Team Talk with George Theocharis
Having grown up in Thornbury, George’s close connection with the area has resulted in over 10 years’ experience selling some of the inner north’s most beautiful properties. With more than 25 years’ real estate experience in total, he is also a savvy auctioneer with impressive results sitting at the $3million mark.
Whether it’s helping first-home buyers enter the market or finding the perfect place for a family to upsize, George is passionate about establishing genuine relationships with his clients and recognising their individual needs. He enjoys every aspect of the buying/selling process and appreciates that it is nothing short of a journey.
We caught up with George to chat all things property and the North!
What do you love about living/working in the North?
The food!! We’re just so spoilt for choice in Thornbury, you can enjoy a different cuisine almost every day if you wanted to! Gone are the days of needing to trek into the city for a decent meal or day/night out, we now have so many options right here in the North – we’re so lucky!
What has been your most memorable listing/sale?
For me, I would have to say it was the sale of an iconic historical property in Northcote. Circa 1853, 5 McLachlan Street known as “Westbend” was built while Flinders Street Station was a year away from completion, the MCG was still a paddock and there was no street lighting. It was arguably the first house built in Northcote! With that came the high profile identities that had lived there, in particular the Hon. John Cain – Northcote Councillor, leader of the Victorian Labour Party and three-time Premier of the state. The history of this incredible property and its significance in the area made my involvement in finding new owners once again really special, something I will definitely never forget.
You can learn more about this amazing property here.
What is your stance on the current market?
The current market is very buoyant. There is lots of buyer activity and there is a huge demand for people wanting to live in Thornbury. Median property prices over the last year range from $1,307,000 for houses to $620,000 for units. If you are looking for an investment property, Thornbury houses are a great option as they rent out for around $600 per week with an annual rental yield of 2.5%.
What positives do you think have come from the events of 2020 (Covid-19) for the real estate industry?
I think there are definitely positives – we all evolved and grew probably faster than we would in any normal year. We added a bit more tech, shifted to work more remotely, we held online auctions, prepared digital contracts. I had to make a lot more calls, it was challenging but I embraced it. We’re now even more resilient and agile. And now looking at how hot the market is, it’s not had a permanent or detrimental effect, so we’re very lucky.
What do you like most about working at Love & Co?
Being a smaller, boutique style agency, I love the more personable approach we take at Love & Co. It’s more about the people, rather than being transactional and volume-focused. The pace is more relaxed which is sustainable longer term and more enjoyable – it’s doesn’t just feel like a job. The cherry on top is that I get to work in my very own neighbourhood – somewhere I grew up and know inside out. I’m a Northcote High boy!
What are the most important skills and qualities that you feel make your team successful?
There’s no hierarchy. We just all work side by side, on the same level. Respect and transparency are key I feel and unlike bigger agencies that have a lot of in-house competitiveness, I feel our team is tight-knit. We genuinely like working together and are there to help one another.
What is your favourite local business and why?
Argh how can I pick one!? There are too many to pick a favourite! Just to name a few – Umberto Espresso Bar, Pausa Pranzo, Den Denke Japanese Bar & Restaurant, Greek Street Food, Pallino Bar, Jerry Joy Cafe, Ampersand Coffee and Food, Moon Dog Brewery – the list goes on!
And why? If you know, you know!
Get in touch with George for all things Northside property here – his attentive, down-to-earth demeanour and long-earned knowledge of the area is a reflection of his commitment to helping you navigate the real-estate world.