PHOTO: Real estate guru John McGrath. SUPPLIED
According to the Daily Telegraph two legend real estate agents — said to have ‘Ray White running through their veins’ — have shocked the real estate industry by joining rival firm McGrath.
“Everyone’s in shock,” said one Ray White Double Bay staffer of the decision by Ray White founders Craig Pontey and Michael Finger to leave the office they created more than three decades ago.
There’s speculation that they’re set to take over as principals of the McGrath Double Bay office. And there’s also speculation as to what happens to Ray White Commercial East, which the pair own.
Yet a McGrath spokesperson confirmed simply that the pair are joining McGrath as agents and McGrath CEO John McGrath said he was “delighted”.
The news has been the talk of the industry on Friday and, when contacted, Ray White Double Bay principal Elliott Placks said Pontey and Finger broke the news of their shock departure on Wednesday evening.
Ray White Double Bay founder Michael Finger of Ray White Agency, behind Pacific Street, Watson’s Bay in Sydney, where he has sold 4 properties recently.
Said Placks: “I have been with Ray White for 21 years and have been a loyal advocate of the brand that has benefited both myself and the business.
“The technology platform and support that corporate offers is paramount to both my and my sales agents’ success.
Ray White Double Bay principal Elliott Placks.
“There is no other brand in my opinion that is as good as Ray White.
“So I am surprised with their decision to shift after their 35-year career with the best brand in Australia.”
Pontey and Finger founded Ray White Double Bay in 1987 and Placks and his family bought the business from them 11 years ago, taking over as director.
The Ray White family wished the two real estate agent legends “nothing but the best of luck” in their new business.
Ray White Managing Director Dan White noted the pair have more than 40 years of experience each working in the “centre of the universe” that is Double Bay in Sydney’s prestigious east.
He said Pontey and Finger were some of the most celebrated performers in the Australian real estate industry and had been cherished members of the family-owned group since the late 1980s.
John McGrath has poached two rival agents. Picture: David Swift
“We want to thank Craig and Mike for their enormous contribution to our group over the decades,” Dan White said.
“They were there in the beginning of our journey in NSW and were pivotal in building early momentum,” White said.
Craig Pontey started his real estate career at AH Taylor Real Estate on 28 November 1978 before he and Mike Finger joined Trevor Leach in moving to Ray White Double Bay on 11 April 1988.
“Craig and Mike have been central to our success in becoming the largest real estate group in Sydney.
“They founded and grew a wonderful business in Ray White Double Bay before selling it to elite performer Elliott Placks in 2018.
Craig Pontey, Elliott Placks, Michael Finger and Michael Krimotat in an undated photo.
“They built the foundations of a business that has gone from strength to strength and is currently enjoying record market share in the eastern suburbs.
“We wish Craig and Mike all the best in their future endeavours and we will always be grateful for their impact, friendship and contribution.”
Pontey, Finger and John McGrath have been approached for comment
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