A Tasmanian LJ Hooker agency has launched a hybrid real estate model it says will recalibrate the local industry and expand and re-establish the brand’s presence across Greater Hobart.
LJ Hooker Pinnacle Property, which was renamed following the amalgamation of LJ Hooker Glenorchy and LJ Hooker Kingborough boasts a team of upwards of 30.
Now, it is set to operate as a hybrid model comprising multiple service centres or “Pinnacle Places” rather than full-service offices, with salespeople largely working remotely.
LJ Hooker Pinnacle Managing Director Penny Higgs said the hybrid model was a new concept in the sector that was designed for the modern digital real estate environment.
“We are in a new era of real estate with a great push towards digitised services, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss the importance of face-to-face interactions with customers, because really real estate is all about people,” Ms Higgs said.
She said the streamlined approach would harness technology and allow agents and property managers to work in their communities remotely, but still access a physical site to meet customers when needed.
“Rather than a traditional real estate office, Pinnacle Places are meeting spaces in strategic locations for those must-have, face-to-face interactions. Agents will be able to meet with their customers by appointment only, minimising unnecessary physical contact.”
“For our customers, this means we will be coming to them and that we are where they need us to be.
“So, instead of the customer taking time out of their day to travel to our office, they can meet with an agent at a nearby Pinnacle Place during their lunch break – which is more convenient for customers.
There are currently two Pinnacle Places in Hobart City and Kingston, with the Glenorchy office to remain as an administrative hub.
“Our plan is to establish further Pinnacle Places on the Eastern shore and in areas such as Derwent Valley, Brighton, Sorell and the Huon Valley over the next five years. Ultimately, we’ll have a Pinnacle Place located in each Greater Hobart LGA,” Ms Higgs said.
LJ Hooker Pinnacle Property has a unique recruitment offering with the establishment of ‘Pinnacle Partners’ for those on a career path towards business ownership.
“The concept of Pinnacle Partners will allow the right people to move from commission to profit share to directorship and even equity in the sales division of the business. It’s also the start of our succession planning to future-proof the business,” Ms Higgs said.
LJ Hooker State Director Stephen Mutton praised co-directors Penny Higgs and Stuart Whyment for their forward-thinking of creating a super office with a hybrid approach.
“Hobart is a dynamic market which has experienced strong growth, and so, is well poised for an expansion such as this.
“Our philosophy is to support and help our offices to grow and expand to become super offices.”
LJ Hooker Pinnacle Property is the real estate network’s exclusive franchisee in the Greater Hobart region, servicing the municipalities of Hobart, Glenorchy, Clarence, Kingborough, Huon Valley, Sorell, Derwent Valley, Brighton, Tasman and Southern Midlands.
