Stone Real Estate opens the doors of its Illawarra office today – the brand’s first office outside metropolitan Sydney.
Wollongong agents Michael Schlegel and Paul Piacentin are at the helm of Stone’s 12th office after the company started three years ago. The pair brings over 30 years of local market experience to the new franchise, which will cover suburbs from Coledale to Shellharbour.
Mr Piacentin said Stone’s unique business model and central client database is the most efficient system they have seen in the property industry, making it ideal for Wollongong’s booming real estate market.
“I have long held a passion to be part of a real estate company that offers a different, more coherent approach to property services, and that is exactly what Stone provides,” said Mr Piacentin, who was born and raised in the area.
“Stone’s system streamlines communications to create a far superior way of delivering property services, not only for customers but also for its franchisees. It is truly remarkable what they have created and it’s the ideal way for us to move forward in this increasingly dynamic region.”
Jackie Puffitt rounds out the Stone Illawarra team as new general manager.
Stone is planning to open another seven offices before the year’s end. It will increase its presence in the region with offices in Dapto, Kiama and the northern Illawarra planned for the near future.
Sydneysiders and empty-nesters seeking more for their money plus a beachside lifestyle are big drivers of the Wollongong market, says Stone Real Estate franchise manager Luke Cameron.
“The Illawarra franchise is an ideal fit in our regional expansion plans to open in key lifestyle markets throughout NSW and eventually Australia,” Mr Cameron said.
