FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE
PEAKE AT THE PEAK BY DANIELLE KUTCHEL THE team at Peake Real Estate have taken home three coveted gongs at the 2021 ARERAs - the Australasian Real Estate Results Awards. Four of the agency’s highest performers were named among the individual award winners: Cindy Huntington was named Property Manager of the Year; Alana Opteynde was named Support Star of the Year; and Anita Taylor and Andrew Brown were jointly named Growth Agent of the Year. Andrew said the recognition came as a “bit of a surprise”, but was a tribute to the team’s hard work over a difficult year. “It’s been very challenging with the lockdown periods with Covid, the way we had to adapt our business and the way we conducted sales. We got through it, and we’re lucky enough to be increasing our business and also continuing our business,” he said. He said “flexibility” played a big part in the team’s success, as sales and showings moved online.
Ultimately, he and Anita said the award was a reflection of the team and directors at Peake, as well as the loyalty of their customers. “It’s a team effort that helped us get this award, but it’s something Anita and myself want to build on, going to the next level,” Andrew said. Likewise, Cindy, who works at Peake’s Officer site, was “blown away” to receive her own award. “It means the world to me,” she said. “It’s a sign that I’m doing a good job at what I do.” She hopes her new title as Property Manager of the Year will help build more trust behind her name in the local area and the industry. She said Covid lockdowns compelled the agency to “step up” and said the team’s ability to work with the changes of 2020 was a credit to them. “We were able to operate and protect both landlords and tenants in a time where no one had ever seen anything like it,” she said. She too offered her thanks to the staff at
The Peake Real Estate team celebrates the wins.
Peake Real Estate and the clients who have supported them along the way. “We value every single person we deal
with. We love our clients and we want to keep getting better and better,” Cindy said. ●
NEW DIRECTORS AT BARRY PLANT BERWICK A NEW era has began for Barry Plant Berwick. On 1 March, the thriving Berwick office was taken over by new directors Matt Ketteringham and Dan O’Loughlin, directors of Barry Plant Pakenham and Barry Plant Drouin. Mr Ketteringham said he and Mr O’Loughlin were excited by the opportunities presented by their move into the Berwick market. “Dan and I are passionate and dedicated local people who have been living in and around the Berwick area for years,” said Mr Ketteringham. “I went to school in the area, and would hop on the 827 bus after school to get charcoal chicken and gravy chips on the Berwick main street. I know the ins and outs of the area, and am so excited to be able to sell properties there.” The business was founded over two decades ago by Berwick office director and well known auctioneer Paul Dabb, who has seen the office flourish while also witnessing Berwick and the surrounding areas grow at an exponential rate. CEO and director of the Barry Plant Group Mike McCarthy, paid tribute to Mr Dabb and his team. “Barry Plant Berwick has truly been one of our most successful offices, and over the last 20 years has had a committed and dedicated team who have played such an important role in the growth of Berwick and surrounding suburbs,” said Mr McCarthy. “Paul Dabb has done a fantastic job at
New directors Matt Ketteringham and Dan O’Loughlin with the team at Barry Plant Berwick.
growing the office and really nurturing the staff, many who will stay on and work under Matt and Dan who I know will continue to do an amazing job.” The office has won a number of awards over recent years, with recognition in all areas of property from customer service to property management. In 2019 the office won Novice Auctioneer of the Year (Jack McMaster), Receptionist of the Year (Brody Driscoll), and Department Manager of the Year (Sara Press) at the Barry Plant Awards for Excellence.
