The March 2024 statistics from The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) have been released, showing a significant increase in listings and stock levels, creating more options for buyers. REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird says the market is clearly more active compared to a year ago, with high listing numbers, increased stock levels, higher sales counts and higher median sales prices.

New Zealand’s inventory levels have increased by 13.5% from 29,284 to 33,245 properties year-on-year – the highest level since 2015.

In the Bay of Plenty, there were 420 sales reported for the region in March, a 7.1% increase on the same period last year. The median sale price is down -4.3% year-on-year and now sits at $785,000. The median days to sell is recorded as 42 for March, a 19 day improvement on the same period last year.

Over in the Waikato, the volume of sales has increased 16.3% year-on-year, with 671 sales in the region during March. The median sale price for Waikato was reported at $760,000, a 2.8% increase on the year prior, with no change to the median days to sell at 45 days.

Northland reported 152 sales for March, a slight -1.9% decrease year-on-year, with a median sale price of $710,000. The median days to sell for the region during March was 59, an improvement of 8 days on the year prior.

For more information on the market activity in your area, view our Market Update reports below:

Download the Bay of Plenty Market Update - March 2024 

Download the Waikato Market Update - March 2024

Download the Whangarei Market Update – March 2024

When it comes to purchasing a first home, many buyers have done their research, identified their essential criteria for a new home and know what to look out for when viewing properties. However, there are also some lesser-known factors that can impact your experience when transacting, or during your home ownership, that new buyers need to be aware of. We have outlined these seven factors below, to help you feel fully prepared for the purchase of your first home:

1.      Planning on doing extensive work? Get advice from qualified tradespeople

Many first home buyers purchase property with the intention of conducting some DIY improvements. If you intend to undertake renovations or improvements on the property, seek advice from qualified tradespeople to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of your plans. They can provide valuable insights into the potential challenges and expense involved. This is especially crucial if you only want to purchase the home on the assumption that you will be able to complete the improvements. Costs and council consents can often throw a spanner in the works with DIY plans, so it’s good to have an accurate assessment of any implications before buying.

2.      Ensure it’s not a leaky home

If the property you’re considering purchasing was built between the 1980s and mid 2000’s, there is a chance it could be a ‘leaky building.’ Not only can leaky buildings be a nightmare for homeowners if there is extensive damage, but this can also impact your lending eligibility.

Many banks will not lend on properties that are likely to have water tightness issues. You may also be excluded from some government schemes that assist first home buyers, or you may be required to have a 20% deposit. Find out more about the implications of leaky homes HERE.

3.      Check that the house can be insured

Insurance is a crucial aspect of homeownership, providing financial protection against unforeseen events such as natural disasters or accidents. Before offering on a property, check that it’s insurable and research insurance options to ensure adequate coverage. Certain types of properties may be excluded from affordable insurance premiums, such as those in high-risk areas for natural disasters, properties with difficult access, dwellings older than 50 years or homes that weren’t constructed by a qualified contractor. Find out more about the importance of home insurance HERE.

‘If you can’t find an insurer to insure the home you want to buy, it’s safer to walk away’ - settled.govt.nz

4.      Find out what the neighbours are like

Neighbours can significantly impact your living experience. Ask your real estate salesperson if they know much about the neighbours of the property you’re interested in. Look for signs that the neighbours take care of their property. Be aware of excessive noise levels during your viewings, parked vehicles encroaching on the driveway or section of the property you are viewing, or any other signs of impending friction.

5.      Consider the long-term suitability of the location

Consider the zoning and proximity to schools if you have children or plan to in the future. If you are buying further afield for affordability, evaluate how the increased cost and time spent commuting will impact your lifestyle. It’s also a good idea to contact the local council to ask about future changes to zoning or planned developments in the area, in case this impacts your plans or the resale value of the property.

6.      Get quotes for conveyancing

Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring property from one party to another. This is done by either a lawyer or a property conveyancer, depending on your needs. There is a lot of work involved in conveyancing, and fees for the service can vary by a significant degree. It pays to do your research, look into reviews, contact different lawyers and conveyancers, and seek a quote with a full fee breakdown.

7.      Assess future affordability

Assess your finances based on your future goals, as opposed to your current level of affordability. Take into account plans like travel, maternity leave, or changes in career path. Consider how these future plans will affect your ability to service the mortgage as well as the ongoing costs of home ownership such as rates, insurance and maintenance. Aim to keep your costs at a level you can still service during these planned changes of income, to avoid financial strain. It's also wise to have a contingency fund set aside for unexpected repairs or emergencies, ensuring you can handle any unforeseen expenses without jeopardising your financial stability or having to forego future goals.

Ready to get started? Check out our extensive range of listings at www.eves.co.nz

Resources and further reading:
https://wiseup.nz/buying-property/guide-to-buying-a-house/buying-a-house-checklisthttps://www.settled.govt.nz/blog/what-property-buyers-need-to-know-about-insurance/https://www.settled.govt.nz/first-home-buyers/https://consumer-nz-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/1215/House_inspection_checklist-2014.pdfhttps://www.squirrel.co.nz/blogs/first-home-buyers/what-to-know-about-leaky-homes

Next Gen recently hosted a transformative event centered around the theme of courage, featuring an inspiring presentation by David Galbraith who is renowned for his expertise in personal development and empowerment. Galbraith, whose work embodies the essence of courage and resilience, shared his insights and strategies for cultivating courage in both personal and professional realms. Drawing from his own experiences and the principles outlined on his website, habitofgreatness.co.nz, Galbraith captivated the audience with practical techniques and motivational anecdotes.

Attendees were empowered to embrace discomfort, confront challenges head-on, and unlock their full potential. Through interactive discussions and reflective exercises, participants gained valuable tools to overcome fear, take bold action, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to embody courage in their daily lives, propelling Next Gen members toward greater success and fulfillment.

In response to concerns about housing affordability and the impact of property investment on the housing market, the New Zealand Labour Government previously introduced changes to interest deductibility rules. These changes were implemented to rebalance the housing market and make homeownership more accessible for first-home buyers.

Interest deductibility refers to the ability of property owners to deduct the interest paid on mortgages or loans taken out for investment properties from their taxable income. This deduction has long been a valuable tool for property investors, as it helps to reduce the overall tax burden associated with owning rental properties, but Labour’s ruling around this removed interest from the equation when calculating taxable profit, meaning landlords were required to pay more tax.

On 10^th March 2024, the recently elected National Coalition government announced a phased restoration of interest deductibility. Associate Finance Minister David Seymour stated “Landlords had been hit with a double whammy of rising mortgage interest rates and increasing interest deductibility limitations during a cost-of-living crisis. These costs are inevitably passed on to tenants, one of the reasons New Zealand has all time high rental costs.

“This heaped pressure on landlords and renters alike by reducing the number of rentals, pushing rents up, and making it harder for Kiwis to save for their first home.”

The government has now agreed to a phased restoration of interest deductibility over the coming financial years:

- 80% Deduction (2024/25 Financial Year): From 1^st April 2024 property owners can deduct 80% of their interest expenses. This adjustment aims to gradually ease the transition for investors while still moving towards the ultimate goal of full interest deductibility.

- 100% Deduction (2025/26 Financial Year): By the 2025/26 financial year, the restoration of interest deductibility will be complete, allowing property owners to deduct 100% of their interest payments on investment properties from their taxable income. This represents a return to the previous tax treatment of investment property interest expenses.

Moving forward, investors should adjust their tax planning strategies to account for the phased restoration of interest deductibility. This may involve re-evaluating cash flow projections, estimating tax liabilities, and optimising deductions to maximise tax efficiency.

The restoration of interest deductibility could influence investment decisions, particularly for investors considering new property acquisitions.

The phased restoration represents a significant policy change. By gradually increasing the deductibility allowance over several financial years, the government aims to strike a balance between supporting property investment and addressing housing affordability concerns.

As these changes take effect, property owners are advised to stay informed, adapt their financial strategies, and seek professional advice to navigate the evolving landscape successfully.

Sources:

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-agrees-restore-interest-deductions

https://www.opespartners.co.nz/tax/interest-deductibility

As we settle in to 2024, the New Zealand real estate market has been buzzing with activity from buyers and sellers alike. From a drastic influx of listings to a rise in the number of sales, coupled with bustling open homes and thriving auction attendance, this notable upswing is encouraging.

1.      Abundance of Listings

Stock levels have hit an 8-year high: One of the most significant indicators of an active real estate market is the availability of housing stock. In recent months, the amount of new listings has surged, with a 44.8% year-on-year increase recorded for February, nationwide.

The result of this growing inventory is that total housing stock levels for the country are now sitting at 8.1% higher that February last year. This influx of listings suggests a growing confidence among homeowners to put their properties on the market, which in turn favours buyers, providing a wider selection of options to choose from.

2.      More Sales

The total amount of properties sold in NZ increased by 37.9% from February 2023: Accompanying the rise in available listings is a surge in the number of property sales, signalling an uptick in buyer activity.

In the Bay of Plenty, 367 properties were sold in February, a 37.5% increase on the year prior. Waikato saw 521 properties sold, a 28% increase on February 2023, and Northland experienced a 22.8% increase year-on-year with 156 sales.

