The directors behind one of the top-performing Ray White offices in their area have announced their second location, merging with established independent agency Roberts Partners Real Estate to form Ray White Hastings.
James Aldinger and Shane O’Sughrue opened Ray White Chelsea four years ago and have now partnered with Lisa Roberts, who founded Roberts Partners and has built a strong reputation in the Hastings market over two decades.
For Lisa, the merger represents a return to where her career began.
“My real estate career began 20 years ago with Ray White, and I have always loved the brand and everything it represents,” she said.
“Their culture, professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence have stayed with me throughout my career, so returning to the Ray White family feels like the perfect next step for our clients and our team.”
James said Lisa’s established presence made her the ideal partner for the expansion.
“Lisa has such a phenomenal name for herself within the region,” he said.
“She started the business and has built an incredible reputation. Her name is really important, and having her stay on is a major asset.”
The group is already recruiting, with James noting they have “some awesome agents in the pipeline ready to join” around Lisa’s established operation.
Situated on Western Port Bay, Hastings sits about 30 minutes from Chelsea and offers what Mr Aldinger describes as “resort-style living and more value for money” compared to suburbs closer to Melbourne.
“With Chelsea becoming quite out of reach for some buyers, they are heading further along the coast,” he said.
“There’s heaps of rezoning happening and acreage out there. There is loads of opportunity everywhere and heaps of growth potential in that area in general.”
James drew a direct comparison to Chelsea’s trajectory.
“Twenty years ago, we saw it all happen in Chelsea; now is the time to jump on Hastings.”
The new office will replicate the community sponsorship model that underpinned the Chelsea business, with James confirming they will become major sponsors of local schools, sporting clubs and lifesaving clubs in Hastings.
Ray White Victoria CEO Domenic Belfiore said the expansion reflected the strength of the group’s leadership.
“This expansion into Hastings is not just about growth – it’s about bringing together strong local expertise with the strength of the Ray White network,” Mr Belfiore said.
