We are extremely impressed with the service Dougmal Harcourts Oak Flats has provided us. They are very professional and knowledgeable when it comes to selling houses. Their service is outstanding and we would recommend them to our friends and family.
K. & D. Alchin (Albion Park Rail)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
What's Ahead For 2012...
The new year has arrived and as usual it is full of predictions, so I thought I would throw mine in as well and we can all judge their accuracy as the year progresses.
Obviously some of the factors that are going to affect our property markets are how the R.B.A. reacts to our two speed economy, the European debt crisis and its impact on financing overall, with a general tightening being likely and I believe, more importantly, how both of these impact on the confidence of the average consumer.
With almost 100% of economists agreeing, it seems a reasonably safe bet that the R.B.A.’s first meeting of the year in February will deliver another cut in official rates. Interestingly the ANZ Bank in particular has disengaged from this cycle and is announcing its own rate decisions each month prior to the R.B.A.’s monthly meeting. They cite other global funding issues being equally important as the R.B.A.’s official cash rate in defending this decision. January is the first month for these announcements so it will be interesting to see how they move, but with competition increasing within the banking sector generally I think we will see rates fall over the year, which can only be a good thing for our industry as a whole.
The European debt crisis still has a long way to go in my opinion, with many twists and turns throughout the year to come. I am neither wise enough or game enough to predict the eventual outcome but I am sure the constant reporting of this major bad news story in the media will continue to have a negative impact on consumer confidence generally as well as share prices across most sectors. It is this lack of consumer confidence that looms as a major threat to the year ahead, not just for our industry but the economy as a whole.
The State Government decision to remove the Stamp Duty concession for first home buyers of existing homes saw a rush of activity from this sector at the end of last year, but if history is any guide I don’t expect we will see many first home buyers now for the next 6 months or so, as was the case when the government removed the extra $7,000 first home buyers grant a couple of years ago. These types of incentives tend to bring demand forward and then leave a hole when they are removed.
On a positive note I believe we should see strong demand from investors with rents continuing to climb and vacancy factors at near record lows in most areas. This is leading to increased rental yields generally and in a number of cases, positively geared investments. This trend is likely to continue, particularly if capital growth is subdued and interest rates continue to fall. It may also see some frustrated renters “bite the bullet” and look to buy, particularly if affordability improves.
Over the whole state I feel the market is likely to remain patchy, some areas doing well while others struggle. Local issues will have an impact as the floods in the Northern Rivers area and the mass layoffs by Bluescope in the Illawarra did during the year just past.
So it looks like a year of both challenge and opportunity, and I personally hope that we can assist our members meet those challenges and capitalise on the opportunities going forward with our cutting edge technology, cheaper prices and great staff giving great service.
All the best of the year ahead.
Dale Whittaker
E.A.C. - Chairman
Obviously some of the factors that are going to affect our property markets are how the R.B.A. reacts to our two speed economy, the European debt crisis and its impact on financing overall, with a general tightening being likely and I believe, more importantly, how both of these impact on the confidence of the average consumer.
With almost 100% of economists agreeing, it seems a reasonably safe bet that the R.B.A.’s first meeting of the year in February will deliver another cut in official rates. Interestingly the ANZ Bank in particular has disengaged from this cycle and is announcing its own rate decisions each month prior to the R.B.A.’s monthly meeting. They cite other global funding issues being equally important as the R.B.A.’s official cash rate in defending this decision. January is the first month for these announcements so it will be interesting to see how they move, but with competition increasing within the banking sector generally I think we will see rates fall over the year, which can only be a good thing for our industry as a whole.
The European debt crisis still has a long way to go in my opinion, with many twists and turns throughout the year to come. I am neither wise enough or game enough to predict the eventual outcome but I am sure the constant reporting of this major bad news story in the media will continue to have a negative impact on consumer confidence generally as well as share prices across most sectors. It is this lack of consumer confidence that looms as a major threat to the year ahead, not just for our industry but the economy as a whole.
The State Government decision to remove the Stamp Duty concession for first home buyers of existing homes saw a rush of activity from this sector at the end of last year, but if history is any guide I don’t expect we will see many first home buyers now for the next 6 months or so, as was the case when the government removed the extra $7,000 first home buyers grant a couple of years ago. These types of incentives tend to bring demand forward and then leave a hole when they are removed.
On a positive note I believe we should see strong demand from investors with rents continuing to climb and vacancy factors at near record lows in most areas. This is leading to increased rental yields generally and in a number of cases, positively geared investments. This trend is likely to continue, particularly if capital growth is subdued and interest rates continue to fall. It may also see some frustrated renters “bite the bullet” and look to buy, particularly if affordability improves.
Over the whole state I feel the market is likely to remain patchy, some areas doing well while others struggle. Local issues will have an impact as the floods in the Northern Rivers area and the mass layoffs by Bluescope in the Illawarra did during the year just past.
