Media release - 5 March, 2012

Raine & Horne Bathurst named best country office in NSW

Raine & Horne Bathurst has been confirmed as one of Raine & Horne’s leading offices in NSW and the ACT, after it secured first place in the competitive Top Country Office (dollar value) category for 2011, at a recent award ceremony held in Sydney.

Raine & Horne Bathurst finished ahead of Raine & Horne Dubbo and Raine & Horne Orange, and the victory means the local firm is a now a red-hot contender for the national country office award, which will be announced in August at Raine & Horne’s National Conference in Melbourne.

Also highlighting Raine & Horne Bathurst’s brilliant 2011, the local realtor was just pipped by Sydney powerhouse Raine & Horne Double Bay in the Top Office (number of sales) category, while it finished fourth in the equally competitive Top Office (dollar value).

“Winning the best country office award for a second year in succession is a tremendous result, but Raine & Horne Bathurst’s efforts in placing second and fourth in the sales value and volume categories is just as meritorious,” says Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne.

“We have almost 160 offices in NSW and the ACT, and Raine & Horne Bathurst’s ability to consistently compete with major Sydney real estate firms is testimony to its long-term commitment to the Bathurst real estate market and the local community.”

Matt Clifton, Co-Principal of Raine & Horne Bathurst, agrees that his team, which includes co-principals John Fagan and Michelle Mackay, is working hard to achieve the very best results for owners, landlords and buyers.

“The Bathurst market continues to be one of NSW’s most resilient regional property markets, and this is also contributing to the success of Raine & Horne Bathurst,” says Mr Clifton.

“It helps that Bathurst is so close to Sydney and with a median house price hovering around $300,000, it’s a very attractive proposition for investors from the city.

That said, Mr Clifton confirms that the bulk of Bathurst homes are sold to upgraders and downsizers.

“That existing homeowners are buying in Bathurst demonstrates they have confidence in the local property market long term,” says Mr Clifton, who adds that an escalation in home extensions is another sign of faith in Bathurst real estate.

Moreover a robust local real estate market is underpinning the success of Raine & Horne Bathurst.

“Raine & Horne Bathurst launched in 1983, while the current ownership team has been in place since the early 1990s, which means we have significant local experience,” says Mr Fagan, who was elevated to the prestigious Raine & Horne Chairman’s Club for sales, along with agent Chris Hagney.

“Longevity has enabled us to build a large and diverse team of sales and property management experts, who are well placed to service the needs of first home buyers, upgraders, downgraders, investors, existing landlords and tenants.”

Landlords and tenants should note that the property management team at Raine & Horne Bathurst was also welcomed into the Raine & Horne Chairman’s Club at the recent awards.

“Our property management team has experienced strong growth over the last 12 months, while increased investor interest has also helped us boost our rental roll in 2012,” says Ms Mackay.

“Although our share of the property management pie is growing at a faster rate than new investors are entering the Bathurst sales market.”

For further media information contact:

Matt Clifton, Co-Principal Raine & Horne Bathurst on 0414 011 117