Take no notice of bank published mortgage rates!
Over the last three months we have heard many examples from buyers, mortgage brokers, solicitors etc of banks negotiating significant discounts against their published rates.
With a large proportion of mortgages now on floating rates banks will compete hard to gain new business and convince you to change bank.
For those that prefer the security of fixed rates some amazing 3 year fixed rates are being offered – as little as 5.4% or if you think rates will drop even lower you may be able to negotiate a discount of up to 0.8% off a banks floating or variable rate – that may see you floating at as little as 5%.
If you have been loyal to the same bank for years now is the time to test them and see if they will recognise that loyalty. We have heard of many instances where someone has been with the same bank for over 20 years but upon asking to match or better what has been offered by a competitor they may not actually do it so they lose a loyal customer.
Other examples include customers seeking a better rate by dealing directly with their bank, but getting an even lower rate when the proposition is presented through a mortgage broker to that same bank – what’s with that!
This mornings Herald on Sunday contains an article that expands further – read it here.
If you have personally been offered a great rate please advise us through the comments below – no bank names will be used just the rate and the term.
May 13 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
If the volume of calls, texts and emails this morning is any indication we are in for a very busy weekend of open homes.
Banks are offering amazing one year mortgage rates and cash incentives so it’s not surprising that we have such strong demand from buyers right now.
Usually demand tapers off in May with June and July very quiet but this year it appears there will be no slow down.
If only we could convince more owners to list their homes for sale – right now there are 24 homes in total for sale in Pt Chev but at least 10 times that number of buyers!
May 12 2012 | Pt Chev News | No Comments »
Record sale prices are being reported in the NZ Herald on an almost daily basis and several of these articles have mentioned ex-state style homes that have been sold in the Auckland city area. They are keenly sought after as they are usually built from native heart timber and offer a solid alternative that is preferred by the majority of buyers over the abundance of modern monolithic and plaster clad homes that seem to be labouring on the market.
This original ex state at 58 Wainui Ave sold for $850,000 – well above expectations:
The NZ Herald reported:
The auction of a state house in Pt Chevalier has stunned buyers and taken the auctioneer aback – but appears to be a windfall for the taxpayer. One house-hunter said it needed a complete do-up and although it was big, the developer who out-bid the crowd could not be matched.
QV shows the house was owned by Housing New Zealand but no previous sales history was available, indicating it had been in the state’s hands since it was built in the 1930s.
Mark Sumich of Sumich Real Estate admitted the property sold for slightly more than he expected. “Expectations were a little below that,” he said of the end price. “The CV was $740,000 and we always thought we’d do better than that. There would have been about 50 people at the auction and six people bidding. I thought it was in the $700,000s.
This example at 10 Te Puna St in Orakei sold for $1,450,000 – 45% above it’s 2011 CV:
The NZ Herald reported:
Ross Hawkins, of Sotheby’s International, sold the property and said he could not think of another former state house that sold for more.
“It would be up there, absolutely. Maybe there’s some with pools and the full makeover and additions that could possibly come into the higher-priced bracket. But this wasn’t majorly modified. It’s got a new kitchen and bathroom but apart from that, it was pretty much as it was.
The house had been in private hands for many years. Buyers were keen on such solid little houses, frightened off by the rotting homes disaster and so many leaky homes for sale, he said. “These are solid houses, built out of native timbers and very well built. People are scared by leaky building problems and if they buy one of these, it’s a good solid home.”
The Puna St house stands on a 1037sq m section which Mr Hawkins said would let a second house be built without blocking sea views for either place. The high price left five to six buyers out in the cold, he said.
This ex-state at 37 Miller St, Pt Chevalier has undergone an incredible transformation:
This is a home that has that special X-Factor that many buyers are seeking and the successful bidder will be able to move in knowing they can sit back, relax and enjoy as all the hard work has been done. It now offers 4 bedrooms, ensuite and stunning open plan living space that flows out through massive sliding doors to the wraparound northwest facing deck. Large double garage with drive through area for parking a boat or trailer and all sited on a large full landscaped section.
The market will set the pace at the auction which is to be held on-site on the 20th May 2012. Open homes are Sat/Sun from 2.15-3pm.
View the full interactive floorplan and photos online here
May 04 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
We track all homes that are sold in the Pt Chev area and have just taken a look at the first quarter of 2012 compared with what everyone thought was the peak year of 2007:
$748,000 2012 first quarter
$608,500 2007 first quarter
An increase of $139,500 or 23% proving that 2007 was not the peak.
