The expansion of The Agency’s national footprint continues with its launch into Queensland’s regional city of Toowoomba, with well-respected sales agent Toby Sandell at the helm.
The Agency Real Estate CEO Matt Lahood said Mr Sandell holds a high degree of trust and respect in the community, and has run a successful real estate operation in the area for more than a decade.
“Toowoomba became our first choice in our expansion into regional Queensland, and it’s only fitting our expansion be led by the best in the business,” Mr Lahood said.
“Toby Sandell has established deep links to the Toowoomba community and has built a loyal client base built on excellence in service and the high level of trust he builds with his clients. He sets the benchmark for superior results.
“Toowoomba is known for its excellent quality of life, low unemployment and leading schools. It’s an increasingly popular place for people to raise their families with new infrastructure and amenity creating a vibrant, well-connected city.”
Mr Sandell brings 19 years’ experience in the Toowoomba real estate market and most recently spent 10 years as principal of an office with the McGrath network.
Mr Sandell brings across his team of sales agents with the view to recruit more talent and grow the business.
Having known Geoff Lucas and Matt Lahood personally and professionally for more than 10 years, Toby Sandell said his joining The Agency is “like getting the band back together”.
The decision to partner with The Agency was a “no brainer” for Mr Sandell, given the company’s strong presence on both east and west coasts as well as in the key markets of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
“They are the fastest growing agency in Australia and run a model that suits us perfectly,” Mr Sandell said.
“I also have the pleasure of working with Geoff Lucas and Matt Lahood once again, two of the best and sharpest real estate minds in the country. Both of whom are personal friends after working together for so many years at McGrath.
“I’m very excited to be part of the growth of The Agency as they grow across not only metropolitan areas but into most regional markets.”
The Agency CEO and Managing Director Geoff Lucas said Toowoomba’s growth trajectory as the state’s largest inland city makes it one of the most important regions in Queensland.
“Toowoomba is a heritage city established in 1860 and has grown from a hub to a diverse economy built around its strong connection to the agriculture sector, goods and transportation links and leading education institutions,” Mr Lucas said.
“The city’s growth has been underpinned by major infrastructure investment led by the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, as well as the University of Southern Queensland and esteemed private schools bringing high calibre education opportunities to the area.
“We are incredibly excited to grow our Queensland team and regional expansion into Toowoomba driven by Toby Sandell, an extremely capable sales executive with a strong reputation for integrity rich customer service and excellence in the community.
“It is a pleasure to work with Toby once again after a decade-long professional and personal relationship.”
The Agency General Manager of Queensland David Price underlined the strategic importance of The Agency’s presence in Toowoomba given the city’s strong links to major metropolitan cities nationally.
“I strongly believe Toowoomba has incredible growth potential, well ahead of Brisbane and Gold Coast markets, which have already taken off,” Mr Price said.
“I see the Toowoomba market going from strength to strength. Toowoomba is a charming city with a tight knit community, it’s a town with a lot of soul.
“It’s such an important market for The Agency to establish our presence in given how well respected Toowoomba is as a city and community in Australia. It’s only upwards from here and I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of our team and our presence in the Toowoomba market.”
Mr Sandell echoed this sentiment and said Toowoomba is “Queensland’s best kept secret” in terms of quality of living and strength of the real estate market.
“Toowoomba represents a robust regional market which has seen a 20 per cent increase in prices in the last year,” he said.
“People are seeing Toowoomba as a liveable and affordable place, which enjoys a slower pace than the cities but has the feel of a cosmopolitan city.
“The new airport and rail links have brought high connectivity to major cities around Australia: you can be in Sydney in an hour and 35 minutes, or Brisbane and the world class beaches at the Gold Coast are just a short drive away.”
