Boutique city real estate

Real estate agent and CBD resident Chris Snell has built his own brand on old fashioned service and a deep understanding of community.  

Having worked in real estate since 1992, Chris established his own boutique agency at 21 Victoria Street Melbourne and his approach of providing a tailored and engaging real estate service is well received by those who have engaged his services.  

From selling and buying to investment and property management, Chris Snell Real Estate’s small and dedicated team cares more about what’s right for its clients as opposed to its bottom line, according to Chris. 

“We’re not just a tick a box sort of service,” Chris said. “Because I’m small my idea of being not just boutique by the fact I’m small, but boutique by the engagement I can offer a client, is what I pride myself on.”

“It’s just simple stuff. It’s just a good old-fashioned honest service really. A handshake is a handshake and it should be honoured whereas the emphasis with a lot of other agents is just to sell. We’re here to make friends, not enemies.”

Born and raised in Lilydale, Chris landed his first real estate job as an 18-year-old, where he said he was fortunate to work under the mentorship of an agent 40 years his senior, who taught him the importance of trust, hard work and respect from a young age. 

Having also previously studied theology and philosophy at a Catholic seminary in Melbourne, Chris said his experience both through his faith and professional life had given him a strong appreciation of understanding people. 

“The great thing about theology and philosophy is that it gave me a great appreciation of people and an understanding. It was a great self-development tool,” he said. 

“It’s the help I love providing. I just think every day is like helping people. If they’re young I think of them as my brother, sister or niece. If they’re older I treat them like mum and dad or my grandmother.”

In a career spanning more than 25 years, Chris has extensive experience as a property manager, salesperson and office manager. Prior to starting his own brand, Chris has worked in other leading branded agencies across Melbourne. 

Now working under his own brand, Chris and his team have maintained a strong focus on inner city sales, while still offering to go the extra mile for clients seeking boutique service in suburban areas as far as Lilydale or Keysborough. 

And as a long-time resident of the CBD, he said his knowledge of his local area and community always boded well with clients looking to call the city home. 

“You certainly have an interest in the area as a resident,” Chris said. “There is often surprise from people that I live in the city so they really enjoy dealing with me on city apartments because I live here. They like that engagement.”

“The market in the CBD is strong for owner occupiers so if the property is good quality with good design, good size then it’s strong,” he said. “Once they live here they become aware of how convenient everything is. You can walk to the Vic Market, State Library or go to a show.” Chris Snell works where he lives – Melbourne. 

chrissnell.com.au