Media release

Albury, NSW (26 March 2018): Raine & Horne’s investment in its online services coupled with its national brand presence played a significant role in encouraging leading Albury sales agent, Mel Watson to establish the firm’s newest real estate office.

Raine & Horne Albury will deliver residential sales and property management services and will operate from a boutique office at 22/11 Volt Lane, Albury.

“The Raine & Horne website is very user-friendly,” said Ms Watson, who has enjoyed a successful career with several of Raine & Horne’s competitors in Albury since 2012.

“Even our clients in the transition have commented about how easy it is to use the website.”

In addition to the Raine & Horne website, Ms Watson has been impressed by the Group’s investment in exclusive digital products including the recently launched Amplify, Australia’s most advanced digital advertising property platform targeting property buyers, and DigiKit, a web-based interactive appraisal platform.

“Amplify uses Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and the Google Ad network to target more active and passive buyers who are increasingly using social media platforms, and it supports our existing marketing channels,” says Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne.

In pretesting, Amplify achieved average click-through rates of 12% for Raine & Horne’s offices in Southern NSW, and average reading times of 2.17 minutes per online advertisement. These results compare favourably against the average real estate industry click-through rate of 0.98% and reading times of 8.07 seconds[i].

DigiKit utilises data from CoreLogic and information from the Agent to build customised, on-the-spot market statistics and comparable property reports. “The platform gives owners instant information at their fingertips, anytime on any digital device,” Mr Raine said.

“Our focus on technology has established Raine & Horne as the fastest growing real estate firm in Australia, and I’m delighted that we’ll be working with Mel and her team to deliver our unique services to Albury.”

National brand appeals to a majority of Albury property buyers

The reach and depth of the Raine & Horne brand also persuaded Ms Watson to shift to the real estate Superbrand.

Ms Watson explained, “Around 60% of Albury buyers are investors from Sydney and Melbourne, where the Raine & Horne brand is influential.

“It also helps that Raine & Horne has a very professional outfit in Wagga, which is about 90 minutes from Albury. The strength of Raine & Horne Wagga has helped to shore up the brand in southern NSW.”

To reinforce the decision to switch, Ms Watson reports that every client contacted during the transition to Raine & Horne was familiar with the 135-year-old brand.

“The fact that Raine & Horne has been in business since 1883 and is still 100% family owned and operated resonates with country people,” noted Ms Watson. “People trust the longevity of Raine & Horne which is known widely for its commercial integrity.”

The support from Raine & Horne’s head office and business support and development manager Josh Kersten has also impressed Ms Watson.

“Josh has been fabulous. For example, he helped us get our social media assets up quickly, and already we have other Albury agents following our Facebook Page. This rarely happens and is a fantastic result, underlining our decision to switch to Raine & Horne,” said Ms Watson.

“As a former principal of Raine & Horne Wollongong, Josh knows what it takes to own and operate a successful real estate business. This hands-on experience makes a massive difference.

“He’s not a corporate bigwig who says, “do as I say not how I do”. Moreover, his enthusiastic and helpful attitude has been helpful in getting us through the transition to Raine & Horne.”

Forecast looking bright for Albury property market

Regarding the Albury property market, Ms Watson is expecting terrific autumn and winter markets.

“Albury’s affordability and accessibility to Sydney and Melbourne is a major attraction for investors,” said Ms Watson said.

“It possible to buy a two-bedroom apartment for $200,000 in Albury which seems like loose change for some cashed-up Sydney and Melbourne investors.

“At the same time, apartments with all the mod-cons are earning yields of 7%, which are almost double Sydney yields of 3.7% and Melbourne where investors can achieve income returns of 3.9%.”

For all your real estate sales and property management needs in Albury and surrounding suburbs, contact Raine & Horne Albury on 02 6062 2919.

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Mel Watson, Principal of Raine & Horne Albury on 0458 901 132

Kim Pilkington, Communications Executive, Raine & Horne Group on 0414 358 722

[i] Source: Sparc Media 2017 Social Media Report

Raine & Horne’s technology and brand awareness a big tick with Albury’s property investors