6 July 2010

New Raine & Horne office for Bribie Island

Raine & Horne Bribie Island celebrated the recent opening of its new office at Shop 4, 229 Goodwin Drive, Bribie Island with an event for staff, friends and local businesses.

The leading property firm will now be operated by Gay Rossi and her son-in-law Alastair Kay.

Ms Rossi brings significant property management experience to the new franchise.

She has worked on the island for the past six years running independent rental portfolio Rent Biz and has worked with another real estate group.

Alaistair Kay, Raine & Horne Bribie Island’s sales manager, previously worked in corporate training with another leading property group before switching to sales.

Proud of her independent business, leading property group Raine & Horne worked hard to convince Ms Rossi to join its growing Queensland network.

“I was impressed with the fact that Raine & Horne is technology driven and the brand has the edge as far as franchising is concerned,” Ms Rossi said.

“Raine & Horne is building market share in Queensland and it was the right time to get in on the act.

Eager to extend her relationship with the island's 26,000 residents, Ms Rossi said she had watched the area, which is 85km from Brisbane, develop over the past decade.

“The demographics have changed dramatically over the past 10 years. It’s shifted from a family holiday and fishing area to a popular location for young professionals commuting to Brisbane.

"However, the island has maintained its small-town charm. There are a lot of original houses that are occupied. It’s like Noosa 30 years ago.

With a significant rent roll, Ms Rossi will continue her strong property management focus with Raine & Horne Bribie Island.

“Investors should take note that rental yields are sitting around 4-4.5%, with properties worth $400,000 renting at around $350 per week.

Looking forward to teaming up with son-in-law Alistair, who moved his family to the island, Ms Rossi looks set to build a family empire.

“We’ve been thinking about going into business for a couple of years, but the timing was never quite right,” Ms Rossi said.

Eager to start work in the new office, Mr Kay said Ms Rossi’s knowledge and skill in property management would be a huge asset.

“It’s great working with my mother-in-law. She is a fantastic operator and very experienced in rentals,” Mr Kay said.

As for the local property market, Mr Kay said the median home price was $400,000 for a 3-4 bedroom, 2 bathroom property on a 600sqm block.

“There are plenty of buyers and sellers – it’s a matter of vendors getting the price right. Prices in the region double every seven years,” Mr Kay said.

Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine said he was expecting excellent results from the new Bribie Island office.

“Gay is well-known for her commitment to the local community and we expect Raine & Horne Bribie Island to make a significant contribution to the property market."

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 400 offices worldwide. Also an established Superbrand along with the likes of Qantas, Vegemite, Woolworths and Myer, the company has four distinct property service brands including Raine & Horne Residential, Raine & Horne Commercial, Raine & Horne Financial Services and Raine & Horne Rural.

For all your property needs contact Raine & Horne Bribie Island on (07) 3410 1853.

For media information contact:

Gay Rossi, Raine & Horne Bribie Island on 0405 011 511
Angus Raine, Raine & Horne CEO on 0409 920 697