January 2012 Market Up Date

The property market appears to be off to a solid start for 2012!
One of our first open for inspections for the year enjoyed a total of 44 groups through a single 30 minute open with a number of other agents around Sydney & Australia suggesting they have started 2012 with similar enthusiasm.

With interest rates falling by 50 basis points at the end of 2011 we anticipate that with the early positive signals there should be a solid selling period during the first quarter of 2012 and the traditional seasonal factors to follow with the typical gentle slowing of the market over winter & spike in Spring. Reducing interest rates will keep buyers motivated and searching for the right property while soft economic data will ensure most remain wary of overextending. We believe buyers will continue their trend of last year of completing lengthy due diligence before submitting an offer. Due to this smart sellers will ensure they commence any sale campaign with the best planning, appearance and price point to attract interest. There is great opportunity for those looking to upgrade in the present market and we see this sector as being a key driver of the market in 2012.

Reviewing the market last year, the market in our area certainly had an interesting journey with both buyers & sellers choosing to pause to get their bearing with a few periods of uncertainty spread throughout the year. Despite any uncertainty we also enjoyed a record March – our strongest in 16 years and a very solid finish to the year!

We look forward to reporting on the market this year. If you’re interested in having a more detailed discussion, or some assistance in planning your property goals – please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team.

Having a deeper understanding of market movements can provide more flexibility and attractive selling strategies. We look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready!

Tim Wirth & the Team at R&W Seaforth/Balgowlah.

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See you at the open for inspections: Click Here for our open times

To keep an eye on this week’s reported Seaforth real estate, Clontarf real estate, Balgowlah real estate, Balgowlah Heights real estate and North Balgowlah real estate Click Here*

*Sales are as reported by Australian Property monitors

Local Market Update

Many buyers are already wondering why they didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that existed from the market only a few of months ago. Hindsight does give you 20/20 vision!

Looking at the current trends, a number of vendors have been taking the opportunity to sell first, and then knowing exactly what they have in their ‘pocket’ they head out to find their next home.

Relatively low stock levels have meant that purchasers have had less choice and this has assisted Seaforth, Balgowlah & surrounding suburbs in holding its value better than many other areas during the G.F.C. and in the past couple of months we have started to see prices moving up again.

Coupled with this in recent weeks we have seen very strong clearance rates emerge at auction with a number of the prices being achieved above expectations.

We believe this is a good market for both vendors and purchasers. Australia has been seen to have weathered the financial turbulence well and we are seeing slightly more desperate purchasers, who have been in the market for up to 12 months & are now keen to buy.

Many of our clients use us as “real estate advisors,” whether they are looking to sell or buy. As with any good investment advisor, our focus is to help you plan for your long term success, in line with your expectations and ideals. We assist, educate and empower every purchaser to proceed, and, at the same time, focus on exceeding the expectations of our vendors.

If you need constructive property advice, we would be delighted to contribute to your knowledge base, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.