So it looks like a year of both challenge and opportunity, and I personally hope that we can assist our members meet those challenges and capitalise on the opportunities going forward with our cutting edge technology, cheaper prices and great staff giving great service.
All the best of the year ahead.
Dale Whittaker
E.A.C. - Chairman
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Honest & Efficient
We have dealt with agents before and must say we were pleasantly surprised at the honesty and efficiency of your service. There was always clear communications and help given outside the norm.
Thank you so much Deb and Dougmal Harcourts.
L. Knez (Mount Warrigal)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Amazing Job!
WOW! Deb, you have done it again! We sold our first house with Deb and she did an amazing job by finding a buyer within 2 weeks. She made it so easy that when we decided to sell again there was no hesitation as to who was the best person to sell it. Then Deb outdid herself by finding a buyer within 2 days, not only did she make it easy again but she also negotiated a great price. If you're thinking of selling we would highly recommend that you go with Deb, not only is she very professional at what she does , she is a beautiful person as well. Thanks Deb for all you have done for us, you have made our dreams come true again!
From The Gillis Family (Oak Flats)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Outstanding!
Our experience with Dougmal Harcourts has been outstanding. Deb Cummins is a total professional, but maintains her natural warm and caring personality. Deb is the perfect real estate agent as she is honest and open, not pushy at all. She is friendly and makes you feel totally at ease with selling your property. We would and definitely will recommend Deb to our friends and family.
S. & T. Wong (Mount Warrigal)
S. & T. Wong (Mount Warrigal)
Friday, September 9, 2011
Very Professional
Testimonial...
We were more than satisfied with the level of service provided by Deb and her associates. Selling our home of over 30 years was always going to be difficult for us, but the transaction was certainly helped by a very professional and sympathetic real estate agent. Your reputation is certainly very well deserved. Many thanks Deb.
A. & V. Mielke (Barrack Heights)
We were more than satisfied with the level of service provided by Deb and her associates. Selling our home of over 30 years was always going to be difficult for us, but the transaction was certainly helped by a very professional and sympathetic real estate agent. Your reputation is certainly very well deserved. Many thanks Deb.
A. & V. Mielke (Barrack Heights)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Only One Real Estate Agency
Testimonial...
When it was time to sell my property in Oak Flats, basically nothing was in my favour. The real estate market was far from buoyant; my one bedroom cottage was in need of considerable attention prior to sale; and I resided interstate unable to spend the necessary time in 'sprucing' the place up in preparation for sale.
However, what I did have in my favour was my choice of Real Estate Agents - Dougmal Harcourts Oak Flats.
The team at Dougmal Harcourts at the outset advised me of what the current market price would be and how long it would take to sell. Every week, like clockwork, I received from them a copy of the latest advertisement and also a phone call from my dedicated agent to update me on all aspects of the sale. The weekly advertisement (text & photograph) was regularly amended to ensure the optimum interest in my property by potential buyers.
My property sold well within the predicted time-frame and in my expected price range. But of great importance to me was the manner in which the Dougmal Harcourts Team went about the business of selling the property. I never felt neglected, indeed, quite the opposite. It was a totally stress free experience. And upon settlement, my agent even removed the name plaque from the front of the property and sent it to me because he thought it may have sentimental value to me. That's what I call service.
The bottom line for me is that there only one Real Estate Agency I would ever engage in the Illawarra, whether buying or selling, and that's the Dougmal Harcourts team at Oak Flats. Well done guys!
Greg Robertson
When it was time to sell my property in Oak Flats, basically nothing was in my favour. The real estate market was far from buoyant; my one bedroom cottage was in need of considerable attention prior to sale; and I resided interstate unable to spend the necessary time in 'sprucing' the place up in preparation for sale.
However, what I did have in my favour was my choice of Real Estate Agents - Dougmal Harcourts Oak Flats.
The team at Dougmal Harcourts at the outset advised me of what the current market price would be and how long it would take to sell. Every week, like clockwork, I received from them a copy of the latest advertisement and also a phone call from my dedicated agent to update me on all aspects of the sale. The weekly advertisement (text & photograph) was regularly amended to ensure the optimum interest in my property by potential buyers.
My property sold well within the predicted time-frame and in my expected price range. But of great importance to me was the manner in which the Dougmal Harcourts Team went about the business of selling the property. I never felt neglected, indeed, quite the opposite. It was a totally stress free experience. And upon settlement, my agent even removed the name plaque from the front of the property and sent it to me because he thought it may have sentimental value to me. That's what I call service.
The bottom line for me is that there only one Real Estate Agency I would ever engage in the Illawarra, whether buying or selling, and that's the Dougmal Harcourts team at Oak Flats. Well done guys!
Greg Robertson
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