A bouyant Illawarra property market with growing interest from Sydney people wanting to migrate to the region has prompted DiJones to establish a new real estate office in Wollongong.
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Founded in 1992 DiJones presently operates in 16 locations in Sydney, Central Coast and Southern Highlands.
Chief executive Dean Mackie said the Illawarra was a strategically important location with strong buyer interest from the Sydney market.
Mr Mackie said experienced local agents Joshua Kersten, Jason Capelo, Rob Mancini and Alexander Duncan have signed on as partners at the Wollongong office and have brought with them almost 80 years experience in the Illawarra market.
They will be joined in the new office by sales associate Joshua De Smusko, sales agent Mona Torgoman and sales associate Grace Nightingale.
Mr Mackie said the office at 35 Crown Street will cover the entire region including Helensburgh, Kiama and Berry.
Along with being a partner Mr Kersten, who has been a real estate agent in the Illawarra for 17 years, is the regional residential sales manager for DiJones.
He said it was a great opportunity for all seven members of the Wollongong team who will have access to DiJones's shared data base of clients.
"It's giving us a previously unavailable opportunity to tap into these markets," Mr Kersten said.
"Since the beginning of COVID we have seen an unprecedented wave of interest in the Illawarra region. The region has always been popular but COVID and flexible working arrangements have been a game changer."
Mr Kersten said demand for property was so high he expects the DiJones Wollongong team will quickly grow.
"We will be hiring more people," he said.
"There will be more jobs opportunities in the lead up to Christmas.
"We are looking to expand the team with another five agents and a property management position."
Mr Kersten said the new office was presently being fitted out and will open in four to five weeks.
In the meantime the team is working virtually.
He said they are really busy because there is so much demand for Illawarra properties coming into spring.
Mr Kersten said there are many things making the region very attractive at the moment.
And interest is so great for the amount of stock presently on the market that it is driving prices higher.
Mr Kersten said property inspections are being done by appointment booked in 20 minute segments or via a virtual inspection.
"The lockdown has changed the way we work a bit but it hasn't stopped us," he said.
"A lot of our industry may change for the better out of this. The online auctions we are running are going so well and are so time efficient for everyone."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
