When it comes to selling one of your most valuable assets, your home, it makes sense to take time in choosing a real estate consultant that is qualified and knowledgeable and has the right tools and strategies at their disposal.
When speaking with sales consultants, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to make sure you trust your consultant and to make sure you’re confident they have the experience to sell your home quickly and for the best price. You need someone who understands what it takes to sell a property like yours and a proven track record to show for it. It may be a good idea to 'take them for a test drive' by going to open homes and see how they interact with potential buyers. Here are some questions to help you determine the agents experience, knowledge and how they structure their business: - What do you know about my neighbourhood? How are sales in this area and who is buying? - Do you work independently or with other agents? - What kind of advertising or marketing do you use – and which ones will work for my property? What marketing costs will I have to pay? - What are your commission rates? - Do you have testimonials or references from people whose properties you have sold in the last three months? - What do you recommend I do to prepare my home for sale? - Why should I hire you? Once you've found the agent or company you think you'd like to work with, it's a good idea to check them out on the Real Estate Authority's (REA) online public register. This register enables you to check that the agent holds a current licence and shows if they've had any complaints upheld against them in the last three years. Choosing a sales consultant to sell your property is an important task. Treat it like you would a job interview. This person needs to be professional, trustworthy, reliable, and approachable, and you need to be confident they have the ability, knowledge and tools to achieve the result you’re looking for. The final sales figures for the month of June have just been released by REINZ, and as expected the figures underpin what has been a growing confidence in the NZ public since the release from lockdown. While June has been the first full trading month for the Real Estate industry since lockdown, I think it is fair to say the results have surprised everyone.
The Real Estate Institute figures show remarkably similar trading conditions right across the country, so much so that June 2020 had more property sales occur nationally than any June for the last 4 years. In fact, nationally sales were up 7.1% in comparison to June last year. This result will be a comfort to buyers and sellers everywhere because with real estate so ingrained into our wellbeing and physic, it is important that the market is still performing in these stressful and uncertain times. Quite simply it provides us with confidence, and a sense of security when it is working well. Here in Christchurch we also followed the national trend, the stats tell us there were 588 house sales for the month, up 12% on last June. The median house price has also rose to $480,000 which is an increase of 9% on the same time last year. The days on market has dropped back to 44 days and I expect this to reduce to the more typical 35 days as the sale of stock listed pre and during lockdown gets sold. The market has been steady across price ranges and there has been increasing interest from first home buyers, investors and families, with the favourable lending conditions available. Interestingly the banks while offering low interest rates, are putting in stringent conditions for potential buyers before providing finance. So, while all this news is positive what does it mean? Lockdown created an artificial stop to the real estate market nationally, but we are now seeing life return to its routine with property sales also showing a degree of normality, with a bit of catchup. Currently the biggest issue facing our market is stock levels. Winter is traditionally a slower listing time so having extra pent up buyer activity occurring at this time is adding to the pressure in the market, especially on prices. Going forward all we can really do is make predictions. What we do know is that the subsidies finish in September and a lot of mortgages will come off payment holidays for people who chose this option. So, these two factors will most likely influence the market, or at least segments of the market. On the positive side, all the talk pre COVID-19 was that New Zealand was short some 120,000 homes. This is a situation that has not changed or disappeared. Experts are predicting that up to 250,000 kiwis will come home over the next 12 months as a result of COVID-19 and that represents another 100,000 homes being needed at average occupation levels. When you look at all these factors, I think that the sheer number of people looking for housing over the next year or so is likely to be huge. Assuming this is correct, then we are likely to see real pressure on housing and property values going forward. What we do know for sure is that June was a strong sales month here in Christchurch and nationally and based on what we are seeing currently, July should be similar. Bathrooms are one of the rooms in your home that can add value for buyers. The team at Resene have some great ideas for bring out the best in your bathroom. While it’s often one of the smallest rooms in your home, that doesn’t mean bathrooms need to be bland and boring. Use the right colours together, add the right materials and that poky little bathroom space can easily become an oasis of calm. Look to nature Nature has always had a strong influence on choices and never more so than now. Natural, botanical schemes are trending throughout the home right now, including bathrooms. “Think crisp whites, creams, forest greens and natural, organic materials,” says Resene colour consultant Rebecca Long. “Earthy greens such as Resene Paddock and Resene Rivergum would look very sophisticated in an earthy bathroom. For a daring look, try a navy such as Resene Coast.” Open up the space with glass Back-painted glass splashbacks have become an extremely popular kitchen feature in recent years, and now they’re starting to make an appearance in bathrooms as well, particularly in soft blues and greens. Try restful pastels such as Resene Half Escape or Resene Breathless teamed with crisp white trims for an instantly soothing palette. This pairs well with the chalky pale mineral blue and green tiles that are a popular pick for their soothing properties. Embrace technology Traditionally technology isn’t something that has been associated with bathrooms, but built-in televisions and speakers are the perfect accompaniment for long luxurious soaks in the bath. New, mirrored flat TV technology can be installed anywhere – on the wall, on the ceiling, behind artwork, or embedded in a bathroom mirror. You need a waterproof version, of course, where the electronic compartments are completely sealed off from any moisture. Keep it simple
