LJ Hooker Southport has renewed its franchise agreement with Australia’s most iconic real estate network, signing a five-year deal with a brand they describe as being like family.
Alex McCormack (pictured left), principal and licensee, and Ben Latimer (pictured right), director and sales consultant, said they had been courted by several other real estate franchises looking for an established business with a sizeable rent roll on the Gold Coast.
The Southport agency, started by John McCormack, became part of LJ Hooker back in 1989. Alex joined as a sales consultant in 1991, while Ben came on board in 2014. The new agreement will see the business remain part of the network until 2030.
“We have other brands knocking on our door all the time, looking for a medium-sized agency like us to join them, but they don’t have the same family feel as LJ Hooker,” Alex said.
“Most of our competitors are in the business to make a quick buck; it is about transactions and turnover. We didn’t want to structure our business like that; we want to make sure we are a long-term established part of the community, which is the heart of LJ Hooker. This means supporting the local cricket team, the local soccer team, fundraising for charities, and giving back where we can.
“The technology and support provided by LJ Hooker is next level. We know this because our staff who have come from other offices always tell us how much better and efficient the systems are in comparison to others.”
Head of Network Australia, Chris Keating, said the renewal of long-running agencies such as LJ Hooker Southport is evidence that the brand is making the right strategic moves as it heads to its centenary celebrations in 2028.
“Agencies are looking for reputation and trust, but they also want a franchise model offering their business support, training, lead generation and marketing tools,” he said.
“We can’t just assume that if an agency has been with LJ Hooker for decades, they will continue to do so; we need to keep evolving our systems and lead the market. This is something that we have always done, from being one of the first networks to heavily invest in TV commercials and hosting awards nights, to more recently offering premium digital brand assets.
“We are always looking to reduce the burden on agents by providing more streamlined and user-friendly systems. This includes our newly launched software provider to support compliance with the upcoming Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Finance Act.”
The Southport business forms part of a strategic foothold of LJ Hooker offices located on the growing and popular Gold Coast market, including Coolangatta | Tweed, Nerang and Southern Gold Coast.
“Being in the industry for such a long time we hear a lot about networks, but we love the LJ Hooker brand, and we continue to see a bright future,” Ben said.
“To be the one business, in the same location and with the one brand for more than 30 years, says a lot about what it offers and how it is perceived in the local community.”
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