Long-standing McGrath principals Mat Steinwede and Jaimie Woodcock are continuing their impressive expansion with the opening of McGrath Newcastle, their 10th office in the region.
The move represents a significant milestone for both the principals and McGrath Estate Agents, as it marks the network’s 150th office across the East Coast.
Mr Steinwede and Mr Woodcock joined McGrath as the company’s first franchise partners in 2005, starting with McGrath Terrigal, and have since built a substantial presence throughout the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
Their group achieved an impressive $1.5 billion in sales over the past 12 months, encompassing residential sales, project sales, and a property management portfolio of 2,000 PUM.
McGrath CEO John McGrath highlighted the significance of this expansion.
“It’s an amazing full circle to have Mat and Jaimie, having been our first ever franchisee, now also being our 150th,” Mr McGrath said.
“Mat and Jaimie are amongst the greatest real estate principals I’ve seen in my 40-year career and both have become dear friends over many years.
“With their incredible success on the Central Coast, they’re perfectly positioned to take their success formula to the booming Newcastle and Lower Hunter areas.”
Mr Woodcock, Managing Principal of McGrath Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, attributes their success to their strong connection with McGrath.
“We were drawn to John’s professional beliefs in what the industry should be about. His professionalism and focus on making customers for life very much resonated with Mat and myself,” Mr Woodcock said.
“When you get that alignment and have the desire to build a great business, that definitely propelled us to greater heights.”
Mr Steinwede emphasised the value of the McGrath network in their growth journey.
“John McGrath no doubt changed my life. McGrath has been a strategic partner for us, attracting owners that are serious about selling,” Mr Steinwede said.
“It has enabled us to have a Sydney-centric approach with its broad database and network. That strong link to Sydney has given us an invaluable reach that is unparalleled.”
The Newcastle expansion represents an exciting new chapter for the duo, with the office situated in a prime location in the growing metropolis.
“There is extraordinary potential with the gentrification of the Newcastle CBD and the infrastructure improvements that will enhance connectivity, liveability and economic opportunity for the region,” Mr Woodcock said.
“There is such a diversity of property that offers a lifestyle and affordability. That in itself is a huge attraction, offering exceptionally good value for families, first home buyers and the investor market.”
Chris Mourd, Head of Franchise for McGrath, praised the principals’ strategic approach to growth.
“Jaimie and Mat are not only exceptional agents but as business owners, they have strategically expanded their operation and their footprint from one small office to cover a large regional area of the Central Coast and beyond to the Hunter Valley,” Mr Mourd said.
The group now operates offices in Ettalong, Gosford, Avoca, Terrigal, Long Jetty, Toukley, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, and Newcastle, with a team of 150 staff including 65 sales professionals.
