Times may be tough in real estate and the economy generally but Ray White Geraldton has bucked the trend, scooping the accolades in the 2009 Ray White Annual Awards.

The Geraldton office was awarded the overall top office in Western Australia, top office for Market Share and Growth in the State as well as top Regional Office for sales.

Principal Ian Wheatland said the wins were as much an indication in the growth and confidence of Geraldton as they were for the professionalism of his staff.

“This is an achievement shared by our staff, our clients and Geraldton as a whole,” Mr Wheatland said.

“Confidence remains high in Geraldton and will only now be boosted with the signing of the State Development Agreement between the Government and Oakajee Port and Rail.”

Mr Wheatland said the Ray White Geraldton no fixed price selling strategy had been integral to the success of the business.

“Not withstanding the confidence in Geraldton there is currently an over-supply of properties matched with inadequate demand,” he said.

“Given this, we have been advising clients that they have three options; go to the market price, suspend their sale until it gets better, or adopt a no fixed price strategy. At Ray White Geraldton, we have been recommending the latter with the good results.

“Through a structured campaign of distinctive advertising, listening to feedback and regular home opens that lead to auction, the no fixed price strategy takes price out of the initial equation, allowing us to assess what buyers would be prepared to pay for the property.

“We have found properties selling before auction, as well as under the hammer or from activity resulting from follow up after the auction.”

“The success of this approach is evidenced by five of our sales consultants also awarded in the top 10 sales reps for Ray White State-wide and our Loan Market topping the state for referrals.”