Media release - 18^th February 2014

Robust market set to deliver success to new office

In a major coup for Raine & Horne, successful real estate sales ace Val Elworthy, and businessman husband Michael, are launching Raine & Horne Cleveland.

Raine & Horne Cleveland will open for business with a celebration at its state-of-the art office at Unit 1, 137 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland from 5.30 pm on Wednesday, 19^th February.

“Raine & Horne Executive Chairman and CEO Angus Raine will cut the ribbon at the launch, which marks a new era for the property market in the Redlands,” said Val Elworthy, who has enjoyed seven years of outstanding sales success in the region with another major real estate brand.

Raine & Horne Cleveland will be led by Mr Elworthy, formerly a senior executive with global recruitment firm NES Global Talent Group, who brings to the agency a high level of operational and strategic rigour.

“Michael is a highly-skilled negotiator who will also be responsible for growing Raine & Horne Cleveland’s property management business,” said Val Elworthy.

“Previously Michael assisted people into the right career, whereas now he will be helping them make the biggest investment decisions they’re ever likely to make.

“It also helps that he has an extensive background in managing his own property portfolio and as such has encountered almost every situation as a property investor.

Val Elworthy will lead sales operations at Raine & Horne Cleveland – she was among the top 7 percent of agents in her previous network, and joins Raine & Horne with a reputation for the fast sale of homes in the Redlands.

With the Queensland real estate market on the rise, Val Elworthy believes the timing is perfect for the launch of Raine & Horne Cleveland.

“The real estate market has been very robust for the past six to twelve months, and a shortage in the number of properties for sale means we are not too far from the days of premium prices,” she said.

“Consequently, owners in suburbs that we will service such as Cleveland, Wellington Point, Ormiston, Alexandra Hills, Thornlands, Capalaba, Victoria Point and Redland Bay can expect stronger prices for their homes in 2014, while buyers are increasingly realising it’s a competitive market.”

According to Val Elworthy, there is a wide range of price points across the 4163 postcode and nearby suburbs within the Redlands.

“You’ll find four bedroom homes from $1.5 million in suburbs such as Raby Bay and Cleveland, while for $385,000 it’s possible to secure a three bedroom, one bathroom house in Alexandra Hills,” she added.

As for the couple’s decision to link with Raine & Horne, Michael Elworthy said a number of factors worked in favour of the 131–year-old real estate Superbrand.

“Raine & Horne stood out chiefly because our area has a very established real estate market, so the introduction of an established real estate brand is viewed as a big plus by owners and buyers in the Redlands,” he said.

“Also, when we met with the other brands, they didn’t seem to offer the same level of professionalism, nor did their executive management teams seem to have the same level of experience or enthusiasm.

“We both know that Angus Raine has taken some serious steps to ramp up the Raine & Horne group in Queensland and we want to be part of it.”

Raine & Horne’s market-leading technology also appealed to the Elworthys.

“Its software, such as the extensive business operating system RH compass, was significantly more advanced than the competition’s offerings, while Raine & Horne’s technology support is also superior,” said Michael Elworthy.

According to Angus Raine, the decision by Michael and Val Elworthy to launch Raine & Horne Cleveland represents an exciting development in the growth plans of the real estate group in Queensland.

“It’s no secret that we are expanding in Queensland and it’s a major coup for a talented duo such as Michael and Val Elworthy to join our brand,” said Angus Raine.

“I have no doubt that with their obvious penchant for hard work and commitment to the local community – which includes support for the Women’s Cancer Walk, the Redlands hockey team and the Victoria Point Sharks Australian Rules club – Michael, Val and the team at Raine & Horne Cleveland will be a major success.”

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Val Elworthy, Sales Manager, Raine & Horne Cleveland on 0404 219 531

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400

High-achieving duo to shake up Cleveland real estate market