Manager's Comments 15-2-17

The Real Estate Institute has just released January sales figures, and they make interesting reading. In all of Taranaki median prices went up 11% January’16 to January’17. Well, they must have taken a huge jump outside of New Plymouth city, because New Plymouth’s median in the period went down from $400,000 to $391,500. I don’t think that is particularly significant and it indicates very flat prices to me – and to anyone I know working in the field. You can be confident prices have not moved much if at all in the last 12 months. That’s a good steady sign, we all know where we are and we continue to work in very stable and predictable times. Our expectation is more of the same this year.

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 20-12-16

A very merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all. Take care on the road, in the sun and in the water. Enjoy a break. We will be back in action very early in the New Year. Our agents will be available through the period if you need them. Meantime enjoy the season and best wishes from everyone at Harcourts.

 

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 22-11-16

How lucky are we in Taranaki. The 2nd most desirable area in the world to visit – and we escaped any damage from the massive earthquake on the 14th. Harcourts Foundation has donated $50,000 to the earthquake affected rebuild effort, which is pleasing. A small clip on every sale here goes to the Foundation who support relief, charities, schools, welfare and sporting organizations both locally and internationally.  Our real estate market has also dodged the real slowdown and price correction happening in greater Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. We didn’t have the massive surge, so we’re not experiencing the brakes on to the same extent either. The new LVR regulations have had some affect, but not to the same extent as up north. As always, treat offers with respect and due consideration. The noose may tighten here soon too.

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 8-11-16

We have anecdotal information from people we deal with in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga that those centers have turned from rampant sellers markets to much more subdued and balanced markets. The LVR’s imposed by the Reserve Bank have really slowed investors down. This has had an effect on the whole market slowing buyer enquiry and activity in that greater Auckland area. This situation will flow down the island and in time it will soon become evident in New Plymouth. All things being equal, it could take 2-6 weeks – but it will happen. Be prepared to move ahead of that eventuality. Treat offers seriously meantime, you don’t want to regret dismissing a good offer and selling for less in months, not weeks.

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 27-9-16

At last… daylight saving. Well, we have daylight, hopefully we will have sun soon. This is the time of year we are much more able to show property after work, and even run twilight open homes. Some of our agents have already run a couple of twilight open homes recently to great success. It’s an option to discuss with your agent. Head out for a BBQ or a walk along the foreshore and let your agent do what they do best, talk to buyers in your house. 

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 15-9-16

The spring flush is all around. Magnolias, bulbs and houses. Yes houses, they are coming to the market in numbers not seen for some time. This is expected, and is pretty much an annual occurrence. The upshot is that your competition is increasing at a faster rate, more choices for the buyers to access and compare. The real estate market is very pure and driven almost entirely by supply and demand. The demand is the same. The supply is increasing, and so therefore your competition. Take this into account when you get an offer….

John Christiansen

Manager's Comments 30-8-16

September 1st. Spring, and fine weather. Well technically, but I won’t promise fine weather. What we do have is longer days and therefore more opportunity to showcase property after 5pm. That is always a good thing; along with new growth and some spring flowers all of which opens people up a bit, gets the smiles on faces and generally makes life easier.

There is another thing that can make property sellers lives easier, especially in a market like ours with lots of buyers and a shortage of stock.

I would like you to really consider Auction. Ask your agent to book a no obligation discussion with our Auctioneer Phil Quinney as soon as possible, Phil can explain the benefits and the process just to make sure you’re right up to scratch with how it can work to your advantage in this market which is tailor-made for competition. No hard sell, just information. We really believe Auction can achieve the best possible result in most circumstances, especially the present market circumstances.

John Christiansen