Ray White Charlestown opens its doors

After 21 years of dedication to the local real estate market, Michael Barber has taken a bold step in his career by opening the doors to Ray White Charlestown, a new office that marks the next chapter in his long-standing relationship with the area.

Michael’s journey has taken him through several milestones, from establishing his own agency in 2017 to now partnering with Australasia’s largest real estate group.

Michael’s wife Angela Barber has played a pivotal role in the business, bringing her extensive background in financial planning and business management to the team.

“While I wasn’t originally involved in real estate, I joined the business in 2019 when the business went through a growth period,” Angela said.

Angela successfully launched the property management division and continues to oversee the business operations.

When asked why he chose to align with Ray White, Michael says the decision came down to the strength and professionalism of the brand, and the corporate support available.

"The real estate landscape is always evolving, and to keep delivering the best service to our clients, we needed to partner with a brand that could provide us with the tools, systems, and technology to excel," Michael said. "Ray White’s reputation is unmatched, and being part of the biggest network in the country will allow us to leverage the strength of the group, giving our clients the best possible service."

A key factor in their decision was the alignment with the White family, whose commitment to high standards, support, and systems was a natural fit for Michael’s values.

Ray White Charlestown is uniquely positioned in a rapidly growing area. Charlestown is the heart of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region, offering a diverse range of property options from first-time homes and family-sized properties to units, villas, and downsizer-friendly homes.

"Charlestown is an amazing place to live. It offers something for everyone. From first homebuyers to families looking for a big house, to downsizers and everything in between, people can stay here for life," said Michael.

"We’re the link between Newcastle and the Lake, and we’re almost like a second CBD in this area. It’s an up-and-coming suburb with fantastic schools, a major shopping centre, and is just minutes from the stunning beaches and Lake Macquarie."

Since the onset of the pandemic, the area has seen significant population growth, with many people relocating from Sydney in search of a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

“We’ve always been about looking after our clients first. We work hard to make sure every experience is a positive one so that people come back to us, time and again,” Angela said.

“A lot of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals, which speaks to the strength of our relationships and the trust we’ve built over the years.

“By joining the Ray White network, we’re able to enhance our already strong client service with even better technology, marketing tools, and a wider network, which means we can help our clients even more efficiently.”

Michael said that growth was another major goal for the team.

"We’re looking to build our team, grow our client base, and continue serving the community that’s supported us for so long. We’re also passionate about giving back; we currently sponsor the local soccer team, and we’ll keep finding ways to contribute to the local area."

Ray White New South Wales CEO Tim Snell said that he was thrilled to welcome another strong operator in the important Newcastle region.

“Michael and Angela are focused on providing exceptional service, backed by the extensive resources and experience that come with being part of one of the country’s most respected real estate brands,” Mr Snell said.

“We are thrilled to further bolster our foothold in this important market, with a number of exceptional Ray White operators in the region.”