These figures reflect the renewed sense of optimism and willingness among buyers. Factors such as lower mortgage rates, more leniency around lending and stable economic conditions contribute to the buoyancy of the market, increasing sales volumes and fuelling momentum.

The volume of sales across the country still needs to see further improvement, but the robust increases across many regions are reflective of a market turnaround.

3.      Price Increases

The national median sale price has increased 3.1% year-on-year: There were no regional records set in February, however the 3.1% increase on February 2023’s median price show that property values are still holding fast, despite the short sharp market correction last year.

According to an article published by realestate.co.nz, in the decade leading up to 2023, average asking prices for property doubled in 12 of New Zealand’s 19 regions, with the remaining six regions experiencing increases by at least 50%. Although the drastic increase in house prices has slowed considerably, the continued upwards trend underscores resilience in the market.

4.      Attendance at Open Homes and Auctions

Open Home and Auction attendance has increased: Open home events serve as a crucial platform for prospective buyers to explore properties firsthand. From a market perspective, the volume of interest and attendance at open homes also provides an indication of buyer engagement within the property sector.

Auction attendance is another key indicator, having long offered the most transparent and competitive environment for both buyers and sellers. Our EVES Auction Rooms across our various regions have seen good attendance both in-person and online.

The above indications herald a promising outlook for all stakeholders involved. With a plethora of listings flooding the market, sales improving due to heightened buyer interest, and vibrant open home and auction attendance, the market is witnessing a positive step forward.

If you are a buyer or seller looking to enter this dynamic market, get in touch with one of our helpful EVES salespeople to get started!

*All statistics contained herein were sourced from REINZ (The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand), and Realestate.co.nz’s latest report: https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2024-february

The latest statistics from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand have been released for February, showing an increase in market activity across the country. Jenn Baird, REINZ CEO commented that the latest data ‘paints a picture of a more active housing market, characterised by increasing listings, robust sales activity, expanding stock levels, and growth in property prices.’

The influx of new listings to the market has been a point of much discussion over the past month, with realestate.co.nz reporting that new stock on their website was up over 40% from February last year, in the Bay of Plenty alone.

Over in the Waikato, the number of sales has increased 28% year-on-year, with the days to sell now sitting at 56, 10 days less than the same period last year.

In Whangarei, the median sale price for February was recorded at $760,000, an 8.4% increase on the same period last year.

For more information on the market activity in your area, view our Market Update reports below:

Download the Bay of Plenty Market Update - February 2024

Download the Waikato Market Update - February 2024

Download the Whangarei Market Update - February 2024

The 6th Annual Rate My Agent Awards were held recently, and we are very proud to congratulate all of our EVES winners! Rate My Agent is a reviews-based platform that celebrates salespeople based on client satisfaction. Well done to our teams and individuals below for your ongoing commitment to exceptional service:

• EVES Mount Maunganui – Agency of the Year Suburb Winner for Mount Maunganui

• EVES The Lakes – Agency of the Year Suburb Winner for Pyes Pa

• EVES Victoria - Waikato Top 5 Agency

• Brooke Edwards – Agent of the Year Suburb Winner for Waihi

• Nicholas Meloni – Agent of the Year Suburb Winner for Pyes Pa, Bay of Plenty Top 5 Agent, National Top 100 Agent

• Charlotte Gardner – Agent of the Year Suburb Winner for Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty Top 5 Agent, National Top 100 Agent

• Dirk Merwe – Agent of the Year Suburb Winner for Mount Maunganui

• Jacqueline Unsworth - Agent of the Year Suburb Winner for Bethlehem

• Neil Ransfield - Top 20% Nationwide

• Wendy Knight - Top 20% Nationwide

• Tracey O'Brien - Top 20% Nationwide

• Gavin Hocking - Top 20% Nationwide

Last Friday marked a significant event for our team at the EVES Whangarei branch as we gathered at the picturesque Northland Golf Club for our annual internal conference, aptly named "The Big Day Out." This day was all about reflecting on our past achievements, setting ambitious goals for the upcoming year, and strengthening the bonds within our team.

We were thrilled to have our esteemed Directors, Franchise Manager, and CEO Heath Young join us for the day. Their presence added a sense of importance and urgency to our discussions as we delved into various topics aimed at propelling us toward greater success.

The agenda was meticulously crafted to ensure a balance between informative sessions and interactive activities. We kicked off the day with a warm welcome from Nikki, our branch manager, setting the tone for what was to come. Heath Young took the stage next, delivering a comprehensive overview of EVES’ nationwide performance from 2023 to 2024. His insights provided valuable context for our local initiatives and strategies.

Following Heath's presentation, our local leadership team provided us with a detailed overview of EVES' local performance, reflecting on the highs and lows of 2023 and unveiling exciting initiatives for 2024. This session was particularly engaging as it allowed us to align our individual goals with the broader vision of the company.

After a refreshing morning tea break, we dived into a fascinating presentation by Mark Laurence on the role of AI in real estate. His insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming our industry sparked thought-provoking discussions and ignited our imagination about the possibilities that lie ahead.

As the day progressed, we engaged in breakout groups focusing on different aspects of our operations, including administration, property management and sales. These sessions provided a platform for brainstorming ideas, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among team members.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the awards ceremony led by our leadership team. It was a moment of celebration and recognition, honouring the hard work and dedication of individuals who went above and beyond in their roles.

As we wrapped up the conference, there was a palpable sense of excitement and determination in the air. Energised by the discussions and inspired by the collective vision we had crafted, we headed to the golf course for a relaxing round of golf and a well-deserved beer. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day's proceedings while strengthening the bonds that bind us as a team.

"The Big Day Out" was a resounding success, encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie, learning, and growth that defines our company culture. We left the conference inspired and empowered, ready to make 2024 our best year yet.

Entries are now open for the 2024 Most Trusted Business Awards! As a leading real estate company across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the North, we were proud to be awarded Most Trusted Real Estate Agency in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We are on a mission to continue delivering an exceptional service, every day. 

Click the link below to vote for us for the upcoming Most Trusted Business award!

VOTE NOW

When it comes to finding your dream home, the decision between building or purchasing an existing dwelling requires much consideration. In this latest blog, we’ve identified the benefits of building a new home versus opting for a resale, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and long-term goals.

Benefits of buying an existing dwelling

1.       Established Neighbourhoods: Resale homes are often located in established neighborhoods with amenities such as shops and public transport options already in place, and a well-defined community atmosphere. This can contribute to a sense of structure and stability.

2.       Quicker Move-In: Unlike the construction process of a new build, purchasing an existing home typically allows for a quicker move-in. This can be advantageous for those who have a shorter timeframe or want to avoid construction delays.

3.       Known Property Value: Resale homes have a known property value based on recent comparable sales in the area. This can provide more certainty about the home's market value compared to new builds, which might lack a comparable sales history.

4.       Negotiation Opportunities: Existing properties are generally cheaper to purchase than new builds. Buyers of existing homes may even have more room for negotiation, especially if the property has been on the market for an extended period. This can lead to potential cost savings or favorable terms.

5.       Character and Charm: Depending on the age of the dwelling, resale homes may boast unique architectural features and a sense of character that has developed over time. If you appreciate a distinctive design or are drawn to a certain type of style or character, a resale home may be the perfect fit.

Benefits of building

1.       Customisation and Personalisation: One of the advantages of a new build is the opportunity to customise your home to suit your tastes and lifestyle. From floor plans to finishes, you have the flexibility to make design choices that reflect your personal tastes.

2.       Modern Design and Features: New homes often incorporate the latest design trends and technological advancements. Enjoy contemporary layouts, energy-efficient features, and smart home technologies that enhance comfort and convenience.

3.       Reduced Maintenance Costs: New homes come with modern construction materials and systems, reducing the likelihood of immediate repairs. This translates to lower maintenance costs in the initial years of homeownership.

4.       Warranty Protection: New builds should come with builder warranties that cover structural defects and major systems for a certain period. This added protection provides peace of mind and financial security for homeowners.

5.       Energy Efficiency: New homes are generally designed to be more energy efficient. Enjoy lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact with features such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, energy-efficient appliances and a focus on maximising natural lighting.

Ultimately, the decision between a new build and an existing home depends on your individual priorities and budget. Whether you crave the customisation options of a new build or the charm and convenience of an existing home in an established neighborhood, weigh up the benefits of each to find which option aligns with your preferences. You can check out our extensive selection of homes and sections for sale at eves.co.nz.

After a period of extensive refurbishment, we are very excited to announce that our EVES Cherrywood branch is now open. The refurbished office is a project that aimed to refresh not only the working space for EVES salespeople and property managers, but also to provide a brighter and more welcoming environment for clients. The new interior and layout was designed in partnership between EVES and First Principles Architects & Interiors, with furniture supplied by Modern Office.

A ten-week fitout period has seen the office transformed; with a new board room, dedicated client meeting spaces and a custom built bar which will allow for functions and client celebrations to be held within the office. The working space for salespeople and property managers features standup desks, and an abundance of natural light to provide a healthy and collaborative working space.

