Media release - Port Stephens, NSW (6 April 2017)

Powerhouse duo secure one of Port Stephens’ best real estate firms

In a coup for Raine & Horne, leading local real estate professionals Bonnie Roosendaal and Debra O’Neill have purchased Raine & Horne Nelson Bay.

The dynamic pair has acquired Raine & Horne Nelson Bay, which launched in 1992, from outgoing principal, Ray Noonan, and his wife, Heather.

“Ray has done a wonderful job making Raine & Horne Nelson Bay a leading real estate brand in the region, and we are proud to have him stay on,” says Ms Roosendaal.

Debra O'Neil and Bonnie Roosendaal Raised in “The Bay” region, Ms Roosendaal began her real estate career in 1986 in Sydney’s St George and Sutherland Shire region, before returning to Nelson Bay in 2006. She is highly regarded as a sales agent and has led sales teams in other notable Nelson Bay real estate businesses.

Mrs O’Neill started her property career in Newcastle in 1992 with an independent real estate firm. In 2006 she was tasked with launching its office in Nelson Bay.

“I’m excited about joining forces with Debra to build a business with the support of a major brand such as Raine & Horne, which is fresh, innovative and will build on the reputations of our agents,” says Ms Roosendaal.

Ms Roosendaal and Mrs O’Neill believe two of the key factors that will drive the success of Raine & Horne Nelson Bay are their complementary skill sets and having two female principals at the helm.

Ms Roosendaal nominates her major strength as her ability to achieve “top dollar” for her vendors and always keep her dealings empathetic and down-to-earth.

Ms Roosendaal says: “Deb is brilliant in the engine room of the business, shares my passion and drive for real estate, and is the best staff manager I have every encountered.

“Most principals struggle to blend both skill sets, so in combination we believe we can deliver a superior experience for all of our clients.”

A licensed real estate agent, Mrs O’Neill says her strengths are managing staff and business administration.

“I have always been good at setting up business systems and efficiencies for sales and property management,” says Mrs O’Neill.

Mr Noonan, who started with Raine & Horne Nelson Bay in 1993, will remain as a sales agent. Mrs Noonan, who led the firm’s holiday rental business, has retired.

“Raine & Horne is our mother ship, which gives us all the tools and systems we need to operate a successful business. Working for an independent for the entirety of my career, in the past I have had to create everything from scratch,” says Mrs O’Neill.

“I love the consistency that being part of a network such as Raine & Horne delivers.”

Raine & Horne is a well-respected brand in “The Bay” region, which made it a straightforward decision for Mrs O’Neill and Ms Roosendaal to purchase Raine & Horne Nelson Bay. They look forward to working with their team to grow the business.

For all your sales and property needs in Nelson Bay, Corlette, Anna Bay, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour, Shoal Bay, Medowie, One Mile, Lemon Tree Passage, Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point, contact Raine & Horne Nelson Bay on (02) 4984 1008.

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Debra O’Neill, Principal / Licensee, Raine & Horne Nelson Bay on 0402 827 346

Bonnie Roosendaal, Principal / Sales Director, Raine & Horne Nelson Bay on 0429 941 604