Lismore’s top real estate rookies: The up-and-coming agents to watch
From Lismore to Casino and Kyogle, these are some of the up-and-coming local hotshots of the Northern River’s competitive real estate world. Meet 10 of the top agents.
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They’re young, ambitious, and making their mark on the competitive Northern NSW real estate market.
Ranging in experience and achievements, these 10 agents are the next generation of the real estate industry in Lismore and the Richmond Valley.
Dana Vasterink – PRD Northern Rivers
Born and raised in Kyogle, Dana and her husband bought a home in her hometown in 2019.
“We love it here … There is no place like the Northern Rivers,” she said.
Dana joined the team in 2022 and is seeing outstanding results, with listings across the Northern Rivers, from Kyogle to Brooklet, and five sales so far this calendar year.
With previous experience in business and interior design, Dana’s professionalism and determination helps her stand out in her field to get the best results for vendors and purchasers alike, according to PRD.
“After buying, selling and renovating a number of my own properties, I developed a real interest in real estate,” she said.
“Whether it’s an investor, first-time buyer, a couple upgrading to a raise a family, or empty-nesters downsizing, I find it incredibly rewarding helping people achieve their goals, buying or selling.”
Lylah Christie – PRD Northern Rivers
Since starting with PRD in January, Lylah has “proudly” gained the title of the youngest sales agent in the Northern Rivers.
Lylah is already making her mark with PRD Northern Rivers, with a number of appraisals and new listings coming up.
Lylah‘s confidence, commitment to providing exceptional customer service, and thirst to expand her expertise is serving her well as she grows her reputation as a real estate agent, according to PRD.
“I feel real estate offers something that not many other professions can. I love that no day is the same, I am constantly meeting and connect with new people, places and properties,” she said.
“Like so many others within my age group, I am saving to buy my first home.
“A huge part of why I got into real estate was to understand the property market and help young people with the journey of buying their first home.
“I strive to be honest, reliable and compassionate in everything I do, both in my professional and personal life.”
Harry Wilson – Wal Murray & Co First National Real Estate
Finding the passion for real estate on the North Coast, Harry has joined Wal Murray & Co First National Real Estate’s successful sales team and is revelling in the positive environment.
Harry prides himself on developing strong relationships in order to help clients to achieve their real estate goals, according to Wal Murray & Co.
Coming from a rural background in New England, Harry appreciates the robust and versatile community of Lismore and the surrounding Northern Rivers.
Keely Foster – Wal Murray & Co First National Real Estate
Keely joined the team at Wal Murray & Co First National Real Estate in 2021 as a portfolio manager in the residential property management department.
Born and raised in the Northern Rivers, Keely has local knowledge and excels in her communication and commitment when liaising closely between landlords, tenants and tradespeople, according to Wal Murray & Co.
The business said Keely has received many recommendations and testimonials from clients appreciating her dedication while going above what is expected.
Emma Waterhouse – Elders Lifestyle Group
Born and raised in the city of Grafton, Emma has been working for elders in Evans Head since October last year.
Her passion for real estate was borne while attending open homes with her parents growing up.
“We would attend open homes every Saturday and loved the idea that it was a job to sell such beautiful homes. The freedom it allows you to have by achieving things depending on the amount of work you do,” she said.
“I find it so motivating to work with vendors and buyers to help them get the best results possible and potentially assist them start a new adventure.”
In her first three months at Elders, Emma had nine offers received and three accepted while managing 21 properties that were up for sale, which included inspections, answering inquiries, sending reports and keeping vendors informed.
“I can now process exchanges, set up a property to be listed, do open homes alone, answer inquiries and effectively do majority of jobs without being told what to do,” she said.
Les Lewis Hughes – Elders Lifestyle Group
After spending a few years away from the industry Les joined the Elders Lifestyle Group in early 2023.
The business said he has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sales team.
Les is a Northern Rivers local, he knows the area very well and will be selling property in the Golden Triangle between Lismore, Ballina and Evans Head.
Les brings not only over seven years of experience in the real estate industry, but also the experience of establishing a successful local conveyancing company.
He believes in making the process of selling enjoyable and stress free, Les will work hard and go above and beyond to help you in the process of moving, according to Elders.
Alex Gibbon – Ray White
Alex was born and raised in northern NSW and started his career as a professional rugby union player.
After being named NSW Country Junior Player of the year he was offered a contract to join Southern District’s Rugby Club in Sydney to play in the Shute Shield.
Alex made his mark here and was named in the 2013 Team of the Year and selected for the NSW Waratah’s tour of Argentina.
In the same year he was invited to captain the Australian side in the Oceania Cup.
The highlight of Alex’s rugby career was being offered a full time contract with the Australian Sevens, playing all over the world – including the Hong Kong Sevens.
In 2015 Alex and his partner bought a cattle stud farm named Stonebridge Droughtmasters before leaving rugby in 2017 to be closer to their expanding cattle stud operation, picking up another further property at Capeen in the Northern Rivers where he still lives today.
Then in 2020, Alex was invited to join Ray White Casino and Kyogle as their local agent and has been “kicking goals” ever since.
In his first year 2021-22 he sold over 100 properties, being awarded Number four agent in Australia for Ray White and awarded elite and premier agent for 2021-22.
Dylan Ryan – Ray White
Dylan is an assistant agent with Ray White who is already making a mark around Casino and Kyogle.
About to graduate as a fully qualified real estate agent, he’s already sold 10 properties in his first year and has negotiated a solo deal.
He’s been described by clients as an “absolute pleasure to work with” – an agent who conducts himself with “ethics and professionalism”.
His senior, Alex Gibbon, is very proud of how far he’s come.
Aiden Chalker – Raine and Horne Kyogle
At only 30 years old, Aiden is the owner of Raine and Horne Kyogle, and is well respected in the community.
He came from a property management background, bought a business about 18 months ago and overnight became a sales agent and business owner.
In his first year he was so successful he was awarded the Chairman’s Club award – a prestigious award in the Raine and Horne group making him one of the top performers in the group.
However his friend Brett McDonald, director of Raine and Horne Lismore said Aiden is “humble and reluctant to blow his own trumpet” – so we did it for him.
Uri Ross – @realty
Uri grew up at Tuntable Falls and has lived in many Northern Rivers areas such as Nimbin, Lismore, Clunes & Byron Bay.
He said he loves achieving results, meeting deadlines, and “making any difficult and stressful situations look easy”.
He’s sold 171 properties with @realty and said his “ambition to succeed and deliver results exceeds many agents”.
Uri has revealed his intention to go it alone, starting his own brand, Uri Ross Property Pty Ltd.
Sundai Harrison – Nimbin Hills2Coast Realestate
Sundai Harrison joined Nimbin‘s Hills2Coast Realestate as a receptionist in 2021.
At 34 she is now working as an assistant agent while completing her licence qualification under Principal John Wilcox.
Having lived and worked in the Nimbin area for over 30 years Sundai is a passionate advocate of the area‘s fabulous lifestyle.
She has a strong network within her community and an extensive knowledge of the area and its surroundings.
Since moving from reception to assistant agent in June 2022 Sundai has achieved a total of 11 sales and has four current listings as lead agent.
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