Local real estate duo on a mission to spruik the best of Belconnen

Cris O’Brien (left) and Sally Strang (right) from boutique real estate agency home.by holly. Photo: home.by holly.

Cris O’Brien and Sally Strang are hot for Belconnen. So much so they’re featuring how amazing it is to live in the area through a series of energetic videos.

These two dynamo real estate agents work for boutique agency home.by holly, which has cemented a reputation for marketing property with a fresh approach, daring to be different every step of the way.

“Our Hot Spots Belco series is based on suggestions from locals about the best places that make it tick, especially the smaller business zones,” says Cris, who grew up in the area, has lived there all of her life and is raising her family there.

“Belconnen has always been my home and I’ve tapped into its pluses all my life. I love working with people looking to buy in the area. It’s natural to me to share my favourite places to eat, or top spots to take the kids for an outing, or where to shop for the best local produce.”

Sally and Cris say the video series is a lot of fun to make. They know full well that purchasing a home is buying into a community and making an emotional connection. When marketing homes in Belconnen, the pair promotes a lifestyle that entices people to move there and stay there.

“It’s our direct connection with Belconnen that enables us to market real estate in unique ways,” says Sally, who was born and bred in the ACT. “We love to support local businesses. They add so much to the fabric of the local communities we live and work in.”

Sally and Cris are both highly creative agents who have seen ‘Belco’ change for the better over the years.

“Many of the older, more established suburbs are going through rejuvenation and are flourishing,” says Sally. “They’re fostering their own identity and vibe, with community hubs, shops and cafes selling local products with big followings and support from locals. More and more places are opening up.”

Sally and Cris not only love Belco, they love coffee. So it’s no surprise that the first in their video series features their favourite coffee spots, including Grocer and Grind at Spence the Grocer, Crown Espresso at Westfield Belconnen, Ricardo’s Cafe in Jamison, and Cafe Bolivar in Scullin.

The next video in the Hot Spots Belco series will feature bush and nature walks, including the Pinnacle Nature Reserve, which is part of Canberra Nature Park and features great views across the Molonglo Valley and is a popular place for walking, running and cycling. The second video will feature Mount Painter, which boasts spectacular views of Canberra, the Brindabella, Mount Rogers and Black Mountain.

“The videos are a way to engage the community in promoting the area, and for us to support the local community,” says Cris.

To learn more, visit home.by holly or check out Cris and Sally on Facebook.

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