Say hello to Schwarz.
Schwarz are proudly an independent boutique Real Estate agency reputable for our personal yet professional service and high standards.
For over two decades Schwarz have been working with people to make their Northern Beaches property aspirations a reality. An office built on its people, we strongly value togetherness and partnership which is the meaning the two birds symbol. Our brand reflects our approachable, down to earth and competitive nature, which is reflected in everything we do.
As a boutique office we have the independence, and the freedom to expand our reach further up and down the beaches. Holding an innate understanding of the market, we have the answers to all of your property queries.
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?
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 29 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!
Carissa Middlemist
Role at Schwarz:
Carissa is the first point of contact for all enquiries, as receptionist we consider her role to be one of the most important in the business. She provides a huge amount of support to the team, ensures all visitors feel welcome and provides the assistance they need.
Experience:
Carissa graduated high school in 2019, then began working in a local café in Fairlight where she learnt valuable lessons in customer service which she has evidently brought to her role here at Schwarz. She has big dreams of successful career in Real Estate, this is just the start for Carissa and we are keen to watch her evolve within the business.
Strengths:
Carissa bright and bubbly nature is infectious, she has a warm personality and always willing to help. She prides herself on being a team player, which we strongly value here at Schwarz.
Why she loves her job:
“I love my job because I get to meet new people and learn more about the real estate industry every day. I love working with the vibrant, friendly Schwarz team and am keen to learn as much as I can from them.”
When she’s off duty:
I love spending my time on the beach, going on long walks with my two dogs, and spending my weekends with friends and family trying out all the cafes in Freshwater and Manly. Manly’s nightlife on the weekends is also a lot of fun!
Favourite spot on the beaches:
My favourite spot on the Northern Beaches is Freshwater View Reserve. Overlooking Freshie beach’s amazing clear blue water makes me feel so lucky to live here.
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!
Ashley Van Deyk
Role at Schwarz:
Ashley’s role here at Schwarz is to gauge the current market, understand the risks and opportunities that are presenting themselves and then educate her clients on how they can get the best possible outcome. She provides her vendors and buyers with all the facts and supports them in making a strategic and educated decision.
Experience:
Ashley worked in Account management for over 5 years before coming to real estate in 2019, which explains her polished high touch contact approach to both vendors and buyers alike. Being able to communicate and be easily accessible are crucial in her work.
Strengths:
Accountability, Ashley takes great pride in leaving no stone unturned and doing what she says she is going to. Being honest and working hard for her clients allows that trust to flourish into amazing long-term relationships for years after working together.
Why she loves her job:
“Selling a house is nothing in comparison to selling a home. Being present on that journey, whether it is a couples first apartment and chance to live together, or the house they raised their family in, getting to work with something so sacred and personal gives you a real gratitude for how lucky we are.”
When she’s off duty:
Ashley likes to embody the ideology of active living. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand for Ash.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
As a local, her favourite spot is Manly. Always having something new to try or a different restaurant to visit, no two days in manly are the same.
Dane Preston
Role at Schwarz:
Dane brings high energy and professionalism to his role as Sales Associate. A keen learner, he is consistently updating his market knowledge and finding out what is happening on the Northern Beaches so he can confidently educate clients of Schwarz. His listening skills are second to none, making him a natural at networking and building trustworthy relationships within the community.
Experience:
Recently completing his bachelor’s degree in Composition at university, and a Certificate of Registration, Dane’s studying has taught him discipline and focus. He always completes what he sets out to do and sticks by his word – we expect great things from Dane, watch this space!
Strengths:
Personable, honest and a great listener, enabling him to easily identify people’s needs, and with a caring personality he is determined to help people reach their goals.
Why he loves his job:
It is very rewarding for me to create long-term relationships; seeing a client thrilled about a purchase or the sale of their home, makes me feel proud knowing I helped them achieve that.
When he’s off duty:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lifting weights have become hobbies of mine to keep fit, but writing and playing music keeps my mind healthy!
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Having grown up on the Northern Beaches, Freshwater beach is where I spent the most time at on the weekend. One of the best beaches I would have to say!
Bronte Oldfield
Role at Schwarz:
Bronte is the eyes and ears of the property market, keeping up with market trends, liaising with buyers and providing insightful information to buyers and vendors to support them in their decision to buy or sell. She provides excellent customer service and goes above and beyond for her clients to ensure that no question is left unanswered.
Experience:
Holding a Bachelor of Business Management and experience in managerial roles prior to Real Estate, Bronte is a born leader. Intelligent, determined and not afraid to go the extra mile to achieve outstanding results.
