Say hello to Schwarz.
After spending more than 20 fantastic years as LJ Hooker Freshwater, we are excited to announce the next chapter in our story: the launch of Schwarz Real Estate.
We’re still the same team, and you can still find us in the same office. Most importantly, we still have the same commitment to helping people make their Northern Beaches property aspirations a reality.
But now as Schwarz, we a fresh brand that reflects our down-to-earth approach and competitive edge. We also have a new level of independence, and the freedom to expand our reach further up and down the Northern Beaches.
Our promise as Schwarz is to help people on the Northern Beaches to sell well, buy well and rent well – and this is exactly what we will do for you. So, if you’re looking for the perfect property, buyer or tenant, why not give us a call?
Feel free to visit our new website, schwarzre.com.au or give us a call on
Cranston Schwarz
Role at Schwarz:
Cranston is our Licensee-in-charge, Director and fearless leader of Team Schwarz. Not only does he devote a huge amount of time and energy to our clients, he also invests a lot of heart and soul into our team – supporting each individual so they can achieve their potential.
Experience:
With over 28 years’ experience in real estate, Cranston spent 20 years as the Licensee and Director of LJ Hooker Freshwater – nurturing the business from day one and growing it to become one of the leading franchises in the area. In 2019, Cranston established Schwarz as the next chapter in his team’s evolution: an independent business driven by his desire to do things as well as possible.
Strengths:
Not only does Cranston have a formidable network, he has an innate ability to connect with people and tune into what they really want. From there, he’s also uniquely positioned to help realise those aspirations – whether it’s by making connections, uncovering opportunities, nailing negotiations, or a combination of all three. Simply put, Cranston is someone who makes things happen!
Why he loves his job:
“Nothing beats helping people find their dream home. Having lived on the Northern Beaches my whole life and worked here for 20+ years, I like to think I know a thing or two about what makes a house a dream home.”
When he’s off duty:
Cranston enjoys keeping active, whether at the gym or walking with the kids around Narrabeen Lake – he loves being outdoors. And in the winter, you will find him on the ski slopes!
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Anywhere along the beaches. We are very lucky to live in such an amazing place – it’s no wonder it’s called ‘God’s country’.
Hannah Carney
Role at Schwarz:
Fearless and resilient, Hannah runs the Schwarz team with proficiency and efficiency. She prides herself on creating a supportive and nurturing environment and believes strongly in personal performance. She inspires both the property management and sales team to provide a superior level of service in all aspects of their work.
Experience:
Hannah has worked in real estate since 2006 and has been part of the Schwarz Team since 2011. During her time with Schwarz, she has worked in all aspects of the business with a strong focus on property management. She sure knows a thing or two about compliance and legislation!
Strengths:
Hannah and real estate are a perfect fit. She is a skilled communicator, personable and extremely experienced. Her honest and straight forward approach delivers results. Give Hannah a job or a problem to solve and she will get it done! Her organised approach to problem solving with her excellent communication skills delivers exceptional client service.
Why she loves her job:
“We know when we are doing great things when our clients are raving about us”
When she’s off duty:
“Reading! It’s my favourite thing to do to unwind at the end of a busy day (with a glass of red)! I love sharing books within the office, the Schwarz book club is just another benefit of our close knit team.”
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Stowaway: it has a good atmosphere, fun menu and great wine – what more could a girl want!
Domenic Coniglio
Role at Schwarz:
As our Business Development Manager, Domenic is across all Schwarz’s new and prospective clients. He’s here to ensure that we have a clear understanding of what each client is seeking, and to connect them with the support they need.
Experience:
A licensed real estate agent, Domenic has worked across property management and sales since 2012 – and joined the Schwarz team in 2018. During this time, Dom has learnt an enormous amount about the world of real estate and has developed a knack for helping people achieve growth through property.
Strengths:
Dom strives to provide an informative and caring service to all clients – striking just the right balance between professional and personal.
Why he loves his job:
“I love the feeling of helping people progress in their lives – it’s something that working in property really allows us to do. Having lived on the Northern Beaches my whole life, I also love the chance to work within our close community.”
When he’s off duty:
Dom loves getting lost exploring new places. The beaches has so much to offer, regardless of how long he’s have lived there, he says he’s still discovering new spots.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Lucinda Park Palm Beach. Ah, the serenity!
Michael Rodriguez
Role at Schwarz:
Originally from New York, Michael is a fresh face to Real Estate. He prides himself in presentation and attention to detail, which makes ‘Leasing Consultant’ the perfect fit, as he meets lots of people to show property and processes all rental applications. His aim is to play cupid and match the best tenants to our rental listings, so our landlords know their properties are in good hands.
Experience:
With a background in E-Commerce, Michael is very equipped to provide great customer service and timely conflict resolution. He is very excited to grow in his role and make lasting impressions on his colleagues and clients.
Strengths:
Determined and a keen learner, Michael strives to be the best at whatever he does. Possessing great communication skills and attention to detail. He is looking forward to applying these skills to Real Estate.
Why he loves his job:
“Real Estate is all I’ve ever wanted to do, and The Schwarz team have given me a dream opportunity!”
When he’s off duty:
Michael loves playing the piano and going for walks on Dee Why, Curl Curl and Manly beach.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
The Spit to Manly walk for its breathtaking views of the ocean and nature.
Meg Spicer
Role at Schwarz:
As Executive Assistant to principal Cranston Schwarz, Meg performs a number of duties from sales associate, planning and administrative tasks, ultimately offering a huge amount of support and efficiency to the business – which we are always thankful for at Schwarz!