Key design elements are black aluminium joinery, oak panelling and furniture. Some features from the old office have been repurposed, such as the reception desk and existing storage units which have been upcycled to match the new, modern interior.

On Wednesday 28^th February from 3pm the team at EVES Cherrywood will welcome the local community to check out the new premises. In addition to meeting the team and seeing the new office space, families can enjoy a Mr Whippy van on site and face painting for kids!  

The latest statistics from The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) have been released, showing a national increase in the amount of properties sold by 16% year-on-year (excluding Auckland).

Jen Baird, REINZ CEO, commented "Listings increased by 10.4% nationally and 5.4% for New Zealand, excluding Auckland, year-on-year. Despite this wave of listings favouring buyers, the challenges of last year, including the cost of living, inflation, interest rate changes, and government reforms, mean some buyers remain cautious.

However, most regions are reporting more buyer activity across the board, with some seeing a particular surge in first-home buyer interest. Vendors are also being confident but realistic with prices as activity increases over the summer months. This is likely to resolve in inventory moving over the coming more active months in the year, “adds Baird.

For more information on the market activity in your area, check out the latest Market Update reports below:

Download the Bay of Plenty Market Update - January 2024

Download the Waikato Market Update - January 2024

Download the Whangarei Market Update - January 2024

After a well deserved break over summer the Next Gen – Property Academy group met on Valentines Day to kick off 2024 with the first step of their personal development journey.

The 12 month programme aims to focus on the group members' individual purpose, mindset, growth opportunities, skills to hone their business skills, and will enable them to have input into the EVES business strategy so that as a group we learn from each other.

The session was based on understanding what you are good at and what you are passionate about to form your WHY, your overarching purpose statement and consequently your 15 year vision which presents your WHY in a tangible way.

The team were shown the power of understanding not just the what or the how behind our careers but the why and how that can influence their every day decisions and assist in their career pathway or business. They then went on to workshop their way through developing their own set of statements.

The group shared a lot of their own stories, there were tears, and lightbulb moments mixed equally with laughter and deep conversation. The overall enthusiasm and vibe of this group is infectious, and the engagement with the programme shows through every time. EVES are dedicated to putting time and attention into our people, and what you give with this group you get back tenfold.

Our next session is lining up to be just as eventful with a speaker that will further push the boundaries and ensure everyone leaves those comfort seats well and truly behind.

Owning an investment property and managing tenants can be a complicated ecosystem, involving aspects of administrative work, maintenance, legal obligations and liaising with tenants and contractors.

Property managers play a pivotal role in managing the responsibilities and expectations of both landlords and tenants. Whilst the exact nature of the duties of a Property Manager may seem obscure, their roles shoulder a huge amount of the responsibility that comes with owning an investment property. Below we have listed some of the duties taken care of by EVES Property Managers:

1. Tenant Relations

   One of the primary duties of property managers is to manage relationships with tenants. From screening and selecting suitable tenants to handling tenancy agreements and resolving disputes, property managers act as intermediaries, ensuring a cohesive balance between tenants and property owners. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are paramount in this aspect of their role.

2. Property Maintenance and Inspections

   Property managers are entrusted with the upkeep of the physical condition of the properties under their care. This involves conducting inspections, scheduling maintenance and repairs, and ensuring that the property complies with Healthy Homes standards. By proactively addressing maintenance issues, and liaising with contractors on the owners behalf, property managers help to ensure the longevity and value of your real estate assets.

In addition to monitoring the condition of your property, our tenancy agreements clearly outline what aspects of property maintenance are the tenants responsibility, and what responsibilities lie with the landlord. Knowing who is responsible for what ensures transparency on both sides and allows property managers to ensure these expectations are met.

3. Rent Collection

   Handling finances is a crucial aspect of property management. Ensuring rent is paid on time is not only vital to the profitability of your investment, it ensures peace of mind for landlords. EVES Property Managers monitor rent payments on a daily basis. Any instances of non-payment will be immediately identified and followed up.

Furthermore, in the unlikely instance an issue arises with the tenancy, we will represent you in Tenancy Tribunal Hearings. Our EVES processes around managing properties are excellent and there is seldom the necessity to have a Tenancy Tribunal Hearing. However, if a situation arises and a hearing is unavoidable, we’ve got you covered!

4. Advertising and Tenant Selection

   When a property becomes vacant, property managers step into the role of advertising your property and selecting new tenants. This involves marketing your rental property across web portals such as Trade Me, realestate.co.nz and the EVES Rentals website, as well as conducting thorough research into current market rates to ensure you are obtaining the maximum return on your investment and optimising occupancy. When it comes to selecting new tenants, our property managers will conduct rigorous reference checks and vetting to ensure the most suitable tenants are selected for your investment.

5. Crisis Management

  Whilst our EVES Property Managers work normal office hours, they are available 24/7 in the event an emergency arises that needs to be addressed urgently outside office hours. We will ensure your investment is always taken care of, and our property managers are supported by in-house administrative staff, a Healthy Homes Coordinator, and the General Manager of Property Management Joanna Martinez-Hart.

If you would like to know more about how our EVES Property Managers can take the stress out of owning an investment property, get in touch with us today! https://www.evesrentals.co.nz/our-people

As the country moved into the height of the summer season, market activity in the real estate sector experienced some positive increases in sales volume and activity across many New Zealand regions in December.

Jen Baird, REINZ CEO, commented ‘December showed that the trend of steady improvement in property market activity has set in thanks to the Government announcing more details of its plans, and the arrival of the more active months in the property cycle.’ Nationally, the volume of properties sold in December increased by 14.1% year-on-year to 5,145.

In contrast to the positive sales activity, stock levels continued to decline due to a lack of new listings, with Realestate.co.nz’s latest Property Report naming December 2023 as the lowest month on record for new listings nationally (excluding the April 2020 COVID-19 lockdown).

Bay of Plenty

There were 355 sales across the Bay of Plenty in December, a 24.1% increase year-on-year. The median days to sell also showed notable improvement at 43, 8 days less than December 2022.

Tauranga reported an impressive 129 sales last month, a 34% increase on the same period the year prior. The median days to sell also showed significant improvement at 38 days, 7 days less than the same period the year prior. Only the median sale price of $850,000 reflected a downward trend with an 8.6% decrease year-on-year.

Mount Maunganui and Papamoa recorded 99 sales and experienced a 2% increase year-on-year for median sale price, which now sits at $972,500. Rotorua, with 62 sales in December, has a median sale price of $620,000, an optimistic 11% increase year-on-year.

Across the Bay of Plenty, 346 new listings came to the market, a -6% decrease compared to December 2022.  

Download the latest Bay of Plenty Market Update

Waikato

The Waikato region reported an optimistic 24.1% increase in sales volume year-on-year, with 490 sales recorded for December 2023. According to the latest REINZ Property Report, first home buyers and owner occupiers were the more active buyer groups.

Janine Missen, Branch Manager EVES Rototuna, commented 'Salespeople returned from their summer breaks with a bounce in their step sensing that the tide has turned and 2024 is going to be a good year on the back of a tough 2023. Buyers and sellers have returned from their summer holiday ready to move forward with their real estate plans.

We are seeing quality new listings across our four offices with a number of sellers opting for the Auction method of sale. Buyer enquiry and viewings are up in January resulting in sales being written, multi offers presented and success in the Auction Room. All in all there are positive signs in the Waikato as we head into the last quarter of the financial year.'

The median sale price in Hamilton is now $765,000, a 2% increase year-on-year. Sales volumes for the city are up 26% compared to the same period in 2022, with 214 sales reported last month.

South of Hamilton, the Putaruru, Tirau and Arapuni area has had an 11% increase in median sale price, which now sits at $585,000.

In North Waikato, the positive trends continue with Huntly recording a median sale price of $580,000, a 0.8% increase year-on-year.

Download the latest Waikato Market Update

Whangarei

Further north, shifts in activity and active buyer demographics were evident, with Nikki Boulcott, Manager of EVES Whangarei, providing some insight on activity in the area:

‘The real estate market is experiencing significant changes, driven by trends like decreasing interest rates and a notable increase in first-home buyer and investor activity. At EVES Whangarei, our December auction clearance rate was 60%, with a strong presence of first-home buyers. The median sale price reached $630,000, the highest since September 2023, showing a 2.4% month-on-month increase but a -9.9% decrease from December 2022.

Despite a slight dip in the number of sold properties from November, there's an overall uptick from December 2022, reflecting market dynamics. The median days to sell is currently 55, slightly up from November 2023. The real estate sector is demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid changing interest rates and evolving market conditions.’

Download the latest Northland Market Update

For more information on recent market activity in your area, get in touch with one of our knowledgeable salespeople.

*Statistics and information sourced from the REINZ December 2023 Property Report and the Realestate.co.nz December 2023 New Zealand Property Report

When browsing homes for sale, it’s no secret that stellar photography can play a huge part in catching a buyer’s eye, creating a vivid first impression, and showcasing all the best attributes of a home. In an era where potential buyers browse listings online before deciding to physically visit a property, the significance of stunning visual representation cannot be overstated. One key element in presenting your home in the best light possible is investing in professional photography.

