Talking Real Estate
"Perception is Reality"
Hi folks,
There is a saying that I pretty much use every day about real estate, and that is “perception is reality.” If someone believes something then it must be true, no ifs or buts, that’s simply the way it is. As an example ask 4 different Hurricanes fans who their player of the year is and you will likely get 4 different answers (ok, maybe not for this year when Ma’a Nonu has been absolutely outstanding) All four fans will have a compelling argument about why their player is the best, they may listen to other arguments why a different player is the best but they will not change their opinion, their perception is their reality.
If a Property is Priced Well, It Will Sell
Hi folks,
I’m going to discuss the April 2009 sales statistics in Upper Hutt in this column and would like to apologise that at the end of May I’m talking about last month’s market. The reason I’m late with this are two-fold, the first is that agents don’t get the Real Estate Institute figures until the 12/13th day of the following month, the second is that as regular readers are aware this a fortnightly column. So typically my last column on the 13th may was the day the figures came out and too late for me to comment. I hope this clarifies some time lag anomalies that I have recently been questioned about and confirms that I’m not slow in dealing with any potential changes in the market.
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Sell Your Property... or Rent It?
Hi folks,
In recent times I have met some people whose property is valued less now than when they bought so I thought I would ask the question, Is it ever financially sound to hold onto a property that doesn’t reach the desired price rather than sell for less?
The Very Usual Seasonal Bubble
Hi folks,
It seems it’s been a while since I last looked at the sales market in Upper Hutt so thought I would address it today. I’ve been talking to a lot of people who are raving about how the market is back to normal and all is well in the property world again after the “high” sales figures of recent months. Before I go any further I would like to point that I’m a happy chap generally, my glass is half full and I tend towards the positive, life is too short for anything else.
The Best Way to Measure Sales
Hi folks,
I have to confess to finding the last fortnight’s media comments about the housing market fascinating, not least of all because it seems that the tide has turned and all appears well again now February statistics are out. The reason I find it so fascinating is that from real estate circles the market has bounced back considerably in February compared to January. Well I may not be the brightest button in the box but now is the time I start studying for a masters degree in stating the obvious.
Ask Your Agent for Testimonials
Hi folks,
Trust is the most important element of the sales process or any relationship where communication is at the heart of the transaction. It stands to reason that if you don’t trust the person that is selling your single greatest asset, communication is likely to break down and the sale process is unlikely to produce the best outcome. Many prospective vendors say they choose an agent based on their gut feelings and that having an eye for character helps as it does in any situation where trust is involved.
Banking Criteria and the Credit Crunch
Hi folks,
The first sales figures for 2009 are now available, I don’t think there’s too much to say that people don’t already know. In Upper Hutt there were 34 property sales in January, the lowest sales month since July 1995 and continuing the trend of downward sales. On a slightly happier note the median price increased to $300,000 but that’s due to a higher proportion of 4-5 bed houses selling in the month.
Communication is the Key to a Successful Sale
Hi folks,
Most vendors would choose the agent who they think will get them the highest price for their property. But do they know what qualities and skills are most likely to bring this about, especially in a market where properties for sale outnumber buyers?
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Upper Hutt Sales Trends
Hi folks,
Hopefully this will be my last column specifically regarding 2008 as frankly for those of us in the industry it’s a year we would like to forget. However as I have been keeping you informed about how the market has performed it would be remiss of me not to finish off with the final sales statistics for December.
What Next for the Embattled Property Market?
Hi folks,
Well here we are at beginning of 2009, and after the rampant misery of 2008 I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping this will be a far better year. I actually thought 2008 wasn’t too bad looking back, sure there were challenges but I’m reminded of Chicken Little as I write this, in as much as whenever I opened a newspaper or watched the news I assumed the sky was falling in. Nothing but doom, gloom and misery but ultimately the minutia of life went on, the bills still needed paying, the washing had to be brought in, kids picking up from school etc.
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