Strengths:
Creative, approachable, and well-natured, she loves thinking outside the box and is a natural at forming meaningful relationships.
Why she loves her job:
I love being a part of the experience that both buyers and vendors go through when dealing with the purchase of a home.
When she’s off duty:
My strongest passions are cooking and scrapbooking. When I am not doing any of those you will find me either taking my dogs to Sandy Bay or enjoying some cheese and a glass of red wine with my partner or friends.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
The ultimate Hidden Gem… Castle rock!
Emma Grant
Role at Schwarz:
Emma works alongside our Principal, Cranston as his Executive Assistant, she handles all of the planning and administration that goes on behind the scenes so Cranston can stay focused on what he does best – selling!
Experience:
Emma began her career in Real Estate in 2005 and over the years has worked in many different roles from Reception to Sales, Marketing Coordinator and Office Manager, giving her a strong well-rounded view of the industry and knows how to achieve the best possible outcome in any given task.
Strengths:
Emma has a keen eye for detail and a love for organisation. Her focus is to ensure the client experience is seamless and all clients feel supported throughout the entire process.
Why she loves her job:
“I enjoy the fast-paced nature of real estate where each day presents new challenges. I thrive by working behind the scenes and ensuring all the necessary boxes are ticked”
When she’s off duty:
Emma enjoys keeping active – whether it be daily F45 sessions or reformer pilates. On a Sunday Emma can be found enjoying breakfast with a view with her boyfriend at one of the many amazing cafes the beaches have to offer.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
“Palm Beach – it is where I first met my partner and brings back many happy memories!”
Nicola Jacobsen
Role at Schwarz:
Meet Nikki! Nicola’s role is to play cupid in matching the perfect tenants to our landlord’s properties. By conducting open home inspections, monitoring all enquiry, and processing applications, she learns exactly what prospective tenants are looking for and can fit them to one of our rental properties smoothly and efficiently.
Experience:
Nikki worked in the Beauty Industry for four years before beginning her career in Real Estate a year ago. She is very excited to grow in her role and make lasting impressions on her colleagues and clients.
Strengths:
Super organised, approachable, and good natured. A hands-on type of girl, she is dedicated to assisting the property management team on multiple levels through a range of tasks.
Why she loves her job:
“I love meeting new people and seeing new properties! Leasing Consultant is the perfect fit for me.”
When she’s off duty:
Nicola enjoys all things health & fitness, training at the gym 4-5 times a week with her partner and spending time her family.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
“Queenscliff to Shelly Beach walk. Amazing views once you make it up the stairs at Shelley!”
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.
Meghan Murray
Role at Schwarz:
Meghan brings experience, professionalism, and a personable nature to her role. Having worked in Property Management since 2016, managing high end lower north shore properties, she knows all the ins and outs of managing an investment property, from renovations, property maintenance to finances, so you can have piece of mind that Meghan will take care of your investment.
Experience:
Throughout her career, Meghan has always held customer centric roles, making her an excellent communicator, and the ability to resolve issues in a timely and manner.
Strengths:
Meghan is a professional and has a sharp eye for detail, but most importantly she radiates positivity, which really shows in all her interactions with landlords, tenants, and her colleagues.
Why she loves her job:
“I love assisting people to live better lives. Whether that is helping to create wealth through property investing or living in a rental home that is managed and maintained well so that the tenant can make the property a home.”
When she’s off duty:
Meghan loves travelling and meeting new people. She also loves the outdoors, walking along our beautiful beaches and eating out with Family and friends.
Favourite spot on the beaches:
“Palm beach – Snapperman beach. I love the scenery, the green hills and the beautiful blue water.”
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.
Vic Lurosso
Role at Schwarz:
Vic is a very talented award-winning Auctioneer and one of the leading Auctioneers in Australia. His role is to conduct and control the auction in a clear and fair manner.
Experience:
A familiar face, Vic is a well-known in the media industry, you may have seen him before reporting the traffic on channel 10 or even heard him on the radio. For over 10 years he has worked in the Real Estate industry and has conducted thousands of Auctions, safe to say Vic is a natural born presenter.
Strengths:
Excellent communication skills, showmanship, and confidence. Vic is an experienced presenter and knows how to captivate a room, and when it comes to the bidding wars, his charisma and personality puts bidders at ease.
Why he/she loves his/her job:
“I love helping people and communicating. There is nothing better than helping someone buy or sell there home.”
When he/she’s off duty:
I’m usually chasing my four children around somewhere on the beaches!
Favourite spot on the beaches:
Long Reef is my favourite spot – quiet and beautiful, but anywhere on the beaches is just unbeatable!
