A prominent Newcastle agent has launched a real estate business under an innovative model, designed by one of Australia’s most trusted and reputable brands, which will allow him to spend more time servicing clients and less on back-office activity.
Matt Barnes is one of Newcastle’s best-known and respected real estate agents, with almost seven years’ experience and a sales record of more than $160 million. This week, he opened a residential real estate business in Newcastle City with Richardson & Wrench – Australia’s most established real estate network. Matt will direct and operate the business without the risks and fixed costs associated with running a traditional office, but with the backing and full support services of Richardson & Wrench’s sales administration, marketing and social media team.
Matt says he is keen to build and operate his own business backed by one of Australia’s best real estate brands, which is well regarded across NSW and Queensland for its outstanding reputation and emphasis on people rather than property. “I saw a gap in the local market for a more personalised, streamlined and hands-on approach to engaging with, and delivering results for, clients. The innovative Richardson & Wrench business model that offers me a full back-office support team was the best solution and will enable me to give greater attention to my clients in Newcastle’s changing market.”
He adds: “In addition, being supported by a brand with highly professional marketing and best-in-market technology will give me autonomy in how I shape and grow my business, with relatively low risk, and tailor a customer-centric service to the local market.”
Despite the continuing COVID-19 crisis, and subsequent economic downturn, the Newcastle region is seeing more people visit the area from Sydney in search of homes where they can work remotely and avoid harbour city prices. Matt observes that since July, the number of highly engaged buyers has increased significantly, as the move towards more flexible work conditions has seen Sydney residents relocate to bush or coastal locations where they can trade in city life or jobs for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. He says that just as COVID-19 is shifting peoples work and living patterns, the real estate industry is ripe for non-traditional real estate models.
“Not only are home-based or remote meetings with vendors and buyers on the rise, as more people take advantage of greater job flexibility, but innovation and agility through AI and proptech solutions are in demand and increasing. Despite this, the need for personal client service will never go away. The Richardson & Wrench model is the best solution for helping meet both worlds. I can run my own business without the level of risk that comes with starting a business from scratch, while focusing on achieving strong results for my clients in a changing climate.”
He adds: “It’s also great to know that once I’ve gained momentum and ready to expand, Richardson & Wrench will support me to transition my business to a more traditional real estate operation.”
The addition of Matt’s Newcastle business to the Richardson & Wrench network points to the brand’s growing presence in the Newcastle and Hunter region – with an office in Charlestown having opened in March. Richardson & Wrench Managing Director Andrew Cocks says: “We are pleased to welcome Matt to our network as we continue to expand our real estate services in an area set for increased growth. Newcastle has always been attractive to Sydney-based professionals and young families, but the acceleration of the trend to remote working has put it even higher on the purchase list for those looking for a sea or tree-change. I look forward to seeing the strong results that will no doubt be achieved by Matt in this changing market.”