LJ Hooker responds to Ray White defection by Mosman office

LJ Hooker is set to open up to five new offices in the coming months on Sydney's lower North Shore.

It comes as LJ Hooker mutually ended its franchise agreement with the directors, who operated LJ Hooker Mosman. 

"The move gives LJ Hooker, which has been an iconic brand on the lower North Shore for more than 70 years, the opportunity to open more offices to service the blue chip residential addresses of Mosman, Cremorne, Cammeray, Kirribilli and Neutral Bay," LJ Hooker Network Chief, Graeme Hyde said.

He noted the franchise agreement with the Mosman directors was due for renewal next year.

“The Lower North Shore is one of the most lucrative and vibrant real estate markets in Australia and, as such, we now have the opportunity to open a number of new offices in the area, in lieu of just one, to expand our presence and better serve our customers,” Mr Hyde said.

“LJ Hooker Mosman has always been one of our stronger offices but in this lucrative and fast growing market we believe there are even more opportunities that could be capitalised on. 

“After three generations of ‘LJ Hookers’ being part of the fabric of the lower North Shore, we’re now ready to support a new generation of passionate and enthusiastic business leaders to see us continue to grow in that area.

“The success of offices in this key area is a testament that when you come to our brand and engage in our franchise offering, we can accelerate your businesses success.”

The announcement comes on the back of The Mosman-based LJ Hooker lower North Shore group joining the Ray White network in a shock defection last Friday.

LJ Hooker Lower North Shore directors Richard Harding, Geoff Smith and Bernard Ryan are to undertake the re-brand, seeing the potential for expansion across the region from their already large footprint.

Last October the veteran agent Kingsley Yates departed the Ray White group ending his three decade long franchise association due to "differing directions."