He issued advice to Kiwis contemplating listing
Despite the latest COVID-19 lockdown, Century 21 New Zealand (Century 21) owner Tim Kearins has claimed that interest and activity in real estate remain solid across the country, highlighting the significance of properties' online marketing presentation.
Kearins shared that Century 21's websites and listings have received “some great traffic” during the nationwide lockdown. As a result, the realtor's agents are busy giving prospective sellers virtual appraisals via video calls under level 4.
The realtor owner expects new properties to be attractive to many now as interest rates remain low and overseas travel unlikely, particularly if prospective buyers are tiring of their old house in lockdown.
“As well as lockdown seeing many Kiwis getting itchy feet to move, it's the perfect time for prospective sellers to sort out the house inside and out,” Kearins added.
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Nearly 18 months after the first lockdown in New Zealand, the industry and public are a lot more familiar with just how much can be achieved remotely and online. Most importantly, people have more time, according to Kearins.
The previous lockdowns revealed strong online activity statistics as prospective home buyers have more time to surf the net, according to Century 21.
“That's why we've been encouraging vendors in the past year or so to invest in their online marketing. The likes of drone footage, video walkthroughs, virtual tours, floor plans, and stunning photographs are more important than ever if buyers can only view online. A strong social media presence is now also critical,” Kearins added.
Kearins claimed going into spring is always the best time to sell property, given the current chronic shortage of competing listings nationwide and soaring rents – with Trade Me Property's latest Rental Price Index putting the national median weekly rent at $550, a new high in July.
He advised Kiwis contemplating listing not to be put off by the latest lockdown as many families are still keen to move, empty nesters want to downsize, first-home buyers are keen to secure low-interest rates, and investors are hungry for a better return on their money.
“While [the lockdown] restricts people's activity, it also gives buyers more time to look from their laptop and contemplate their options,” he continued.
