Farm Weekly
28 th June 2007
New Contender in rural realty
A NEW contender in real estate is coming rural WA’s way in the form of a FarmWorks rural property franchise.
While the FarmWorks name may be new in real estate circles, it has been around since 2001 in livestock, finance, merchandise and agronomy services.
Heading up the enterprise will be Darren Tapscott and Kevin Manuel, who have years of experience in rural property under their belt through their time at Landmark Realty and other real estate companies.
Both have strong ties to the country, with Darren growing up on a farm at Morawa and Kevin being a third generation farmer from Mukinbudin and Bolgart country.
Darren brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FarmWorks business, having obtained a degree at Curtin University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Commerce (property), and having been involved with the real estate industry at many levels since that time.
Joining the Valuer General’s Office in late 1993, Darren quickly became an integral part of the rural section before being snapped up by Wesfarmers/Landmark in 2003.
His property experience extends to broadacre farms, pastoral properties, horticulture and aquaculture properties and industrial land. Darren was involved with a number of high-profile projects including the Ord project and the Burrup Peninsula industrial land venture. Darren said he was keen on developing a close-knit, professional team to take the business to the next level.
“We are trying to offer something a bit different to the way real estate has been practised in the past, and that starts with supporting higher professional service on the ground and in the office,” he said.
Darren said there were plans to extend the FarmWorks real estate business through most major centres in WA.
“We are looking to set up in places like Geraldton, Esperance and Albany, so it will be a state-wide real estate business with a strong rural focus,” he said. “Both Kevin and I look forward to providing quality service to both old and new clients from a range of areas.”
Kevin began his association with real estate 16 years ago, when he worked for Rural Metro in Perth.
After an 18-month stint there, Kevin was employed by Wesfarmers and saw it through its transition to Landmark in his 14 years at the company.
Well known in the central wheatbelt where he was based with Landmark for many years, Kevin developed strong relationships with farmers and community members in that area and is set to build on that network in his role at FarmWorks.
Kevin said the rural real estate market was solid despite the tough seasons endured statewide.
“The season has been ordinary but the market has held up right out as far as the eastern wheatbelt,” he said.
“Rain will have a bearing on things over the next few months, but interest levels in reliable rainfall areas has remained strong.”
The franchise entails a 50-50 joint venture between FarmWorks and Darren and Kevin.
The formal launch of the real estate property franchise will be held in late July at the Bronte Street offices in East Perth. Major industry players, farm industry consultants, lawyers and a host of other market-related personnel will be invites to the opening.
Darren can be contacted on 0428 132 404, Kevin’s number is 0428 954 795, or call the East Perth office on 9221 8144.