All About Community - Brant and Bernhardt

Brant and Bernhardt are a dedicated team of property experts with over 23 years’ industry experience, based in the heart of Maleny. We caught up with co-owner Susan Brant to find out more about this well-established and popular local business. 

by Victoria McGuin

Susan Brant is a well known and well respected member of the Hinterland community, and her background, while not originally from here, is connected to rural and  semi-rural living, farming, and the strength of community.

“My family are fifth generation beef cattle producers, still operating the original family cattle property about an hour outside of Emerald in Central Queensland, where I was born and raised,” Susan shared.

“My husband and I moved to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 2010 in search of greener pastures and a relief from droughts, freezing winters and stifling hot summers. I never tire of the green grass and abundant rainfall.

“Our children have now grown up and some of our grandkids are in Rocky and Melbourne, but we still have two in Beerwah, which is lucky.”

Suan Brant and Dee Bernhardt opened their office for Brant and Bernhardt Property in October 2018.

“We were wanting to make a difference to the property services offered across the Hinterland. We understand that it's all in the attention to detail, even the little things matter. 

“We pride ourselves in bringing our clients an honest, hardworking and high-quality service.”

In addition to this, I know the agency supports over 13 local charitable organisations and charity events, and for the last five years they have run a Christmas toy and food drive for disadvantaged families in the community. (Of course, Susan is too modest to mention any of this when we chat!)

I asked Susan what she thinks sets their business apart from others?

“All our team have a rural, self-employed business and property background. Being an all-female team, I feel we offer that extra level of empathy and patience for our clients, who are mostly an older demographic. 

“Our entire team are local residents, ensuring we have a great depth of knowledge about, and passion for, the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland,” Susan replied.

The team is certainly busy whenever we pop by to say hello and, according to Susan, every day is different for all of them.

“It’s a great job! We connect with buyers and showcase sellers’ gorgeous homes across the stunning Hinterland. No two days are the same as we are in a different location across the Hinterland on a daily basis, when we are not in our beautiful office in Maple Street. 

“A huge plus is that we get to meet the most interesting and lovely people. Our greatest satisfaction is to help happy sellers move on and happy buyers to move into our wonderful community.”

There is certainly the sense that Susan is utterly genuine in her desire to get to know clients and bring them the best outcome. 

Their five-star Google reviews echo this with comments such as, “exceptional service”, “smooth and hassle-free”, “nothing is too much trouble” and “considerate and walked us through everything we didn’t understand without making us feel small or unknowledgeable”.

Susan said she has one piece of crucial advice for anyone looking to buy or sell. 

“Always go with an agent that you trust and feel comfortable with, as the selling and buying process can sometimes be a stressful time for all involved. 

“You need to have that person you can trust on your side, someone who will guide you through the process and get the best possible outcome for all.”

When not busy at work, Susan shared that she enjoys a spot of gardening. 

“I love spending family time with my three sons, their wives and eight grandchildren, but if I’m not with them, you’ll find me in the garden! With the rich red soil we have in the Hinterland, it’s wonderful for growing so many plants and vegetables and trees.

“Living here is very special. I love the relaxed lifestyle, the friendly, diverse community, and the climate, especially the green grass!” she laughed.

“There are so many beautiful places to visit and enjoy, we are certainly spoiled for choice, and I feel very blessed to live in this beautiful part of the world.”

Susan’s warmth and her positive attitude are contagious, as her team will attest, and clients sense this as soon as they walk through the door.

I wondered if she had a favourite quote or motto that she lived by, and wasn’t surprised by the answer she gave, with a huge smile.

“Just outside the possible lies your full potential!”

Brant & Bernhardt, 2/20 Maple St, Maleny, 4552 / Phone: 0428 573 170 / Website: brantandbernhardt.com.au