Mr Oostenbrink has only been in real estate for four years after a successful 15-year career in retail.
“I was top three in the country with Apple and Myer in sales. In that position, you don’t want to make the jump, but after the GFC I thought this is the time to do it.
“I used to buy and sell houses privately, renovate and sell them. I’ve been doing that since 2003 so I had insight into what buyers wanted. I knew about renovations, building, contracts and negotiation strategies. It fast-tracked my career in real estate sales and I always loved real estate.”
Last financial year alone while he was with Ray White, Mr Oostenbrink says he sold in excess of 100 properties and achieved a 90 per cent conversion rate in property appraisals. After expanding his business into the Carindale marketplace nine months ago, his market share in the suburb sits around 11 per cent; his ambition is to see that grow to 40 per cent with Belle Property.
“I’ve built my business on a foundation of quality and trust,” Mr Oostenbrink said.
“I’ve never cold-called and never prospected. I started a referral-based business – I partnered with local schools and cafes and got to know people. That’s how my business began and how I have run it ever since.
“When I joined real estate four years ago I was told to doorknock and cold-call, but that doesn’t gel very well with many agents. I feel better dealing with people directly so for me it’s been more about building a profile in the area.”
Mr Oostenbrink says mentoring and teaching other agents is key to his business.
“I started teaching younger agents because where I was working, unfortunately, the culture was not about sharing, but I started teaching younger agents coming through. I put in systems and processes and helped them fast-track their careers.
Mr Oostenbrink has ambition in spades and goal-setting is key to his success. But success doesn’t come without effort, he says.
“I play real estate like it’s my favourite game. It doesn’t feel like work to me. I do have a young family and that’s why I’ve joined Belle, so I can set up my own business.
“I have a four and six-year-old and I want to eventually teach others and duplicate myself. Once I have that in place, I can get involved more with kids and just be involved with key things like helping other agents.”
Steve Song, now entering his third year as an agent, was mentored by Mr Oostenbrink and doubled his business last financial year. His goal is to double it again this year.
“I’ve learned so much from Andrew and developed my own style. Chinese buyers represent a huge portion of purchasers in the area and my Chinese background allows me to bridge the gap between Australian and Chinese cultures for these buyers.”
Belle Property CEO Peter Hanscomb said the opening of Belle Property Carindale was the beginning of a big partnership.
“Andrew and Steve represent the very best in real estate and it’s with great pride that we welcome yet another million-dollar duo to the Belle Property family. We are very excited; what we have here is a young, driven business with two natural leaders at the helm, ready to take their already thriving operation to the next level.”
The new principals show equal enthusiasm as they launch their business and begin work to fit-out their 300sqm premises.
“Our office will be designed to not only mentor young agents but also provide established agents with an energetic and collaborative space. We’ll grow a property management division organically and ensure our sales and rentals teams are fully integrated. Ours will be a business that focuses on delivering the best service offering, the best environment to work in and the best leadership to learn from,” Mr Oostenbrink said.
