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Steven Cross
One Agency, a real estate group based on a licensing system, has added two new offices to its network in the past few weeks as the company continues its expansion.
Gaven Whalley has opened the latest One Agency office, in the NSW mid north coast town of North Haven. This followed another new office opening on the Gold Coast, One Agency Jason West Property.
Mr Whalley told Real Estate Business that while a number of other brands caught his eye, it was the simplicity and balance of the group's model that won out.
“It blended the benefits of being part of both a network and remaining an independent, that was the main part of our decision,” he said. “Having the support and backup of a network without having to pay through the nose for it.”
“I don’t think consumers care too much about branded franchises these days. Not here where we are anyway.
“People just go on realestate.com.au and the rest of it just comes down to the ability of the agent to make it work.
After starting out in a boutique office in Sydney’s Mosman, Mr Whalley ended up owning two real estate offices in North Haven and nearby Lake Cathie under a cooperative brand model 12 years later.
As a licensed auctioneer, Mr Whalley claims selling under the hammer can work anywhere - even regional areas - if it’s done right.
“They work here, but it’s just like anywhere. It works if you do it well," he said.
“There are a lot of people who can’t do it properly, but if you have the right ingredients it will always work.”
Earlier this year, Paul Davies, managing director at One Agency, said his group’s model, which isn’t franchise-based, incorporates a degree of flexibility into its agency licences.
“The licence agreement period is flexible to meet the requirements of the licensee,” Mr Davies said.
“The standard period is three years, with a three-year option, which most members are happy with. The licence agreement also provides for an initial six-month establishment period, during which time a licensee can terminate the agreement at any time, without penalty. Some members have requested longer terms which are also agreeable.”
One Agency has more than 50 licensees spread across Australia.
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