It’s competition time again!
There is only FIVE weeks until Christmas and we have a $50 Farmers voucher to giveaway!!
Competition rules as follows:
1. LIKE OUR PAGE 
2. TAG A FRIEND in the POST (as many as you like!)
SHARE THE POST to increase your chance of winning! 
The winner will be announced on Thursday 29th November at midday.
Only likes and tags on our Harcourts Holmwood Real Estate page will be included
From 1st January 2019 Real Estate Companies will need to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009
What is AML?
A law passed in New Zealand called The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, or “AML/CFT Act” as it is more commonly known. The law reflects New Zealand’s commitment in a worldwide initiative to combat global crime and reduce the impact criminal activity has within the global community.
How am I affected by the new legislation?
The legislation requires Real Estate Companies and other professionals to assess the risk they may face from the actions of money launderers and people who finance terrorism and must identify potentially suspicious activity.
To make that assessment, Real Estate Companies must obtain and verify information from our clients. This is part of what the AML/CFT law calls “customer due diligence” and is a similar obligation to that imposed on banks and lawyers who have been subject to this regime for some time now.
Customer Due Diligence Requirements
Customer due diligence requires Real Estate Companies to complete certain checks before we can list your property or business to sell. We will also require this information from our clients who have commercial property they wish to lease. The Act requires us to also take reasonable steps to make sure the information we receive from you is correct, we will therefore need to ask you for documents to verify this information.
For starters, we will need:
To confirm these details, documents such as your passport/driver’s licence or your birth certificate, and documents that show your address such as a current bank statement will be required.
Under the new rules, if your property or business is held in the name of a company, a trust, or has overseas ownership we’ll need specific information about the entity including the people associated with it, (directors and shareholders, trustees and beneficiaries) and source of funds.
If you have any questions please contact your salesperson your salesperson or our AML/CFT Compliance team by email at: aml.compliance@holmwood.co.nz.
Harcourts’ South Island Regional Manager, Jim Davis, comments on the Christchurch real estate market.
There is no doubt that our market place in Christchurch continues to throw up some interesting surprises. The release of the October sales results by REINZ has showcased the strength of our local economy.
October in our city produced some stunning results as our market continues to thrive despite what some market commentators are trying to get you to believe. The hard figures indicate that there were some 631 residential sales last month, median days on the market is 36 days, and the median sale price lifted to $474,000.
To provide some context around the figures, the reported sales volume of 631 houses, is an increase of 23% in comparison to September and a massive 31% increase over October last year. This increase is a direct reflection and relates to what we have been saying for a few months now. The lack of new listings coming on the market over the winter months resulted in the low sales figures that we had previously been experiencing. These figures were not so much a reflection of a poor market, but rather a reflection of a shortage of stock, as we commented on many previous occasions. Now as we see an increase in available property for buyers to look at, they have been busy again. Consequently, we have seen a lift in the sales volume as the buyers have more stock to look at in the market. What will be interesting is to see how long this activity lasts for. There is no doubt in my mind we can expect to see the current activity continue right up till the Christmas break and potentially beyond. Quite simply, the current level of interest in open homes indicates that there is still a good amount of buyer activity to come.
The days on the market in recent months has stretched ever so slightly to 36 days. To my mind this is simply a reflection of the fact that there has been an inexplicable drop in the amount of property marketed by Auction. This phenonium surprises me in this market, and I feel this reflects more on the attitude of the sales consultants rather than the attitude of vendors. It seems a shame that the method of sale that offers the best benefits to both buyers and sellers has lost some traction.
The reported median price for Christchurch has lifted to $474,000 which is a significant jump and the highest reported median for our city. This does not reflect that prices have taken a considerable jump in recent months. I believe it simply reflects the lack of stock and sales of higher value properties in previous months and now we are seeing catch-up occur in this sector of the market, consequently with it comes the lift in median value.
So, what can we expect in the next few months, as mentioned I believe we will see strong sales through to the Christmas break period. I believe that the sales consultants prepared to work through the Christmas period will see some good sales result for their extra effort. After everyone gets back in the new year, I can see no reason why the current activity won’t continue.
The economic indicators for the country are strong, interest rates remain at all time lows, whether despite or because of Trump the USA economy is rapidly expanding, and with it we should see economic activity across other economies.
The recent changes introduced to slow overseas buyer activity will have minimal effect in a few months, as we are still seeing strong immigration levels and so many of our migrants will simply just wait until they have gained residency before they will purchase. Internally we see confidence levels growing in our own business communities as the Government and the country are continuing to show strong economic results. When you take this all into account there seems to be no serious reason to think things will change greatly.
Locally Christchurch is in very good heart, our city is looking fabulous, and with the completion of the library and the progress made on the convention centre construction, we are really starting to see our city return.
There is still plenty of opportunity for you to complete a property transaction between now and Christmas, should you require assistance, advise or just starting to think about your real estate plans for next year, give us a call today.