The move towards minimalism and simplicity is becoming more popular and brings with it sophisticated concrete finishes. Walk-in showers are popular. Banish the clutter by allowing for plenty of storage. Clean vanity tops and surfaces will make your bathroom seem more spacious. Add colour “Paint is such an affordable way to update your space,” says Rebecca Lord, Resene Colour Expert. You only need a few litres to completely transform the space. Watery blues and greens are always popular choices for a bathroom as they feel clean and fresh and help to make a small space feel larger. Recent trends have seen more soft greys and blue greys, such as Resene Silver Chalice and Resene Duck Egg Blue, coming into the bathroom space also teamed with off white. If you’re stuck with existing tiles that limit your options for decorating but you can’t afford to replace them, consider painting over them. Many tiles have a glossy surface so use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer first to give the topcoats something to grip on to. “While a well-ventilated bathroom has a lower risk of damage, it's still important to use the correct paint,” says Rebecca. “I recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom, which is a waterborne enamel for a hard wearing and washable finish. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom also has a mould inhibitor, which reduces the risk of mould growth. www.resene.co.nz This information was originally publishing on Harcourts.co.nz/Blog Property investment in New Zealand has seen some phenomenal growth over the last few years and it’s easy to see why. Regular rental income, outstanding capital gains and a sizeable nest egg for retirement are just some of the benefits property investors in New Zealand can enjoy. Before you jump in though, here are some things to consider. 1. What is my investment strategy?
Essentially, there are two property investment strategies to consider: • Buying a property to rent it out – investors make money through rental property returns and growth in capital value over time. • Buying a property and then selling it on for a profit - “flipping” a property aims to make you a profit by buying at one price and selling it for a higher price. When defining your investment strategy, think about which type of strategy best fits your goals and objectives. Are you looking for a quick return? Are you waiting for capital growth? Or maximising rental returns? 2. Who are my partners? Choosing the right partners is critical to your investment success. Your investment team should include your lender and mortgage adviser, real estate agent, property manager, accountant, lawyer and any tradespeople you can call on when things need to be fixed. These are the people who will act in your best interests and should be experienced and reliable. This is especially important if you own investment properties outside of the area you reside in. 3. What type of property should I buy? When considering the types of property you could invest in, it’s worthwhile determining your ideal tenant – the type of people you’d like to live in your property. If you’re looking at single professionals, you may want to consider buying a city apartment. For young families, you’d be looking at a stand-alone home in a good school zone. Along with location, look at infrastructure – roads and public transport in and out of the area; the condition of the property – would a renovation improve its live-ability and encourage tenants to stay longer reducing your vacancy rates? Making good choices in the type of property you’re buying will set you up for a sound investment. 4. How do I get started? Your first step is talking to a Mortgage Express adviser about either accessing finance or using the equity in your existing property to fund the purchase of an investment property. It’s important your loan is structured to get the most out of your investment and our team can help you do just that. You may also want to consider investing in a property manager who can oversee the day to day dealings with tenants and rental property issues. You can find out what to expect when you work with a Harcourts Property Manager in this article and book a free rental property appraisal here. Post originally featured on the Mortgage Express Blog Harcourts are thrilled to be the Presenting Partner for the Pop up Penguins in Christchurch. A trail of individually decorated sculptures, designed by artists and children, and sponsored by businesses, to give residents and visitors the opportunity to discover and delight in all that makes Ōtautahi unique. At the conclusion of the trail, some of the penguins will be sold at an auction, run by Harcourts, to raise money for Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. However, there is one little penguin that hasn’t yet been adopted and Harcourts would like to help. Before this plucky little penguin takes their place on the trail, we need to come up with a great new outfit to be painted on. Could you design an outfit for this penguin? This is a very special opportunity for a child (aged 18 and below) living in Canterbury, to create a winning design for a little penguin sculpture to be included on the Pop Up Penguins trail around Canterbury, then keep it forever! Click the below link to download the competition form and penguin template: https://canterbury.harcourts.co.nz/assets/Uploads/Pop-Up-Penguins-Harcourts-Design-Competition-FINAL-020620.pdf The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has just released the latest sales data for the month of May. As everyone would expect, the results reflect the