LJ Hooker is returning to the heart of Sydney’s Western Suburbs with the opening of a new office in Parramatta, widely regarded as Sydney’s second CBD.
Principal Joe Bechara, who already runs three successful LJ Hooker agencies in Granville, Guildford and Merrylands, has expanded his business footprint with this strategic move.
The existing business has been rebranded as LJ Hooker Parramatta | Granville | Guildford | Merrylands, reflecting its strong presence across the western suburbs.
“Parramatta is a very different market and will be crucial to the longevity of our business and growth,” Mr Bechara said.
“The commercial sector is massive; there are a lot of high-rise apartments, and there are exciting premium residential markets in neighbouring areas, such as Oatlands and Carlingford.”
In a departure from traditional real estate offices, the new location is situated on the sixth floor of a commercial building in the Parramatta CBD, with space for in-room auctions.
Mr Bechara started his real estate career in 1988 at the age of 19, joining a real estate agency in Granville that soon afterward rebranded as LJ Hooker. He later became principal and expanded to neighboring suburbs.
“This is not a short-term project; this is something that we are committed to building over the next 10 to 15 years,” Mr Bechara said.
The move places LJ Hooker in a highly competitive market with over 50 different real estate groups already operating in the Parramatta area.
“Shopfronts still have value, however, and we have noticed that the number of walk-in enquiries at our other offices compared to 15 years ago has dramatically changed,” Mr Bechara said.
“The Parramatta CBD is a different type of location so most likely enquiries will be driven by other means. We do have signage outside the new premises that highlights our presence.”
LJ Hooker Head of Network, Chris Keating, congratulated Mr Bechara on his vision to strategically establish a new venture in a high-growth area.
“It would have been easy for Joe to sit back and enjoy his successes, but instead, he is striving to conquer an important and dynamic market that is integral to Sydney,” Mr Keating said.
“Parramatta is an exciting place to live and work, and we are thrilled that LJ Hooker will be there offering residents, investors and commercial businesses a service they know they can trust.”
