Australia’s top-performing agent considers SHOCK new career move in the face of NSW Fair Trading probe

Australia’s top-performing real estate agent has sparked controversy after appearing to quietly register a new business under the name of a rival agency.

Josh Tesolin, who is principal of Ray White Quakers Hill – The Tesolin Group, has been under investigation by NSW Fair Trading and is also subject to an internal compliance review by his employer.

Documents registered with ASIC now reveal Mr Tesolin is linked to two businesses under Brisbane-based NGU Real Estate, suggesting he might take his career elsewhere. 

Both were set up on Wednesday and Thursday, called NGU Real Estate Quakers Hill Tesolin Group and NGU Real Estate Quakers Hill.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, NGU Chairman Emil Juresic declined to comment on the registrations, as well as the investigation.

‘NGU is subject to a deed of confidentiality and for this reason we are not able to discuss the queries set out in your email,’ he said.

Mr Tesolin’s lawyer, Lisa Jemmeson, told The Sydney Morning Herald his franchise agreement with Ray White has not been terminated.

Mr Tesolin is a dominant force in Sydney’s western suburbs, particularly in Quakers Hill, where he claimed to control 45 per cent of the local market in 2024.

Last year he was estimated to have made $9million in commission.  

He currently operates under the Ray White banner, a brand that has long championed his rise to the top. 

In 2024, Mr Tesolin cleaned up in the Ray White NSW and ACT awards, claiming a string of major accolades including No.1 City Principal and No.1 International Principal for both settled commission and number of sales. 

He also took home titles for No.1 City Auction Agent by volume, and No.1 City Competition Creator in both the individual and office categories.

However, Ray White has since launched a compliance review into Mr Tesolin following a report in the Herald that raised concerns about his sales practices.

‘Given the seriousness and very public nature of the allegations regarding the incentive fees, we have agreed with Josh that we will undertake our own compliance review into his incentive fee arrangements,’ the company said. 

‘This will include looking at the nature of these arrangements, how they operated, and whether there was any misalignment with client interests.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for NSW Fair Trading confirmed Mr Tesolin and Ray White Quakers Hill remain under active investigation.

‘The Strata and Property Services Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading is investigating Quakers Hill Ray White Real Estate and Josh Tesolin following proactive compliance blitzes into underquoting and complaints,’ the spokesperson said.

‘As this investigation is ongoing, no further comment is available at this time.’ 

The investigation is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

Under NSW law, real estate agents must provide a reasonable estimate of a property’s likely selling price in the agency agreement.

If a price range is used in advertising, the highest price must not exceed the lowest price by more than 10 per cent. In NSW, underquoting is an offence, attracting penalties of up to $22,000.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Tesolin has engaged in underquoting, only that NSW Fair Trading is investigating his agency in Quakers Hill.   

Mr Tesolin and Ray White have been contacted for comment.