Experienced real estate duo Colin and Karen Wallbank have launched Harcourts Southern Forests, taking over the existing Harcourts Manjimup office.
“Karen and I were given the opportunity to purchase the existing business of Harcourts Manjimup, and we are rebranding to Harcourts Southern Forests,” Mr Wallbank said.
Mr Wallbank has been involved in real estate sales since 2001, starting in Perth before moving to Pemberton in 2007. Mrs Wallbank obtained her real estate licence in 2017, and the couple has worked together since then.
The Wallbanks cited Harcourts’ “People First” value and the company’s support and technology systems as key factors in their decision to join the network.
“The focus on people first,” Mr Wallbank said.
“This was very evident when we attended the quarterly awards, and to see how Harcourts recognises its people is fantastic.
“The tech and systems and website on offer are amazing.”
The new office will continue to operate in both Pemberton and Manjimup, with previous owners Richard Gledhill and Grazia Pilat remaining with the business.
“Richard Gledhill and Grazia Pilat, the previous Business Owners, will remain with the business, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Mr Wallbank said.
“We will continue to operate both the Pemberton and Manjimup offices, and this means that the familiar faces of Richard, Grace, Nato and Chelsea, who have led the Manjimup business for many years, will remain.”
Harcourts Southern Forests plans to focus on digital marketing and cutting-edge technology, including the use of videos for all listings and targeted marketing packages.
The office is also the only agency in the area offering Openn Negotiation, a transparent online auction solution.
“We have had a number of recent successful results with many properties selling well above the reserve,” Mr Wallbank said.
The Wallbanks emphasise a team approach in their business model.
“We have a ‘one for all, all for one’ attitude and support each other to achieve our personal and professional goals, be there to support one another and to share the load when we face challenges,” Mr Wallbank explained.
Shane Kempton, CEO of Harcourts WA, welcomed the new office to the network.
“Colin and Karen are growth-orientated and progressive business owners, therefore having the ability to leverage the Harcourts leading edge technology will enable them to add even more value to their client base,” Mr Kempton said.
“When everyone believes in our shared vision of providing the ‘finest experience in real estate’, there can only be upside. I congratulate all parties on this very successful move.”
