McGrath signals potential for growth in Hills District
McGrath Estate Agents has announced high performing agent and area specialist Jamie Benjamin has joined its company owned sales team at McGrath Castle Hill.
The office services the Sydney’s Hills District, specialising in the key suburbs of North Rocks, Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Northmead and Winston Hills.
McGrath has also recruited Tamara Wikaruk who returns to the company after three years elsewhere, and will also focus on key suburbs within the area.
Kon Stathopoulous, head of sales for McGrath’s company owned offices, said it was "always heartening" to welcome back an agent to our company.
“Both Jamie and Tamara will join our existing McGrath Castle Hill team, joining David and Thomas Choy, Maree McCrorie, Elise Lau and Peter and Daniel Pokorny and the remainder of the existing team," he said.
“This entire region continues to offer enormous potential for growth with a vibant professional community, business and infrastructure. It’s ‘Garden Shire’ appeals to families wishing to raise their children, often in a semi-rural environment and just 30 minutes to the CBD.
“In the last 12 months we have focused heavily on the north-west region, particularly the Hills District and the growth corridors around Rouse Hill that is part of the NSW North West Corridor. In the next few months, the north west will have its first heavy train line with the 52km Metro Northwest connecting Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Kellyville and Rouse Hill directly to the CBD.”
This is reinforced in the McGrath Report 2019 that with the rise of Western Sydney, everything is about to change and it means big things for the Western Sydney property market.
“Billions of dollars in government investment, hundreds of thousands of new jobs and Sydney’s second international airport are set to transform this region and electrify one of our most affordable housing markets,” says John McGrath.
Benjamin (pictured above), a longtime Hills resident, started his real estate career in 2002, and has an impressive track record for outstanding sales success in his local market with extensive knowledge, negotiation and marketing skills.
He comes to McGrath from Harcourts where he achieved numerous accolades since 2010, including No 1 Sales Agent NSW (non business owner) – 2013 to 2018. He was also named in the national Top 5 for Harcourts Australia (2015 to 2018), clocking in No 2 & No 3 in 2015 and 2016.
In discussing the current property market, Benjamin said that sales volumes in the area were down about 20-25% but on the flipside, he believed it provided a great opportunity to upgrade.
“Buyers are primarly locals and most come from a 5-10 km radius, where proximity to the school catchment zone is one of their highest priorities. There are excellent choices for education within the area for primary and secondary schooling, both public and private," Benjamin said.
“My clients are a combination of first home buyers, families, upgraders and downsizers who are going through the life process.”
Wikaruk agrees and said she is seeing good buyer interest.
“In the last three weeks of December and prior to returning to McGrath, I sold four properties ranging from $1.08 million to $1.35 million in Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills. To me this shows that people still want to transact... and they will for the right property.
“The last six months as an agent, it has been critical to help vendors understand the shift in the market, and ensure they feel armed with the relevant information. It is equally important for clients to understand my primary focus is to help them through the sales process and get them the best possible result.”
Wikaruk who grew up in the area has hit the ground running in her two weeks with four new listings in Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook and Northmead.
“I’m really excited about returning to McGrath. I’ve seen what else is out there, having worked for a couple of other agencies and nothing compares. Their diligence in marketing, compliance and support is outstanding and they are committed to providing the best tools possible to help their agents excel - and the ultimate winner will be my vendors and buyers.”
Jamie is an active member of the local community and sponsors several local school initiatives including the North Rocks Caroles by Candlelight, and the Christ The King Primary School Spring Fair and also their Sporting Teams.