McGrath Estate Agents, today announced that the highly respected real estate professionals Craig Pontey and Michael Finger will join the agency to spearhead the company’s growth and expansion in Sydney’s harbourside Eastern Suburbs’ market. Together they bring over 80 years’ experience in their new role as Principals of McGrath’s Double Bay office.

John McGrath, Managing Director and CEO of McGrath said: “Craig and Michael are among the very best real estate leaders in the country, so I’m absolutely delighted that they are joining our team. When it comes to real estate experts in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs harbourside markets, I believe they’re a team with few peers.

“I’ve known them both for over 35 years and have always respected how they have conducted their business. They both came to the opening of my first office, so for me, to have them join us is both humbling and exciting,” added Mr McGrath.

As Co-Principal of McGrath Double Bay, Craig Pontey sees great opportunity ahead. “Both Michael and I will be focused on creating an environment to grow the business and expand our footprint under a respected brand. Our success in the past has been based on leadership, energy and creating a great environment and culture. We are passionate about that and will do that again.”

Mr Pontey adds, “McGrath is a progressive brand where we see an enormous opportunity to grow and pickup market share.”

Co-Principal Michael Finger adds, “My passion is to mentor young agents. Now more than ever, it is important to strengthen and develop their skills in a challenging market. I love to see people develop and progress in their career and life, hence I will be on deck to support and grow our team.”

Mr Pontey and Mr Finger have had a successful and enduring partnership spanning 35 years when as industry trailblazers, they founded Ray White Double Bay. They clocked some of Sydney’s highest record- breaking sales that positioned them as the No 1 business for two decades within their network.

Mr Pontey himself has transacted over $253 million in sales in 2021 and in the past few years has broken many sales records that include the $65.25 million sale of 44 The Cresent, Vaucluse; $33.25 million sale of 22 Albert Street, Edgecliff. Most recently he was at the forefront of successfully marketing “1788” – Double Bay’s first luxury development for empty nesters and its adjacent development “Encore”.

Craig Pontey commented, “The top end prestige market is the strongest that I’ve seen in my entire career of selling real estate. I anticipate it will see even stronger prices in 2023. There is so much real money chasing limited opportunities that will continue to push prices upwards. People at the top end ($15 million plus) don’t seem to be borrowing the way they used to but in fact, are totally cashed up.

“For the rest of the market it is not only about interest rates, it’s about sentiment. Sentiment is changing globally and creating some challenges for the property environment that Michael and I have seen a few times before.

“We will provide the leadership required for vendors, buyers and our agents to successfully transact in these times. Experience is key going forward,” Mr Pontey concluded.