Here at EVES, every single property listed with us is represented with professional photos. This ensures your home reaches its maximum potential in the market, creating the best impression with potential buyers. This article provides actionable tips on how to ensure your home shines in every shot.

1. Declutter and depersonalise

The most important task is to clear and declutter the communal spaces. This is one of the common downfalls of stunning photos. The aim of the photos is not only to showcase the layout of a room, but to evoke emotion, highlight features, and create a compelling narrative of a home that allows buyers to visualise themselves and their possessions in a space. This is difficult to accomplish if the primary focus of the photos is personal belongings or excessive decorations, which can also detract from the positive features of a room. Below are some of the key tasks to complete, to ensure areas are as tidy and minimalist as possible:

• Clear away dishes from benches and sinks
• Remove magnets from the fridge
• Get rid of stacks of mail, newspapers and magazines
• Hide cleaning products, sponges and tea towels
• Hide rubbish bins and pet food bowls
• Clear countertops and tables of decorations, personal effects and excessive appliances
• Put away remote controls
• Hide electrical cables
• Turn off computer screens
• Remove toiletries and products from vanities and dressing tables
• Put away clothes and shoes

2. Do a deep clean

Before having your professional photos taken, make sure all rooms undergo a deep clean. Not only is this appealing for in-person inspections, but it helps your home photograph well. Beyond vacuuming and dusting, consider having your carpet cleaned (if necessary) and ensure all surfaces such as glass shower doors, wooden tables, lino floors or tiles are gleaming.

3. Consider professional staging 

The process of staging your homes involves having an expert stylist assess the interior of the property and ‘stage’ it with suitable furnishings. The purpose of this is to highlight the best aspects of a property, enhance its attractiveness and elevate its potential. This will enable the professional photography to capture the absolute best representation of your home and ensure it stands out online. You can find out more about the process and benefits of staging at https://www.eves.co.nz/home-staging.

4. Maximise natural light

Natural light can significantly enhance the appeal of your home in photographs. Before the photoshoot, ensure that curtains and blinds are open to let in as much natural light as possible. If your property has unique architectural features like large windows or skylights, make sure these are clean and unobstructed so they can be showcased in the photographs.

5. Pay attention to street appeal

The exterior of your home sets the stage for what potential buyers can expect inside. Enhance your street appeal by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and ensuring the path to the front door is free from clutter. A well-maintained exterior not only adds value to your property but also makes for striking photos that entice viewers to explore further. To really maximise the effectiveness of the external photos, consider investing in twilight photography. Twilight photos showcase the differing hues of the sky in contrast to the warm interior and exterior lights of a home, adding atmosphere to your marketing.

6. Address minor repairs and touch ups

Inspect your home for any minor repairs or cosmetic touch-ups that may be needed. This includes missing handles on cupboards or doors, peeling wallpaper or chipped paint. If it’s an easy fix, it’s worth resolving these small cosmetic issues. Small details matter, and a well-maintained home signals to potential buyers that the property has been cared for, instilling confidence in their decision making process.

Preparing your home properly for professional photography is key to maximising the effectiveness of the photos. This preparation will pay off in the long run, when it comes to standing out in the competitive real estate portals online. By decluttering, cleaning, staging, and addressing minor repairs, you set the stage for stunning photographs that capture the essence of your property. Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming and visually appealing environment that allows potential buyers to see the full potential of their future home.

Our EVES salespeople are more than happy to talk you through the process and provide guidance around the best ways to ensure your home is well presented for professional photos. Talk to us today!

Making the decision to sell your home is a significant step that often involves a combination of personal, financial, and lifestyle factors. Here we provide an overview of the context to these factors, to help you recognise when it's the right time to put your property on the market.

1. A growing family

If your family is expanding, you might be starting to feel the limitations of your current home as opposed to it being the peaceful retreat it once was. Perhaps you are becoming more aware of the inability to segment off sections of the house in the evening to prevent little ones from being woken up, or maybe the volume of toys, games and ever increasing clutter is no longer accommodated in the available storage space.  

Growing families often require more room for kids to play and explore outside, in the form of a larger, more secure, backyard. In addition to needing room to roam, you may find that you have maxed out the available bedrooms and bathrooms in your current home. If you are upsizing for the sake of additional rooms and yard space, it’s worth doubling down on garaging too to accommodate additional vehicles, not to mention trikes, bikes and scooters!

2. An empty nest

Conversely, if your children have grown and moved on to pursue their own adventures, you may find yourself in a home that feels too large for your current lifestyle. Empty nesters often consider downsizing to a smaller, more manageable property. This not only reduces the burden of maintenance and utility costs but also allows you to unlock equity tied up in your current home. It's a chance to embrace a simpler lifestyle, perhaps in a trendy urban apartment or a cosy and low maintenance cottage in a quieter neighbourhood.

Another challenge that is often faced by empty nesters is that the family homestead often plays host to a huge amount of additional clutter, in the form of the belongings of adult children who have fled the nest but are yet to take full ownership of their childhood possessions. If the scale of space and possessions in your home far outnumbers the amount of people currently residing there, it could be time to fly the coop too. Not only will downsizing provide the opportunity to clear away clutter and start fresh, it could provide an opportunity to relocate closer to kids and grandkids.

3. Change in finances

Financial situations can change unexpectedly, influencing your ability to maintain your current property. Whether you've experienced a positive financial windfall or faced economic challenges in the tough financial climate of recent years, your home is a valuable asset that can be leveraged strategically.

Selling your home might provide an opportunity to downsize to a more affordable property, freeing up funds for other investments or debt reduction. A financial planner and a real estate salesperson can help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.

4. Relocating for work

Career advancements sometimes come with the need to relocate, and this can be a compelling reason to sell your current home. If you're facing a job transfer or have accepted an exciting opportunity in a different city or region, selling your property allows you to make a seamless transition. Timing is crucial in such situations, with many people wanting to purchase a new home subject to the sale of their current property. Working closely with a real estate salesperson can help you navigate the logistics of selling and buying in tandem, ensuring a smooth move to your new professional chapter.

Relocating for work could also mean making a move in your current city. With the rapid expansion of some of New Zealand’s main hubs, your morning commute may have gone from tedious to taxing, in which case it may be time to make a move.

5. Lifestyle shift

As the years go by, lifestyle preferences can undergo significant changes. Maybe you've developed a newfound appreciation for the vibrant culture of city living, or perhaps you dream of waking up to the soothing sound of waves on the beach. If your current home no longer aligns with your evolving lifestyle aspirations, it might be time to explore new possibilities. If you are feeling underwhelmed in your current home, consider making the move to a different neighborhood, town, or even a rural retreat. Selling your home could be the key to unlocking the lifestyle you desire.

6. Maintenance challenges

Over time, older homes may require increasing amounts of maintenance and repair. If you find yourself constantly dealing with issues like a leaky roof, outdated plumbing, or a huge amount of garden to maintain, the cumulative costs and labour can become burdensome. Selling your home and moving to a newer property or one that requires less upkeep can alleviate the stress of ongoing maintenance and provide a fresh start in a more updated environment.

7. Market conditions and equity

Monitoring the real estate market is crucial when contemplating a sale. If property values in your area have seen significant appreciation, selling at the right time can maximise your equity. A real estate professional can provide insights into market conditions, helping you determine whether the current climate favours sellers and if it's an opportune time to make a move.

Recognising the signs that it's time to sell your home involves a thoughtful assessment of various factors. Whether your family is expanding, contracting, or your lifestyle is evolving, paying attention to these signs can guide you towards making timely decisions. At EVES, our knowledgeable salespeople are more than happy to provide you with all the information you need to assist you with your decision. They will help you explore your options, navigate the intricacies of the market, and understand what to expect with the sale of your current property. For more information, get in touch with an EVES salesperson today! www.eves.co.nz/our-people

Something that we strongly believe in at EVES is sustainability and being mindful of our impact on the environment. We live in a time where the need to consider the impact of our actions is more important than ever, and this includes our home and habits within our household. ‘Sustainability’ is the term that broadly encompasses taking steps today to ensure that the future is secure and preserved for the next generation. ‘Eco-friendly’ on the other hand focuses on minimising our impact and harm on the environment. Consider some of the below factors to help you incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable practices in your home:

Insulation and double glazing

Double glazing and insulation effectively reduces the transfer of heat in a home, so that it can be heated more efficiently. This reduces a household’s reliance on gas or electricity-powered heating, which in turn lowers the cardon footprint of a home.

Solar panels

Solar power is a source of renewable energy, and solar panels, if fitted efficiently, can be a fantastic addition to a sustainability-focused household. Solar panels work by absorbing the energy from sunlight, which is converted into an electrical charge. According to mysolarquotes.co.nz, a 3kW solar power system consists of around 10 panels, which should be sufficient for heating a three bedroom home with standard appliances. A solar power system installed correctly (in appropriate proportion to the size and requirements of your home) could save you anywhere between 40-70% on your monthly power bill. 

Energy efficient rating on appliances

Household appliances in NZ generally come with an Energy Rating sticker, depicting either 6 or 10 stars for the energy efficiency rating, plus a label with the energy consumption of that appliance. It’s worth comparing the star rating and consumption with appliances of the same size, type and capacity. The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance and the higher the potential savings.

