Media release - 10^th January, 2013

Appointment coincides with WA market rebound

Raine & Horne appoints Phillip Hayes as its Business Support and Development Manager for Western Australia
New residential development in Perth’s inner suburbs expected to drive investor demand
Prices for dwellings situated close to amenities set to improve in 2013

Leading property group Raine & Horne has appointed experienced real estate specialist, Phillip Hayes, to drive its portfolio of offices in Western Australia.

Mr Hayes, the group’s Business Support and Development Manager (BSDM) in WA, has more than a quarter of a century’s worth of experience in real estate sales, auctions and corporate management in Australia and New Zealand.

According to Sean Green, Raine & Horne’s Operations Manager for NSW/ACT/QLD/WA, Mr Hayes is suitably qualified to be the firm’s point of contact with its Western Australian offices, given his experience, local knowledge and leadership qualities.

“Phil has lived and breathed real estate for a quarter of a century with some of the biggest real estate brands in Australia and New Zealand, and we are excited to have him on board to spearhead the development of our network in WA,” said Mr Green.

“Phil also has a proven track record supporting emerging offices, recruiting quality sales people and achieving game-changing auction results,” he added.

Mr Hayes said he was excited about the prospect of working with the Australian Superbrand, now in its 130^th year of operation.

“Raine & Horne is a fantastic company, which is well-known for its progressive thinking, but also for doing the simple things right,” said Mr Hayes.

Mr Hayes confirmed that he plans to take a ‘hands-on’ approach in his role.

“I am focused on providing our current principals with recruitment tools and business support that is unique to their requirements,” said Mr Hayes.

Long term, Mr Hayes aims to grow Raine & Horne’s reputation as the ‘real estate network of choice’ for aspiring principals in Western Australia.

“My goal is to expand the successful Raine & Horne franchise in WA through targeted prospecting, high-impact branding and quality training for agents,” said Mr Hayes.

“On the consumer side, we will continue to be known for delivering premier customer service and achieving excellent sales results for our vendors.”

Mr Hayes also said the timing for his appointment was perfect, as it overlapped improved prospects for Perth’s real estate values, which according to the latest report from RP Data, rose 3.4% in the 12 months to the end of November.

“Investors, who were quiet in 2012, will be increasingly attracted to bricks and mortar off the back of historically low interest rates and the prospects of capital gains in 2013,” said Mr Hayes.

“The new developments around the Swan River, in Perth’s CBD, are set to attract investor interest.”

In addition, Mr Hayes said suburbs situated near to quality amenities will also be popular in 2013.

“Perth is one of Australia’s largest capitals, and with the city experiencing record immigration, housing shortages and rising rents, suburbs close to arterial roads, good schools and public transport will attract eager first home buyers and upgraders.”

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Sean Green, Operations Manager Raine & Horne on 0418 638 037

Phil Hayes, Business Support and Development Manager on 0466 793 384

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

Respected international property specialist to take Raine & Horne to the next level in Western Australia