What is even more interesting is comparing the first quarter of 2012 with the first quarter of 2009 when we were well and truly in the midst of the global financial crisis:
$748,000 2012 first quarter
$562,500 2009 first quarter
An increase from the depths of the recession of $185,500 or 33% higher
During the worst of the recession there were many analysts and economists predicting price falls of 30% or more, however if your were brave enough to have purchased a Pt Chevalier property during 2009 you would now be sitting on a huge gain in value!
April 14 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
An interesting item in today’s NZ Herald posed the question “are open homes dodgy?” and the full article can be viewed here.
It states amongst other things:
Over crowded open homes can make a house seem small.
They are an invitation to thieves who will return later.
Over heard negative comments could put potential purchasers off.
Open homes are just a networking tool for agents.
Open homes are frequented by sticky beak neighbours.
You need more ID to rent a video than to inspect a family home.
The fact is that all the above statements are true.
Another great item about the dangers of open homes can be read here.
Instead of restricting an inspection time to an hour once or twice a week, a home should be available to inspect at any time to suit a genuine buyer. This is what the best agents do.
What are your thoughts on Open Homes?
April 05 2012 | Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Update 29 March – SOLD. Photographed Tuesday, live on the web Thursday, viewings by appointment only Sat/Sun/Mon, multiple offers made and SOLD on Wednesday. Buyer and seller ecstatic!
If you would like your Grey Lynn property sold fast using the same stress free method please do not hesitate to call us to arrange a FREE appraisal – call Derek von Sturmer 0275 337357 or Lawrence von Sturmer 027 2279294 Grey Lynn office 483 Richmond Rd www.sellrealty.co.nz
Most home buyers in central Auckland will have noticed there has been a great deal of media interest in the Grey Lynn real estate market of late and it’s not surprising given the fabulous results that are being achieved.
A Grey Lynn home at 9 Jessel St that was purchased for $812,000 in March 2010 has been renovated and sold again this week for $1,830,000 or more than a million above its CV.
Another modern home at 28 Arnold St sold recently for $2,600,000 – a record breaking price and a Villa at 1 Selbourne St sold for $1,620,000.
Following on from our sales of Tutanekai St and Sefton Ave we now have another opportunity for you to profit from the Grey Lynn market with this superb original Bay villa. Perfectly liveable as is or ripe for transformation into another home as spectacular as Selbourne St or Jessell St.
Situated close to the popular West Lynn shopping strip it is in immaculate original condition with all character features intact. The house offers 3 bedroooms, large open plan living/kitchen/dining and a massive basement area. The section is an inner city oasis, fully fenced, well established and complete with garden studio. Zoned Res 6A and comprising 430m2.
If you would like to arrange a sneak preview of this home please email Derek von Sturmer dvs@sellrealty.co.nz to organise a time and he will also email you a full set of photographs, floor plan and LIM report.
No need to wait 3 or 4 weeks for an auction here! We expect this home to be snapped up quickly so if you have a budget in excess of $900,000 do not delay!
March 22 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
The public information days to be held this week have been moved from Cowley Street to Waterview Primary School Hall at 19 Oakley Ave:
Thursday March 22nd Midday – 8pm
Friday March 23rd 8am – 5pm
Saturday March 24th 8am – 2pm
If you are considering buying a home in the Waterview area or south west corner of Pt Chevalier you should be fully informed of what is happening with the Waterview Connection and the causeway to Avondale.
March 22 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
A good debate between Bernard Hickey of interest.co.nz and Alistair Helm of realestate.co.nz this morning on Breakfast TV this morning.
Watch the video clip here.
March 19 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
“I think it’s going to take off” – that’s what John Key said this morning on the TV1 Breakfast show.
He says this is for a variety of reasons including slow planning processes etc and that all indications are that this will happen particularly in Auckland as a function of internal/external migration and not enough supply.
More details on the nzherald site.
March 19 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
If you are thinking of buying a home in Waterview or in the South West corner of Pt Chevalier then you may like to check out the latest information on the Waterview connection.
This will include details of construction timeframes, location of the ventilation stacks and creation of walkways, cycleways etc.
There will be public information days held this week at Waterview Primary School Hall 19 Oakley Ave
Thursday March 22nd Midday – 8pm
Friday March 23rd 8am – 5pm
Saturday March 24th 8am – 2pm
There is some very interesting additional information available on the transport blog
Other information including plans, visuals and videos can be seen at nzta.govt.nz/waterviewconnection
March 18 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
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