After an encouraging 2.8% gain in capital city dwelling values in the first three months of 2013, prices slipped backwards by 0.5% through April.
However, March was a particularly strong quarter and First National Real Estate regards the fall as a blip on the graph of recovery, rather than an indicator that the market’s recovery might be faltering.
Australians who moved house over the last five years moved an estimated 5.7 million old mobiles[1] with them according to First National Real Estate. A new report[2] commissioned by MobileMuster on moving home habits, has found that Australians keep taking their old mobiles, batteries and chargers with them each time they move, rather than recycling them.
First National Real Estate is expanding throughout the region with members now throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. “We have grown to become Australia’s largest independent real estate network by letting our members do what they do best – work within their communities to put customers first,” First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis told the network’s annual Convention.
Football journalist and commentator Craig Hutchison was in business mode this week as he reflected on what makes a business successful. “Win-win is the name of the game. You need to find ways of winning for both yourself and your clients”, Hutchy said, “If you make it win-win then they will trust you and you need to trust the people you work with” he said when he addressed First National Real Estate’s Convention at Hamilton Island this week.
Real estate is often seen to be an industry dominated by individuals but it is only by working together that they shine according to industry expert, Florence Caruette.
First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis, says investors are finally starting to realise the potential of housing affordability schemes, such as the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAs) and Defence Housing Australia (DHA) projects, but warns caution is still required.
Equally pleasing is news that the total price reduction required to sell a property is trending down throughout the capitals. RP Data confirms that 6.4% is the average discount vendors were accepting from their asking price across our capital cities in January. This figure is down from 7.2% in the same period last year.
By 2050, it is estimated 2.8 million Australians in need of care will be living outside of an aged care facility, which means they will be living with relatives or remaining in their own homes, representing a potentially huge challenge for Australia’s economy, especially the property market.
First National Real Estate will continue its support of the Regional Victoria Living Expo, which it believes will be bigger and better than in 2012. “Last year, the first Expo attracted crowds of more than 8,000 people over the weekend, and based on the feedback we have been receiving this year, we think even more people will visit the event,” First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis said.
Federal Legislation currently being considered could cost the Australian economy millions of dollars in lost productivity if implemented in the real estate industry according to First National Real Estate, Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis.
