FOR a quarter of a century, Ray White Morisset licensees Peter and Libby MacIntyre have had front row seats to the expansion of the area as a residential, commercial and industrial hub.
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This year marks 25 years since the Ray White Morisset office was established by the husband-and-wife team in what was then a small country town.
"In some cases we've marketed and sold the same house three and four times for different people," Mr MacIntyre said.
"In other cases we've helped the same local identities and families as they buy and sell when their families expanded and then downsize when kids grew up or circumstances changed."
The couple has seen plenty of movement on the price front.
"Properties we used to sell in the $200,000 range are now selling for close to $1 million," Mr MacIntyre said.
"Particularly in places like Bonnells Bay, Sunshine, Brightwaters and other lakeside locations.
"Still, by Sydney standards, this is very affordable for coastal living. New people are attracted to the lakeside lifestyle."
He attributes much of the growth to the arrival of major retailers and national marketing.
With better local infrastructure, including the M1 Pacific Motorway and rail, the area's attractions have become very accessible, especially to the Sydney market.
"Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings and the Morisset business park have really modernised our community over the years. Employment, too, has grown dramatically," he said.
Some things have remained unchanged, however.
"Today we are still driven by interest in holiday and retirement homes as well as the emergence of speculators from Sydney buying because it is great value for money compared to the city and we are well positioned along the commuting belt from Newcastle to the Hunter Valley and Sydney," he said.
"Today, a huge proportion of our community commute to Sydney daily. The waterfront market here is very attractive due to the affordability and lifestyle.
"The remainder of our buyers are retirees, first-home buyers, investors and families."
These days, Mr MacIntyre concentrates on servicing the owners of commercial and industrial properties.
He oversees the sales team while Mrs MacIntyre is office manager and residential, commercial and industrial property administrator.
Their son Nicholas is in charge of office IT as well as marketing, commercial and industrial property management.
Their daughter Corrinna, who has an interior design degree, also works in the business as PA to sales consultant Cheryl Lomas.
Longevity and loyalty are qualities not limited to the MacIntyre family.
Staff member Cheryl Griffiths has been with Ray White Morisset since 1999, Claudette Smith since 2003 and receptionist Lucy Olejnik is approaching 20 years' service.
Ray White chairman Brian White commended Mr MacIntyre: "What a great personality for the company. Peter's consistency has been his hallmark," Mr White said.