Forming their own company in 2004 Patricia and Andrew McKibbin were asked recently the motive for breaking away from the big corporate franchise group(s). In Adelaide at that time, international brands such as Harcourts (who partnered with Brocks), along with USA based Remax, LJ Ho**er & C21, were aggressively targeting the then boutique real estate agencies in the pursuit of a larger market share
in South Australia. "Going against the tide", our market research showed a completely different picture to the one shown when wined & dined by these corporations who knocked and still knock at our door. We found that over in the Eastern states of Australia, (especially Sydney and Melbourne) they were experiencing a massive exit from the corporate franchise groups who, up until that time, had had a strong hold in those capital cities. Talking to a number of industry personnel during AREC 2004, it appeared South Australia was considered the "last frontier" for the Big Brand franchise groups to concur! Adelaide had been considered too small and very procurable and was overlooked for years in favour of Perth and WA which had a larger territory. With the swing back to local, independent realtors who had become disenchanted working within a structure where decisions are often made from a CEO in another country, together with advancement in technology and resources for the real estate profession, we were now all on the one level playing field and, regardless of the banner over the office door, to us the personal touch is what is important. While both Patricia & Andrew acknowledge there is a place for big corporations, there is also a niche market where enthusiasm, personal undivided attention with a 'can do' attitude and a strong commitment to the local community is still important. Our tag line of "Maximum Price, Personal Service and Proudly Independent" is what we believe and stand by. To those looking to purchase residential property in the near future or would just like an opinion on your investment portfolio, McKibbin Real Estate would love to help you.
