McGrath Northern Rivers Group Gold Coast Group, today announced that top local real estate agent Josh Willatt would join its Palm Beach operation, while at the same time with
existing McGrath agents Andy Hogarth and Billy Jaz, become joint franchise partners of McGrath Palm Beach in conjunction with Ian Mills. 

David Mills, Director and General Manager of McGrath’s Northern Rivers operation expressed excitement for the incoming partners of the business. 

"I've worked with Andy, Ian and Billy since McGrath was first opened on the Gold Coast and I'm thrilled for them to continue their career growth as Principals," said Mr Mills.

"They are already senior agents with superior local knowledge and natural leaders within our business, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they grow their footprint on the Southern Gold Coast. 

“Having helped grow our presence in the Palm Beach region, I will remain as a consultant to the business and work with the team from a management perspective, advising on IT and other growth strategies to best serve our clients.” 

Andy Hogarth is a McGrath veteran of 10 years and will assume the role of Principal for the McGrath Palm Beach.

He is confident about the local market saying buyer confidence is back.

"From the first Saturday following the federal election the conversations with buyers has completely changed," said Mr Hogarth. 

"We are now back to receiving multiple offers on properties and buyer engagement has lifted substantially.” 

Mr Hogarth has transacted some good sales over last 18 months, including that of 10 Flores Avenue, Palm Beach selling for $1,105,000 at auction with eight registered bidders.

He also negotiated the sale of 59 Tahiti Avenue, Palm Beach for $1,021,000 prior to its auction, as well as several off-market sales that tipped the $1M barrier. 

Billy Jaz, a McGrath agent for over seven years has echoed the positive change in buyer sentiment.

“The finality of both the election and royal commission are two factors that have postively influenced the marketplace," said Mr Jaz. 

"In addition, the trend of interstate buyers is growing quickly and is supported by all time low interest rates”.

Mr Jaz sold 266 Nineteenth Avenue, Elanora to a retired Sydney buyer for $1,120,000 which is the top end of the Elanora market in August of this year. 

Both men will be joined by Josh Willatt, who was the top performing agent at Ray White Robina for the past five years.

His sales include achieving a street record sale price at 2 Rudd Street, Burleigh Heads for $1,650,000 and most recently 20 Pinnancle Court, Robina for $1,095,000. 

With respect to current market trends, Mr Willatt said buyer confidence is at an all time high across the majority of price sectors on the Gold Coast.

"Downsizers are having the biggest impact on the current market as they gain more confidence that they can again achieve higher prices more aligned to that of 2017-2018.” said Mr Willatt. 

Mr Willatt also reported that first home buyers are coming back to the marketplace, with the historically low interest rates.

"The increased interest from buyers has seen my average days on market decrease from 51 days pre election to less then 19 days over the past quarter.” said Mr Willatt. 

On his move to McGrath, Mr Willatt said he has always admired the McGrath brand for its quality, marketing, procedures and systems.

“I’m also excited to join the culture and comradery in the Palm Beach office as it's rare and something I’ve wanted to be a part of," said Mr Willatt.

"As a stand out office it was an opportunity that I had to grab with both hands.

"I am excited for what the future holds for being a part of a world class business and I look forward to growing our team so that more of our can benefit from the way McGrath conducts business.”

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