Times Are Changing

The roller coaster ride of real estate continues to amaze buyers, sellers and agents alike!  With Easter fast approaching, it’s hard to believe that April is just around the corner.  We’re now moving into the peak selling period, however, a low percentage of homes on the market shows a lack of confidence is still out there.

There is good news though as other states start improving, historically the ripple effect usually ambles up to Queensland.  With these indications, we sit and wait as patience is the key word for all!  If you’re considering up or down sizing in this market then it really doesn’t matter when you sell!

We have over 13,500 homes in the 4017 postcode and there’s currently 252 properties listed for sale/auction (sourced realestate.com.au). The percentage ratio per 100 is widening and buyers, sellers and agents alike are eagerly waiting for the market to shift. 

Current indications show that listings are selling quicker than previously, and multi offers are coming through, so we do have a many happy clients. 

Realistic list prices put SOLD signs on homes; the last thing that anybody wants is a home that sits on the market for a lengthy time. 

Our industry is evolving with major changes that will affect consumers.  Deregulation is on the horizon, the   current Property and Motor Dealers Act (PAMDA) is being split into four bills, the Queensland Government Property Law Review Paper - Sellers Disclosure is under review, amendments to the   Privacy Act were introduced on 12 March 2014 and the Credit Act and the Queensland Water Act were amended, and there’s still more to come!

The future of real estate is exciting with so many changes, new technology and social media, but there is one thing that will never change and that is people. Every one of us has a story to tell and we are very lucky and privileged to be a part of yours.

If you would like some guidance on preparing your home for sale, please don’t hesitate to call either Gai, Dianne or John on 3269 1555.  We’re here to help!

Our February 2014 Quarterly Newsletter is now available.  Check is out now. 

As Time Goes By ...

The last 20 years has seen the introduction of an array of technological advancements and the sky is the limit as to what’s still to come.  What’s in stall for the next 20 years?  Well your guess is as good as ours!

We can never stay ahead of technology but we can go with the flow.  The babies of today are using iPads to interact and I can hear the gasps or sighs!  The TV was introduced in the 40’s but came into vogue in the 50’s.  I recall getting our first TV and watching it in black and white with all our neighbours and remember the excitement!  Then came the 60’s, which some would like to forget, which saw the modern car, first demonstration of the computer mouse and ATM’s all in one decade, and the list goes on …  Advancement is great for us, but with the introduction of all these gismos, one things still stays the same, people!

There are also changes occurring in real estate, which some may not like, but as in all areas of life, there has to be advancement in all industries to stay up-to-date with technology.  Here at 2^nd Avenue Realty we are riding the wave of advancement and we are staying abreast of what’s happening in the market, but our clients are still the most important and valued part of our business.  If you can help you in any way please don’t hesitate to call us.

Price & Presentation Mean Everything!

Every seller has a price in their mind of what they think their home is worth, and when they receive an agent’s view, some are reluctant to say anything.  If the price is not up to expectation, then it’s often assumed the agent doesn’t know what they’re talking about!

We come across this scenario more than you realise.  When we research a property, we take into consideration the attributes of the home, style, potential, location, land size, surrounding properties, transport, schools, local knowledge, previous sales, properties on the market, flood areas, building requirements, zoning, etc, etc, etc, the list goes on!

As much as it may hurt, if you are thinking of selling, you do need to look at all the facts and remove your personal involvement.  You will be passing the property onto someone else who will love it just as much as you have!  Keep in mind that your home will be open to public scrutiny, good and bad.  If you present the property in the best light possible, then that will make it easier for the buyers to give quality feedback!  Feedback doesn’t sell, but if your property is priced correctly and looks good, then you should have a win/win situation. 

Our team at 2^nd Avenue Realty have many years experience in buying and selling real estate, and as your local Helper Agents® and property specialists we (Gai, Dianne and John) are available to help you with the process.  If you need advice, please don’t hesitate to call.

Our November 2012 Quarterly Newsletter is now available.  Happy reading everyone!

Prime Cuts

The picture of last year's housing market, and what it might look like this year, is becoming a little clearer.  Two sets of figures are out showing the price falls of last year eased in the final few months of 2011.  Capital city home values fell 0.5% in the December quarter, an improvement on the 13% decline in the previous three months, according to RPData.  Australian Property Monitors figures found zero growth for the December three months.  With interest rates falling, optimism edged back in; that was until companies began cutting jobs straight after Christmas.  The upshot is a year of housing markets moving sideways.

Turi Condon, Property Editor, Weekend Property

The Weekend Australian

Buyers Find Hidden Gems

Shorncliffe has been revealed as one of Greater Brisbane's most successful property growth suburbs, according to RPData.

House prices in Shorncliffe have risen by 26% since 2006, which ranks them fourth for price growth in the Greater Brisbane area.

Bahrs Scrub topped the list at 34% while Mount Crosby came second at 30.1%.

Shorncliffe vendors Paul and Jan O'Brien are selling their home at 14 Eagle Terrace after 12 years living in the area.  After spending $250,000 on the land in the late 1990s, their architecturally designed four bedroom home has now been put on the market for offers over $2million.  Mr O'Brien said he's surprised at how much land is now worth.

"It was very much a country sort of a place," he said.  "When we moved here, the retail strip wasn't there, it wasn't the popular place to go - it was a hidden treasure."

Mr O'Brien said people were now drawn to Shorncliffe for its good schools, cool sea breezes, access to transport and views of the coastline.

Second Avenue Realty principal Gai O'Driscoll said people looking for potential investment suburbs should consider anything near water.  "In this area, the closer you are to the trainline, shops and waterfront, the more you get for your money," she said.  

Article by Ben Johnson Printed in the Northside Chronicle Property

11 January 2011