Media release - 20^th May, 2014

Raine & Horne is forecasting strong selling conditions for its offices across Australia as winter approaches, thanks to stronger April 2014 appraisals
Low interest rates have helped drive appraisals and listings activity in March
Raine & Horne’s marketing, led by its ‘Ducks in a Row’ campaign, has also contributed to a lift in appraisal and listings activity
‘Ducks in a Row’ is a consumer campaign that will award a cash prize of $50,000 to one lucky home owner who chooses to list a home with Raine & Horne before the end of May

Property group Raine & Horne is predicting strong real estate sales results leading into winter, with its national average property appraisal figures up by more than 21% in April compared to February 2014.

Leading the way was NSW, where appraisals have jumped nearly 26% since February, followed by Victoria (22%) and Queensland (15%).

“Appraisals are usually a yardstick of real estate sales strength two to three months down the track,” says Angus Raine, Executive Chairman and CEO of Raine & Horne.

“One of the reasons for the stronger appraisal numbers is our ‘Ducks in a Row’ consumer campaign, which we’ve been running across digital, print and local area marketing platforms, and which gives one lucky homeowner the chance to win a significant windfall of $50,000.”

Strategic marketing aside, Mr Raine is also convinced that a significant amount of buyer activity can be credited to record low interest rates, improved consumer confidence, and a stronger outlook for employment.

“The upshot of current appraisal levels is that we are anticipating very strong settlement results in May and June, although there is still a shortage of listings, which indicates that some owners are wary that a winter sale will not deliver an optimum price.

“Winter is often overlooked as a good time to sell in many markets around Australia, and despite our strong appraisal numbers, you could be competing with 15-20% fewer homes for sale than in traditionally high volume periods such as early autumn or spring,” says Mr Raine.

“It’s also a fallacy that committed buyers are put off by winter chills, while outdoor factors will have little impact on smaller homes and apartments, for instance.

“However, vendors would do well to heed the advice of their real estate agent when settling on the pricing of their homes to ensure a timely sale this winter.”

Angus Raine’s tips for a winter property sale

If you’re selling a home between now and September, there are a number of factors to keep in mind.

Winter is typically a good time to sell because you are often competing with 15-20% fewer homes on the market.
Ensure your home is clean, warm and inviting when holding an open for inspection.
When selling in winter it is important to let in plenty of natural light – a sun-drenched interior may prove a tick in the box with many buyers during colder weather. With this in mind, cut away any overhanging branches from windows to let more light in.
Winter is a smart time to sell a property with a north-facing yard and/or deciduous trees, which allow sunlight to stream in and warm your home.
A new coat of paint can make your rooms look fresh and inviting, and sticking to light, neutral shades can make your home appear bright and spacious.
Consider adding splashes of colour to your furnishings with colourful throw rugs and scatter cushions, while flowers or a bowl of fruit can also brighten up your home on a darker winter’s day.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman and CEO Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400

Booming autumn sales appraisals and listings set to ignite winter real estate markets