Meet Bob Onofri, the real estate agent fighting back against rent hikes and technology
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Renting can be a nightmare - from exorbitant prices to unscrupulous landlords, it's easy to feel like you're at the mercy of the housing market.
But what if we told you that there's a beacon of hope in the real estate industry, someone who genuinely cares about tenants' well-being and isn't just in it for the money?
Meet Bob Onofri, a remarkable 90-year-old real estate agent from Wollongong who has been in the business for an astounding 60 years.
Mr Onofri's commitment to his clients is unwavering, and he's not planning to retire anytime soon. With experience in the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme and a life lived through the post-World War II era, his wealth of knowledge and expertise is unparalleled in the industry.
In a time when renting can feel like a gamble, it's refreshing to know that there are agents like Mr Onofri who put their tenants' needs first. He's a true testament to the fact that when you find someone who genuinely cares, renting can be a positive and fulfilling experience.
Despite the current trend of skyrocketing rent prices, he has made it his mission to keep his tenants' rent low, especially those with children who are struggling to make ends meet in today's economy.
'I maintain that extra $20 for the owner is an investment, but that $20 for a family to look after their kids is more important.' For him, it's not just about making money - it's about doing the right thing and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Mr Onofri's approach to running his business is refreshingly straightforward. Despite having relatives assist with the day-to-day aspects of the business, he still operates largely as a one-man show, relying on his reputation and word-of-mouth to attract clients.
In a world where technology and social media dominate, his resistance to change is a testament to his enduring commitment to the values of personal connection and old-fashioned service.
He operates without a mobile phone, computer, website or social media presence, instead relying on his trusty telephone switchboard and the personal relationships he has built with his clients over the past six decades.
His commitment to fairness and respect extends to his relationships with landlords as well. Mr Onofri understands that the landlord-tenant relationship is more than just a business transaction; it's a partnership built on mutual trust and understanding.
Paul Spinelli, a fellow agent, praised him for his commitment to building strong relationships with both landlords and tenants - a quality that is sorely lacking in today's world. It's this personal touch that sets him apart from the rest, and it's what has kept his clients loyal to him for several years.
Mr Onofri's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical business practices in the real estate industry.
As landlords and tenants negotiate rent prices, it's easy to get caught up in the desire for a quick profit, but his approach shows us that there is a better way.
We are proud to have Mr Onofri as an example of a landlord who does the right thing and respects his tenants. We hope his story will inspire our members to follow in his footsteps and prioritise ethical business practices in their dealings with tenants and landlords.
This also serves as a reminder that, at the end of the day, the real estate industry is about people - their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. By treating them with care and compassion, we can build a better, more sustainable future for all.
If you've had a landlord like Mr Onofri, we'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And if you're a landlord yourself, we hope this article inspires you to approach your own business with the same level of compassion and dedication.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
But what if we told you that there's a beacon of hope in the real estate industry, someone who genuinely cares about tenants' well-being and isn't just in it for the money?
Meet Bob Onofri, a remarkable 90-year-old real estate agent from Wollongong who has been in the business for an astounding 60 years.
Mr Onofri's commitment to his clients is unwavering, and he's not planning to retire anytime soon. With experience in the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme and a life lived through the post-World War II era, his wealth of knowledge and expertise is unparalleled in the industry.
In a time when renting can feel like a gamble, it's refreshing to know that there are agents like Mr Onofri who put their tenants' needs first. He's a true testament to the fact that when you find someone who genuinely cares, renting can be a positive and fulfilling experience.
Despite the current trend of skyrocketing rent prices, he has made it his mission to keep his tenants' rent low, especially those with children who are struggling to make ends meet in today's economy.
'I maintain that extra $20 for the owner is an investment, but that $20 for a family to look after their kids is more important.' For him, it's not just about making money - it's about doing the right thing and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Mr Onofri's approach to running his business is refreshingly straightforward. Despite having relatives assist with the day-to-day aspects of the business, he still operates largely as a one-man show, relying on his reputation and word-of-mouth to attract clients.
In a world where technology and social media dominate, his resistance to change is a testament to his enduring commitment to the values of personal connection and old-fashioned service.
He operates without a mobile phone, computer, website or social media presence, instead relying on his trusty telephone switchboard and the personal relationships he has built with his clients over the past six decades.
His commitment to fairness and respect extends to his relationships with landlords as well. Mr Onofri understands that the landlord-tenant relationship is more than just a business transaction; it's a partnership built on mutual trust and understanding.
Paul Spinelli, a fellow agent, praised him for his commitment to building strong relationships with both landlords and tenants - a quality that is sorely lacking in today's world. It's this personal touch that sets him apart from the rest, and it's what has kept his clients loyal to him for several years.
Key Takeaways
- Bob Onofri is a 90-year-old real estate agent in Wollongong who has been trading from the same shop front for the last 55 years.
- He shuns modern technology and rarely increases rent prices, which is bucking the trend in Wollongong.
- Mr Onofri believes that an extra $20 for the owner is an investment but that $20 for a family to look after their kids is more important.
Mr Onofri's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical business practices in the real estate industry.
As landlords and tenants negotiate rent prices, it's easy to get caught up in the desire for a quick profit, but his approach shows us that there is a better way.
We are proud to have Mr Onofri as an example of a landlord who does the right thing and respects his tenants. We hope his story will inspire our members to follow in his footsteps and prioritise ethical business practices in their dealings with tenants and landlords.
This also serves as a reminder that, at the end of the day, the real estate industry is about people - their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. By treating them with care and compassion, we can build a better, more sustainable future for all.
If you've had a landlord like Mr Onofri, we'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And if you're a landlord yourself, we hope this article inspires you to approach your own business with the same level of compassion and dedication.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.