History and Ownership
Harold James Sternbeck commenced business in 1954, initially conducting livestock auctions at Wollombi. He extended his operations to include the selling and management of property and formed Sternbeck’s Real Estate wherein he operated the business as the owner and licensee until his passing in July 2010.
Sternbeck’s Real Estate Pty Ltd was formed by Harold’s daughter/son in law Denise and James Harvey in July 2010 to enable the family to continue the operation of Sternbeck’s Real Estate.
Sternbeck’s Real Estate Pty Ltd hold licences and accreditation to permit trading as:-
REAL ESTATE AGENT
STOCK & STATION AGENT
BUSINESS AGENT
STRATA MANAGEMENT AUCTIONEER
VALUER
Sternbeck’s Real Estate holds membership in: Real Institute of NSW, Real Estate Employers Federation, Cessnock Chamber of Commerce and BNI (Business Network International) Premium.
Business History
Harold first represented a client as agent for the sale of livestock. This progressed to fulfilling the role in the sale of residential property and flowed onto undertaking a rental management service.
Sternbeck’s Real Estate’s first office was a shared occupancy with local lawyer Mr Fred Hallam at 23 Vincent Street, Cessnock. The need for an office of his own saw a move down the street to 7 Vincent Street, Cessnock where the business continued to flourish.
Later a former car yard site was purchased at 25 Vincent Street, Cessnock and a new building erected to accommodate the growing business. This remains the current location of Sternbeck’s Real Estate.
The building we are in today was originally split into 2 separate shops with Sternbeck’s occupying the right hand or northern side. An increase in business activities necessitated an expansion into the southern side.
Years in operation
Commenced in 1954 Harold Sternbeck Auctioneer, and Sternbeck’s Real Estate have long been identified as a reputable and dependable real estate business providing unrivalled service and integrity throughout the Cessnock local government area and throughout the Hunter Valley.
Sternbeck’s is a family affair with both of Harold’s daughters working in the business since the late 1970’s in both full and part time capacities. Son in law James Harvey (now licensee) also worked in a part time role before taking up a full time position in 2000.
Sternbeck’s Real Estate Pty Ltd has been operating the business since July 2010.
Reputation in local community
Sternbeck’s Real Estate is the longest serving agency in Cessnock and Hunter Valley Wine Country enjoys a wonderful position and reputation within the community. Respect for our business has been forged on the back of a tremendous public profile held by Harold Sternbeck.
Harold has served the local community, Real Estate industry as well as the State of NSW over many years with involvement in:-
Cessnock Lions Club (over 50 years)
Cessnock City Council Alderman (23 years)
Hunter Catchment Management Trust (now Catchment Management Trust) NSW Floodplain Mitigation Authority
NSW Real Estate Institute – Hunter Chapter
Harold also contributed to many community organisations and events that have shaped the area. He was an inaugural member of the steering committee for the Lower Hunter Business Enterprise Centre, a long time member of the Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, a key collaborator in bringing Alcan to Kurri Kurri, a member of the local Hospital Board.
Harold was also the initiator for Council committing to the purchase of land that now is the site of Cessnock’s ‘Vineyard Grove’ residential estate.
Following in the footsteps of such a prominent personality is a daunting exercise. It is one that we have embraced and our modern day approach to delivering real estate services to our local community, we believe, is testament to honouring the reputation that our founder forged.
Sponsorship of local sports/community groups
Sternbeck’s Real Estate proudly supports many charities and community groups. The following list is by no means comprehensive but includes some of the beneficiaries.
Local primary and high schools, Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Association, Cessnock Rugby League and Junior Rugby League, Relay For Life, Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, 2CHR FM radio, Cessnock District Agricultural Society, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Cessnock District Cricket Association, Paxton Bowling Club pennants team, Hunter Valley Golf Pennants team, Cessnock Art Gallery, Abermain Eisteddfod, STOMP, Cessnock Golf Club, Variety Club Bash, Heart Foundation, Postie Bike Grand Prix, Motor Neurone Disease charity and many, many more worthwhile charities and events that impact our local community.
One very special connection that is near and dear to us is a Strategic Business Partnership that we have established with local not for profit disability support service provider Finding Yellow.
Basis of competitive advantage
Sternbeck’s Real Estate is fortunate to be seen as the senior agency in the Cessnock and Wine Country area and as a business entity we hold a strong reputation as being an agency that provides traditional ‘Service and Integrity’ and in particular ‘experience’.
Services offered by the business
Sales / Auction – Residential / Commercial
The sale of all property types is a significant component of our business. Areas of focus includes:- Residential, Rural, Commercial and Businesses.
Rental / Leasing – Residential / Commercial
Property management covers Residential, Rural, Commercial and Industrial basically we will provide a management service for any property type.
Buyer’s Agent
The opportunity to assist a client in finding a property to purchase and negotiating on their behalf as their personal Buyer’s Agent is a role we are also willing to undertake.
Valuations
We are fortunate to have a registered Valuer as part of our professional team. The supply of this service is regularly reviewed and will be re-introduced in the future.In the interim period we can refer clients requiring valuation services to a number of other practising valuers.
Clearing Sales
Part of our auction activities includes conducting Clearing Sales for clients. This service is offered to clients who have sold property through our agency, particularly rural properties, but will also be available to other clients and associates at our discretion.
These events take a lot of organising and require substantial items of interest and/or items of value to make for a successful sale. Most clearing sales will be conducted on a Saturday or Sunday.
The Local Market
Service Area
Our service area is centred around the City of Cessnock including the world renowned Hunter Valley Wine Country covering Pokolbin, Rothbury, Lovedale and Mount View together with Wollombi, Mount Vincent, Quorrobolong, Abermain, Weston, Kurri Kurri, Lochinvar, Branxton and Greta though we will undertake to sell and/or manage property in all other areas including Maitland and Singleton. Some areas we have serviced in the past have included Kulnura/Mangrove Mountain, Broke, Bulga and Howes Valley.