Our Team

Ed Trendall

If there is such a thing as a typical real estate principal, then I probably don’t fit the stereotype.
Within my “programming” are a professional background of 8 years in Chartered Accounting and earlier an academic background with an honours degree in Classics (Latin, Greek, Ancient History, Philosophy).
Diverse, might be a good description.
My UK background is another influence and a lifelong love and participation in various team sports adds another layer of experience.
My real estate experience started as a seismic shift in careers in 1992 to what became one of Raine & Horne’s most successful offices in Brisbane’s bayside. My over-qualified, intellectual self easily overcame the shock of suddenly being an uninitiated novice, because, to me, I no longer had a job. I had a pursuit, which I loved.
Fortunately for me the 90s lacked a property boom, so I was able to gain a deep and valuable understanding of real estate sales for all market conditions. I relocated to inner South Brisbane as a salesman in one of Ray White’s most successful offices and soon moved up to controlling the sales team in the Bulimba and Morningside branch offices. We also moved our family home and became newcomers to Tarragindi in 1997.
I tried to buy a real estate office, but instead, in 2003, I invented my own, starting with an empty shop in Cracknell Road Tarragindi. I had no customers so I knocked on local doors to ask if it would be useful to have a new real estate office in the middle of the suburb. The locals all said yes to the idea. A number of them soon became customers.
I fitted out an office and hired 2 local mothers who had children at Wellers Hill school as we did, and we forged a local business. It was the beginnings of The Local Agent but we called it Trendall Real Estate. The ideals were there at the beginning but having my own agency seemed to have the most meaning. The last 13 years have allowed me to cultivate the ideals and built the desire to find a more authentic representation of what I wanted to do. The Local Agent is my true expression.

Peta Trendall

I started my working life as a Registered Nurse, training at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and specializing in Accident and Emergency Medicine. From here I moved into pharmaceutical sales working for multinational company Ciba Geigy. After my children were born I took time away from work, joining a local playgroup, and later becoming actively involved in the Tarragindi Kindy and Wellers Hill State School communities. When my boys started school I eased back into work with a part time job in fashion retail which I enjoyed for many years. 4 years ago I decided that it made perfect sense to join our family business.

I studied for my real estate licence and came on board to head up our property management division. I have always worked in very people orientated roles with a strong service emphasis and never more so than in my current role. This has turned out to be the most rewarding career move I have ever made, and in hindsight I wish I had done it years ago. I am extremely proud of the business I am building.

I have two fantastic, like-minded, dedicated staff in Heather and Amy and we pride ourselves in the relationships we have built with both landlords and tenants. I honestly believe that the level of service we provide is second to none. The sheer number of word of mouth referrals we receive is testament to this.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY for 2025

Have you been contemplating a career in real estate sales, but are not sure about making the leap?

Are you confident you have plenty to offer, but not confident about the opportunities available?

If you are a local person with a new challenge in mind and have no real estate experience other than your own personal experience as a buyer or seller, then we can offer an excellent opportunity.

The opportunity would include a salary plus bonuses and an apprenticeship that will help you to carve out a career to be proud of – an ethical path, less travelled, but hugely effective and rewarding.

If you have an instinct for real estate sales, with an instinct to rise above the typical level, then we would like to talk to you.

Contact Ed via 3848 0202 or ed@thelocalagent.com.au