Methven A message from Methven Professionals
If you’re like most people, you probably think that winter is not a good time to be selling real estate. It’s cold, it’s wet and everything seems dark and drab. But this doesn’t seem to bother buyers.
The evidence shows that during the colder months buyers often become very committed to finding a property.
At Methven Professionals we monitor all incoming enquiries from every source and year after year, contrary to popular opinion, the figures prove that the winter months are an excellent time for selling.
When the weather gets cold, sales heat up!
Our records clearly show that buyers have less properties to choose from in winter because many home owners hold off selling until the warmer months. So, if you choose to sell in winter you are selling into a market where there will be good demand for your property.
With an increase in demand, selling prices are often pushed well above owners’ expectations.
Statistics show some of the best sale prices are achieved during the winter months.
There’s more good news too. Currently finance for buyers is still easy to obtain and interest rates are at near record lows. The quality of buyer enquiry is still excellent with 614 buyer enquiries across our four office network during June. This means we have buyers waiting to inspect properties now.
This all adds up to great news and a great result if you’re thinking about selling.
If you’ve been wondering how much your property might be worth in this hot winter market, we’d be happy to tell you. Just call your local office today.
Professionals Company of the Year 2012
We did it again! For the fifth consecutive year we are proud to receive this coveted award ahead of 166 offices on the eastern seaboard. To us this award is the culmination of over 48 years of community involvement, local knowledge and striving to offer the highest level of integrity, professional service and expertise to our clients.
2012 – The Year of Doom and Gloom?
Unless you’ve been out of the country lately, you couldn’t have avoided all the bad news about the property market. “House prices are falling.” “Home-owners are losing thousands.” “Borrowers are battling to pay their housing loans.” According to many of the news reports, it seems like it has never been tougher. But, is it true?
Top Honours for Jim Dunkley
Real Estate Business recently revealed the nation’s Top 100 Agents. Jim Dunkley, Sales Manager at Methven Mooroolbark ranked 14th on the nations list. This is an outstanding achievement and is a testament to Jim’s hard work and integrity; qualities that have helped Jim achieve this amazing result. Methven Professionals congratulate Jim on this superb result and are sure Jim will continue to be the agent of choice in the local area.
New Appointments
Congratulations to Tracey Russell, Jim Dunkley and Russell Bartlett who were all genuinely humbled earlier this year at being appointed Associate Directors of the company. In announcing the appointments, Director Geoff Earney said it was a reflection of the confidence and standing they all have within the company and with our clients. Tracey, Jim and Russell are long standing, loyal and productive members of the team and their appointment is well deserved!
Principals & Managers Workshop
Some of our team travelled to Coolum to attend a workshop where Professionals offices from around Australia came together with like minded individuals. The focus this year was on new technology, leadership, marketing and much more. It was a fabulous opportunity to learn and share ideas.
June 2012
Market Snapshot
With Federal and State Government budgets and a reduction of .50 percent in the official cash rate by the Reserve Bank, there has been plenty for the financially literate to consider of late. We are sure even those with the narrow ‘hip pocket’ perspective have been paying some attention. Without looking at the broader issues let’s look at what it may mean for real estate.
It is the State Government more than the Federal Government that concerns itself directly with real estate policy, not surprising, given that stamp duty is a major source of income for the State ($1,691 million for the half year). The Federal Government however sets the economic mood of the country and the relief to families together with a lowering of interest rates may improve confidence.
The REIV welcomed the priority placed on ensuring economic growth in the Victorian budget. A healthy property market is dependent on a healthy economy. There have been changes to the way first home buyers will be assisted. The grant of $7000 on first homes up to $750,000 remains with no scheduled end date.
For first home buyers there is also a 20 percent reduction in Stamp Duty on homes up to $600,000 with an increase to 30 percent on 1 January 2013, 40 percent 1 January 2014 and then 50 percent 1 September 2014. From 1 July 2012 the First Home Buyer Bonus on new homes ($13,000) will no longer be available.
Since the recent interest rate cut there has been an increase in auction clearance rates across Melbourne. Clearance rates are now back over 60 percent having fallen as low as 54 percent a month or so ago. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Melbourne prices have fallen 8.2 percent since their peak in June 2010. Perhaps this together with interest rate reduction and a bit more confidence is bringing buyers back into the market.
For up to the minute advice please call your local office and speak with one of our consultants.
