Experienced sales agents Tony and Nadine Wilkie are the new principals of Raine & Horne North Lakes, following an approach from former owner Gina Wells.

Ms Wells, who commenced with Raine & Horne in 2002, will continue to lead the global Superbrand’s successful Burpengary and Morayfield offices. 

Mr Wilkie, who started in real estate in 2009 after a career as a fitter and turner, said, “Gina has done a great job, and she felt that with our ten years of experience in North Lakes we could take the business to the next level.  

“We feel our experience, along with the backing of a recognised brand such as Raine & Horne, provides us with an excellent opportunity to build on the work of Gina.

Springboard to success on the back of 450 local sales

Mr Wilkie, who has sold 450 properties in North Lakes and surrounding suburbs, said owning a business is a long-term dream for the real estate couple. “The North Lakes real estate market is underserviced, and we believe that with our established success selling properties in this region, we have the perfect credentials to run a successful office,” he said. 

“We chose Raine & Horne because the firm offers a proven suite of marketing, recruitment and training processes, which enables us to get on with the job of appraising, listing and selling more properties.

“I also like the fact that Raine & Horne is such a respected brand in the community. They also don’t have offices located in the same suburb. It’s hard enough competing with other brands, let alone offices operating under the same banner.”

Mr Wilkie will lead the sales team, while Mrs Wilkie, who stated in real estate in 2014, is also involved with appraising, listing and selling real estate. “When we go to an appraisal, vendors get the benefit of ‘Team Wilkie’.” Raine & Horne North Lakes also offers property management service.

Listings up 20% as buyers snap up North Lakes real estate

Looking ahead to the remainder of the spring market, Mr Wilkie said the signs for vendors is robust. “The North Lakes market turned a corner in August thanks to a combination of successive interest rate cuts, a more confident political outlook and a relaxing of bank lending requirements,” Mr Wilkie commented. 

“We have seen an increase in listings by 20% since June while there are more buyers in the market, which is typified by more properties selling in less than a week of being listed.”

To illustrate, an immaculate four-bedroom house featuring an in-ground heated pool with built-in spa & water feature at 29 Couples Street North Lakes went under offer for $705,000 in less than a week in late September.

“This property attracted multiple offers and sold to a family from Sydney who recognised the value for money North Lakes offers,” Mr Wilkie said. 

“North Lakes is only 40 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD via the M3 and just 20 minutes to Brisbane Airport. Similar cracking homes to 29 Couples within 40 minutes of the Sydney CBD sell for plenty more than $1 million.

“Moreover, this region is well served with big shopping centres, schools, while the University of the Sunshine Coast is set to open its Petrie campus in February. This combination of factors is attracting more interstate buyers.”

For all your sales and property management needs in North Lakes and surrounding suburbs, contact Raine & Horne North Lakes on 07 3491 9990.