Two strangers met eight weeks ago with no dancing experience – now they’ve won the top prize at Christchurch’s local Dancing with the Stars.
Jazz Magellan and Viny Berhault took out first place at the Home and Family-run competition at Christ’s College on Saturday night.
Berhault said the dance was “very scary” but was “pumping” after the win.
The two raised about $6000 for Home and Family, which a not-for-profit Christchurch organisation that helps vulnerable children and families.
Twenty amateur dancers competed in the event including our very own Holmwood sales consultant Kim Ric-Hansen. Dancers spent seven weeks training with Dancing with the Stars professionals Vanessa and Scott Cole.
The Coles judged along with former New Zealand cricketer Chris Harris, who was a finalist on the televised TVNZ version earlier this year. The event was MCed by one of Holmwood’s top performing agents, Chris Lewis.
Home and Family fundraising manager Eve Wingerath said each dancer was “outstanding”. All in the event raised $50,000 for Home and Family.
Congratulations to all!
For more information on how to support this fantastic organisation click here
Harcourts’ South Island Regional Manager, Jim Davis, comments on the Christchurch real estate market.
With Spring well underway the Christchurch Real Estate Market is continuing to perform in a strong steady manner.
The just released REINZ figures show us there were 511 residential properties sold in Christchurch City during the month of September.
The median sale price achieved was $452,500 with a median sale time of 36 days on the market. The sales volume is up 7% on the same time last year and marginally down on the sales volumes reported for August, creating the very steady market I have been referring to for so long now.
Overall the volume of sold properties is tracking at expected and anticipated levels, and as a result this type of market favours neither the buyer or the seller, but what it does do is show case the Sales consultant who isn’t working and trying a bit harder to get results for all those involved. This type of market highlights the benefits of working with the active, high profile sales consultant who relish’s a bit of a challenge.
In terms of property values, the median sales price of $452,500 while up on previous months is identical to the reported median recorded in September 2016. This is not surprising to me and is yet another strong indicator that prices and values in Christchurch have remained very flat over the last couple of years. Something we have been commenting on for a while now. This is an important point to note, for sellers who purchased in the last few years and who are now looking to resell their property for whatever reason. Capital growth has not occurred to the average property in the last couple of years unless it has had significant modifications.
Harcourts offices in Christchurch during the month of September have seen a big increase in newly listed property as the “traditional spring activity lift” kicks in. Once again this is normal and anticipated, at this time of year.
This increased availability of stock will no doubt flow through into sales and sold properties over the next month or two, provided property owners are realistic in their expectations. There is no doubt that there are plenty of buyers available in the market place, however they are very certain of where they see value in the current environment. It is an exceptional situation now that sees buyers prepared to pay almost “anything” to secure their chosen property. Instead with this balanced market and plenty of newly listed property available, a lot of buyers will simply move on to the next property that catches their attention where they believe the owners expectations are unrealistic.
Auction numbers continue to build again across the region and attract a lot of interested parties into our Harcourts Auctions Rooms. In fact, the auction room is a great environment to see exactly what I have just referred to played out in real life. We are seeing good numbers attending our auction rooms, but sometimes for no apparent reason the Auction clearance rates are coming through erratically. We know and can see interested parties sitting in the room, who are choosing in some cases not to bid to high or in fact decide not to bid at all, but then find themselves involved in a multi offer process immediately after with other potential buyers. It is making for interesting times at the moment for all concerned.
The need for well-trained, well resourced, sales consultants who can do more than just breath, at the moment is more important than ever. Equally having access to a large number of them who all have potential buyers on their books is vital for you to achieve a good result in this current market. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that your local Harcourts office provides such people.
Give us a call, there is a reason why the vast majority of people in Christchurch choose to work with Harcourts.
One of the few things that forecasters agree on is that most individuals will experience many more job changes than was the case generations before.
A career in real estate is one of those pursuits where the combined strength of past life experiences and acquired work skills can create a winning combination. Coupled with a positive attitude and great communication skills, it is amazing how many people have built extraordinary careers in real estate. On inspection it is clear that the top real estate performers come from diverse backgrounds; retailers, butchers, mechanics, teachers and nurses (to name a few) but they are all linked by a common desire to succeed and deliver outstanding customer service.
I, myself, started my working career with Lands and Deeds and, believe it or not, while at school had aspirations of becoming an accountant. So it is no surprise to me to see people from all walks of life forge successful real estate careers. My decision to start in real estate was made over three decades ago and it is a decision that I have never regretted and an industry I continue to be passionate about.
Real Estate offers opportunity and flexibility beyond those of regular 9 to 5 based roles. It is a dynamic and engaging industry that ultimately centres around people. Real Estate provides rewards for those that work hard and are committed to going the extra mile. Recently though a famous real estate coach, Tom Panos, identified that hard work alone is not the make-up of a top performing agent. It is when this dedication is combined with diligence, organisation and prudence he believes you have a recipe for success. Theories aside, it is hard to identify who will make the “perfect” agent, however, in my eyes it should always come down to the following three things:
1. Service – A commitment to delivering outstanding service to your clients. Always doing what you say you are going to do and having a general desire to put people first!
