Gartland

Michael De Stefano may be the new owner of Gartland, but he’s no stranger to the business; he knows it inside out and his understanding of the Geelong community is unparalleled.

 

After working with Gartland founders Bob and Phillipa for over a decade, De Stefano purchased the established business in late 2015. Bob will continue as a mentor and consultant to the business.

 

With his hands now firmly on the reins, De Stefano is keen to take the business into a new phase and with a fresh outlook.

 

According to Michael, the way people buy and sell property has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. With the advent of websites, people are far more engaged in the online world for initial information than viewing photos in the traditional real estate shop front.

 

What this means, is that Gartland is moving from its long term address in Gheringhap Street, right into the heart of the bustling café scene at 71 Little Malop Street. Currently owned by Bill Votsaris and Darryn Lyons, this heritage building was originally the head office of Cheetham Salt.

 

Moving into an area surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants and a thriving creative scene may be a master stroke from De Stefano. Foot traffic is growing between the Gheringhap and Moorabool Streets precinct of Little Malop Street. And if people are no longer making time to visit real estate offices to buy and sell, why not be where the people (and great coffee) are?

 

De Stefano is also keen on building the Gartland business outside of his existing stronghold in commercial sales, leasing and management. With the Gartland residential property management business being sold to McDonald & Co, Michael has appointed Tamara Harris to rebuild this offering, alongside the residential sales division.

 

With the latest figures showing that Geelong continues to be a hot spot for property investment, a new golden era for Gartland may be upon us.