In a major coup for Raine & Horne Commercial, a long-term competitor has switched loyalties to launch the firm’s brand new Gold Coast operation on Saturday 1 November, 2014.

Raine & Horne Commercial Gold Coast, which is prominently located at Level 4, 64 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, will be led by experienced commercial agent Michael Parisi, who has operated in the competitive Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise markets for 22 years.

Angus Raine, CEO/Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne Commercial, said, “Michael has forgotten more about the Gold Coast commercial markets than most agents have ever learnt, and we are thrilled that he has agreed to join the yellow and black of Raine & Horne Commercial.”

“Michael has worked with a number of our major competitors over the past 22 years and has built a number of profitable businesses, including his existing office, and I can’t wait to work with him and his successful team of sales agents and property managers.”

The decision to shift to Raine & Horne Commercial was taken by Mr Parisi after his former network made some operational and policy changes.

“After 12 years, our previous network moved the goal posts and the changes did not match with the strategic objectives of my business,” said Mr Parisi, who also stressed that despite linking with Raine & Horne Commercial, his business will deliver the same level of service to his clients.

“It will be business as usual for all our clients and there will be a seamless transition to Raine & Horne Commercial Gold Coast.”

Mr Parisi said his decision to defect was also influenced by the well-documented ownership situation at his former network.

“Raine & Horne Commercial is the only property network that can claim more than 130 years of unbroken leadership stability. Angus Raine is the fourth generation of his family to lead the network since 1883 and this stability was a factor in my decision to change horses,” said Mr Parisi.

“It’s also refreshing to be able to pick up the phone and call the top executives such as Angus and COO Brian Reid directly. The flat structure at Raine & Horne Commercial makes this possible.”

The breadth of its national and international office network also worked in Raine & Horne Commercial’s favour.

“The Raine & Horne Commercial network is double the size of my former group. It has offices in every major capital city and many of Australia’s biggest regional hubs,” said Mr Parisi.

“I have clients with interests in Sydney, Melbourne and overseas, so linking with a network with wide-spread global reach like Raine & Horne Commercial, which can service the broader needs of my clients, is a distinct advantage.”

The launch of Raine & Horne Commercial Gold Coast has also been timed to perfection, with the market picking up for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis.

“The completion of the light rail and Commonwealth Games infrastructure spend has buoyed business confidence,” said Mr Parisi.

“The falling Australian dollar is also good for the local tourism industry, as it’s no longer as attractive to travel overseas for a holiday.

“The banks are also lending money to developers for high-rise residential towers again, and this is creating activity in our region, which hasn’t happened for 6 years.”

Mr Parisi recently sold a development site, providing the developers with local planning advice and helping them sell the site with a DA in place.

“It’s not just about buying and selling property – it’s about building relationships with long-term clients,” said Mr Parisi.

“We’ve been in business for a long time on the Gold Coast and have a large and loyal portfolio of managements across development sites, shopping centres, office blocks, showrooms and industrial sites.”

The prospects for retail and industrial property appear the strongest moving into 2015, according to Mr Parisi.

“Surfers Paradise is only just getting back on its feet after 18 months, as many roads had to be ripped up to make way for the light rail construction,” he said.

“This impacted negatively on retail, however it’s settling down and with our first Christmas with the light rail in place coming up fast, the expectation is that tourist numbers will return and drive up retail revenues.”

For all your commercial sales, leasing and property management needs on the Gold Coast, contact Raine & Horne Commercial Gold Coast on 07 5592 6333.

-ENDS-

For further media information please contact:

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

Michael Parisi, Principal, Raine & Horne Commercial Gold Coast on 0413 116 611

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