2. Communication – It is vital to have clear and constant communication with clients regardless of the news that must be delivered.
3. Passion – Your attitude and energy is determined by your passion for the job so loving what you do is crucial.
Many people that enter the industry as a second or even third career often talk about having wished they had started with real estate earlier. So my advice to you? Don’t delay, join us at our upcoming Careers Evening to find out how you can enter the wonderful world of real estate or call me for a confidential chat.
TONY JENKINS
Harcourts Holmwood CEO
M 027 432 2896
tony.jenkins@harcourts.co.nz
Summer is fast approaching and we are heading into a very busy selling season in the Christchurch real estate market. Holmwood have recently announced another Gala Auction on Thursday 29th November from 6pm at our auction rooms (Ground Floor, 397-399 Ilam Road).
We have experienced fantastic clearance rates in our auction rooms over the Winter and Spring months and expect this to continue into Summer, so now is a fabulous time to list your property for sale by auction.
The Holmwood Summer Gala Auction packages include special marketing offers that are not to be missed. Speak with one of our consultants today for more information.
We believe that auction is the fairest method of sale for both the vendor and the purchaser as it offers total transparency to all parties.
As a purchaser, when you are at an auction you can see who else is interested and gauge the level of desire in the room. You are the cash unconditional buyers, all in one place. There’s no mystery, no fear of ‘I wonder if they’ll put in a bigger offer than us.’ You can see it take place in real time and make an informed purchasing decision.
A metaphor we like to use is that of boarding an airplane. It is the higher status travellers who get to their seats first. An auction is the same. Cash unconditional buyers are similar to people flying first class. They are given the opportunity to bid first on the property. Or the ability to negotiate during the auction process to buy the property. If none of the cash unconditional purchasers are prepared to meet the price of the vendor at that stage, then it is passed on to the conditional purchasers, aka the travellers in the seats further back in the plane.
A successful auction for a seller, is all about getting the right combination of buyers in the room on Auction Day. This is because different people perceive the value of a property at different levels.
If you are lucky enough to have two or three prospective buyers who are loving your property, as a seller you can achieve a premium price for your property, and have buyers who are very happy with the result.
Harcourts’ South Island Regional Manager, Jim Davis, update us on the Christchurch real estate market.
There is no doubt that Spring has come early to the property market in our city, with the release of the REINZ Sales figures for August.
Sales volumes have leapt up yet again from the low levels experienced in July. August showed that there were 539 Christchurch real estate sales in the city in August, up by a massive 21.6% over the previous month.
At the same time, there was a small recorded lift in the median sale price to $440,000.00. This lift in volume has occurred slightly earlier than normal but was expected (probably more so in actual September).
The reason as I said is simply because Spring has come early. The good weather we have been experiencing and warm temperatures have brought the sellers and more buyers into the market a little earlier than expected.
Our Christchurch market remains solid and steady with prices staying consistently steady as well. The days on market have remained constant at a 37 day average for a few months now. As a consequence, writing this report can almost be repetitive.
The lift in the median sale price, I think is a reflection of more sales activity in the top and the market rather than any real price movement, as long-term results show the median sale price has for many months now consistently hovered in the $440,000 plus or minus $5000 range.
Here at Harcourts we are seeing a lot more new stock coming into the Market and as we have said many times these has always been a good base of potential buyers waiting in the wings over winter for freshly listed property to be available, and its obvious those buyers are ready to purchase well priced new listings.
If you are in any part of the Christchurch real estate market you should to be working with the best professionally trained and most current real estate company to ensure there are no legislation issues, regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller.
It is fair to say we have recently surfaced from a distinctive Winter market in the real estate industry. Many sellers have made the decision to refrain from listing their property in the colder months. For this reason we have experienced fewer homes for sale and as such have seen a multitude of buyers left searching for choice. Although it appears the old-style notion that property should come to the market in the sunny months may have crept back into the minds of sellers, it is not a new phenomenon, just one perhaps we have seen less in post-quake Christchurch.
The truth remains the great majority of the properties that were listed over the last three months have sold, and they have sold in similar time periods as previous years. Undeniably Spring brings with it an influx of property to the market. So we are set to experience a revived number of buyers hunting for their dream home as they realise the slim Winter pickings are now replenished with fresh and exciting offerings.
At Holmwood we have continued to experience outstanding success in our auction room delivering unconditional sales during the Winter months. The number of properties we have sold on ‘the fall of the hammer’ or prior to auction day, is an impressive 65% and of those left, the majority of them are sold within a matter of weeks.
Regardless of what the processes are, real estate will always have people at its heart. At Holmwood we never forget that buying and selling property is a huge life decision and we are always committed to achieving outstanding results for our clients. If you are thinking of making a real estate decision then do not hesitate to contact one of our dedicated sales consultants today.
