In real estate since 1984  •  Southern Highlands, NSW

Some things you can only learn
by doing them for a long time.

I have been in real estate for more than forty years. I have made mistakes, learned from them, and tried to help others avoid the ones I made. That is more or less what this page is about.

Read on
John McTavish
John McTavish — Principal, Renwick Realty
A note from John

I am not here to impress you.
I am here to be useful.

If you are a real estate agent, you already know how this industry works. You know the long hours, the difficult vendors, the deals that fall over at the last minute. You do not need me to tell you it is a tough game.

What I can offer is perspective. I started in this industry in the early 1980s. I have been a salesperson, a trainer, a regional manager, a company director, and a principal. I have seen the market cycle many times over. I have trained agents who went on to have extraordinary careers, and I have watched talented people leave the industry because the model they were in was not working for them — not because they weren't good enough.

That last part matters. Too many good agents are working for a system that does not reward them fairly. I spent years watching that happen before I found something I genuinely believe changes that equation.

I am not going to dress this up as something bigger than it is. I found a model that I think is fairer, smarter, and better suited to where this industry is heading. I joined it. And I am happy to tell you about it if you are curious — no pressure, no pitch, just a conversation.

I should tell you one more thing, because I think it says something about what I actually value. When I look back across forty-plus years in business, my greatest achievement has nothing to do with property and money. It is three children and six grandchildren who genuinely care for each other and for the world around them. That is the thing I am most proud of.

— John McTavish
Principal, Renwick Realty  |  eXp Realty

A little background

  • Started 1984 — Beecroft NSW Began at LJ Hooker in Beecroft, then Taylor & Cooke in Queensland, before returning to LJ Hooker in Lane Cove.
  • Bose Corporation Australia Managing Director during the 1980s. Grew it into the fastest growing Bose subsidiary in the world. Learned what genuine brand trust looks like.
  • LJ Hooker — Regional Manager NSW Moved into corporate training and management, mentoring agents across Australia, New Zealand, and India.
  • LJ Hooker New Zealand — Director (2000–2007) Helped establish and grow the franchise network across New Zealand.
  • Elders NZ — Franchise Manager (to 2009) Led residential franchise development before returning to Australia.
  • University lecturer Taught undergraduate real estate at the International College of Management, Manly.
  • Today — Southern Highlands Selling lifestyle and rural property in the Southern Highlands with my mate Philip Dwyer, and growing a team of eXp agents who enjoy being part of the largest real estate team in the world while remaining in total control of their own business and their future.
What others say

I would rather let my clients
and colleagues do the talking.

These are verified reviews from Rate My Agent. I have not selected the most flattering ones — they are all there if you want to read them.

★★★★★

He asked me what I thought and expected, he then gave his advice and asked what I thought… we worked together and I truly appreciated the many hours he spent with me discussing all aspects of the sale. A very respectful and genuine man.

Vendor — Cammeray NSW
★★★★★

John was pleasant and warm from the first meet through to our sale. He is not your traditional salesman. Thank you so much John for all your help in our first home purchase.

First home buyer — Chiswick NSW
★★★★★

His calm confidence and valued advice on strategy made this a stress free sale. I trusted his judgement throughout.

Vendor — Chiswick NSW
★★★★★

You showed compassion and were efficient. We felt listened to, as well as guided by a professional who knew the market area thoroughly. Thank you John for making a very hard task so simple.

Vendor — Baulkham Hills NSW
★★★★★

An all round great human with whom I trust wholeheartedly. John always went above and beyond for me and the vendor.

Buyer — Chiswick NSW
★★★★★

John's genuine approach, high level of professionalism, kind nature and can do attitude meant I would not hesitate to recommend him. John was always contactable and provided regular updates.

Vendor — Chiswick NSW
★★★★★

I have engaged John as my agent representative… from the first time I met him he gave me confidence with his experience. He kept me informed throughout the negotiation and oversaw the whole transaction from beginning to end. I am very impressed with his professionalism and strong communication skills. The property was sold in a timeframe that far exceeded my expectations.

Vendor — Chiswick NSW  |  Read all 24 reviews on Rate My Agent
From the industry

These are from colleagues, franchise owners, and agents John has coached and mentored over the years.

His passion for the basic principles of good people management is something I have learned a great deal from. As a leader of sales people, John is one out of the box.

David Lowe — Business Services Manager, Earthquake Commission

John's input to my business has been nothing short of brilliant. He has provided ideas, systems and innovative strategies that have already had a profound impact. John is more than a coach and mentor — he is a friend and a valuable and respected addition to my team.

Peter Stanford — Managing Director, LJ Hooker Penrith

John's acumen allows him to be across matters incredibly quickly. High integrity and work ethic means things happen fast — and well. I would not hesitate in recommending John to any prospect consulting or coaching relationship.

David Ferguson — Managing Director, Strata Plus

John's strategic vision has been instrumental to the success of LJ Hooker in New Zealand. He is a great leader, motivator and entrepreneur. Always available and freely giving of his time — one of the country's true gentlemen, a mentor and a confidant.

Grant Thorpe — Business Mentor and Speaker

In the space of two years John helped me cut through all the clutter and focus on key issues that paid off big time. This financial year we exceeded EVERY financial goal we set. I feel more in control than ever before. In short, thanks to John, I am leading more and worrying less.

Paul Pettenon — Raine & Horne

I have interviewed some of the sharpest real estate minds in the country. The interview I just recorded with John is probably the best I’ve ever done. He gave more usable, brilliant strategies in 57 minutes than many courses give in two days.

Glenn Twiddle — GlennTwiddle.com, “Million Dollar Agent”

I thought I had a good business but John helped me re-evaluate my goals and we went from good to awesome in under two years. I was amazed at how many areas of our business improved under John’s guidance. Is he good value for money? OH YEAH.

Dennis Vlandis — Owner, LJ Hooker Belconnen
eXp Realty

Why I believe this is the most important conversation in real estate right now.

I have been around long enough to be sceptical of anything that sounds too good. So when I first looked at eXp Realty, I took my time. I asked hard questions. I talked to agents who were already in it.

What I found was a model built around a simple idea: agents deserve a fairer deal. Not just on commissions — though the numbers are genuinely better — but in terms of ownership, technology, support, and the ability to build something that lasts beyond your next listing.

I am not going to list every feature here. What I will say is that after forty years of watching agents work incredibly hard for a relatively small share of what they generate, the eXp model feels overdue.

If you want to understand it properly, the next step is to look at the full picture over at B2B Realty, and then have a conversation with me directly. There is no obligation. I would just rather you understood it than didn't.

01

A fairer commission split

75% to you from day one, then 100% after you reach your annual cap. No desk fees, no franchise royalties.

02

Revenue share — income that keeps going

When you introduce other agents to eXp, you earn a share of what they produce. eXp returned over $220 million to agents this way in 2024.

03

Technology that actually works

CRM, AI assistant, training platform and more — all included. No add-ons to buy.

04

A stake in the company

Earn real equity in eXp World Holdings as you produce. You are not just working for the company — you are part of it.

05

85,000+ agents across 24 countries

A referral network that spans the globe, and a community of agents who chose a different path.

Let's have a conversation

No pitch. No pressure.
Just a conversation.

If anything here has resonated with you, I would be glad to talk. You can learn more at B2B Realty, or if you are ready, you can join eXp directly under my sponsorship. Either way, feel free to reach out first if you have questions.

Prefer to call or email first?  0418 499 342  •  john@johnmctavish.com