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Stephen and Kathie Townsend have cemented their reputation as leading real estate service providers in Orange, Molong and Blayney, and will now operate as Ray White Townsend Real Estate and Ray White Molong Real Estate.

Having been in real estate for 25 years, Stephen Townsend said that ‘accidentally’ falling into the industry was a huge blessing after a lengthy career in agriculture and pastoral companies.

“Townsend Real Estate started nine years ago, commencing as a strictly rural sales business, but we naturally progressed into house sales and property management over the years,” Stephen said.

When he started the business, he was originally just him and his daughter Claire. Wife Kathie joined the team not long after, becoming a powerhouse property manager and building the rent roll to over 600 properties.

The team now has 15 staff members across the three locations, with four local experienced agents joining the team with the rebanding.

“Joining a market-leading group is something that we were investigating for a long time,” Kathie said.

Their relationship with Ray White Rural Managing Director Stephen Nell goes ‘a long way back’ from their teenage years, and both Stephens played rugby together for a number of years.

“Although we had a personal relationship with Nelly (Stephen Nell), we were overwhelmed and incredibly impressed when we met the corporate team and began to learn about the resources on offer.

“Ray White are a like-minded team to us; a down-to-earth and humble organisation with strong rural links,” Kathie Townsend said.

The town of Orange, which is approaching a population of 40,000 has experienced significant growth in the past few years, and according to the Townsends, there is no mystery as to why.

“We live in the most beautiful part of Australia; we are three hours from Sydney and Canberra, with incredible facilities and accessibility, but have the peace and beauty of a rural town,” Stephen Townsend said.

“We have a range of great industries here in Orange, Molong and Blayney and the locals are generally wonderful people.

“We have four different distinct seasons, all with their own charm, and we even get snow in winter.”

Stephen said during the pandemic, they experienced a huge influx of ‘escapees’ from Sydney wanting to enjoy the country lifestyle while still not being too far away from family and friends.

“Orange is booked out every weekend; not just for the food and wine festivals, but for people wanting to experience a slice of the rural lifestyle.”

The pair said that they will endeavor to continue serving the local community with honesty and integrity, something that they have instilled within their team since day one.

“We are humble. We just want to continue conducting business in the most honorable manner possible,” Kathie Townsend said.

“Ray White has the resources and branding to help grow our overall reach, and we look forward to bringing on more excellent property professionals in the future.”

Ray White Rural & Livestock managing director Stephen Nell welcomed the Townsends and the entire extended Orange, Molong and Blayney teams to the family.

“I have known Stephen and Kathie for many, many years and have always been impressed with how well regarded they are in the community,” Stephen Nell said.

“We continue to have high performing businesses join us which is testament to the wider Ray White Rural network nationally. It’s more than business, it’s family and excitingly our family continues to grow”

“We look forward to assisting their progress over the coming years and welcoming more team members into their group.”

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