Energy efficient light bulbs (LED)

When it comes to shopping for replacement light bulbs, a lot of people are drawn to the cheaper option of incandescent lights. What you may not know is, LED bulbs use 85-90% less energy than standard light bulbs and can last 15 times longer. This means they are better for the environment as there is less energy wasted, and while they may cost more up front, using LED bulbs will save you money spent on electricity in the long term, as well as being better for the environment.

Greywater recycling systems

Greywater is the wastewater from baths, showers, basins and sometimes laundry. Greywater recycling systems reuse this water for irrigation, and in some instances for flushing toilets. This is done by using a filtration system to collect the water, which is then fed through an irrigation system to keep your plants, shrubs and lawn watered. Greywater cannot be used for veggie gardens, in case it harbors any bacteria, but it is a great water-saving hack that cuts down on water costs and can come in very handy during the summer months when there are limits imposed on water usage.

Rainwater harvesting

Harvesting rainwater comes with a host of benefits: Its easy, it will save on usage of reticulated water and therefore reduce water bills, and it also offers an alternative water supply in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. If you don’t want to commit to implementing a full rainwater harvesting system from the get go, you can look to simply purchase one harvesting tank, to be attached to the bottom of a downpipe, for use in emergencies or periods of drought with water restrictions. Find out more about your rainwater harvesting options at https://organicnz.org.nz/magazine-articles/rainwater-harvesting/

Veggie gardens

Veggie gardens are a popular addition to many households, as they provide an opportunity to cut down on costs at the supermarket. However, growing veggies at home will also decrease you carbon footprint and reduce the amount of packaging waste generated by your household. To successfully grow your own veggies, keep your garden free from weeds and pests. Make sure you plan ahead and plant according to the season and conditions. Use this planting calendar to get started.

Composting

Lastly – composting is an efficient and easy way to reduce your household waste. Compost is made up of anything that can break down on its own. This includes nitrogen-rich matter such as fruit or vegetable waste and rabbit and guinea pig bedding, as well as carbon-rich material such as shredded paper and egg cartons. As the mixture of this waste breaks down into compost, it will provide nutrients that plants can absorb to grow stronger and healthier. Just ensure your compost bin can be fully enclosed so that it doesn’t attract pests, and add a variety of waste including nitrogen rich material, carbon rich material and some water.

Making sustainable or eco-friendly changes in your household doesn’t have to be drastic or expensive. Start by adopting one or two smaller changes into your household and before you know it, you will have reduced your carbon footprint and made an important step towards a more sustainable future.

The sun is shining and international tennis is back in Pāpāmoa. All week in the lead up to Christmas, from 17-23 December, professional players from Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia will take on some of New Zealand’s best at Pāpāmoa Tennis Club.

"The EVES Open is a celebration of tennis, community spirit and the joy of summer,” Pāpāmoa Tennis Club President Gerald Greig says. “We invite everyone to join us. This is a perfect way to usher in the holiday season.”

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga is a professional event for men (M15) and women (W25) with official ATP and WTA world ranking points and a total prize pool of US$40,000. Play begins at 11am each day, with free spectator entry.

Check out the full article here.

The EVES Open is back in Pāpāmoa in less than a week and students at Pāpāmoa Primary School have got the ball rolling.

After the success of last year’s inaugural event, the EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga is returning to the sky-blue hard courts of Pāpāmoa Tennis Club from 17-23 December. Entry is free for spectators.

This is an international tournament for men and women with official ATP and WTA world ranking points up for grabs. Professional players from Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia will be taking on some of New Zealand’s best at the Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Just down the road from the tennis centre, which will also play host to the New Zealand Wheelchair Tennis National Championships next week, students at Pāpāmoa Primary School got an early taste of this upcoming festival of tennis. Brand new tennis equipment including Wilson racquets, balls and nets were donated to the school by Tennis New Zealand and EVES Real Estate... Read the full article.

This is the end of an era for EVES Realty. For over 25 years, and possibly way back further than that, EVES has published a weekly magazine marketing our vendors homes for sale. Initially, it was called Real Estate Today, fondly known as “the RET”. Now it is EVES Property, and this publication is the last printed publication.

We recognise that websites are the preferred place buyers go to look for property for sale. However, we know there is still a place for print media. Therefore, we will be moving over to the Property Guide effective from next week.

Thank you to all our followers. Your loyalty has been amazing, and we look forward to showcasing more properties in the Property Guide.

EVES. Still Exceptional. Every day!

The EVES Next Gen – Property Academy were thrilled to host guest speaker Cory Sweeney, Coach of the NZ Womens Rubgy 7’s team. Cory spoke to our EVES team about the importance of Identity & Purpose, of a relentlessness to be the best, taking us through the fight to the top for his team culminating in the 2021 Olympic Gold for the Black Ferns. Cory led the team through some tools and techniques to use on the road to high performance, ensuring we look after ourselves and family along the way, while also striving to do today what others aren’t. A huge thank you to Cory for sharing his story, our EVES family took away some great insights and are looking forward to using these concepts on their mission to being Exceptional. Every day. 

On the 1^st November we hosted the EVES First Home Buyers seminar, with a full room of buyers in attendance and eager to learn about getting on the home ownership ladder. With some fantastic speakers, including mortgage and insurance advisers, solicitors, builders and an auctioneer, there were plenty of tricks and tips shared to make the journey easier. Over $1000 of vouchers and incentives from our speakers were given to each attendee to help keep the costs of purchasing down. We can’t wait to help these excited future clients make the leap and hope to support them every step of the way!

EVES is proud to announce its official launch of Next Gen – Property Academy, as a dynamic and innovative group of real estate professionals dedicated to shaping the future of the industry. With a mission statement that emphasizes growth, professionalism, and excellence, Next Gen is poised to redefine the standards of excellence in the world of real estate.

EVES understands the importance of supporting its team of salespeople, property managers and office staff therefore this group has been specifically designed to assist those who want to grow, develop and learn to be the best they can be. 

The mission of Next Gen - Property Academy is clear: "Next Gen is committed to fostering a collaborative team that cultivates growth, professionalism, and excellence. We aim to shape the future of EVES by developing ourselves and those around us to create lasting value for each other and the wider business."

Next Gen - Property Academy represents a paradigm shift in the real estate sector, setting a higher bar for professional standards and nurturing the EVES culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and collaboration. As the industry evolves, EVES aims to lead the way by providing its members with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to excel in their careers.

The group provides the ability for EVES to develop strong succession plans ensuring that we are supporting the team to move into their long term career pathway within EVES. Meeting every 6 weeks they will have access to motivational speakers, educational resources, workshops, and training designed to sharpen their skills but also encourage develop their belief in themselves and grow through personal development.

“As we launch Next Gen - Property Academy, we are excited to usher in a new era of real estate professionals who are dedicated to growth, professionalism, and excellence," says Heath Young, CEO.

The official launch of Next Gen - Property Academy occurred on October 25^th where the group walked the red carpet into a celebration of their commitment to the company, and heard presentations from the CEO, Heath Young, People & Culture Manager, Pauline McLaren & Sales Manager, Mark Leach, before being presented with their gift cementing their place in the group.

This group represents a significant step forward in the real estate sector, signalling a commitment to raising the bar and embracing a culture of continuous improvement. As the Academy continues to grow, it aims to attract forward-thinking professionals who share its vision and values.

Selling your home is a significant financial and emotional undertaking, and choosing the right real estate salesperson can make a substantial difference to the outcome of the sale. An experienced, skilled, and trustworthy salesperson can guide you through the process, help you get the best possible price for your home, and ensure a smooth transaction. Below we have listed five key steps to help you select the right salesperson to sell your home:

1. Research and gather recommendations

   Start by researching local companies in your area and identify salespeople who have a strong presence in your neighbourhood. This indicates they are familiar with the area and associated property values, and they may already have a database of potential buyers they can introduce to your home.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues on who they have used to sell properties and how they found the experience. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a great way to get feedback you can trust.

Online reviews and ratings such as Google business profiles can provide valuable insight into the reputation of a particular agency or salesperson. Portals such as Rate My Agent can also assist with identifying top salespeople in your area, as high-rated agents are ranked by their reviews and can be searched for by suburb.

2. Meet with several different salespeople

Request market appraisals from three potential salespeople. Different real estate salespeople may have varying levels of market knowledge, expertise and experience. By obtaining appraisals from multiple professionals, you can tap into a broader range of perspectives and insights regarding the value of your property. Appraisals are generally free and no-obligation, providing a good opportunity for you to do some comparative research.

It can be beneficial to attend Open Homes in your area, as a way to research potential salespeople. Chat to them about market activity in the neighborhood and take note of their professionalism, approachability and knowledge of the home they’re presenting.

When you receive market appraisals from the salespeople who have assessed your home, chat to them about the selling range. Appraisals should include a high and low price point. The value the salesperson puts your home at should sit somewhere in the middle. Don’t be swayed by high price ranges. This shouldn’t impact your decision as much as the material supporting the sales range (based on recent sales and market insights in the area) and the approach of the salesperson.