very unusual situation the world and New Zealand have found themselves in following the COVID-19 outbreak. With our economy just stepping out of lockdown (into level 3 and level 2), and with restrictions on how all businesses operate, it is no wonder market activity is lower than we would normally expect. In a lot of respects, it is amazing there were as many sales taking place at all. But Christchurch is a resilient city and we are not usually prone to wild fluctuations when we are in normal circumstances. However, as we all know we are no longer in normal circumstances so my expectations are that we will see some fluctuations occurring over coming months as the full effects of the COVID-19 crisis start to hit home. The REINZ May statistics tell us that within our fair city, there were 365 sales, with a median sale price of $477,500, and days on the market is now 56 on average. So, what does this all mean? First off “Days on market”. Typically, the usual “days on market” time hovers around 30 odd days +/- a day or so. This measurement starts the day a property is listed for sale and runs till the day the property is considered legally sold (the unconditional date). As you would expect, any property on the market at the start of lockdown or coming on the market during lockdown, had no chance of selling until Real Estate agents were able to go back to work. Hence the reason we see more days on the market currently. Firstly, don’t worry about the sensational headlines like “Property taking longer to sell”, base your decision to sell on what your Real Estate agent and their agency are saying. Ask them where you can see the most recent statistics for how the market is performing. Secondly “Number of sales”. Christchurch in normal times on average for the month of May would sell sells around 600 properties. This May we recorded 365 sales; and I have to say that this number feels impressive after what everyone has been through. There is no doubt that there was a lot of pent up activity as a result of the lockdown. This was apparent immediately as the public were allowed to get out and about, to view homes and open homes in the initial available weekends. Regarding sales figures for this period, it is simply too early to identify where we stand. Thirdly “Median sale price”. The latest figures indicate that the median has jumped to $477,500. This would predict that prices are holding at the moment, and I suspect the pent-up activity generated by lockdown and a shortage of stock has created pressure on property values. So where to from here? It is probably fair to say we are still seeing the flow on effects from buyers who were artificially shut down over the lockdown period. When I look at Harcourts figures for the first weeks of June there is still very good activity happening. Winter would usually be seen as a quieter time where property sales are concerned, so with everything else that has happened, some further slowdown should be expected. However, I would have to say that currently we are still seeing a lot of activity in the marketplace and open homes are busy. Will it continue or will it drop away? No one really knows, yet there is still quite a bit to play out in our economy that will have an effect. However, we can be optimistic and say that there are a lot of positive signs out there. The historically low interest rates and the Government stimulus packages should keep the economy moving. The saving grace are our primary industries, once again bringing hope to our economy. There has been huge amount of interest from people overseas in New Zealand property and online activity from overseas is through the roof. This leaves us in no doubt that expats are looking to return home.. After all, if you were locked down with your family in some other part of the world, I suspect New Zealand would be looking quite attractive at the moment. Whatever the next months bring to our country and our city, one thing you know for sure, is that Harcourts has been with you for over 100 years and through several times of crisis. We are with you again through the current one. That is why we are very proud to be associated with and the main sponsoring partner in the POP-UP PENGUINS promotion coming to our city soon. Keep an eye out for the colourful penguins towards the later part of the year when our local schools and artists have finished painting and designing these impressive statues for your viewing pleasure. Source: Jim Davis - Christchurch & South Island Regional Manager When moving with pets, keeping the four-legged family members happy is an important part of a successful shift. And with attention to a few small details your pets can be safely and happily transported to your new home. Moving with pets starts with open homes Good pet care around moving house doesn’t just start once you’ve signed on the dotted line. It’s a good idea to consider your cats and dogs as soon as you list your home for selling. Keeping your property open-home ready obviously involves your pets as you need to ensure is free of animal related mess. If you have a dog try and make time to give them extra walks and park visits so they’re less inclined to be destructive around the house, upsetting your best laid open home plans. Always make sure your dog is away from the property during open homes as even small, friendly dogs can make some visitors anxious. And having loads of strangers traipse through their territory can be very stressful for dogs and cats. When it comes to cats, they’ll most likely have a secret spot they will sidle off to during the rush of open homes, but if you have a particularly scared cat you could consider placing them in a cattery for a day. More realistic is to just ensure they have a safe place to hide out and they have plenty of food and water in a discreet place outside. And make sure you call them and try for lots of reassuring cuddles when the open home is after. Moving day
