Archive for the ‘Selling Now’ Category

Social Media – Way of the Future for Real Estate?

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Having just read another article, (funnily enough in a printed magazine) stating that print media is not dead; just slowly dying the writer quoted some amazing stats. 60% of total internet users according to an E-marketing survey are accessing social media at least once a month. This figure is likely to rise further in coming years.

What does this mean for the humble real estate agent??

Like previous studies into the employment market, it is not going to be how many names on a database you have, it will become how many people you are connected on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Proactive agencies will be building their social networks and provide their connections with not only listings but genuine articles of interest.

Blogs will replace newsletters, reduce direct mail (therefore landfill) by replacing them with tweets and be reaching people on a social level without the fear that they have to speak to someone that is going to try to ‘force’ them to buy or sell. Social media is easily accessed, far reaching and more importantly from an agents point of view, free of charge!

Newspapers and other print media make far too much money from vendors and real estate agents on a source that is hard to navigate, hard to measure effectiveness and in essence a dinosaur of marketing. Social media transcends all demographics and is easily shared to friends and family.

To follow Shedden Real Estate on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, click on the links below

Facebook:        Shedden Real Estate Page

LinkedIn:          Tiron’s Linked In Profile

Twitter:            @tironmanning

Open Houses

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Open houses are traditionally used by agents to show their clients (vendors) that they are doing something to sell their property and to promote themselves. At Shedden Real Estate, we keep it as an option for the client, but do not insist that we hold them and explain the risks to the client. For the agent open houses are a source of enquiry as the majority (70%) have no intention of buying the property yet it gives them names and numbers of people that live nearby or  are interested in property. Personally, I don’t like open houses; as I would prefer to spend half an hour with a buyer, one-on-one, that is genuinely interested in the property than 6 or people that have no intention of purchasing. Let’s look at the drawbacks of open houses:-

Vendors

Strangers who have no intention to buy looking at your home

If there is a potential purchaser in the home and a loud mouth neighbour makes a disbarraging comment about it, you can potential lose the buyer

“overexposing” to the market

If there are only a couple of people in the open it is harder to sell on its exclusivity or that it is sort after

Contents insurance does not cover you for open houses

Buyers

You can’t hold the agents attention 100%

You can’t really have a private conversation if there are people floating around

You are limited to a set time for a set amount of time

Advantages

Yes we have sold homes to buyers that may not have seen the property if it weren’t for the open house sign on a nearby street

We may get someone who was passing by that may not have otherwise noticed it

Buyers feel anonymous and less pressured “to buy something they don’t want” at an open house

You can schedule your day around one time a week

If you want genuine buyers that are in a position to purchase your property, not large numbers of people coming through your home, DON’T have an open house. If you would like to know about open houses and selling your home you can reach me through the following channels

Email: info@shedden.com.au

Phone: +61 2 49261566

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheddenrealestate

Twitter: @tironmanning

When is it a good time to sell?

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Ask any agent when is it a good time to sell your property and they will almost always say the present. Why would you consider selling now, in Winter? Surely no one is buying houses in such cold weather?! Surely no one goes to open houses in the cold?

The answers to the questions are yes and no.

Yes people are still buying houses in Winter and no people are still going to open houses in the cold weather too. Think about, in winter there are less properties on the market for sale, therefore reducing the competition for the buyer’s money. This is where you can take advantage of this and make your property stand out.

Does your home have a fireplace? A reverse cycle air conditioner? When selling your home in winter, it is important that the home is warm and inviting. Turn these or light the fire prior to your open house or private inspection. Not only is the allure of an open or combustion fire romantic and inviting, it warms most houses. If you think of this and the others don’t, you have instantly gained a distinct advantage over the competing properties and will encourage the buyers to spend a little more time to appreciate the home. Rake up the fallen leaves and trim back dead tree branches. If your garden is something special in spring, have some photos of it to show prospective buyers what they can expect in the coming months.

Do buyers attend open houses in winter?

Research shows that 70% of people that come through open houses aren’t even buyers. For the agent it is a great opportunity to meet the neighbours and other people with an interest in property. It is important that if you do have an open house that some rules are adhered to. I will cover these another time. So if only 30% of people that come through the open house are buyers, during the colder months it is more likely that the percentage of buyers to lookers will be higher as the weather will keep the sticky beaks at home.

So to sum up. Winter is a good time to sell if you are serious about moving or need to move. Less competition, more genuine and serious buyers. To discuss your plans or find out what you could achieve in today’s market, contact our office on (02) 49261566.

WHEN YOU ARE A SELLER AND A BUYER

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

The following article is an extract from the book, Real Estate Mistakes by Neil Jenman.  Although the article was posted back in 2003, what it discusses is as relevant today as it was 7 years ago.

Do You Sell First or Buy First?
If you want to sell your home and buy another, which comes first – Selling or buying? There seem to be dangers whatever you choose.