3. Assess the suitability of the salesperson

You will soon discover that there are many differing approaches to marketing strategies. A strong marketing strategy is crucial to selling your home efficiently and at the best possible price. Ask each salesperson about their marketing plan, including how they would advertise your property, leverage online platforms, utilise social media, and reach potential buyers.

   Effective communication is also key throughout the selling process. Evaluate how responsive and accessible each salesperson is when you reach out to them. Choose someone with a comprehensive and innovative marketing approach, backed by a good track record of results and testimonials. Consider how personable and professional they are, and how well their communication style aligns with your own.

4. Understand commission and fees

   Clarify the salesperson's commission and any other fees associated with selling your home. Discuss the commission rate upfront to ensure transparency and avoid any surprises later in the process. Be sure to understand what services are included in the commission, and don’t automate towards whoever is offering the cheapest rate. Ultimately, full service and reputable agencies have the resources, market knowledge and buyer databases to get you the best result. If you are looking for the lowest commission rate you can find, you may pay for it in the long run.

5. Review the agency agreement carefully

   Before signing any agreements, carefully review the contract with the selected salesperson. Ensure that you understand the terms, conditions, and responsibilities outlined in the contract, and seek legal advice if you are unsure about anything stipulated.

6. Regularly evaluate progress

   Throughout the selling process, stay engaged and evaluate how your salesperson communicates activity and interest to you during the campaign period. Regardless of the market climate, your salesperson should be keeping you informed every step of the way. If there is a lack of interest and enquiry, they should be actively addressing this and adapting their strategy in consultation with you, to meet the needs of the market. If you have concerns or feel that the salesperson is not meeting your expectations, address the issues promptly.

Selecting the right real estate salesperson is a crucial step in the home-selling process, and can impact the sale price, time spent on the market, and how stress-free the experience is. Take the time to research, interview, and carefully consider your options to help ensure a smooth and satisfactory sale.

 Interested in selling? Contact us for appraisal

We are delighted that EVES have once again been awarded New Zealand’s Most Trusted Real Estate Agency at the 2023 Most Trusted Business Awards! This award acknowledges the exceptional level of service and dedication that EVES salespeople are known for. 

The Most Trusted Business Awards have been running for seven years now, and this year saw 2,437 eligible NZ businesses compete in the various categories, with over 4,700 votes and reviews submitted!

The categories are segmented into Regional, Industry, Overall and Nationwide winners. This is the third year in a row EVES have won the Nationwide category of Most Trusted Real Estate Agency.

We are truly proud of our team and their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and results for our clients. Heath Young, Realty Group Chief Executive Officer said, “This award is something we are very proud of, as the winner is decided by votes from our clients. My thanks to everyone who voted for EVES, and congratulations to all our team members across the entire EVES network for their consistent dedication and efforts to both our clients and our brand”. 

At EVES, our people are passionate about giving you the best real estate experience. Offering a hugely personal service, our dedicated, hard-working salespeople will ensure that whether you’re looking for superior local knowledge or unmatched support to help you through one of life’s largest moments, you can find it here with us. From listing right through to settlement, you can count on us to provide an exceptional experience every step of the way.

As well as our commitment to our clients, we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate. Through an extensive range of sponsorships; from sports to charities, schools, clubs and events to arts and cultural activities. we take pride in supporting a diverse portfolio of local and regional sponsorships; contributing time, resources, and financial support to help improve the quality of life for the people living in the community whilst helping to build a healthy future for the next generation.

EVES is proudly New Zealand owned and operated, but our service is world-class.

You can check out the full list of winners from this years awards at https://mosttrusted.co.nz/business-awards/

Investing in real estate provides two forms of potential returns; rental income and an increase to the value of the property over time. Investing in property can be a successful financial venture, provided you take into consideration several factors that could contribute to the long-term viability and security of your investment.

Rental properties are in hot demand across many regions of New Zealand, but careful research, preparation and professional advice is recommended in order to give you the best chance of a successful investment.

1. Location

The first factor in identifying a good potential investment is its location. A prime location can significantly impact the potential for appreciation and good rental income. Close proximity to essential amenities such as schools, hospitals and public transport will increase desirability, not only to tenants, but also future buyers. Areas with a diverse job market and plenty of employment opportunities are also a good indication of the desirability of the area.

It’s a good idea to research crime rates, insurance costs and property rates in the neighbourhood you are wanting to purchase in, all of which can impact not only your ongoing expenses but also future saleability.

2. Healthy Homes standards

Rental properties in New Zealand need to comply with the Healthy Homes standards that were first introduced in 2019 and have continued to evolve ever since. The Healthy Homes standards specify a minimum requirement for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage and draught stopping in rental properties.

The purpose of these standards is to improve the quality of rental stock in New Zealand, decrease health issues suffered by tenants as a result of unhealthy housing, and improve the condition of properties to better protect a landlord’s investment. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and expensive remedial work.

3. Rental income and potential yield

Find out how much you can expect to rent a property out for by requesting a rental appraisal from the salesperson or a reputable, local, property management company. You will then be able to calculate the potential yield. The yield refers to the annual revenue you can reasonably expect to receive in rent, represented as a percentage of the property’s market value.

Positive cash flow is crucial for covering expenses and generating profit. Calculate these metrics to determine if the property aligns with your investment goals. Expenses to consider include management fees, rates, taxes and maintenance. Use this online tool to calculate a potential yield.

6. Property appreciation and market trends

Property appreciation, or the potential increase in a property's value over time, is a key component of long-term real estate investing. Start by researching price trends in the local area, both current and historical, to give you an indication of how values have tracked to date. Refer to reputable resources that cite market research backed by statistics, or engage the services of a property investment broker, to ascertain how the values in the area are likely to track in the future.  

Investment brokers conduct analysis of the current property market to ascertain good areas of investment and also opportunities to avoid.

7. Inspection and due diligence

Never skip a thorough property inspection and due diligence process, it could cost you later. Hire a qualified building inspector to identify any hidden issues. A comprehensive building report will also be able to identify the current status of the home's insulation and other factors that contribute to compliance of the Healthy Homes standards. They can also identify areas that may need remediation. 

Enlist the services of your lawyer or conveyancer to review and approve of all legal documentation relating to the property, such as the LIM Report and Certificate of Title.

Conduct a rigorous pre-purchase inspection and ensure the chattels are in working order. Identify and communicate to your lawyer if there are any issues that may need to be repaired prior to purchase. You might also want to consider getting additional specialist testing conducted, such as identifying Methamphetamine contamination.

8. Financing options

Consider your financing options and how they will impact your investment. Explore current mortgage rates, loan terms, and deposit amounts to determine the most suitable financing strategy. Investors do require a higher deposit than owner occupiers. This is often in the vicinity of 40% for an existing property but this could be as low as 20% for a new build.  

If you require financing through a lender it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a Mortgage Broker. They can liaise directly with lenders, negotiate interest rates and terms, and help expedite the lending process.

Identifying a good investment property involves a combination of research, due diligence, and careful consideration of various factors. By focusing on location, property condition, income potential and market trends, you can increase your chances of making a successful real estate investment. Remember that real estate investing is a long-term endeavour, and patience and thorough evaluation are key to your success.

Resources:

https://www.opespartners.co.nz/

https://www.calculate.co.nz/rental-yield-and-investment-calculator.php  

https://vegalend.co.nz/mortgages/property-investment/ 

Auctions are an exciting way to purchase real estate, however the process requires a different approach than other methods of sale, which can be overwhelming for buyers to navigate. Below we have outlined the steps involved in making the auction process as simple and straightforward as possible:

1.      Express your interest

When you have found the property you wish to purchase, let the salesperson know of your interest and intention to bid at auction. They can then notify you of any amendments to the Contract of Sale relating to Chattels, Settlement or the inclusion/deletion of Clauses. You will also be advised if the Vendor receives an acceptable offer prior to the auction.

2.      Do your research

You will need to do extensive research to ensure that the property is suitable for your needs before committing to bidding at auction. Auction properties are sold on an unconditional basis, meaning there is no conditional period, and if you win, you are legally obligated to complete the purchase. As such, any and all tasks to be completed as part of your due diligence need to be done prior to auction day. This can include arranging finance and organising a building report, as well as any other specialist inspections.

You will need to enlist the help of your lawyer or conveyancer to review and approve of information relating to the property, such as the Certificate of Title and LIM Report.

3.      Arrange your finances

Arrange your finances and ensure the amount for the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is readily available. Due to auctions being unconditional, you will be required to pay the deposit immediately following the successful auction.

4.      Know what to expect on auction day

Auctions are an open forum where all purchasers are able to compete openly and each bid is announced by the auctioneer. Attend some local property auctions as a spectator so that you can get a feel for the process and the atmosphere on auction day. This will assist in helping you feel more familiar and comfortable with the process. You can also check out our auction livestream each week at eves.co.nz/upcoming-live-auctions

5.      Familiarise yourself with pre-auction offers

Pre-auction offers are offers that are made prior to auction day. A vendor may demonstrate their willingness to review a pre-auction offer by including the words ‘unless sold prior’ alongside the auction date, on the advertising material for their property.

If the vendor is happy to accept a pre-auction offer, the auction may be held on an earlier date than advertised, or it may be cancelled if a sale and purchase agreement is signed.

