1 March 2010

Raine & Horne Double Bay wins big at prestigious awards

Arguably one of Australia’s most successful real estate offices, Raine & Horne Double Bay, led by Michael Pallier, has scooped the pools at Raine & Horne NSW and ACT’s annual Chairman’s Awards.

Held at Sydney’s Four Season’s Hotel on Saturday 27 February 2010, Mr Pallier, who negotiated the $23 million sale of the French Government's former consulate, Le Manoir, to Lachlan Murdoch in 2009, was named Raine & Horne’s Top Selling Proprietor (dollar value) and took an award in the Top Salesperson (dollar value) category. He is also the network’s Top Auction Lister in 2009.

Proving Raine & Horne Double Bay’s achievements are a team effort, the office grabbed first in the Top Office (number of sales) and Top Office (dollar value). The team also grabbed the Auction Shield for the Sydney metropolitan area for its leading role in selling prestige eastern suburbs homes at auction.

In addition to Mr Pallier’s star success, fellow proprietor Barry Goldman earned a podium finish in the Auction Lister category and sixth in Top Sales Person (number of sales) category. He also secured second in the Top Salesperson Proprietor (dollar value) category. Another Raine & Horne Double Bay proprietor Martin Maskin finished fourth in this category.

Ric Serrao, the fourth member of the Raine & Horne Double Bay ownership team, won third in the Top Salesperson (number of sales) category, with sales agent Walter Antonelli in fifth.

Mr Pallier was quick to praise his colleagues and the Double Bay team for its success.

“In addition to Martin, Ric, Barry and Walter, we have a good team of people who work with us. We also have a good track record and operate in an excellent location,” Mr Pallier said.

As for 2010 predictions, Mr Pallier expects the strong start enjoyed by Sydney’s property market to continue.

“It has really surprised us how quickly the market has strengthened, to a point where it’s as strong as it’s ever been.”

“In our area, bankers are getting bonuses again and this is good for our market. Some have been paid bigger bonuses than ever before. When the bankers have money they want to buy homes near private schools. There are only a few of those in the Eastern Suburbs, so that is helping the market bounce back.”

Mr Pallier predicts growth across all price points in the Eastern Suburbs market. He said the prestige market would be strong, with more sales records broken.

“If I was buying, I’d be getting into the market sooner rather than later as we can expect decent price growth over the next 18 months.

“It’s a great time to sell but only if the plan is to upgrade. I wouldn’t be selling and moving the proceeds into the bank.

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 370 offices worldwide. It is a recognised, official 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 Double Bay on (02) 9327 7971.

For more media information, contact Michael Pallier on 0417 371 522.