Raine & Horne has added to its rapidly expanding network in the Hunter region with a new office at Kurri Kurri led by the experienced real estate pairing of Carolyn Wallis-Tomlins and Ryan Mitchell. 

Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri has launched after Ms Wallis-Tomlins, who started the office in 2016, and Mr Mitchell agreed that it was time to change. Mr Mitchell has been a principal of the office since 2020 after beginning his real state career in property management in 2010. He has also worked as a business support and development manager. 

Prior to joining the real estate industry in 2012, Ms Wallis-Tomlins ran multiple small business ventures including hair salons, pubs, and several agricultural enterprises.

“We have decided to switch to Raine & Horne because there is a lot more support from Corporate as well as the opportunity to expand across the Lower Hunter, which we didn’t have with our old network,” said Ms Wallis-Tomlins.

“We haven’t been contemplating this move lightly and have been deliberating over it for 12 months. We just found that Raine & Horne has more going for it.”

Mr Mitchell agreed, “We have the opportunity to service more significant parts of the Hunter, whereas our previous group limited us to Kurri Kurri.

“We also feel that Raine & Horne’s values are more aligned with those of our own. They are a better fit also because they are a technology leader. We are always looking to progress and offer a better service experience to our clients. 

“Raine & Horne is on the cutting edge of technology while other groups seem to be stuck in the past.”

The new Raine & Horne principals are impressed with Raine & Home’s seamless suite of technology innovations that include digital marketing platform Amplify, the ground-breaking CRM Compass Plus and the digital listing and appraisal platform, Digikit. 

Carlie Forsdike, Administration and Marketing Executive at Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri, said, “Raine & Horne’s technology is a huge selling point that will help us win more appraisals, listings and sales.

“Amplify and Digikit offer a seamless marketing platform that no other real estate agency has, and we are surprised other groups don’t have something similar.”

Ms Wallis-Tomlins added, “Being in a small town, our marketing and advertising is crucial to our success. 

“The familiarity of the Raine & Horne with buyers and investors from Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast is another benefit of being with Raine & Horne. It has a great name.”

Market outlook excellent for Kurri Kurri

Ms Wallis-Tomlins confirmed the Hunter region is one of NSW’s fastest-growing, while its real estate affordability continued to attract buyer attention. The median house price in Kurri Kurri is $419,000, which is up by $50,000 over the last 12 months. Newer homes will command prices closer to $600,000. 

“While our property values are rising, they are still very affordable compared with Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast. This affordability is driving buyer enquiries.”

According to Ms Wallis-Tomlins, most Kurri Kurri buyers are coming from outside the Hunter. This mix includes an even spread of owner-occupiers seeking to live in the region and investors looking for a high-yielding rental property.”

Mr Michell said, “We have plenty of green changers from Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast, and COVID has pushed along this trend. 

“These owner-occupiers realise they can now work from home in the Hunter due to improved technology.”

On the investment front, a median house worth $400,000 will attract a weekly rent of $400, according to Mr Mitchell. “This is a rental yield of 5% and is very attractive when Sydney investment properties would be lucky to generate yields of 3%.”

Looking ahead for the remainder of 2021, Ms Wallis-Tomlins said that while buyer demand is outstripping the supply of properties, owner-occupiers and investors can still secure a quality, well-located and well-priced property in Kurri Kurri. 

“That said, the message to owners in Kurri Kurri is that if you’re considering a sale, this winter is a great time to make a move.”

For all your real estate sales and property management needs in Kurri Kurri and surrounding regions contact Raine & Horne Kurri Kurri on 02 4936 1864.