Market Movements - Expanding post boom

As seen in the Courier Mail, P.32 March 28th, 2009

By ANDREA LUNT

New real estate agencies continue to open in Brisbane, despite reports of sales consultants leaving the industry and offices consolidating in the face of tough market conditions.
Among them is New Farm-based All Brisbane Realty, established in July 2007 by husband and wife team Jason and Ann-Maree Bond.
By the end of last year, the agency’s client base had grown so large the Bonds were required to hire another 16 employees, including a property manager.
My Bond said the rapid expansion could be put down to brand awareness.
“We work really hard putting out our brand. We have big television screens at our shop, a Facebook page and blog pages,” Mr Bond said.
“We always follow owners and buyers up, working hard doing all the things we’re supposed to do.”
The company has plans to recruit at least three more agents in the coming months as well as establish two more offices in Brisbane by the end of this year, one on the south side and another in the city’s inner north.
Mr Bond said in post-boom conditions, with more cautious buyers, it was more important than ever for real estate agents to undertake training in areas such as property presentation and negotiation.
“Over the past five years there was a property boom and any Tom, Dick or Harry could sell real estate,” he said. “Now it’s just the skilled agent who does intense training and those who do the right thing by the vendor, who gets the listings and sales.”…..