The advice you receive from agents is often the advice which is best for the agent. The agents will tell you to sell first if they are going to be the selling agent or, if you are thinking of buying from them, you may be told to buy first. If you sell first, you have nowhere to live. If you buy first, you may not be able to sell – unless you sell fast and cheap.

So, what do you do – sell first or buy first?

The answer is neither: Do not sell first and. Do not buy first.

Instead, do them both at the same time. It’s the safest way. Plus, it gives you complete control with low pressure.

Here’s how you sell and buy at the same time:

First, you place your home for sale (NOT AUCTION – it is almost impossible to sell and buy at the same time with auction.) It is easier for agents when sellers are forced to sell. But you are not going to be forced to do anything; you are going to do it your way. And you are going to win – without having anyone else lose.

A Summary of Selling and Buying Together

The solution to selling and buying at the same time can be summed up in four simple stages.

Stage 1. Find a Buyer.
Finding a buyer for your home does not mean selling your home. It means you have found a buyer who will accept your condition of you finding another home before you sell.

Stage 2. Find a Home.
Finding a home does not mean buying a home. It means you have found a home where the seller will accept your condition of selling your home before you buy.

Stage 3. Match Finances.
Once you have found a buyer for your home and you have found a home to buy, you have to make sure there is enough money from your sale to cover your purchase.

Stage 4. Sell old home. Buy new home.
This is the final stage of selling and buying at the same time. It is the perfect solution with no risk and low stress. If the finances match, you sign a contract to sell at the same time as you sign a contract to buy.

Make sure, of course, that the conditions of both contracts are the same, especially the ‘time conditions’. You don’t want to spend two weeks in a motel. A good real estate lawyer will help you.

Selling and buying, at the same time, can be simple, safe and pleasant.

To view the entire article online, please visit:

http://www.jenman.com.au/news_article.php?id=36

If you are looking at buying and selling at the same time, please contact Shedden Real Estate on 4926 1566.

How much is my house worth?

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Recently we posted a blog about www.onthehouse.com.au.  A comparable website for those looking for property data on real estate in Newcastle is the Australian Property Monitors’  www.homepriceguide.com.au.  This site provides similar information to www.onthehouse.com.au including sales information along with data such as number of properties sold and highest/lowest prices.  For $74.95 24 month comprehensive postcode reports are available or for $64.95 a 12 month report can be purchased.

Check out www.homepriceguide.com.au and tell us what you think about the information it provides for those  buying, selling or simply wanting to obtain an idea of the value of their home.

If you would like to know how much your property is worth from a local expert in Newcastle Real Estate, contact Shedden Real Estate Newcastle on 4926 1566 or visit www.shedden.com.au.

Avoid losing thousands when listing your property

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Real Estate consumer advocate, Neil Jenman recently posted an article on his site www.jenman.com.au “The Asking Price Delusion – How some property sellers lose thousands”.

The article discusses how important it is not to list your property too far over its value and the potential damage this can cause if the property is left at an inflated price too long.  Jenman says “There will never be more buyers for your property than when you first place your property for sale”.

View the entire article http://www.jenman.com.au/news_article.php?id=259 and let us know what you think.

If you are considering selling and would like to discuss your property, contact the experienced and friendly team at  Shedden Real Estate Newcastle on 4926 1566.

Searching for a property? Try Nestoria, The Easiest Way to Find Australian Real Estate….

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Shedden Real Estate Newcastle has discovered the recently (when we say recent, we mean March 30th 2010) launched Australian real estate search portal, Nestoria.  Having operated in Europe for some time, Nestoria has expanded to the land down under.  Boldly proclaiming to be ”The Easiest Way to Find Australian Real Estate”, Nestoria sources its real estate listings from Domain.com.au, AussieHome.com, RealEstateWorld.com.au and individual real estate agency websites.
With old hands Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au and the recent entrance from internet search powerhouse Google, people seeking real estate have never had so much choice and access to properties listed for sale.  This can only be a good thing for those searching for a new home or investment property.
According to the Nestoria website:
Nestoria is a search engine for Australian real estate. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find your ideal property to rent or buy.

What is Nestoria not?
  • A real estate agent – We DON’T sell or let real estate.
  • A financial services company – We DON’T sell mortgages or insurance.
  • A software company – We DON’T build backend software for real estate agents to manage their inventory.
  • A valuer – We CAN’T value your property.

We’re a pure search engine just for real estate. That’s it.

