Ray White Young Principal David Coombes has recently recruited high-profile, agricultural specialist Rachelle Barnett to spearhead an expansion into rural sales.
Previously a residential and commercially focused business, Mr Coombes opened a rural franchise this month, which he said would service the needs of the rural community surrounding Young and neighbouring towns – and he was thrilled to have Ms Barnett on board.
“Rachelle is a rural specialist and consistent performer who has an absolute passion for real estate and agriculture,” he said.
“She has a wealth of knowledge in selling rural properties around the Riverina for the past six years and servicing all size of acres, from the smaller lifestyle properties up to the broad acres of grazing, cropping, irrigation and mixed farming with great success.”
He said Ms Barnett’s primary focus will be farm and lifestyle sales in Young and surrounding towns, but she will also continue to service her existing clients in Gundagai, Tumut and Temora areas.
Ms Barnett has been in the real estate industry for more than 13 years in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, and brings with her a broad knowledge of leading-edge and innovative marketing strategies.
She also has an impressive sales history in Temora, Gumly Gumly, Gundagai, Tumut, Tarcutta, Cootamundra and Jugiong.
“I moved to Young in 2019 and after a thorough search of the Riverina to find a town that had the right property. Young showed positive growth and development which was the perfect fit to settle in. I am passionate about my local community,” Ms Barnett said.
Young is marketed as the cherry capital of Australia, on the Olympic Highway, approximately two hours drive from Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst and Orange.
Despite the current drought, Mr Coombes said their rural market is business is strong and performing well but there’s a limited supply of listings, and properties are selling for all-time high prices.
“Yes, we are renowned for our cherries and stone fruits, however our district is quite rurally diverse,” Mr Coombes explained.
Mr Coombes – who has been in Young for 20 years – said the south-west region of NSW had always attracted interest and investment from Sydney, the Southland Highlands, Canberra and the South Coast, but many locals continue to show confidence, which is vitally important to the local economy.
Retirees are also influencing the market as they position themselves centrally to family or return to Young.
“Young’s lifestyle and hobby farm market in the $500,000 to $850,000 range is very much the flavour and we are experiencing consistent sales and price increases,” he said.
The addition of Ms Barnett and the rural franchise coincides with Ray White Young celebrating their 10-year tenure with the Ray White network.
