The man often referred to as “Cairns’ king of real estate” has finalised the sale of his highly successful agency.
Tony Williamson is handing over the agency to his brothers, Ray and David Murphy.
Ray Murphy, who joined Mr Williamson’s RE/MAX Real Estate Services more than a decade ago, is the number one real estate agent in Cairns.
Since his start as an 18-year-old school leaver, he has worked in every aspect of the business and said owning the business one day was always a goal.
“I felt it was time to step up to ownership,” Mr Murphy said. “But it was my younger brother David who really gave me a push.”
David Murphy is part of the Ray Murphy Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Services, working as a buyer’s agent. The experienced property valuer who holds an economics degree, retired earlier this year as a Northern Pride player and co-caption with the opportunity of the real estate business ownership in sight.
The Murphy family has a strong history of real estate industry links in the Cairns area. Ray and David’s mother Sharyon Murphy now joins them in their business as business development manager in property management.
Given Ray and David’s association with RE/MAX Real Estate Services and the 23-strong team that moves forward unaltered, the change of ownership will be a smooth transition for staff and clients alike.
“Everyone is happy, excited and the market is definitely on the move,” Ray said.
RE/MAX Australia Managing Director Michael Davoren congratulated Ray and David Murphy on their business acquisition.
“Ray is an exceptional and experienced real estate professional who is more than ready for the leadership role having learnt the ropes from one of the best,” he said.
“And while David is a more recent entry into real estate, he has shown his dedication to the business through his early retirement as a top-grade rugby league player who has played in more than 100 Intrust games, which is the highest level below the NRL.”
Mr Davoren said Mr Williamson had been described in broader industry forums as a “leader inspiring action” and was probably one of the best-known RE/MAX people internationally.
“Tony’s certainly been one of the global RE/MAX network’s most vocal and passionate real estate franchise owners,” he said.
“He would know RE/MAX people in over 100 countries, has met many thousands of RE/MAX people and would have a great insight into many of its 8000-plus offices.
“He represents the consummate ability to engage with new acquaintances, form real relationships and convert that to business.
“He is a most effective self-promoter, as much for his RE/MAX business and the real estate industry as for himself personally.
“Tony leaves RE/MAX having been engaged at every level and RE/MAX Australia is a much better network because of him,” Mr Davoren said.
Stepping away from his day-to-day real estate business opportunities will give Mr Williamson more time for his many other roles, including Chairman of Northern Pride and for travel with his wife.
He owns the re-purposed wedding chapel that houses RE/MAX Real Estate Services, and is unlikely to be far from the real estate industry in his thoughts and actions.
