In an enormous show of strength for the Raine & Horne brand, its flagship Marrickville office in Sydney’s Inner West has signed on for a further term with the Superbrand.

The new agreement between the Superbrand and Raine & Horne Marrickville, which was established in 1983 by Michael Smith and Yvonne Smith, marks the 21st office to renew with Raine & Horne in the 2020/21 financial year. 

To mark the new agreement, sales whiz Filippo D’Arrigo and property management expert Paul Signorelli have won promotions as new Directors of Raine & Horne Marrickville. 

“We are delighted Michael and Yvonne have renewed as they operate one of the best Inner West agencies and consistently rank in our top 10 offices nationally,” said Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne. 

“This agreement is a fantastic stamp of approval for our brand and is a highlight of a massive wave of renewals despite one of the most tumultuous years for small business in decades.

“Apart from our fantastic products and services, our inclusive culture has helped many of our offices navigate a challenging year for the industry. 

“During the pandemic, our offices were able to interact and support each other, and now they are coming out the other side of the pandemic with an enhanced appreciation for the value of being part of the Raine & Horne Group,” said Mr Raine.

Evolving brand helps Raine & Horne stay ahead of the pack

Mr Smith, who has seen Marrickville transform into an affluent area over the last 38 years, agreed that being a part of the Superbrand is crucial to the large number of offices choosing to renew this year. “The company has strong values, and despite its long history, it is still progressive with the latest systems and products it provides such as Amplify and Digikit.

“Raine & Horne is always evolving, changing, and improving, and in the Inner West market, it has earned a great reputation with buyers and sellers. These factors are helping us stay ahead of the pack.”

The promotion of Mr Signorelli and Mr D’Arrigo also sends the Inner West property market a strong message that the 138-year-old Superbrand has a continuing commitment to the local community. 

“Paul has been part of our team since 1996, and his role has constantly advanced. He started as a letting manager while Filippo began in sales in 2003. That Paul and Filippo are now directors of the business is a career highlight for myself and Yvonne,” said Mr Smith.

Property management leader

In 1996 when Mr Signorelli joined Raine & Horne, two-bedroom apartments were renting for $180 a week compared to an average of $700 a week now. “I’m so proud of this achievement as even as far back as 1996, Raine & Horne Marrickville was a leading real estate agency in the Inner West.

“Everyone knew Raine & Horne Marrickville, and it was the place where we all wanted to work. Nothing has changed in that respect.

“Then when I started, my goal was to work up the ladder within the Property Management Department. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d end up a business partner with Michael and Yvonne. 

“It’s been a quarter of a century, but I feel it has happened relatively quickly as the years have flown so fast.”

Mr Signorelli said that a fondness for hard work is an attribute he shares with his new business partners, Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr D’Arrigo. “We all share the philosophy of an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and this has helped me progress my career.”

Mr Signorelli and Mr D’Arrigo are also incredibly proud to be among Raine & Horne’s newest Principals. 

“We are both excited about the next chapter of our careers, and the fact that Raine & Horne is a family-owned and operated business works well for us as we both have our own young families,” said Mr D’Arrigo, who started in Property Management before transitioning to sales under the watchful eye of Michael Smith. 

“Also, Michael and Yvonne’s sons Nick and Luke Smith run Raine & Horne Commercial Inner West/South Sydney, and we all share similar philosophies on family, work and business.

“Paul and I are thrilled to be new Principals as Raine & Horne is a well-recognised brand in the Inner West, and we generate plenty of sales and property managements because people recognise and trust the brand.”