Media release - 3rd February, 2015

It borders the majestic Royal National Park and the Pacific Ocean, is equidistant from Sydney and Wollongong, and now Helensburgh is home to a Raine & Horne real estate office.

Located prominently at 1/114a Parkes Street, Helensburgh, Raine & Horne Helensburgh will be led by 15-year property veteran Julie Humphries, who is switching to the famous charcoal and gold brand after 9 years with another real estate group.

Raine & Horne Helensburgh “It’s a real coup for Raine & Horne that Julie and her team have decided to join our Superbrand,” said Angus Raine, Executive Chairman & CEO of Raine & Horne.

“Over the past decade and a half, Julie has been one of the leading lights in Helensburgh real estate and among the best 5% of agents in her previous network.

“She is a licenced real estate agent and a principal since 2006, and her local knowledge, armed with the resource of Raine & Horne, will deliver unbeatable sales and property management services to real estate consumers in the areas from Helensburgh to Austinmer and beyond.”

Ms Humphries has been immediately impressed with the level of support provided by Raine & Horne’s corporate team in Sydney.

“This experience is very much in keeping with the advice of my friend Brian Dorling, the principal of Raine & Horne Dapto. Brian told me about the support he gets from Raine & Horne and how easy the systems are,” said Ms Humphries.

“We’re an all-girl team at Raine & Horne Helensburgh and we’re very excited about the change – networking within the national Raine & Horne group will be a plus for us.”

According to Ms Humphries, Raine & Horne Helensburgh has plans in place to build a strong holiday management business and expand their commercial sales and leasing interest.

“There are currently no commercial offices in Helensburgh, but now, with the assistance of the Raine & Horne brand, I plan to service the local commercial real estate market,” says Ms Humphries.

Predictions for 2015

Taking the first four weeks of 2015 as a gauge, Ms Humphries predicts a good year for real estate agents operating in Helensburgh and surrounding areas.

“We’ve been run off our feet with appraisals, and secured listings and sales with more to come,” she says.

On the demand side, Ms Humphries says, “Buyer numbers are holding firm, with even a few investors turning up at open homes. This wasn’t always the case last year.

“In most cases we’re getting 4% gross yields for homes valued up to $800,000, however entry-level properties up to $600,000 are commanding generous 5% yields.”

Ms Humphries says that upgraders and downsizers are still the dominant players in Helensburgh. “Once you buy into our beautiful area you don’t want to leave,” she says.

“There are plenty of people with growing families looking to upgrade from 2-bedroom villas worth $450,000 and $500,000, into 4-bedroom homes selling for up to $900,000.

“On the flipside, empty-nesters are ready-made buyers as their downgrading plans still involve staying in the Helensburgh area, so they are happily shifting down the ladder intro the 2-bedroom villas.”

Apart from real estate affordability, Helensburgh is a commuter-friendly location, which appeals to owner-occupiers working in Sydney and Wollongong.

“All trains between Sydney and Wollongong stop at Helensburgh, while the morning express only makes three stops on its 50-minute journey to Sydney,” said Ms Humphries.

“As a consequence, Helensburgh is fast becoming a popular location for Sydney commuters with younger families thanks to its relative affordability and proximity to Sydney and Wollongong.

“A number of residents travel to Wollongong for work, which is only 20 minutes south of Helensburgh, while younger people study at the excellent Wollongong University.”

For all your residential and commercial sales and leasing requirements in Helensburgh, contact Raine & Helensburgh on 02 4294 9800.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman & CEO, Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Julie Humphries, Principal, Raine & Horne Helensburgh on 0405 128 070

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne on 02 9258 5400

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