Our team:
Nestoria is owned by Nestoria Australia Limited. We are a small international team of entrepreneurs with strong backgrounds in internet search, working in partnership with Classified Ad Ventures. You can find some of our team members in Melbourne, and if you’re in London, you can sometimes find us at the John Snow pub. Dr. John Snow is a bit of a hero of ours. In 1854 he plotted a central London outbreak of cholera on a map, thus pinpointing its source. In the same way, we hope you’re able to use our search engine and maps to cut through the distracting clutter and find exactly the property you are searching for. Learn more about John Snow.
Shedden Real Estate’s listings appear on Nestoria so check it out and let us know your thoughts of whether you think it is “The Easiest Way to Find Australian Real Estate”:
http://www.nestoria.com.au/
To view Shedden Real Estate’s listings, please visit http://www.shedden.com.au/residential.html

My Hot Tip – Mayfield Newcastle Herald Article

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Invest or occupy at Mayfield West

Author: By TYRON BUTSON
Date: 24/10/2009
Words: 654
Source: NCH
Publication: Newcastle Herald
Section: Domain
Page: 52
Extract:
Mayfield Place position

SNAPPING up 57 Maitland Road, Mayfield, will secure investors a prime piece of commercial real estate in what is soon to become a central shopping hub.

The converted house, formerly used as an optometrist office, has been listed for sale for $336,000.

It comes with two offices and a fully functional kitchen and bathroom plus lock-up garage and rear-lane access.

More importantly, prospective buyers will be able to take advantage of the proposed Mayfield Place project.

Melbourne-based McMullin Group has lodged a development application with Newcastle City Council for the ambitious project, which will include Coles and Aldi supermarkets, 22 specialty stores and three kiosks.

It will also feature 12 apartments in a double-storey complex, and six town houses.

The Maitland Road property backs directly onto the proposed site of the residential development. Shedden Real Estate’s Tiron Manning said it was a prime spot.

“It doesn’t get much better than this opportunity,” he said.

“This area is going off and whether you convert the existing structure or demolish it and start over with a bigger building, you’re in a prime position to exploit the new growth.”

Editorial Comment by Tiron Manning

I really wish he hadn’t quoted me verbatim there. “Going off” probably isn’t the best use of my vocabulary. But this article does tie in well with the previous post.

My Hot Tip – Mayfield!

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Before BHP announced its closure in the late 1990’s, Mayfield was a suburb made up of older people and young families. I remember growing up in Mayfield and thinking back, how well looked after all the homes were, albiet a little dated. Things shifted somewhere between the announcement and the market boom, and Mayfield developed a reputation for being a bit “rough” and “dodgy”.

Even today, the stigmatism is still there, but boy has the main street changed. Takeaways, cafes and all the services available within a short walk. Major public transport routes run through Mayfield. The skate-park in the Eastern precinct. All investment by people with belief that the suburb is worth investing in. The most noteworthy of developments to come for the suburb is the new shopping centre situated at the old Delforce/Deloraine car yard. Over $10 Million of property has been purchased in this precinct with the vision to finally create competition for the area’s largest Woolworths. The D.A (in council at present) is for 22 speciality shops and two supermarkets, Coles and Aldi. Aldi’s plans to develop the former Steve Mason Family Cars site (next door to KFC) hit a snag and now has many locals excited at the opportunity to pick up cheaper groceries, while staying local. This development will no doubt create lots of jobs during and after construction and significantly improve the amenity of the area.

Also in council, a D.A for the demolition and construction of a new KFC restaurant with additional seating and parking is also great news for the suburb. What’s this mean for investors and home owners? Growth, growth and more growth. Mayfield is less than ten minutes to the CBD, beaches and university, adjacent to the TAFE College and cycleways to the Harbour. Great place to raise a family or invest in a rental property.

Fullerton Cove…Where the bloody hell is it?

Friday, March 26th, 2010

It is an often asked question,  when I talk to inter/intra state buyers (and sometimes Novocastrians). Fullerton Cove is a small community north of Newcastle (20 mins from CBD) and just south of RAAF Williamtown. Located within the Port Stephens Local Government area and adjacent to the Cove that bears it name on the Hunter River, it is a unusual blend of beach and riverside living. Mainly rural lifestyle acreages, it is a unique and desirable choice for people looking for somewhere with a bit of land for horses or kids but close proximity to all services. Fullerton Cove is only 5 minutes to Stockton Beach by horseback, four wheel drive or motorbike via bush beach tracks. Due to the exclusivity of the area (there are very limited numbers of homes and land in Fullerton Cove) a median house price can not be represented.

Situated so close to Raymond Terrace, Stockton and Mayfield retail hubs, conveniences are not that far away. Also the Newcastle Airport is so close, but not too close. Fullerton Cove isn’t under the direct flightpath. If you would like to find out more please don’t hesitate to contact our office (02) 49261566 or info@shedden.com.au

For direct links to our fantastic lifestyle properties in Fullerton Cove please click below

387 Fullerton Cove Road, Fullerton Cove

Fabulous five bedroom country homestead on 1 hectare block with large shed and its very own vineyard!

345 Fullerton Cove Road, Fullerton Cove

Five bedroom plus home office plus granny flat plus 180 sqm shed plus 11 metre pool plus tropical gardens plus horse paddock equals family home and relaxed lifestyle.

Call now to organise a private inspection at either property.

Tiron Manning