6.      Auction day

Auctions are generally held at the auction room of the real estate company or, occasionally, on-site at the property. Most companies hold numerous auction slots on the day. Ensure that you are aware of the order of sale and what ‘Lot’ the property you wish to buy is. Get there early and, if required, register.

Before the auction starts, the auctioneer will run through the terms and conditions of the property, announce any important issues, and will also declare if they may present a vendor bid (on behalf of the seller) during the auction, and if there are any telephone bidders present.

7.      Bidding at auction

Once the bidding commences, simply raise your hand or nod your head to indicate your bids and bid confidently to the figure that you are comfortable paying for the property. The auction will culminate in either a successful or unsuccessful sale. Stick to your bidding strategy and don’t exceed your maximum bid! Auctions can be competitive, so it's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. Stay disciplined and avoid emotional decision making.

8.      Post auction

If your bid is the highest and meets or exceeds the reserve price, congratulations! You've won the property. Follow the auction's payment and closing process as outlined in the terms and conditions. This will include the signing of the contracts and payment of deposit.

Useful terms to familiarise yourself with:

Vendor bid – A vendor bid is a bid made on behalf of the vendor, while the bidding is below the reserve price. The purpose of a vendor bid is to encourage buyers to bid closer to the level of the reserve price. It is normal for the auctioneer to be authorised by the owner to bid on their behalf. Be assured that this will only be executed if needed and will only be used below the reserve. All vendor bids will be clearly identified by the auctioneer and should be viewed as a counter offer from the vendor.

Reserve – The reserve price is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept for the property. The reserve price is set close to auction day (or even on the day of) once the vendor has been able to consider market feedback. The reserve price is kept confidential. Once the reserve price has been met, the highest bid wins the auction. If the reserve is not met, the property may be passed in, or the seller may choose to negotiate with the highest bidder to achieve a higher price.

Unless sold prior – This is the disclaimer used to accompany auction details on a house for sale, if the vendor is open to reviewing pre-auction offers.

On the market – Once the bidding has reached the reserve, the property is considered ‘on the market’ as it will now be sold to the highest bidder.

Want more information about buying at auction? Check out our video! 

Useful online resources:

https://www.settled.govt.nz/buying-a-home/making-an-offer/buying-by-auction/

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/house-auctions-in-nz-what-you-need-to-know-40154?gclid=CjwKCAjwu4WoBhBkEiwAojNdXoGmwT-VJkRUcoWO9LMjaxPas9u-xIMBVGQUE6G67wvxLFPjjxEM3hoCvbYQAvD_BwE

https://wiseup.nz/buying-property/real-estate-auctions/how-do-house-auctions-work

https://www.bnz.co.nz/personal-banking/life-moments/buying-a-house-at-auction

EVES Real Estate is thrilled to now have a service office located in Te Awamutu, Waikato. Our new location based in the heart of the town brings EVES expertise and services right to the doorstep of locals.

Based in our new service office is Wendy Knight, one of EVES Waikato’s top salespeople, and a seasoned expert in the dynamics of buying and selling properties within Te Awamutu and surrounds. Being a local herself, with 8 years of experience, Wendy has an unmatched understanding of the Te Awamutu property landscape.

The addition of this new service office further expands our footprint in the Waikato region. In conjunction with our offices in Hamilton, North Waikato and Putaruru, this expansion signifies a pivotal step in our EVES growth strategy.

We are committed to further expanding our presence in the property market across multiple regions, bringing our trusted brand closer to even more communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and serve more communities with our dedication and expertise.

It’s great to see that Whangarei is experiencing positive improvements in the real estate market during the spring season. The number of sales in Whangarei City has increased by an impressive 18% compared to the previous year. This indicates a strong demand for properties in the area. The median house price has seen a year-on-year increase of 4.6%, which is a positive sign for homeowners in the region. Additionally, there has been a month-on-month increase of 2.3%, indicating ongoing growth. 

The fact that the average days on the market have increased by 18% year-on-year could suggest a few things. It might indicate a slightly slower pace of sales or potentially more inventory available for buyers to choose from. This could be influenced by the increased demand. The rise in open home attendance and buyer activity is a positive indicator of a lively real estate market. It’s leading to multiple offers and competitive bidding at auctions, which can benefit sellers. 

Over the last three months, there has been a welcome influx of first-home buyers entering the market. This is typically a positive sign for the sustainability of the real estate market. Additionally, the fact that families are upsizing their properties suggests confidence in the local economy and housing market. Overall, these indicators suggest a robust and competitive real estate market in Whangarei, making it an interesting time for both buyers and sellers in the area. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on these trends to make informed decisions in the ever-changing real estate landscape. 

Thinking about selling in Whangarei? Get in touch with one of our helpful salespeople. 

We're proud to have been the netball code sponsor at Zespri AIMS Games 2023 in Mount Maunganui! With 11,500 competitors across 25 sports, it was an incredible event. AIMS Netball had a record-breaking 1,700+ players, making it the largest group. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, officials and supporters on your fantastic participation! Your dedication and hard work made this event a huge success. We look forward to supporting this event again in the future!

Purchasing property is always an exciting milestone, but the process can be overwhelming, especially for young New Zealanders purchasing their first home. However, armed with the right knowledge and an understanding of what to expect, you can navigate the process with confidence. Here we discuss the benefits of these three keys steps to streamlining the buying process:  

1.      Engage the services of a mortgage broker

When embarking on your home-buying journey, it can be hugely beneficial to engage the services of a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and various lenders, helping you find the most suitable mortgage options based on your financial situation and requirements. They can provide valuable advice, negotiate terms, and simplify the application process.  

Additionally, a mortgage broker can help you navigate current interest rates and the associated vetting of these. Often referred to as a ‘stress test,’ lenders will assess whether or not a borrower will still be able to meet their mortgage repayments and all other financial obligations if interest rates were to increase to a certain threshold. This in turn impacts how much you will be able to borrow.

Mortgage brokers can assist you in taking advantage of any market movement to get better deals with lenders. Get in touch with a Vega Mortgage Adviser to get started!

2.      Connect with an EVES Salesperson

Engaging the help of an EVES salesperson can be highly beneficial for first home buyers. Your salesperson can guide you through the entire buying process, offering insights into the local market, showing you through properties and navigating a Sale and Purchase Agreement. They also have inside knowledge of new listings coming to the market and can identify properties that match your requirements and budget, making the search process more efficient.

3.     Decide on Your Requirements:

Before you start house hunting, decide on your non-negotiable requirements, and ascertain whether your expectations and budget align with the current market. Consider the following factors:

1) Budget: With the help of your mortgage broker, get pre-approved for a home loan, so that you know how much you are able to spend and can act quickly when you find the right property.

2) Location: Decide on the areas that align with your lifestyle and commute. Consider proximity to amenities such as schools, shops, and parks. With the assistance of a salesperson, learn about the local property market to understand price trends and affordability in the area.

3) Property Type: Consider the type of property that suits your needs, whether it's an apartment, a standalone house, or even a section to build on. Each has its own pros and cons, so choose based on your preferences, budget and future plans.

4) Size and Features: Define the size of the property and features you require in your first home. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? List the essentials and prioritise them accordingly.

Buying your first home is a fantastic achievement. By utilizing the services of a mortgage broker, understanding the impacts of interest rates when servicing a mortgage, engaging the help of an EVES salesperson and defining your requirements, you can navigate the journey with confidence. Remember, patience is key, and finding the perfect home takes time. With careful planning and research, you'll be well on your way to achieving your homeownership dreams! Check out the links below for helpful resources at each step of the buying journey:

Useful resources:

https://www.settled.govt.nz/buying-a-home/thinking-of-buying/understanding-the-home-buying-journey/

https://www.govt.nz/browse/housing-and-property/buying-or-selling-a-home/real-estate-buying-a-house-apartment-or-a-rental-property/

https://www.trademe.co.nz/c/property/article/buying-property-in-new-zealand-a-step-by-step-guide

Dust off your picnic blanket and deck chairs and strap on that floppy hat, international tennis is returning to the beach this summer! After the success of last year’s event, the EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will be back in Pāpāmoa and bigger than ever from December 17th - 23rd.

We're absolutely thrilled to be a part of the highly anticipated return of this inaugural event. The EVES Open is an incredible showcase of high-quality tennis right here in our region, creating an amazing pathway for emerging New Zealand players. The team at EVES are counting down the days to this unforgettable tournament! 🎾

Read the full write-up here.

Selling a property is a significant financial transaction. Whether it’s a much loved family home, a lock and leave bach or an investment property, the decision to sell is never taken lightly. However, in today's competitive market, simply listing a property for sale and waiting for the buyers to come knocking is no longer an effective strategy. This is where investing in marketing becomes essential for property owners who want to achieve a successful sale and get the best possible price for their home in the current market.

1. Increased visibility and exposure

The real estate market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with buyers and sellers alike utilising online portals more prominently than ever before. With the Median Days to Sell increasing in many regions around the country, property stock is sitting on the market for longer periods. 

Property owners who invest in marketing their properties above the most basic or free digital packages gain increased visibility and exposure to a larger pool of buyers.

