Media release - 22^nd November, 2012

Aspiring business owners given a head start in real estate

Leading real estate group Raine & Horne is again breaking new ground with the launch of its inaugural ‘Business Boot Camp’ tailored to aspiring real estate principals.

Business Boot Camp is a one day workshop for experienced sales agents or property managers considering launching a real estate office.

“Our aim with Business Boot Camp is to give aspiring principals a major head start, especially if they are considering launching an office in early 2013,” said Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne.

“The agents attending yesterday’s event are interested in opening offices in Sydney and regional NSW, and are all experienced real estate professionals, who are looking to be their own boss and build a business that is an asset for themselves and their families.”

“At Raine & Horne we encourage entrepreneurs to open offices and I was pleased with the calibre of those who attended.

“The feedback was also very encouraging and I’m confident we will open several new offices as a result of Business Boot Camp.”

Apart from advice about selecting the most suitable office location, Business Boot Camp addressed a range of issues including lease negotiations, the legal requirements involved in establishing a real estate office, as well as the latest workplace relations advice from Greg Paterson, Executive Director, Real Estate Employers’ Federation of NSW.

“We also discussed the technology requirements for a new real estate office, and the importance of business planning and local area marketing, while Ian Farquhar, National Manager Real Estate Banking at NAB, delivered a series of tips on securing finance,” said Mr Raine.

“Business Boot Camp also addressed the challenging issue of recruiting, renumerating and retaining staff.

“Given some property markets around Australia have been a little flat, the recruitment and retention of quality staff has been a major issue for principals for the past five years, while the mining boom has drawn some candidates away from a career in real estate in Queensland and Western Australia in particular,” said Mr Raine.

However, the prospects for real estate appear healthier, with Mr Raine predicting that housing activity in capital cities will continue to trend northwards in 2013.

“For those considering establishing a real estate business, opening early in 2013 to take advantage of the upswing in market activity will prove a smart move,” advised Mr Raine.

“It takes around three months to open a real estate office, which is why we rolled out our first Business Boot Camp in November to give potential principals the chance to find the right office location and put the right team in place.”

The Business Boot Camp launch also coincides with the push by the 129-year-old real estate firm to extend its reach across Australia.

“We have opened a number of offices since July 2012, but are scanning the country looking to grow our extensive office network, with more quality offices in strategic real estate markets,” said Mr Raine.

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, CEO Raine & Horne on 02 9258 5422 or 0409 920 697

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400

Raine & Horne launches innovative business boot camp for potential principals