“Pakenham is the fastest growth corridor in Victoria, as well as being number one for sales in the state and number two in Australia,” Mr Ketteringham said. “We’re very fortunate to have a broad and diverse demographic of investors and first home owners, and our price points are fantastic and go all the way from $300K to $5m for elite properties. “I’m very energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic when it comes to this opportunity, and really want us to be the best that we can possibly be as a sales and
rentals team. “I think it was an easy decision for Barry Plant Berwick to choose us. They’ve seen our business grow, from not even having a real brand or presence in Pakenham 13 years ago, to becoming one of the top real estate agents in the area. We’ve organically grown to a very large rent roll and also an extremely large office that has taken the number one banner in Pakenham and Officer. Dan and I are so enthusiastic and passionate about working in the area, we can’t wait!” ●
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“Timbara” LOCaTiON & OUTLOOK ON 66.5 aCrES
AU CT IO N
A unique property having extreme privacy yet incredible Mountain views and even glimpses of Westernport Bay. This productive grazing property consisting of very gentle sloping rising country with sound pasture base, carries up to one head to the acre. There is excellent shedding and reliable water. Featuring a spacious 1996 brick home, built by Peter Mikac using quality materials and craftmanship to the highest standards is enhanced by having spectacular western and northern views from many aspects of the home. Polished timber flooring, four living areas and an impressive Master bedroom are just some of the features. Outdoor living is enhanced by the private alfresco. Rarely is there the opportunity to purchase a property of this standard and being in such a sought after location. 7km Drouin, 2.5km Longwarry, 3.2kms Freeway & 24hr servo, 91kms Melb.
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75 HammOND rOaD LONgwarry View: Sat 13th march 11:30 - Noon aUCTiON: 10th april 2021 11am On Site TErmS: 10% on signing. Settlement 30/60 Days
5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, warragul
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Thursday, 11 March, 2021
New directors of Barry Plant Berwick, Matt Ketteringham and Dan O’Loughlin. 230288
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FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE
DEBBIE DOES IT AGAIN FOR the fifth year running, Debbie Brettoner has been named as RateMyAgent’s Berwick Agent of the Year. The stunning achievement is a reflection of her commitment to the industry and to the people of Berwick who trust her with their most important assets. Debbie said the award was not just about her, noting that it was a worthy recognition of her whole team too. “All our hard work has paid off. We’re servicing our vendors well and making sure they have a good experience and that everyone’s happy,” she said. “The most important thing is that they have a good experience.” The real estate agent, who made the move to Ray White Berwick in 2019, said that the real estate sector appeared to have weathered the Covid headwinds well, with business now booming. Ray White Berwick also picked up an award, being named RateMyAgent’s Berwick Agency of the Year. Debbie said she’s particularly proud of this result, coming so soon after she took up a directorship with the company. While being named Berwick’s best agent for the fifth year in a row is quite the achievement, Debbie has no plans to rest on her laurels. Instead, she said she and her team will raise the bar higher, increasing their targets and continuing to grow their business. “What I would like to see is that we retain that momentum, keep doing what we’re doing and maintain the level of service at the same time,” she said. As for her real estate philosophy, it’s simple. “It’s about the best price for the vendor, and the best service - and we have fun along the way!” she said. ●
Paris Brown and Debbie Brettoner of Ray White Berwick. 230183 T 16P_
MOST STUNNING AWARD IN SUPERIOR LOCATION!
47 EMPIRE AvENUE DROUIN This one is so special! A must see to appreciate the many features ready for your enjoyment! 9ft ceiling with square set cornice, optic fibre internet, 4 bedrooms, master with dreamy ensuite and WIR. 2 living areas, stacker doors from the dining lead to an exceptional alfresco with plumbed in BBQ, sink & storage. Waterfall stone island bench, butlers pantry & classy touches throughout. Walk in linen, oversized garage, plus side access for the boat or van. 47 Empire Avenue really is a dream come true. view: Sat 16th March 10am - 10:30am $790,000 Internet ID: 22907360 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au
Debbie Brettoner, Berwick’s Agent of the Year. 230183
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul
www.sej.com.au
Ray White Berwick
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The most recommended agency in Berwick.
Customers voted us number 1 in Berwick in the 2021 RateMyAgent awards. Recognising the most recommended real estate agents and agencies in the country. Contact us to find out why. raywhiteberwick.com
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