Experience:
Meg has been working in Real Estate for over a decade and loves everything about it! Her knowledge and true passion for the industry attributes towards her exceptional customer service skills – in effect she takes the hassle out of selling and buying a property for our clients.
Strengths:
Highly organised. Headstrong, yet caring. Her ability to act without guidance is invaluable – she also plays an integral role in the success of the sales process, as our clients experience the benefits of working with a team, rather than just one agent.
Why she loves her job:
“What’s not to love about helping people move onto the next exciting step of their lives?”
When she’s off duty:
Don’t mess with Meg! In her spare time she enjoys fighting and lifting weights at the gym or meeting with friends for walks/coffee dates.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
“Anywhere I can watch the sunrise, my current favourite sunrise spot is Shelly headland or Freshie beach.”
Jo Ferguson
Experience:
Originally from the UK, Jo’s experience in real estate spans over 25 years. She started her real estate career managing large private homes in London and since moving to Australia has continued to manage an extensive portfolio of properties on the Northern Beaches. She has been a valued member of the Schwarz team since 2018.
Strengths:
Jo has an unwavering direct approach, eye for detail and excels at her role with clear communication. She works with a full understanding of the real estate industry and is dedicated to providing a high standard of service to clients.
Why she loves her job:
“I enjoy my job as a property manager as I know every day is going to be different!”
When she’s off duty:
Jo is a keen paddleboarder (Narrabeen lake is a perfect spot), enjoys Pilates and loves volunteering her time walking dogs at Monika’s rescue.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Anywhere Harbourside or on Pittwater.
Gila Nelson
Role at Schwarz:
As Property Manager, Gila overseas a large portfolio of investment properties and ensures each and everyone one of them are running in tip-top shape, from financials, maintenance and administration which in turn takes the hassle out for her landlords.
Experience:
Gila is an expert in Property Management having worked in the industry for more than two decades. She began her career in the Lower North Shore, but for the last three years she has worked on the lovely Northern Beaches.
Strengths:
Property Managers look after someone’s biggest asset, so it can get quite stressful sometimes when issues arise. Luckily Gila is calm, positive and strives to achieve a positive outcome which results in her being able to defuse problems easier, making it a breeze for herself and her clients.
Why she loves her job:
“The variety the job offers, not being tied to a desk every day, however, enjoy keeping updated with new programs. Plus it’s great meeting new people, being able to offer a positive result to client’s problem or concerns”
When she’s off duty:
She’s a loving grandmother of two grandsons, she enjoys spending time with her family and walking her pets on the weekend.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
North Curl Curl to South Curl Curl, especially the boardwalk with dazzling ocean views.
Kate Arthur
Role at Schwarz:
Kate comes to our office with vast experience having been working in the Real Estate industry for 16 years and is a natural at her job and always acts with integrity and professionalism.
Experience:
From Property Management – Residential Sales – Franchise Sales – Marketing in Real Estate, Kate has done it all! Prior to Schwarz she has worked alongside offices across NSW building their Property Management and Sales Departments, she knows all the ins and outs of the field and is always up-to-date with legislations, so her clients have complete faith that their property is handled Well.
Strengths:
Her past experience in Hospitality and HR has taught Kate to be an excellent communicator, negotiator and problem solver, which is what makes her so great at her role.
Why she loves her job:
“I love working in Real Estate, every day is different, meeting new people and always new opportunities to learn”
When she’s off duty:
Kate loves a weekend spent at the beach, going for walks, dining out or cooking for her friends and family.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
I adore the Northern Beaches! My favourite Beaches are Freshie, Curl Curl and Shelley. I especially love walking the boardwalk from Freshie to Curl Curl first thing in the morning.
Toby Little
Role at Schwarz:
Meet Toby, one of our highly experienced Property Managers. With great attention to detail and clear communication, his skills do not go unnoticed, and we are very delighted to have him on our team.
Experience:
Toby’s background in journalism and communications has shaped him to be a clear communicator. In 2014 he discovered his true passion when he began his career in Real Estate. Since then he has worked in leasing, business development and property management – it’s safe to say he has found his true calling and ‘will never look back’!
Strengths:
A wicked problem solver who takes prompt action in trying to resolve issues between both landlords and tenants, and is always fair.
Why he loves his job:
“I love problem solving and helping others, which makes property management the perfect fit for me. Being able to take the stress off clients and make the experience more enjoyable is a really rewarding feeling.”
Favourite spot on the beaches:
“Balmoral beach is definitely my favourite spot, great for its atmosphere and quiet ambience – however I’m not a fan of the parking!”
Sahar Ayubi
Role at Schwarz:
For all things marketing meet Sahar. Her passion for branding and property marketing paired with her diverse skill set is essential to her role. Sahar has a keen eye for detail and a flair for design ensuring all marketing is well thought through and embraces the Schwarz passion to do things well.
Experience:
Sahar began working in the Real Estate industry in 2015 and since then has enjoyed working in many sectors of the industry from administration, customer service, marketing and sales support.
Strengths:
Brand building. Creative thinking and people skills. Sahar prides herself on being able to break down barriers and communicate with others in a personal and professional way.
Why she loves his job:
“There are many reasons, but to simplify, its mainly the supportive team environment and Schwarz’s drive to evolve and innovate”
When she’s off duty:
Sahar enjoys muay thai fitness to unwind during the weeknights, and on the weekend likes to spend time with family and friends.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Her hometown Newport. It’s where all of her closest loved ones reside, plus it boasts a relatively peaceful beach and a scenic coastal walk to Bilgola beach.
