Estate agents work with their children
Seven Peninsula real estate agents have found that working with their children in a family business has been a rewarding experience.
Bruce Kerr Real Estate located at Woy Woy takes the crown for the longest established real estate agency on the Peninsula, opening its doors in 1938.
Mr Josh Kerr, 24, said he is proud to take a more prominent role in the family-owned business.
Josh joins his parents Bruce and Janet in the business that was established by his grandfather.
"I have a great rapport with my fellow agents and very much enjoy the real estate business that I've been brought up with."
"Our business is responsible for developing some major areas on the Peninsula including Deepwater Plaza," Janet said.
"It is a delight to see folk coming back to us when they need a reliable and dedicated service in selling their home."
Mr Tom Tregent from Raine and Horne, Umina Beach, has been in real estate on the Peninsula for more than 30 years taking on the Raine and Horne franchise in 1990.
Son Andrew established a second Raine and Horne agency in Ettalong Beach several years ago.
Mr Tregent said it had been a great experience working together on projects.
"Seeing the continuity of these well established family businesses shows the depth of respect we have for one another and the strength of our office we have established on the Peninsula and I am certain this will continue into further generations" Mr Tregent said.
"The fact that our businesses have endured shows the success of the old style way of doing business.
"You can't be successful if you don't have integrity and respect of one another in the real estate industry."
Ray and Aaron Shipley of Ray White, Umina Beach, agree that it's a "hard business to be in" and without that respect for one another, it just makes it that more difficult.
Ray, with more than 25 years experience in the industry, said real estate was both a satisfying and challenging business to be involved in since it involved meeting new people and building strong relationships with clients.
Meanwhile, Ms Betty Donavan of LJ Hooker, Woy Woy, said she was "very proud" to have daughters Sharon, Linda and Kerry as well as grandchildren Scott and Rebecca working together in the business.
"It is wonderful to see three generations of our family working together in real estate on the Peninsula," Ms Donavan said.
"It is definitely an interesting industry to be involved in and the challenges we face keep us on our toes.
"But we have seen a promising year in the industry following the Global Financial Crisis and I'm sure other agents can say the same."
Tony Lilja from GJ Jackson, Ettalong Beach, with daughter Liz Sharpe, has also reported a positive year in sales.
"We are lucky to have such a great location to offer potential buyers with so many benefits to the area including the close proximity to the water, relaxed atmosphere and abundance of local facilities," Mr Lilja said.
"I've also been a part of the progress of Ettalong Beach town centre because I knew it would be good for business as well as developing a wonderful place to live.
"But having my daughter work by my side is just the icing on the cake."
Mr Michael Quilkey worked alongside his father Albert Quilkey at Wilsons Real Estate, Woy Woy, when he was younger.
Still with the same company, he is now working with his two sons Andrew and Greg
Mr Quilkey said the area possessed a good sense of community while offering affordable housing prices close the beach.
"We have had a bumper year.
"But we are looking forward to another successful year."
Mr Quilkey's wife, sister and brother-in-law also work from the Woy Woy office.
Mr John Schoonbeek of Goodsell Real Estate, Umina Beach, agrees that it has been a wonderful experience to have his son, Josh, join him in the industry.
"Having been in the business for more than 17 years, I saw it as a great opportunity for Josh to join me."
Ms Debra Wales of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce commented: "To have seven well-established real estate agents having their sons, daughters and grandchildren joining them in the family business is truly amazing."
Clare Graham, 10 Dec 2009
Press release, 10 Dec 2009
Debra Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce