Campbelltown Triumphs at Real Estate Awards

Our team recently attended the Harcourts New South Wales Quarterly Awards to celebrate individual and office real estate achievements for the October – December 2014 quarter. 

We competed against 66 other real estate offices, 150 sales consultants, and over 60 property management professionals across NSW to gain these highly sought-after awards.

Individual Awards Won:

Customer Service Award - Colleen Rapley

Business Development Manager Award - 1st place, Sarena Rowley

Bronze Sales Achievement Award

Gary Ghassibe

Tod Campbell

Silver Sales Achievement Award

Tom Spiljar

Gold Sales Achievement Award

Garth Makowski

Steve Arentz

Sapphire Pin

Steve Arentz

Emerald Pin

Gary Ghassibe

Top 10 Sales Consultants - Income to Office

7th place, Troy Holmes
10th place, Cathy Furness & Shaun Moss

Office Awards Won:

Property Management Office Excellence Award - 1st place

Property Management Business Development Office Award - 1st place 

NSW Top Office (highest gross revenue) - 1st place

Another great result for our team at Harcourts – The Property People. A well deserved win for our hardworking Receptionist and Administrator, Colleen Rapley. Also Sarena Rowley took top honours in property management business development. 

February Auction Results!

Last week we had our first in-room auction event for 2015, held at the Rydges Hotel in Campbelltown. 

Our first Auction event for 2015 was outstanding! Ten properties were up for Auction, and we had a massive audience of over 200 people.

This auction event gained some outstanding results, selling 6 of the 10 properties submitted to auction – a 60% clearance rate. Here’s the summary:

RUSE, 11 Borthwick Road - SOLD!

CAMPBELLTOWN, 11 Paley Street – Not yet sold

CAMPBELLTOWN, 79 Allman Street - SOLD!

AMBARVALE, 34 Haredale Street - SOLD!

BRADBURY, 10 Wandarra Crescent - SOLD!

GLEN ALPINE, 66 Heritage Way – Not yet sold

GREEN VALLEY, Lot 433 Wood Close – Not yet sold

GREEN VALLEY, Lot 432 Wood Close – Not yet sold

CAMPBELLTOWN, 42/31-35 Chamberlain Street - SOLD!

ST HELENS PARK, 90 Kellerman Drive - SOLD!

There was also strong bidding on the properties passed-in on the night. Negotiations are continuing and we expect these to sell in the coming days.

17th FEBRUARY AUCTION EVENT STATISTICS:

• Of the properties SOLD, our team achieved on average $37,250 above our vendors’ reserve selling prices.
• Of the properties SOLD, our team achieved an average of 31 buyer inspections per property during the intensive 21-day marketing campaign leading up to the auction.
• Of the properties SOLD, there was an average of 7.5 bidders vying for each property. 
• 6 of the 10 properties submitted to auction SOLD – a 60% clearance rate.

What a fantastic night! The room was absolutely packed and the energy was electric. Everyone worked so well together to create the best possible auction night, and it transpired to excellent results. 

Thanks again to our Auctioneer, Paul Casarotto, and the wonderful support from Domain, The Macarthur Advertiser and Harcourts NSW.

OUR NEXT IN-ROOM AUCTION EVENT WILL BE HELD ON 18tH MARCH 2015. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Your Guide to Preparing for Auction

The process of selling your home through auction can be both an exciting and stressful one. There’s a lot to consider before you even get to auction day. That’s why it pays to be as prepared as you can be, have all of your concerns and questions answered, and make a few crucial decisions before the big day.

BEFORE THE AUCTION

Auctioning your property is about so much more than simply showing up on auction day. There’s a lot that goes into it beforehand to ensure you achieve the best result possible for your property. Effectively marketing your property is top of the list!

Your agent should walk you through your marketing plan in detail, from the images that’ll be selected and advertised, the copy that will be included, to where the property will be advertised (online, papers, brochures, in-office).

During the campaign, in lead up to auction day, you should expect to hear from your agent on a regular basis, plus a meeting updating you on buyer activity at least once a week. 

Your agent should also be keeping you informed of the market, so that you are in the best position to make decisions come auction day.

MARKETING

When it comes to marketing your property before auction, the rule seems to be “more is more”! The success of your auction can be largely dependent on your marketing campaign. The latest research from Harcourts Group Australia, showed a direct correlation between the amount spent on marketing versus how much interest was generated for a property, and what price it sold for. That is money spent on a comprehensive marketing program gained more buyers, more competition on auction day, and a higher final sale price.

THE RESERVE PRICE

It’s important for you to understand and be clear on what your reserve price is, and how it’s used during the auction. Your agent or auctioneer should be able to explain this to you in detail. You don’t have to disclose your reserve price to your auctioneer, but if you do, it shouldn’t affect how your auctioneer performs during the auction. They should be working to ensure you get the best price possible for your property.

That being said, try to avoid openly discussing price with others, to reduce the risk of price leaking out into the market. 

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE ON THE DAY?

If possible, it is ideal to have you there on auction day if there are any last minute questions.

Your agent will also want to confer with you depending on how the auction is going. If bidding stops below your reserve price for example, your agent will want to discuss next steps with you.

Buying off-the-plan apartments

Buying off-the-plan is an attractive choice for both owner occupiers and investors, however you need to look into the detail to work out if it is the right option for you.

Buying off-the-plan has the advantage of locking in the NOW price (and settling on the property later), as well as a number of tax advantages. Off-the-plan properties are also ideal for investors or buyers who need time to organise their finances. 

There are also Government incentives for all when purchasing a new property. You should contact their Office of State Revenue or visit their website for more information www.osr.nsw.gov.au.

Conversely, buying off-the-plan is not for people who need to relocate or move residence in a short period of time. Off-the-plan apartments can take around 2 years to build before owners are able to move in, which does not suit a lot of people.

Here are a few more items you should consider before buying an off-the-plan apartment.

Do research
Do your research to find out growth and expected yields in that area. Get an estimate of your quarterly strata fees. If you are looking for investment, find out the potential rent return as well as the vacancy in that area. Also, make sure you find out what things are tax deductible for you and their implications, as well as the government incentives mentioned above.

Do register on project agencies’ databases

Sales people will always first speak to the potential buyers who are the easiest to contact. People on development project databases often get the first opportunity on available apartments.

Do act decisively

Usually the first third of the project is sold, not only to members of the agencies databases, but also to buyers who act quickly. Obviously the apartments with the best aspects and most desirable features are sold first.

Do understand the value of time

Generally, property prices increase annually (and occasionally dip in value). Don’t panic – over time your investment will serve you well.

Do buy in the areas people want to live

The top three priorities people have for choosing somewhere to live are proximity to schools, work and transport. Some other things to consider include access to shopping centres, recreation facilities, parks, cafes and restaurants.

Do have your solicitor look at the contract

It’s important to choose a solicitor who understands and is experienced in off-the-plan contracts.