😭 I'm not crying, you're crying...

Yesterday my 11 year old twin boys, Max and George, finished their last day of Year 6 at Sacred Heart in Mosman...and I cried like a baby.

Yes, it's shocking to admit publicly, but even real estate agents have feelings sometimes.

It was one of those occasions that you don't give much thought to until you're in the moment and then all of a sudden...BAM, you're overcome with the nostalgia of it all.

My wife, Jo and I, along with most of the other senior parents were up to the school early to help clap the graduating class of 2024 out the gates. It really felt like a huge milestone moment for our family...the first of many I imagine.

Back in the 80's, I attended Sacred Heart, so did my sisters Liz and Sarah, Dad was the P & F President for a lot of that time, Mum founded the school netball program (back then they were called Collegians I think?) and I've attended more school functions, sports carnivals, concerts and merit awards assemblies as both a student, parent and OGP representative than is probably normal for one human being.

As a local business, OGP have also been supporting Sacred Heart for more than 40 years, and while my children (sadly) have finished their time there, O'Gorman and Partners will continue our involvement with this incredible primary institution for a very long time.

In other news, while we didn't win the $12 million dollar Powerball Jackpot last Wednesday night....we DID get second place in Mosman's most festive lights display for 2024 for 'our' amazing efforts decorating the official OGP headquarters here on the corner of Avenue Road and Gladstone St....and I know which one I'd rather boast about 😝🎄

OGP was up against some fierce competition from fellow local businesses like Accoutrement, Fourth Village and several other "unnamed" estate agents but we're thrilled to be taking home second place, alongside Mosman Chiropractic Centre (first) and Marry Me Bridal (third) as part of Mosman Council's Annual Rapt Christmas Lights competition. 

The office's newest Dad, Dozza deserves all the credit....risking life and limb getting those lifesize light-up reindeers on the roof and stringing up thousands of fairy lights! Please show him your appreciation by driving by after dark and admiring his handiwork...he's done a top job!

Upon reflection of all things Mosman real estate for the year, the positives were 2024 was a stronger year than its predecessor. While interest rates remained largely unchanged it appeared that mortgage holders became somewhat accustomed to re-budgeting that burden into their approach to buying and selling and the market felt much more stable than it has in a while.

Looking into my crystal ball for 2025 (if only I had one!), factors to consider when making major property decisions will most likely be the looming federal election early next year and the controversial new residential and commercial development laws that are right now being considered for major changes as a response to the housing supply and affordability crisis.

James and I have been very carefully following these amendments to development laws earmarked for approval next year - so if you'd like to know more details of how this could affect your purchase or sale and work in your favour, please don't hesitate to contact us for more insights.

It has been a huge year for all of us here at OGP, both personally and professionally.

We've experienced births, deaths, marriages, caring for elderly parents, navigating a challenging and rapidly changing property market, raising teenage kids and making gains and surviving losses in many different senses.

What I have learned is that where I am right now is possibly "the good old days" I'll be talking about in 20 years from now and I am determined to remind myself of that often in 2025.

From myself, James, Phil and the entire OGP team - we wish you and your family Christmas and New Year break, enjoy your precious family time, hug your loved ones tight and we'll see you back here bright eyed and refreshed in 2025!

Jingle Bells 🎅