My Neighbourhood with Geoff, Brent & Greg Earney

Teleisha Thomas

June 2024

Jellis Craig is delighted to be open and operating in the beautiful Yarra Ranges and Maroondah regions. Directors Geoff, Greg, and Brent Earney from our Mooroolbark, Croydon and Lilydale offices are delighted to have joined Jellis Craig in a period of growth and expansion for their business.

The family has 3 generations of real estate experience, with Geoff joining his father’s business in 1962, and then being joined by his two sons Brent and Greg. We sat down with the trio to discuss what they love about working alongside their family in Melbourne’s leafy east.

You recently joined Jellis Craig, tell us about the impetus for this change and your plans for the future.

Greg:We are really excited for the change, to now be aligned with a Melbourne-based leading agency that provides the best marketing options for our clients is really exciting. We have noticed over the last 5 years a significant shift in buyer movements with more buyers coming to us from out of our region. Being a part of the Jellis Craig network, now allows us to tap into a broader buyer market for our vendors, and that’s something we could not do before. The Jellis Craig brand is known for quality, consistency and is very well trusted.
Their ethics and culture are aligned with ours and that’s the reason why Jellis Craig was the only company we considered when looking to make this move.

Brent: Years ago, most buyers tended to stay in the same suburbs and not move too far from their current address. We have seen a shift in recent years thanks to improved technology and changed working arrangements that has allowed people to think about a change in lifestyle and consequently the suburb they choose to reside in.

Mooroolbark Lilydale Lifestyles013 — **You have been locals for many years, what makes the neighbourhood so great for families, and what have you loved about it?**
**Greg**: I love that we are the gateway to the Yarra Valley with such amazing scenery and wineries and yet just a short drive to get to Lake Eildon if a day on the lake is in order. I’m very much an outdoors person who loves being amongst the mountains and that is one of the reasons that living in the Yarra Ranges ticks so many boxes for me.
**Brent:** The area offers a lot to all the residents who choose to live in our part of the world. Public transport to the city is on your doorstep and then in the other direction you have access to the Yarra Valley and some of the country’s best vineyards. Great schooling options, sporting facilities, shopping centres, and park lands are just some of the benefits that living in the region offers.

How has the property market in your area changed over recent years?

Geoff: Our market is always changing, however, property prices have remained very stable as we simply do not have any new land available for people to buy. People are having to buy established homes and renovate them to their own tastes or demolish and rebuild their dream home. We are bounded by the Dandenong Ranges, the vineyards in the Yarra Valley and lots of green land, so chances of vacant land becoming available is limited.

Brent: In my time in real estate the area has changed a lot in terms of the style of houses and the use of the land. Dual occupancy houses are now extremely popular and there are more sub-divided blocks in our area. In more recent years, high density townhouse sites and apartments have started to emerge.

90 Uplands Road, Yarra Glen

Talk to us about the community culture in your area?

Geoff: Our community culture is excellent. We have a huge choice of government and private schools and are surrounded by excellent sporting clubs and facilities.

Greg: The Yarra Ranges has a great family-based culture We have great and sporting clubs that provide great places for people to connect, socialise and have a few laughs. I think people are proud to say that they live in the Yarra Ranges, and I think that says something about the wonderful area that we are in.

I think people are proud to say that they live in the Yarra Ranges, and I think that says something about the wonderful area that we are in.

What is the best piece of advice you've received?

Geoff: Work hard, always tell the truth. The truth is easy to remember, and liars ought to have good memories. Sometimes telling the truth might not win you the business but in the long run you will be rewarded.

Brent: Make it happen. Don’t just take opportunities that may come to you, create your own as well.

What is a must-read book or podcast you recommend?

Greg: Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracey. I was given this book at the age of 20 and to this day it is the most influential book I’ve read. Chapter 5 on goal setting is one of the best and I would encourage anyone to pick it up and have a read.

Brent: Legacy by James Kerr. It talks of the culture and success of the New Zealand All Blacks and what it takes to be on the team both on and off the field. I think a lot of these principles can be used in life.