Media release - 14^th December, 2012

Andrew Sorensen secures 100% ownership of Raine & Horne Charmhaven from long-time partner Geoff Bushnell
Central Coast residential property values set to pick up by 3 to 5% in 2013, driven by Western Sydney sea-changers and first home buyers returning to the market
Raine & Horne Charmhaven set to introduce innovative social media strategy and cutting-edge sales training

Andrew Sorensen, Co-Principal of Raine & Horne Charmhaven, has secured 100% ownership of the award winning Central Coast real estate firm from long term business partner Geoff Bushnell, and the timing couldn’t be better.

“Despite stock levels remaining on the low side during the third and fourth quarters of 2012, house prices in the Central Coast are starting to move northwards off the back of renewed market confidence,” said Mr Sorensen.

“We expect this confidence to continue into the New Year as the latest round of interest rate cuts start to flow through.

“Some Sydney markets enjoyed steady growth over the last few months and the NSW capital is traditionally a bellwether for future market developments on the Central Coast.”

According to Australian Property Monitors, the current median house price in Charmhaven is $280,000, which compares favourably with $329,000 for the Wyong region.

“Charmhaven has some of the most affordable properties on the Central Coast, with buyers from Western Sydney looking to make a sea-change, the most visible buyers in our marketplace,” says Mr Sorensen.

Despite having some big shoes to fill, the 34-year old Mr Sorensen is not without decoration, winning a swag of accolades at the recent Raine & Horne National Awards, including the Top Principal – Number of Sales award, and Top Salesperson – Auction Listings, while the Central Coast real estate agent was named among the network’s five leading agents based on commissions received.

This represents a significant achievement for Mr Sorensen, given Raine & Horne employs literally thousands of agents around Australia.

According to Mr Sorensen, the real estate industry on the Central Coast has changed dramatically over the last ten years and as a consequence, Raine & Horne Charmhaven will continue to embrace new marketing mediums, innovative sales training and progressive selling techniques, such as social media.

“Raine & Horne Charmhaven is already acknowledged for its high standard of service and quality advice, but I’m looking to introduce a high-performance selling culture comparable to our network’s flagship offices, Raine & Horne Double Bay and Raine & Horne Bathurst.”

“Our goal has always been to be the most progressive agency on the Central Coast, and our vendors will continue to benefit from our forward-thinking sales strategies and advanced property management tools,” says Mr Sorensen.

Angus Raine, CEO of Raine & Horne, said Geoff Bushnell will be deeply missed.

“Geoff has been a well-respected figure in the Raine & Horne family for over 13 years and has chosen to wind down his leadership responsibilities and concentrate on retirement,” said Mr Raine.

“Geoff has been a fantastic mentor to the younger agents, including Andrew Sorensen, to whom the baton has now been passed.

“Andrew is proving to be one of our most able agents and I look forward to monitoring his success over the next few years.”

For real estate sales advice about Charmhaven real estate, contact Raine & Horne Charmhaven on (02) 4393 1990.

For further media information contact:

Andrew Sorensen, Principal, Raine & Horne Charmhaven on 0410 563 146

Leadership change timed to coincide with real estate market upswing