As mentioned in my earlier post this month, there seems to be a sense of renewed enthusiasm in 2012. This actually surfaced just prior to Christmas off the back of the rate decreases. It’s too early to tell if the upper end of the market will follow suit but property under $1m in Sydney seems popular in the early stages of the year. If the Euro zone survives I can see a strong year in property as most buyers are ready to go, just waiting for some positive leads, especially at the top end. The lower rates, with even lower 3 year money available, combined with some slight price corrections throughout 2011, makes property more quite a bit more affordable this year and that will be attractive to buyers.  If Europe gets worse we will have another soft year as the market nerves would continue. My best guess is that we will scrape through in Europe and that will be good for our economy and of course the property market. That being the case we would see price increases in

As we enter the New Year and the possibility of selling your home, upgrading or downsizing in one of the busiest selling periods - choosing the best agent to sell your property is the second most important decision in real estate (after choosing the right property to buy). 

But from my experience many people are too casual in their approach to this crucial decision.  They ring a couple of agents and choose the one who gives them the highest valuation or has the lowest commission.  Create a series of questions that you want to ask agents, and interview a few as if you’re considering them for a job.

15 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A REAL ESTATE AGENT

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I’m feeling optimistic about the Australian property market in 2012.  We’re not in for any major growth in prices but there are positive signs ahead.

Two interest rate cuts will always stimulate the more affordable end of the market – which is a positive thing for the bulk of the population living in and buying homes under $1.5M-$2M.

Recent figures from Australia’s largest mortgage broker, AFG, show a big boost in the number of home loans taken out in the month of November following the first rate cut on Melbourne Cup Day.

New mortgages increased by 18.4% nationally (26.7% in VIC, 20.8% in QLD, 16.4% in NSW) compared to October, and while that is partly due to November always being a high volume month, I think the

We’ve noticed a marked improvement in buyer enthusiasm following the first interest rate cut but it won’t be enough on its own to spark some serious growth.  People are looking for more good news to regain their confidence to buy and sell.

Interest rates are definitely an important factor in people’s purchasing considerations, particularly in the sub $1.5 million market, but it’s not the only one.  There are other macro issues that are probably a greater influence on people's current psyche.  The European problems are a big dark cloud and if they’re resolved I think that will have a much greater positive impact on the actions of buyers than a quarter percent rate cut.  

While we continue to wait for

I chatted with Peter Switzer this week about the QLD property market. I hope you find it informative. Please note, the video is used with permission of Switzer Media + Publishing.

I was recently interviewed on Grow Your Business - a site which provides news & information for Australian SMEs. I hope you find my interview informative.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Peter Switzer recently on Sky Business Channel. Hope you enjoy the interview.

Please note, the video is used with permission of Switzer Media + Publishing.

Wise words from one of the world’s most successful investors, Warren Buffett: “Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Recent economic events have caused a heightened level of uncertainty.  This will prove problematic for property at the higher end over the next quarter, however I still believe most markets are at the beginning of a long term growth cycle.  Property remains an excellent asset class for long term investment and definitely offers more stability than the volatile share market.

Once confidence returns, Australia will be in good shape.  Unemployment remains relatively low and rents are very strong.  A key factor is interest rates.  If the RBA moves to decrease

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It’s predicted that Western Sydney’s population will more than double in the next 4 decades, as Sydney grows to 7 million by 2050. An expanding business district, major new public art gallery, rail network improvements and upgraded sporting facilities are just some of the infrastructure required to draw the pressure away from our existing CBD and towards positioning the city of Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD.

And there’s a real buzz around Parramatta at the moment and it’s got everything to do with the number of cranes in the sky and a very proactive council that is loudly broadcasting a big picture future for the city. I’m seeing a lot of commercial activity here, which is an important indicator for employment and as a result, an

I chatted with Peter Switzer this week about the property market. I hope you find it informative.