With a bold vision, personalised service, and a commitment to community, Whaites + Co is redefining the Townsville real estate market with their boutique offering and setting a new benchmark for exemplary service within the industry.
Starting a business in just 30 days may seem like an overwhelming task for many. But for Jess Whaites, it was the perfect opportunity to build something truly extraordinary.
“I was working as an independent sales agent with another firm when the principal sold the business,” recalls Jess. “I found myself faced with two choices: join another agency or take the leap and go out on my own.
“After spending the last 14 years working in various roles within the real estate industry, stepping out to become the director of my own company and representing my clients felt like the perfect next step in my professional property journey.”
Driven by a commitment to outstanding service and local expertise, Whaites + Co has become a trusted name in the market.
Since launching on 1 November 2023, Jess has had fast success, achieving over $29 million in property sales in her first year. The agency also boasts one of the lowest average days on the market – just seven days from listing to under contract.
Jess credits the boutique nature of the agency and their core values of consistency, communication, transparency and understanding for allowing the team to provide exceptional service in a fast-moving and ever-evolving property market.
“We have such an incredible team, and being a smaller agency means we can offer that personalised experience,” says Jess.
“This is important because our work is about so much more than buying and selling properties – it’s about helping people find a place they can truly call home.”
It’s this philosophy that has earned Whaites + Co a reputation for exceptional performance and fostered a loyal client base, who appreciate the agency’s deep local knowledge.
“As a long-time local of over 30 years here in Townsville, I have an understanding of what’s important to our current residents and those looking to move here and join us in our wonderful city,” she adds.
“From Bushland Beach to Mount Louisa, Burdell to North Ward, we’re your local agent and we know the greater Townsville market like the back of our hand.”
Jess has also prioritised building strong relationships with local businesses and suppliers.
“Our success is tied to this community,” shares Jess. “The values of the agency are really underpinned by who we are professionally and personally.“
Being a local business, we make it a point to collaborate with local suppliers, including florists, signage teams, gift hamper creators, photographers, and videographers.
“The success of the agency has also allowed us to utilise our public profile to support a number of local and significant charities in our region that are close to our hearts, including as naming rights sponsor for the Althea Projects’ 50th Anniversary Gala.”
The success and community commitment has not gone unnoticed, with Jess named as a finalist in the 2024 Townsville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Young Businessperson of the Year category. She has also achieved industry accolades at the recent Agents’ Agency 2024 Awards, as a finalist in the Effective Business Unit of the Year category and winning the Rising Star of the Year–Business award.
With a stellar foundation year behind them, Whaites + Co are excited to keep growing, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth of North Queensland.
“We’re just getting started,” adds Jess. “There’s so much more to come, and we’re looking forward to playing a key part in shaping Townsville’s future – both within the property market and beyond,” she says.
“The real estate market is booming in Townsville right now, and with the right agent guiding you through the process, there has never been a better time to maximise the sale price of your property.”
If your looking to sell in 2025, book an appraisal with Jess here
