Real estate is a tough business at the best of times, let alone while enduring your sixth lockdown in Melbourne.
However, Lux Real Estate’s Mahesh Ranawaka says the support provided by real estate network @realty‘s OASIS platform has helped him not just survive, but thrive in the difficult COVID-19 business environment.
When @realty established OASIS, which stands for Online Agency Support and Integrated Systems, last year Mr Ranawaka was one of the first to jump on board.
OASIS aims to assist boutique real estate agencies and sole operators to access @realty’s national database and administrative services, while still operating under their own brand.
Mr Ranawaka, a 10-year veteran of the industry, had been with @realty for four years when he decided that he could leverage the enhanced support OASIS offered to launch his own business and brand in Melbourne.
“The platform is very suitable for myself because all I have to do is lead, list, manage and sell,” Mr Ranawaka said.
“The branding and everything else are my own and I’m very proud of that. Someone I admire, like Bill Gates, started from scratch, from the garage and look where they have ended up now.”
Mr Ranawaka’s new logo and website for Lux Real Estate was produced as part of the support the OASIS model offers.
“I want this brand to really target that luxury market and joining OASIS gave me the opportunity to do that,” he said.
“As well as help with branding, I also get all the support I need for trust account management, CRM systems and experienced staff on call to help me with what I need whether it is holding auctions online or taking a property to contract.
“The franchise model is very much cookie-cutter whereas I prefer a unique and highly targeted approach.”
Mr Ranawaka said the branding and support is particularly useful during Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, when online sales and marketing is essential as physical inspections are not allowed.
“It is hard with lockdowns because physical inspections are not allowed,” he said.
“However, there is also a lack of stock so properties marketed well and priced correctly will sell.
“I’m expecting the market to roar back when the lockdown is lifted.”
Managing Director of @realty, JJ Taylor said Mr Ranawaka exemplifies everything the OASIS model can do for agents that are motivated to have their own brand.
“Mahesh is absolutely committed to establishing Lux Real Estate as a leading brand in the Melbourne market and we’re proud to help him achieve his goals,” Mr Taylor said.
“OASIS is doing wonders for agents around the country and I urge interested agents to get in touch to talk to us about what we can do for their independent agency.”
