Former MP hits the hustings for real estate

Mr Skelton said he was drawn to Ray White not only for its business reputation but also its community focus.

by Cameron Outridge

Former Nicklin MP Rob Skelton is swapping the political podium for property portfolios after joining Ray White Nambour as a real estate agent. This follows his narrow defeat to Marty Hunt in last year’s state election.

Just a week and a half into his new role, Skelton is embracing the rigorous training program at Australia’s oldest real estate company, which he describes as “demanding” with “high standards expected”.

“It’s quite interesting. I think everyone likes to look at properties and houses and how people live, what they’ve done,” Mr Skelton told the Gazette.

The former Labor MP sees some similarities between his previous political career and his new professional path particularly in terms of integrity.

“It’s very similar in terms of having those sensitive conversations with people,” he said. 

“When people come to an MP, they’ve got an issue that’s very sensitive to them. Your home is your biggest asset, so those conversations in real estate are quite important as well. I’m also looking forward to marketing and getting out there again, in more of a public role.”

Mr Skelton said he was drawn to Ray White not only for its business reputation but also its community focus, citing principal Matt O’Grady’s local involvement with events like the Nambour Rodeo as a key factor in his decision.

“After speaking with Matt, and knowing of his involvement in the community and learning about Ray White’s story as a fourth-generation family-owned company that’s still family-owned after 123 years—that’s almost unheard of. I was sold,” Mr Skelton said.

When asked if his political background might influence potential clients, Skelton laughed off suggestions he might only attract Labor voters to the agency.

“It’s 50-50 though isn’t it? I might lose as many clients as I attract,” he laughed. “Still, who knows? I might pick up the odd Labor voter that normally wouldn’t have been interested.”

Mr Skelton has completed his first property appraisal and is focusing on training and mastering the online marketing tools that have transformed the industry.

“There’s a lot that you can do digitally now to keep people informed that you never could in the past. Keeping on top of technology is something the company takes very seriously,” he said.

Return to politics?

As for a potential return to politics down the track? The former MP isn’t looking that far ahead.

“I want to be successful here so that I can continue to give back to the community,” Mr Skelton said, adding that his current focus was on establishing himself in his new career.

Those interested in having the former MP appraise their property can contact him on 0439 042 157.