Leonie's blog

1. Window = Opportunity – It’s busy at the 'coal face' with more listings and a continued healthy demand from buyers in high season.  There is a level of uncertainty in the market caused by expected interest rate rises and tax law changes that is playing through - for buyers high season coupled with these factors make it a great time to buy!  For sellers it’s vital your property reaches the masses with a smart and well executed campaign that beats the competition.  I know how to deal in this MARKET, and am continuing to get great results for my clients.  If you know someone thinking about selling put them in touch to find out how.  I also give generous referral rewards :-)

2. Mortgage $$ - The Reserve Bank has said it will review the official cash rate mid-year, and interest rates will start to climb…this isn’t far away!  Are you getting the best deal on your lending?  Now is a good time to look…I have a preferred mortgage broker and receive great feedback from clients working with them.  Send me an email…leonie@leoniesnook.com - it could save you money!

3. Looking Ahead - Uncertainty and transitions aside, economists continue to see a positive medium term outlook for property, with healthy housing demand (and a resulting shortage) driven by continued positive net migration, construction levels being low (and slow to catch-up) and an improving economy.  If you’re looking to trade up or snag a good investment property now is a great time.  Give me a call - 027 664 6063 - and we’ll take it from there.

Quick News/Updates Feb 12th 2010

1.    Interest Rate Rises – The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate (2.5%) unchanged for now but signalled interest rate rises over 2010, as the economic recovery continues and less stimulus is needed.  With some economists picking that rate rises may start as early as April, its timely to start thinking about mortgage planning and it may save you a lot of money!  Give me a call or e-mail if you want to tap into some advice.  I work with a preferred mortgage broker and have had great feedback from clients on their service.

2.    Property Market Healthy – The property market recovered strongly over 2009 with values back to just under 4% of November 2007 peak levels*.   Why is this and what does it mean for the future?  Property is a demand and supply picture, and at its most fundamental level is about housing people.  On the demand side net migration was just over 20,000 for the year to Nov 09 (compared to 3,569 for the year to Nov 08) and is expected to remain positive over 2010 while employment is set to improve.  On the supply side, real estate construction is at weak levels (consents issued were 14,199 for year to Nov 09 just up on a previous four decade low of 13,616), and is slow to adjust leaving housing shortages.  Impending tax changes for property investors and interest rate rises are expected to dampen demand and cause a transitional period to wash through.  However, looking out beyond transitional factors, economists are expecting that population growth and less construction will see continued housing shortages and price increases (albeit more moderate).

3.    Selling Now - We are heading into high season - a great time to sell :-) – and the phone is very busy!   Selling property is about the 3 P’s - Presentation, Promotion and Price - and getting the very best results in different stages of the market requires the right approach and process.  I go beyond what most other agents can offer, and work with each of my clients to provide a strategic marketing plan, leading edge technology, and project management to ensure the best possible result.  You would be surprised what a difference it makes!  Who do you think may be the next person you know to buy or sell?  Please put them in touch.   I also give generous referal rewards :-)
* www.reinz.co.nz