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.
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

4.02.12

Tags: buyers, economic data, interest rates, North Balgowlah, North Balgowlah real estate, open for inspections, property market, property search, R&W, R&W Seaforth, R&W Seaforth/Balgowlah, Reserve Bank, Seaforth, Seaforth real estate  •  

Posted in Real News

Yes it will definitely be colder and attempting those last minute repairs can be very irritating in the rain but we are forgetting one fundamental piece of information – when the weather is cold where do you most want to be? The answer is in a warm (and stylishly furnished) home! So when you’re presenting your property during the colder months empathise with those freezing buyers walking the streets inspecting property and aim to make your home the cozy salvation they remember.

Although statistically most people will opt to sell in Summer, not everyone has the luxury of waiting until the sunny period. If selling in Winter, the streets won’t be as busy and you won’t be included in the mainstream rush of people selling property, but also remember you will have less competition from other sellers.

Like any endeavor to sell property, you will be faced with challenges. Although winter challenges can be predicted to include elements such as rain, mud and leaks. You will need to combat these elements and challenge yourself. Get creative and get into the mind of your buyer. This is the season when staging your home and utilising your sense of style, can create that unique selling point that can be the deciding factor for a buyer.

This is an occasion when you can really get imaginative. Draw inspiration from your daily routine and think outside the square. How can you present your home that will highlight its unique attributes whilst also giving the buyer ideas for themselves? You’re not only limited to visual effects, try to appeal to all the senses. Burning an essential oil creates a very inviting and soothing atmosphere, having mood music to compliment the theme you choose for your home and having complimentary chocolates offered on a cold day can’t hurt.

With a positive attitude, a written budget and some research skills, this can be a very rewarding and exciting stage of the selling process. A great place to start is visiting interior design websites, phoning designers and asking for tips and purchasing interior design magazines. Don’t forget a vital source of help and advice is in your real estate agent. This is the person you have hired because of their knowledge and experience with all things property. You are paying them so use them! Your agent will be privileged to provide advice, and recommend stylists to suit your needs, as this is someone whose goals are the same as yours – to achieve the best price for your home!

So put on those Winter boots and get those creative juices flowing. With your stylistic input this winter could very well be your property’s opportunity to be really hot.

We look forward to seeing you at our opens! Click Here for our open times

Best Wishes,

The Team at Richardson & Wrench Seaforth Balgowlah.

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 on 11/06/2010

11.06.10

Tags: Australian Property monitors, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Balgowlah Heights real estate, Balgowlah real estate, Clontarf, Clontarf real estate, North Balgowlah, North Balgowlah real estate, open for inspections, presentation, Richardson & Wrench, Richardson & Wrench Seaforth Balgowlah, Seaforth, Seaforth real estate, Staging, Style, Winter  •  

Posted in Hints and Tips

It seems to depend on who you chat to and which articles you read at the moment as to whether interest rates are moving up or staying put, when the reserve bank meets on the 4th of May.

On one hand, a recent online survey of 3500 people shows that over 70 are expecting an increase again next month.

With headline inflation rising by 0.9% in the March quarter, there is argument for another rise now, before pausing to monitor how the Australian economy performs back at the lower level of ‘neutral interest rates’.

On the other hand, there is a level of uncertainty which may prompt the Reserve Bank to keep the cash rate at 4.25%, particularly in light of the instability in the European Union and the repercussions of Greece’s crumbling economy, as an article in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph “Greece rates gift” suggests.

Some turbulence is being felt in the financial markets with the news of Greece’s credit rating being moved to “Junk” status with a $430 billion national debt. Portugal & Spain are also in the firing line with fear of the debt crisis spreading.

Realistically, whether the bank increases the cash rate this month or they wait a little longer, our feeling is that the trend will continue with a couple more eventual increases to push interest rates firmly back into the Reserve Bank’s ‘neutral territory’.

Meanwhile, mortgage stress seems to be coming back into the popular media vernacular. It is more likely to be felt by the first home buyers who extended themselves to purchase their first home & who are feeling for the first time the extra pressure created by the upward jolts of interest rates. For seasoned property market players who have been through the rate cycle before, it is familiar territory where interest rates are required to trend up significantly before the ‘mortgage stress’ term starts to truly become appropriate – particularly for our lovely part of the world.

Confidence continues to be strong, as seen in the ‘Consumer Sentiment & Business Confidence’ graph below.

With many savvy buyers having already factored in interest rate increases when setting their budget, and with confidence levels remaining in very positive territory, we see no reason for the market not to continue on its current positive trend.

Till we meet again, wishing you all the best in your property search!

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 on 29/04/2010

30.04.10

Tags: Australian economy, Australian Property monitors, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Balgowlah Heights real estate, Balgowlah real estate, Business Confidence, cash rate, Clontarf, Clontarf real estate, credit rating, European Union, financial markets, Greece, headline inflation, inflation, interest rates, mortgage stress, neutral interest rates, North Balgowlah, North Balgowlah real estate, open for inspections, property search, R&W, R&W Seaforth, R&W Seaforth/Balgowlah, Reserve Bank, Seaforth, Seaforth real estate  •  

Posted in Real News