Happy New Year to you all, I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and for those of you who are still away on holiday, the weather forecast looks superb.
As I mentioned before, 2012 was a very busy real estate year for me, not only did i move offices to the central location at Howick Village but I also completed my Auctioneering course with the Real Estate Institute.
I would like to say thank you to all my clients, who helped me achieve the Ray White Premier Award for sales in 2012. I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new clients who have now become good friends, plus reacquainted myself with previous clients who have used my services before and have yet again sold or bought property with my help.
All the real estate indicators and analysts predict that 2013 will continue to be another strong year, with interest rates continuing to be set at very attractive levels. If you are considering a move or would just like a market valuation for your own records, just pick up the phone or email me. This is a free service and will help you understand how the market has changed since you bought your home or investment property.
I have buyers searching for that ideal home in the Eastern Suburbs in price ranges from $400,000 to $2m, so there is still lots of demand for quality real estate. If you would like a more general update on the market in your area please let me know and I will organise a report for you. (This report shows how many sales have been completed in your area within a certain month and how that compares with past sales).
I will be updating you via this blog each month to let you know how things are going in Real Estate, both here in the Eastern Suburbs and the rest of Auckland.
I wish you and your families all the very best for 2013...
Until next time, bye bye for now......
Yes I have now moved location to our main branch in Howick village, this allows me to concentrate on my clients both past and present from one of the most successful Ray White offices in New Zealand. Everything is at my fingertips right here at the heart of the organisation. Since I moved here I have sold six more homes and listed six Auctions and plenty more to come in the new year, so its all systems go for my customers. If you would like to catch up to have a coffee and a chat about the state of the Real Estate market please give me a call on 09 538 1222.
We are now almost through to the end of the year, and what a 2012 it as been so far, with record sales being achieved right across our region.
I predicted in my blog at the beginning of the year that I could see very positive signs that the market was going to be strong this year, and with interest rates at the lowest levels in a very long time the real estate market has boomed again.
The questions I am asked most often are: “When is a good time to sell my property?” or “When is a good time to buy?” My answer has not changed throughout my real estate career, which is over 10 years in the Eastern Suburbs.
“Now is the best time to sell and buy real estate.”
Its what you buy and how you sell that is the most important factor. Working through a marketing campaign to suit your property is so important, its not a one cap fits all approach. If you're buying in a strong market then I recommend a patient approach, but once you have the property in your sights you must take action, don’t procrastinate. This is one of the advantages you have if you choose to seek advice from a professional real estate salesperson like me. I am totally focused on the market every day of the year, so if you need advice in any market cycle then you should seek up to the minute help and advice.
The market is showing no signs of slowing down, some buyers are missing out on their dream homes, as a fair percentage of properties are now sold by the Auction method. Please don’t despair if you miss out on your target property as it only takes a day to see a new listing that one could be even better. I have been working with one client for the last four months who was in a price bracket that was difficult to say the least. ($350,000 to $370,000). After four months of searching for a new home and missing out on a couple, I found the ideal property, and she is now one very happy customer. However if you asked her was she frustrated at the time it took to find the ideal home, am sure the answer would be “yes”. If you asked her if she is happy today the answer would be “yes”. My recommendation is for you to talk to Ian Taylor before making a buying or selling decision, I will provide totally free advice on all aspects of the buying and selling process.
Ask me about the current special offers we have when you list and sell with Raywhite.
 I have just spent five weeks in the UK, and during my visit I called in on some real estate companies to see what the major differences are between New Zealand and British agencies.
The main difference I could see was that British salespeople work with the vendor in an ad-hoc way, for example, if a buyer requests an appointment to view a property listed by that agency, more often than not the salesperson asks the vendor to show the buyer through the property.
Here in New Zealand I will show prospective buyers through a property as I am the one who is marketing and selling the property, not you the owner. This might seem a little controlling, however I see it as the FULL service delivery that I provide from the initial listing/marketing right through the process, to handing over the keys on settlement.
My vendors have enough to think about during the selling process without concerning themselves with appointments to view and answering those awkward questions that sometimes crop up, which would be easier for a third party to answer rather than the owner being caught on the spot..
I am sure you would prefer to have your salesperson take control of the selling process and this, in turn would free you up to get on with the important things in your everyday life.
Call me for a chat on how you can sell your property the easy way, with all the feedback you require, and be confident of your selling decision.
 It’s a good idea to call at least three agents to appraise your house.
As well as the two obvious issues of commission and estimated selling price, neither of which should be the key determinant, ask the agents to present you with a suggested marketing plan for the property, which will detail the mediums they suggest and the costs entailed in their proposed campaign.
If you’re struggling to decide, ask to see each agent’s track record – a list of properties they’ve sold that shows the original asking or estimated price, the eventual sale price, and how many days each property took to sell. If the agent balks at your request, it may well be a good indicator in itself.
Ultimately, it’s important you are comfortable with the agent, their ability and the process they plan to use. If you aren’t comfortable, keep looking – you only get one chance for that all important first market launch and if it goes wrong, the unsuccessful campaign will be recorded and publicly available via any of the data providers. A failed campaign can turn the most attractive property into a lemon overnight in the eyes of prospective buyers and many vendors do not have the luxury of starting again. With a pressing need to sell they may be forced into accepting substandard offers through desperation.
When all is said and done, in real estate, as with other things in life, you get what you pay for. The investment in a good agent and a structured marketing campaign is a small price to pay to ensure a good outcome – and perhaps more importantly, insure against a bad one.
Preparing your house for sale is very important and the first thing you need to to is examine your home as if you were buying it. If your house displays outstanding 'street appeal', you will attract more buyers.
 A well maintained garden and lawn shows potential buyers that you regularly care for your property, as do clean windows, swept entry areas and driveways. Clean up anything that may detract from a good first impression, such as oil spills on the driveway and toys scattered around the garden.
Next, take a good look at each room in your house and pay close attention to the kitchen and bathroom, making sure they are spotlessly clean and tidy. Check that rooms aren’t overcrowded with furniture. Remove any excess furniture and clutter and if necessary, rent storage space until after your house has sold.
Repair, paint or replace anything that spoils the appeal of your property and make sure buyers can get from room to room easily, being able to open cupboards, doors and windows without a struggle.
Get the carpets professionally cleaned and give your home a good airing to remove any pet or cigarette odours.
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