Cooling Temps ...

What are the three things that we’re told not to talk about?  Religion, politics and sex!  Religion and sex, well we’ll leave those well alone, but politics, nothing has changed much over the years.  Obviously, we never learn as we keep going back for more, and with the state election just around the corner, it’s the topic on everyone’s lips.  It puts a smile on my face to think that something we’re told never to discuss can also be the hottest topic around?  All I can say is good luck and may the best person win!

If we were to describe the property market in the same terms as we would a weather report, we’d say we’re experiencing ‘cooling temperatures with slow winds keeping the lows around, but there could be a change coming along’. 

It’s not all doom and gloom as the prediction for 2015 is a positive one.  We are experiencing the normal lull we predicted for January but the expected momentum is picking up for the remainder of the year.  There are times that we seem to be overlooked by the market trends, but don’t despair as Brisbane’s best kept secret will prosper.  We have everything!

Bring It On ...

Some look at real estate agents and say they don’t know what they’re talking about and they only want one thing!  We’ve heard it a million times and to be honest, there are some agents out there that do follow this mentality.  However, to change this mindset, there had to be changes made to the industry and the first of these came into effect in December 2014 when the Property and Motor Dealers Act (PAMDA) was abolished and the new Property Occupations Act introduced.   This was a good start as it enabled car dealers to have their own legislation regulations.  The REIQ and other interested industry bodies are continuing to work hard to improve the real estate industry but there is still a long way to go to alter consumer’s perception of us.

To the average person these legislative changes will be irrelevant until they need to buy, sell or have a property managed and require a property specialist.  However, to us, they signify the start to the positive future of our industry.  The next welcome change will be the regulation of ongoing accreditation and training to ensure that agents are kept up to date on all aspects of property dealings, and so the consumer can feel confident in the knowledge that they have an informed specialist working for them.  Haven’t they got a task on their hands!

All this can only mean is a refreshing start to 2015 and the future.

A Time to Refect

The utter devastation of the hostage situation in Sydney last week was a moment when the entire country felt helpless and yet we were glued to the television to see how the entire scenario was to be played out.  Everyone had an opinion on what should happen, but ultimately it really didn't matter what we thought or said. However, you certainly have to give credit to the police; not only did they evacuate one of the world’s top cities within minutes of the event, but their ability to manage the siege was an unbelievable and amazing feat.  Everyone had a job to do and even though two people heroically lost their lives in this unimaginable event, it showed that people are resilient and strong.  This type of individual will not divide us, but will strengthen us to become more determined to stick together.

As we sympathise with the devastation these families are experiencing, we also remember others who have also lost loves ones throughout the year.  It’s a time to reflect, give thanks and hug our family and friends a little tighter.  

We look forward to 2015 with great optimism as our local market shows some signs of improvement, not in the number of listings, but properties sold, and to be honest we all want homes sold.

Now that our phones are back up and running after the hail storm, our office is available to take your call  over the festive season.

From everyone at 2^nd Avenue Realty, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Duck for Cover

During last week’s hail storms water trickled into our office PABX box and boom, GONE!  Unfortunately, we have been without phone lines since as we patiently wait for our box to be replaced and phone lines restored.  We apologise if you have been trying to call our office and the phones have been ringing out, please call 0411 838 979 in the interim, as we don’t want to miss your call. 

Due to the overwhelming generosity of our community we have delivered our first supply of donated Christmas presents to the Salvation Army.  Thank you!

The Christmas Wishing Tree will conclude on 19 December 2014, so there’s still time to donate a gift if you would like to do so.  Just drop your present into our office and place it under the tree!

As we have nearly SOLD all our homes, we are now in need of more to sell!  The buyers are patiently waiting in the wings for the right home to come along.  So, if you have been thinking, ‘Is Christmas a good time to sell?’ don’t hesitate, as when there’s plenty of buyers and not enough homes around, anytime is good!  Why not try now!

Don’t forget that the majority of solicitors/conveyancing companies take a holiday break over Christmas and don’t return until the New Year.  It is important that you contact your legal team to ensure that they are working during the festive season.

There was romance in the air today in our office when Greg Williamson brought in a big bunch of flowers for his lovely wife (and our lovely receptionist) Sue.

Sue was delighted to receive the flowers, and gave Greg a big kiss when he passed them over our reception counter.

Sue and Greg have known each other for 40 years this year
They celebrate 31st wedding anniversary today and also their 31st year in their home at Shorncliffe!!

Congratulations to you both!!

With the Christmas period looming, it’s no wonder that people are saying, “what happened to the year!”  It feels like we've only just packed away last year’s Christmas decorations and here we are once again! 

This year our office has erected an  amazing Christmas Wishing Tree to support the Salvation Army and the wonderful work they do.  If you would like to donate a small gift, you are more than welcome to contribute.  The Salvation Army have informed us that the ages 10-15 years are often overlooked.  Please mark your gift with the age appropriate group, and whether it’s for a male or   female.  The joy of giving sure is greater than receiving. 

Over the last 10 months there has been mixed results for our local market with the number of homes sold down from previous years. The graph below shows houses and units sold from January to October 2014 (Sourced from RP Data) within the 4017 postcode.  Total sales are based on contract date, not settlement date. 

This year so far, property sales figures are showing—Sandgate 92, Shorncliffe 14, Brighton 200, Deagon 80 and Bracken Ridge 265.  For the total number of homes/units in the 4017 this equates to 0.043%. 

From 1 December 2014, the real estate industry in Queensland will be deregulated and four new Acts will take effect.  The previous Property and Motor Dealers Act will be repelled and a new Act will commence.  Changes will benefit consumers and agents alike.  If you are interested in perusing the changes, you can view the new Acts online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

There are times when a home is in the perfect location, but it’s standard does not reflect the price.  If major renovations are required, then the price should reflect his.  A little tender loving care, a general cleanup, garden maintenance, house washing, minor repairs, washing walls and replacing light globes etc, all add to the presentation.  If you are thinking of selling, don’t overlook these items - you may just need a mini makeover at a mini price. Watch Selling Houses Australia; they suggest that it all comes down to presentation as first impressions count.  This is what buyers are looking for!

If we can assist you with advice on the presentation of your home, please call one of our team on 3269-1555.  The impact that a few minor changes can make will surprise you. 

A TIME TO ENJOY

On 14 November 2014 a Christmas Wishing Tree will be erected in our office and all gifts donated will be given to the Salvation Army for distribution.  We are encouraging the local community to become involved, and anyone wishing to donate can bring their gifts into our office to place under the tree.  Please tag your gift with the age group and whether it’s suitable for a male or female (the Salvation Army have informed us that the age group 10-15 years is often overlooked).  The gifts will be handed over to the Salvation Army on Friday, 19 December in readiness for Christmas.  All gifts and donations are very welcome. 

Shop Local is a great initiative for any community, and we are very lucky to have such a wonderful supply of small businesses on hand, each one offering great alternatives and an array of services.  From our shop front businesses with their bricks and mortar, to our home based businesses - the ones you don’t see – each and every one survives because of the locals, so get out there and support them!

We've had a trickle of homes coming onto the market but we are still well below normal supply.  Having completed a good number of Comparative Market Analysis reports for home owners recently, one thing is apparent and that’s the simple things that are often overlooked – general maintenance!  Washing walls, light globes working, garden beds cleaned, de-cluttering etc. Getting all these small jobs done still doesn't guarantee a quick sale, just a better presented home and first impressions do count!