Harcourts CEO Reports Buyers "Keen But Astute"

NEWS RELEASE

Harcourts CEO Reports Buyers “Keen But Astute”

For Release: 28 November 2006

Activity in today’s property marketplace continues to send a consistent message to those selling; buyers are “keen but astute”, according to Harcourts New Zealand CEO, Bryan Thomson.

Commenting in the final issue of Harcourts MarketWatch newsletter for 2006 overviewing Harcourts’ October activity, Mr Thomson noted in more frantic times, buyers “almost fall over themselves to secure a property”, however in today’s more balanced marketplace with more choice available, sellers must ensure they and their property are correctly prepared for sale. “This includes property presentation, accurately targeted and prepared marketing plans, and realistic price expectation based on marketplace facts.”

Mr Thomson noted that October 2006 saw some marketplaces “still holding their breath waiting for Spring weather to lure the usual flush of home sellers to the marketplace while continued solid demand for most property types and locations saw confident competition for new listings”. This confidence was reinforced by the Reserve Bank’s decision to leave interest rates untouched.

However Mr Thomson cautioned that for those looking to sell or purchase what for most was their largest asset, “get the best advice available not just the cheapest”. While confidence remained high, buyers in particular were more astute in their property search.

“Over recent times we’ve seen many new options being presented to home sellers as the ‘new best thing’ to sell your property with almost all focused on being cheaper than traditional real estate agencies. My advice is clear. When selecting your real estate representative, ask how they will maximize your sales result, and what tools they have available to assist you achieve your aims.”

He concluded, “When it comes to property, the only place ‘cheapest’ and ‘best’ come within regular 'cooee' is in a dictionary.”

ENDS

NOTE: This is the last issue of Harcourts MarketWatch for 2006, however it will return in early 2007.

See... Harcourts MarketWatch November 2006 Issue

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