Try and keep pets away from the hustle and bustle of packing as they do pick up on any unsettled vibes and may decide to hide out where you can’t find them till the fuss is over. If possible consider moving cats and dogs into a boarding facility for a day or two while you get the last packing and loading done, then collect them on the way to the new property. Talk to your vet about how best to calmly transport your pets between your old home and new. Depending on the distance you’re travelling and the age or disposition of your pet they may recommend some sedation to ease the stress. Once you arrive at your new home it might be tempting to set your pet free from its cage to explore, but in fact new spaces can be overwhelming for animals. Set aside a room for your pet that they can stay in as they acclimatise to their new environment. Just keep in mind that if your pets don’t get along now is not necessarily the time to lock them in a room together! Make sure they have somewhere secure to sleep, like a familiar blanket or cushion in a box or on a familiar chair as well as plenty of food and water – and, for cats, a litter box. Make sure you visit them often for reassuring cuddles and to make sure they’re eating, drinking and using the litter box, but if they’re reluctant to come out from under that bed don’t force them. They’ll gradually come around once they get used to their new surroundings. Take dogs outside for toilet breaks accompanied by you, on a leash if necessary as they get used to the new property. Although it might seem a logical thing to do, when moving with pets it is not the time to do a big wash of your pets’ blankets or bedding. The familiar smell of a favourite blanket will be a big sign to them that your new house is their home now. Use your pet’s behaviour as a guide to when they’re ready to explore more further afield. If they still run and hide whenever someone comes into their room, they’re not ready. But if they’re friendly and relaxed then you can start to expand their access to the rest of the house. With cats you can gradually move their litter box further afield until it’s outside. If it’s possible locate your pet’s feeding and sleeping spots in areas similar to your previous home. As they venture outside for the first time let them explore at their own place with you nearby. In the end you will be the most familiar thing that lets your pet know this is now home so spend some time with them! Post originally featured on the Harcourts New Zealand Blog: Keep your pets happy on the move. It is amazing how quickly things can change in our lives. For a period there, it was like being in the Twilight Zone. Everything centred around the 1pm daily update, and that brief bit of outdoor daily exercise where distance made us like pariahs to each other.
It’s incredible to think how fast it was to turn the lights off. Now we have to see what it’s like turning them back on. Where does the real estate market sit amongst that? While the market continued on throughout lockdown, it wasn’t the same. And so, in REINZ’s Christchurch housing numbers for April we do see some changes. A shortage of properties dominated the report, and a total 126 sales was a far cry from the previous month—but that’s to be expected in lockdown. The median house price fell slightly to $455,000 and average days on market lifted to 34, both due to physical movement restrictions. But that was then. This is now. We’re coming out of a time when everyone has been hugely home focused. Some of us turned towards completing long-overdue DIY projects, and for others, seven weeks self-isolating at home with the family has provided the motivation and realisation to purchase a larger property without delay. Monetary stimulus from the banks providing historically-low interest rates ; (below 3%, and possibly lower by the time you read this), has created a perfect environment in which buyers can break the renting cycle, and secure a lifelong dream of owning a property in New Zealand.Buyers are already making their presences felt off the back of this. Sellers can be confident that they will see high demand for their properties, and this is clear from the large volume of attendees at our Open Homes across the city. Unlike other parts of the country which are more reliant on tourism and international students, we are in a good place for ongoing price resilience. So while we’re still close to that Twilight Zone, the real estate market adapts, both in the short-term, and in the bigger picture. There are now opportunities to buy and sell that simply did not exist three months ago. Now’s the perfect time to seize them. The standard response when you’re thinking about selling your home but are not sure when, is “sell in spring”. And there’s plenty of truth in that as warmer, drier weather and post-winter itchy feet drive potential buyers out to open homes. But life doesn’t stop for winter. People still need to move, whether it be for new jobs, for family reasons or just those itchy feet, no matter what the season, and there are some distinct positives to selling your property in winter. For a start, there’s a lot of people who stick to the “list in spring” rule, which means you have less competition from other sellers in the market at the same time. And while there does tend to be slightly fewer buyers in the market, those that are making the effort to get out and about house shopping at open homes on cold, wet days tend to be more focused and motivated to buy. As always, presentation and pricing are the key to a quick sale, but what are the specific keys to presenting your property in the best light during the cooler months?
After the government's announcement, we are thrilled to announce that all of our eight offices will be open from Thursday 14th May. Belfast, Hamner Springs, Hornby, Kaiapoi, Lincoln, Rangiora Rolleston and The Palms We are able to resume: 🔎 Open homes & private viewings 💁♂️ Sale & purchase negotiated and executed in person 🤙 Auctions 🎥 Inspections and services by professionals (e.g. Building reports, photography, valuations) 🔎 Pre-settlement inspections 📦 Moving house, including between regions 💁♂️ Property management functions carried out in person. 🏠 Property Appraisals 🖊 Signing Agreements We would like to ensure you that we are taking all the appropriate strict measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Including; physical distancing, health and safety requirements and contact tracing. We’re ready when you need us. |
James Twiss
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Greg Roberts
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Archives
September 2020
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