasian Real Estate Awards an impressive seven times and currently sits among the Top 50 Agents in NSW.
“Anthony has successfully negotiated the sale of over $181,000,000 worth of property just in the last 12 months alone and has set numerous records throughout Albion Park, Shellharbour City and the surrounding areas,” the agency said.
“Accolades like these don’t come easy and are the result of over 20 years dedicated to the real estate industry and not being afraid to put in long hours. This has allowed Anthony to continue to lift the benchmark for quality service and achieve record prices for his clients.”
Mr King is justifiably proud that his experience, local knowledge and direction help build strong and lasting relationships with both sellers and buyers, according to Right Choice, and this is the reason why a lot of his clientele come from referrals or repeat business.
“He is always focused on addressing concerns of his clients and demonstrates an easy going, positive attitude when it comes to selling or buying. This in itself helps Anthony achieve results beyond all expectations,” the agency said.
“As a long-term Illawarra resident, being born and raised in Port Kembla, Anthony quickly developed a passion for the lifestyle it has to offer and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
“His highly adaptive approach in an ever-changing market and his commitment to nothing less than complete customer satisfaction has received extensive commendation from his team and clients.
“Anyone who knows Anthony can see why he is one of Illawarra’s most trusted agents, he is someone who is easy to talk to and someone you will be glad to have on your side.”
Chris Wilson – Chris Wilson Real Estate – 81 properties sold
Based in the sleepier side of the South Coast, in its further southern reaches, Chris Wilson of the real estate agency of the same name has based his firm on the shores of the magnificent Two
While slightly out of reach for many Sydneysiders, the Far South Coast has a lot to offer, according to Mr Wilson.
“Eden has a population of about 4,000 and is a prosperous town with core fishing and timber industries which are complimented by a growing service and tourism sector,” he said.
“Surrounded by national parks, wilderness areas and State Forests, Eden’s environment is pristine with golden beaches, abundant marine life (including one of the few places in the world where humpback whales feed during their southern migration), old growth forests and plenty of clean air.”
Mr Wilson said Eden offers most services and facilities, and is positioned approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne with Canberra only a pleasant three hour drive. The Sapphire Coast region is also serviced daily by air and bus lines.
“We are sure you will be impressed with our wonderful town, Eden. The natural paradise,” Mr Wilson said.
“I live in Eden and over the last 30 years have achieved unrivalled sales results.
“Chris Wilson Real Estate calls upon considerable local knowledge and expertise with a commitment to providing professional, honest service to help match purchasers with the property that best suits their requirements, hence the motto ‘Bringing People and Property Together’.”
Adam McMahon – Dignam Real Estate – 147 properties sold
With more than 25 years experiences in the real estate business, Dignam Real Estate licensee, director, and sales manager Adam McMahon has gained professional experience across all facets of the business.
“Mr McMahon is determined and enthusiastic, and is known in the industry for his high level of skills in residential sales, negotiation, and buy management, according to Dignam Real Estate,” the agency said.
“Mr McMahon takes a methodical approach to every property he markets, addressing the individual needs of the property and the client.
“His energetic and hard-working approach ensures his clients have a greater chance of achieving a premium price with him than with any other agent.”
Currently, Mr McMahon has a number of properties up for sale, including in Thirroul and Corrimal.
Tony McNeice – Molenaar and McNeice Wollongong – 82 properties sold
As co-founder of the Molenaar and McNeice Real Estate agency, Tony McNeice carries a family name familiar to most north Illawarra households after his many years in the business.
With a passion for helping people, rock solid ethics and a contagious positivity, Molenaar and McNeice Real Estate said it’s no surprise that over 60 per dent of Mr McNeice’s business is referred or repeat clients.
“Mr McNeice’s determination, friendly approach, and in-depth understanding of the local market has seen him achieve countless record sale prices and several industry awards over his 10 years in the industry,” the agency said.
“With an impressive track record of securing top prices for his clients ranging from apartments to prestigious million dollar residences. A market leader in the competitive Northern Illawarra market, Mr McNeice lives here with his young family and he loves it. His passion for the area is palpable in every property he sells and he gives back to the local communities, supporting schools, sporting clubs and charities.”
What drives Mr McNeice isn’t the accolades, the agency said, it’s the results.
“His vision for a better kind of agency has inspired him to open Molenaar and McNeice,” they added.
Amanda Bonnici – Ray White Shellharbour – 133 properties sold
Amanda Bonnici is a director at Ray White Shellharbour City, and credits the last decade of her success to a hardworking attitude and her ability to keep learning and growing within her profession.
“More than 70 per cent of Ms Bonnici’s business comes from repeat or referred clients – testament to the quality of the service she provides,” according to Ray White Real Estate.
“Recently being awarded the prestigious ‘The Chairmans Club 2021’ as an elite performer for outstanding achievements within Ray White salespeople, a testament to the quality of the service she provides.”
As a top selling agent in the Illawarra over the past 15 years, Ms Bonnici has both the experience and qualifications to manage the most significant property sales across the Shellharbour and surrounding areas, according to the agency.
“Her focus is heavily on providing her clients with an individual and personal service tailored to their unique circumstances. This process involves creating innovative marketing strategies and communicating campaign updates regularly,” Ray White said.
“Amanda finds it easy to stay motivated in her role because of the constant variety in her work: ‘There’s always movement and change in the property market and I enjoy meeting different people daily. This keeps my enthusiasm levels high and ensures I’m always looking for ways to improve.’”
Fady Saad – Ray White North Wollongong – 85 properties sold
Born and raised in the beautiful coastal city of Wollongong, Ray White Wollongong’s principal Fady Saad brings an intimate understanding of the region’s blue-ribbon lifestyle to his approach as one of the Ray White Network’s most successful selling agents.
“His sterling reputation for integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness is built on a foundation of genuine passion for the Illawarra and his local community; he currently ranks as the group’s top-performing regional principal in NSW,” according to Ray White Real Estate.
“Richly informed by his 15 years in the real estate industry, Mr Saad’s enthusiasm for its daily challenges is best expressed in his resolute work ethic, superior negotiation skills, respectful interpersonal communication style, and six-star commitment to client care.
“Pairing advertising innovation with up-to-the-minute knowledge of property trends, he is dedicated to providing a comprehensive service for those looking to invest or sell throughout Wollongong and its surrounding areas.”
Mr Saad is motivated by nothing less than achieving the best possible outcomes for every one of his clients, according to ray White, constantly refining his expertise with ongoing professional training and development, he ensures that each contact with a new or existing vendor is an opportunity to raise the benchmark in quality of service, advice, and results.
Ben Linneham – Ray White Albion Park – 101 properties sold
Ben Linnehan started his career in real estate 25 years ago in the high end eastern suburbs of Sydney, working on multi-million dollar properties.
Originally an Illawarra boy, Mr Linneham returned to the southern Illawarra suburbs where he is consistently recognised as a top performing agent, according to Ray White Real Estate.
“Mr Linneham was recently recognised as being in the top 10 sales principles for Ray White NSW along with holding several record prices within his marketplace. Ben has been award agent of the year for his core service suburbs the last four out of five years. The industry award is based on number of sales and feedback by buyers and sellers,” the agency said.
“Being professional, he takes great pride in the properties he represents, striving for the best possible price for his clients.”
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