Fast growing real estate network Stone has launched its latest Queensland franchise office

Stone Logan West team

Stone Real Estate is continuing its Queensland expansion, today announcing the launch of its Logan West office under the direction of owner-operators Darren and Leanne Gunn.

Located south of Brisbane in the Logan suburb of Browns Plains, Stone Real Estate Logan West is a business already well established in the community, having operated independently as Your Address Real Estate since 2007. The experienced team, which includes six property managers, five sales agents and two administration staff members, are all remaining with the business through the transition.

Managing Director Darren Gunn said there have been many approaches from other real estate franchises since he and Principal Leanne Gunn opened the agency in March of 2007, but until now, none have been able to offer anything that they felt would improve the business. “More recently, Leanne and I had been having discussions about the next five years, and where we wanted to be and where we wanted our business to be,” he said. “Call it perfect timing, Stone Real Estate happened to knock on our door and present their business to us. Immediately we were interested in their business model, their vision, and their values.

Gunn admitted that it was far from an easy decision, but that the Stone Real Estate proposition was unlike other previous approaches. “We have loved the freedom of operating as an independent agency, which has allowed us the freedom and the ability to make quick decisions and changes in reaction to market and industry changes. So it was not a quick decision for us, but  during our many meetings with Stone, all the times we felt we were dealing with like-minded people who had a genuine interest in us, our business, and our people. 

“Once we made the decision to join Stone Real Estate their support, implementation and thoroughness has been outstanding. We are excited about joining a brand that has the same ideals as we do: Reliability, attention to detail, passion, the people and a true understanding of customer service. We are looking forward to a strong future,” Gunn said.

Stone Real Estate Queensland Founding Partner Scott Kelly said bringing Darren and Leanne’s established business under the Stone umbrella would benefit clients and agents alike. “There are undoubtedly still significant growth opportunities in Logan and surrounds, and we’re looking forward to supporting Stone Logan West over the coming months and years.”

Stone Real Estate Head Of Franchise, Luke Cameron, said: “We’re proud to be able to welcome Darren and Leanne Gunn into the Stone family, as they bring with them a thriving business that’s been a pillar of the community for over a decade. It was clear from our earliest discussions that they had a mindset that would fit perfectly with the Stone brand.”

Gunn added that despite a slowing market, the Logan West area has “ridden the downturn well” and that “buyers currently in the market are serious buyers and ready to purchase the right home. Well-presented properties or properties that offer good value are still selling in excellent time frames. There are strong signs first home buyers and investors are still looking to purchase within our region.”