Veteran Martin Merritt has rebranded three offices to LJ Hooker, strengthening the brand’s presence in the growing Illawarra market.
The Announcement:
Australia’s most iconic real estate brand has strengthened its presence in the growing Illawarra market with a prominent local agency rebranding its three offices to LJ Hooker.
What began as a rent roll acquisition turned into an exciting new venture for Martin Merritt, a real estate veteran of 35 years.
He was approached to purchase the rental side of the business from retiring LJ Hooker Wollongong principal, Chris Stylus.
After meeting with members of LJ Hooker’s Strategic Growth team, however, he decided to restructure and rebrand three offices in Corrimal, Shellharbour and Wollongong under LJ Hooker.
“It was quite a big rent roll so, from a business point of view, it was easier to stay with the same brand, same staff, and same location,” Mr Merritt said.
“I was happy to meet with the team in Sydney but didn’t plan to make a change until after coming together.
“I was impressed by the operation’s support and size and could see the benefits it would bring my staff.
“Joining the LJ Hooker network will enable my team to attend events and learn from other successful agents, which will boost their skills and motivation.”
LJ Hooker Head of Network Australia Chris Keating said it was an exciting new chapter for the future of the brand in the growing Illawarra region.
“LJ Hooker has had a long-time presence in Wollongong and this not only bolsters our brand in this important market but allows us to expand it with additional new offices,” Mr Keating said.
“It is always sad when we see one of our long-time principals retire, but Martin brings vast knowledge, an outstanding reputation and a passion for real estate and will be an asset to our network.
“He has already been collaborating with other offices in the region such as Albion Park and Sanctuary Point; working on new developments and projects showcasing great teamwork and leadership.”
Mr Merritt began his career as a real estate agent when he was just 18 years old and is one of the longest-serving professionals in the Illawarra market.
Fluent in three languages, English, Japanese and Auslan (Australian Sign Language), he is actively involved in community fundraising and volunteer work.
He is a lifetime committee member of The Great Illawarra Walk, which is in its sixteenth year and has raised over $1.2 million for local disadvantaged youth.
The rebranding of his three offices is now almost complete, and already there has been an uptick in the number of appraisals heading into the spring market.
“There is a fabulous opportunity to make LJ Hooker more prominent throughout the region and increase our market share, which also includes the commercial sector,” Mr Merritt said.
“With Sydney property prices at a premium, buyers are looking at the lifestyle and affordability of the Illawarra.
“Before the pandemic, people only knew of suburbs such as Bulli, Shellharbour and Wollongong but since then all the little towns such as Oak Flats, Windang and Warilla have come onto the map after being undervalued for so long.”
