By Jess Baker
CEO of the First National Real Estate network Ray Ellis arrived in Warwick on Monday 26 July with some exciting news.
First National could soon be expanding to Stanthorpe, Killarney and Allora.
With more than 300 offices in Australia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu – including one in Warwick’s Palmerin Street – what began as a regionally-based brand in 1981 has grown to be much more.
Ray said Australians’ passion for property, particularly rural property, had grown exponentially in the past year, with the allure of big cities diluted by Covid-19.
“Covid convinced people of the value of their home,” Ray said.
He said the pandemic had driven Australians away from buying shares and toward more “lifestyle decisions” like buying property.
“Certainty was taken away from us so we retreated to what we know,” he said.
“And what we know is real estate. To buy shares, for average Australians, is too much of a risk.”
Locally, First National already has offices in Toowoomba, Goondiwindi and Brisbane. But Ray said there was room for more offices in the Southern Downs.
With First National this year celebrating its 40th birthday, Ray said the network was also actively looking to recruit younger people.
Just last month, 26-year-old Warwick local Tori DeMamiel purchased First National Warwick – taking over from former owner Darryl Evans.
Tori said she had a lot of support around her in taking the leap and she was excited to increase the network’s digital marketing strategy and reach.
“Now that I’m working for myself, I can push for more ideas,” Tori said.
Ray said while foot traffic was important, social media had become crucial to the success and growth of First National, and was second nature to Tori and other young hires.
