Richard Luton, Principal at Luton Properties, celebrating 25 years in the real estate industry on 1 May 2018. Photos: Supplied.
On the 1st of May 1993, Richard Luton began his real estate career at Peter Blackshaw Real Estate … 25 years later, he has built Canberra’s largest privately owned real estate company, Luton Properties, with nine offices and over 160 agents and staff on the team.
He says that the biggest change to the industry in that time has been the march of technology.
“The main changes have all been technology based. These include everything from the creation of the internet, to its influence on marketing, photography and sales,” Richard Luton, Principal at Luton Properties, said.
“Buyers are more educated these days because of the internet, but good old-fashioned service, and an agent’s negotiating skills, are still extremely important.”
Good old fashioned service combined with advances in technology have served Richard Luton well in 25 years in the real estate industry.
In addition to this, Richard said he couldn’t see open-homes and auctions being replaced by the internet anytime soon.
Richard has received many personal awards as a salesperson and many achievements with his team at Luton Properties.
His personal awards include:
- 1995 Sales Person of the Year by the ACT Real Estate Institute
- 1996 State award winner by Leading Agents of Australia
- 1997 State award winner by Leading Agents of Australia
- 1998 State award winner by Leading Agents of Australia
- 1998 National Best All Rounder Performer by Leading Agents of Australia
- 1999 State award winner by Leading Agents of Australia.
Richard has personally sold over 995 properties and has been involved in over 12,000 company sales.
He has also obtained 18 record prices in Canberra-Turner (twice), Reid, Hawker (twice), Deakin (twice), Hughes (three times), Red Hill (1995 record price for a residential home in the ACT), Garran (twice), Conder, Braddon and O’Connor (twice).
- Over 269 record suburb sales in total since 1999
- More than 12,000 homes sold in over 17 years
- Over 648 sales in excess of $1 million dollars
- Over 2800 properties currently under management.
Richard started out training to be a Canberra policeman in 1979 – but left to pursue a career at Canberra airport, then a ‘tin shed’ according to him, with Ansett.
After 14-years at Ansett, and aged 33, he decided it was time for a career change.
“I looked at where I was in life at age 33 and decided to take myself to a new level of wealth and quality of life. I looked at accountancy and law, but decided study wasn’t my thing. I wanted to own a restaurant, but couldn’t cook. I looked at IT, but I was a dinosaur at that … we had changed home three times already, so I decided to go into real estate,” Richard explained.
At age 33, Richard Luton decided to take himself to a new level of wealth and quality of life.
Richard said they sold their house to get rid of their mortgage and then he applied for a job in real estate.
After a successful career working for someone else, Richard went out on his own in 1999.
“We could see the damage John Howard was wreaking on Canberra and wanted to ensure jobs for our children,” Richard offered.
“People thought we were silly, as there were already 12 real estate agencies in the Manuka area. Within 12 months of opening our first office, we opened our second in Dickson. We now have nine offices and for the last two years we have had more residential listings than any other real estate company in Canberra.”
That passion for success has continued until today.
“We have succeeded because of energy, goals, enthusiasm and passion,” Richard outlined.
“It’s not about one person it is about the Luton team. I’ve had 20 people working with me for over 10 years and four for 17 years.”
Richard’s advice for those considering a career in real estate is simple, “If you want a career in an industry that puts no cap on your income, can set goals and have good communication skills, then you will succeed in real estate.”
He has also put much back into the Canberra community, having raised an estimated $4 million for charity through his network and initiatives.
Causes Richard has supported include Project Independence, The Canberra Hospital Foundation, Tennis ACT, ACT Hospice, Ronald McDonald House, Marymead, Karinya House and Hartley Lifecare.
Richard says he is passionate, energised and ready for another ten to 15 years in the industry.
Richard, at 58, is single, father to three grown-up daughters, grandfather to three grandchildren and the driving force of a very successful local real estate business.
Richard Luton with his three daughters (L to R) Courtney, Sophie and Madison.
He is a strong believer in ‘fitness’. Having a ‘fit body and fit mind’ is critical to his success.
“I’m up at 4.45 am each morning. I eat healthily and am in the gym six days a week,” Richard stated.
But in the end, according to Richard, it comes down to ‘love’.
“I love real estate and I love people. As long as you put out positive energy, that will flow through to clients and your team,” Richard concluded.
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