Research done by Trade Me Property this year* has shown a whopping 99% of buyers search for property online, and the better the digital package, the greater the exposure and the engagement. This is demonstrated by the Trade Me Platinum Listings achieving 36.3% more views than property listings on a Silver Package.

Through well-crafted online listings equipped with prominent digital packages, professional photographs, virtual tours, and engaging descriptions, potential buyers can get a comprehensive feel for the property before even stepping foot inside. This leads to more enquiries, viewings and ultimately, a higher likelihood of achieving a successful sale.

2. Targeting specific audiences

Different properties appeal to different buyers, such as first homeowners, families, retirees, or investors. A strategic marketing plan is crucial to positioning your property in front of these buyers.

The types of audiences that can be targeted through a strategic marketing plan may include certain age groups, demographics or even geographical locations. That’s where the experience of your EVES salesperson comes in. We know how to tailor your marketing campaign to access the right buyers for your home. Don’t hope the right buyer sees your listing, feel confident in knowing they won’t be able to miss it!

3. Shorten time spent on the market

Investing in a targeted and strategic campaign can minimise wasted effort and resources, while maximising the chances of finding the right purchaser quickly. This is important, as simply having your property appear for sale with minimum exposure to see what interest it gets, actually does more harm than good. Real estate, like any product or service, is still vulnerable to becoming ‘shop worn’ when advertised for long periods. This leads to the perceived value of the property diminishing in the eyes of potential purchasers, so it pays to market it actively from the get-go.

4. Maximising Sale Price

Ultimately, property owners aim to achieve the highest possible sale price for their property. Effective marketing plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. When a property is presented in the best light, potential buyers may be willing to pay a premium for it. Additionally, creating a sense of competition among interested buyers can drive up the final sale price and potentially lead to competitive bidding in the auction room.

5. We offer payment options

Don’t let money hold you back. If you would like to invest in a quality campaign to maximise your sale potential, talk to your EVES salesperson about our List Now, Pay Later option, so  you can get your marketing campaign underway, without delay!

The days of simply putting a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn are long gone. The current real estate market demands strategic and targeted efforts to ensure that properties reach their full potential in terms of visibility, value, and appeal. Property owners who recognize the importance of marketing and invest in advanced campaigns are more likely to find qualified buyers quickly and achieve the best possible outcome in terms of both price and efficiency. Chat to one of our of helpful salespeople to get started.

*Data sourced from Trade Me Property Report  and Trade Me Property site statistics, residential for sale, average listing views, Jun - Jul 2023
**Disclaimer: For approved applicants only. Not available for commercial properties, sections, or any property that does not have a Certificate of Title and Code Compliance Certificate. Other eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. Your salesperson will collect information about you for the purposes of verifying your identity under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). If your salesperson refers you to Real Flow Finance (NZ) Limited (Real Flow), you agree that your salesperson may also disclose any such information that it has collected to Real Flow so that Real Flow may also satisfy its obligations under the AML/CFT Act. Real Flow is certified by the Commerce Commission for the purposes of being a creditor under a consumer credit contract.

REINZ statistics show an increase in the volume of sales in May. Tauranga had 105 sales, up 23% from April and on the coastal side there were 83 sales, an increase of 35% from April. First homeowners are active once again and this has meant more volume at the lower end of the market, thus giving us a slight decrease in median sale price in both areas.

Confidence is moving up, with interest rates appearing to stabilise, the Governor of the Reserve Bank indicating that OCR should not move up for the foreseeable future and in fact should trend down. All this positivity feels like we have reached a turning point in the market.

If we can assist you with your real estate plans, please call us.

EVES. Exceptional. Everyday.

The May statistics are out and there are some positive signs as things are starting to move up somewhat. The volume of sales increased significantly throughout the area in which we operate. In Rotorua 81 properties became unconditional, up from 61 in April.  That’s a very strong 32 percent increase. In Tauranga 105 properties were reported as sold, up 23% from April and on the Mount side 83 properties were sold unconditionally – up from 62 in April, at an increase of 35%.

Other activity in all the areas in which we operate was up, with more people attending open homes, more multiple offers on properties, more pre-auction offers and more attention in the auction room. 

These activities do not necessarily mean an immediate price increase. Typically, that is determined by supply and demand. In fact, in May all three areas showed a reduction in the median sales price.  In Rotorua the median was ever so slightly back to $600,000 from April’s median of $605,000. In Tauranga the median price dropped from $880,000 in April to $835,000 in May and on the coast, being Papamoa and the Mount, prices dropped from $925,000 in April to $885,000 in May.  Average days on the market for properties from list date to unconditional dates typically sit between 5 and 7 weeks.

Putting the statistics aside, there is renewed confidence in the market where we are seeing first home buyers returning, and this will account for the slight decrease in the median sales price.  My advice, if you are a first home buyer, is to act now. In October there is this thing called a general election, and if per chance there is a change of government, a policy Labour implemented around landlords being able to claim mortgage interest against their income, may be removed and we will see the market flooded with investors again. While the ship is steady, don’t hold back. 

As for sellers, we will continue to see the impact on homeowners of mortgages coming off fixed rates and moving repayments up significantly, in some cases tripling the level. More property will come to the market and there will be more distressed sales. If you are, or could be in this situation, be realistic with your expectations, invest in marketing your property far and wide, reaching a wide audience and let’s get you sold now. Even if you are not in that unfortunate situation, if you are thinking of coming to the market, do so now while there are less properties for sale. Remember, the more properties for sale, the more competition there is and the less you get for your property.

Buyers, now it’s your turn. Our sellers have listened to the market feedback on the value of their properties and in most cases are positioned to sell. Interest rates feel stable, and in fact, predictions are they will come back to between the four to five percent mark in the next two years. Get in now where it feels we have reached the bottom of the cycle, secure your rate for a two-year fixed term to give you certainly and enjoy being on or up the property ladder.

This is a market for everyone. It is a buyers’ market and a sellers’ market. It has a strong feel to it, and it means it is time to act now.

At EVES we would love to assist you in your real estate journey so feel free to give me, or any of our salespeople a call: eves.co.nz/our-people

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Well done Isaac Jakobs, EVES on Cameron and Jordan Sievwright, EVES Papamoa who both competed at the REINZ National Real Estate Auctioneering Championships! A fantastic effort by both our EVES representatives, with Jordan going head to head against 19 other competitors in the Open Division Finals.

A huge congratulations to Isaac Jakobs for winning his Rising Star Division Championship! Isaac put on an exceptional display to take the title ahead of 21 other competitors from around the country.

EVES Real Estate, held their annual Awards evening on Friday 16th June, a celebration of their top performing people and offices for the 2022/2023 financial year.

The awards ceremony was held directly after the EVES National Conference. EVES salespeople, property managers, support staff and managers from the company’s 13 real estate offices across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland, filled the room at BayPark Arena for an exceptional evening expertly MC’d by Hilary Barry. 

Heath Young, Realty Group Chief Executive Officer said, “The theme of the daytime conference was Better, Smarter, Stronger and these sentiments continued into the evening at the awards ceremony. It was a great night bringing together some 300 EVES people to reflect on the achievements of the past year, have some fun and look ahead to the future with confidence.” 

The awards ceremony saw the introduction of a number of new categories, such as Exceptional Community Award. This award aims to highlight a key part of the EVES philosophy; giving back to the communities where the business operates. Grace Anderson from EVES Katikati won this award for her positive and proactive contribution to her local community. 

The inaugural Exceptional. Every day. Award was presented to long standing EVES staff member Joanna Martinez-Hart, General Manager of Rentals, in recognition of her outstanding career with the company. 

The EVES Mount team, were victorious once again, winning the highly sought after EVES Top Office of the Year Award. EVES The Lakes celebrated winning the EVES Sales Office Growth Award. 

EVES Overall Top Salesperson of the Year was won for the first time by Nicholas Meloni of EVES The Lakes. It was a successful evening for Nicholas, and his team, with the additional category wins of the Top VMI Generated Award and the Greatest Number of Unconditional Deals Award. 

This year’s EVES Rookie Salesperson of the Year, recognising an outstanding first year in real estate, was awarded to Axel Martinez from Cherrywood. Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Sharon Blaikie, continued her trajectory of success taking out the Greatest Growth Award. Individual Salesperson of the Year was Wendy Knight of EVES Victoria Street. 

The Property Management Division awarded the Property Management Administrator of the Year award to Jane Register of EVES on Cameron. The Property Manager Excellence Award winner was Ailsa Cowdrey of Papamoa. EVES Katikati and Waihi celebrated a win in the new category of Property Management Growth. While the Property Manager of the Year was Katy Laidlaw of Papamoa. 

Charlotte Gardner from EVES Papamoa won Top Auction Achiever. Danielle Hayes was announced as the recipient of the Golden Hammer Supreme Excellence Auction Award in recognition of the largest number of successful auction campaigns for the year. 

EVES Marketing Campaign of the Year was awarded to Kauri Oxborough and Jayden King from EVES Whangarei for their excellent representation of 118 Memorial Drive, Parahaki. 

At EVES, the administrative and support services staff are invaluable to the business. The following team members received recognition; Robyn Anderson of EVES Whangarei was the EVES Sales Administrator of the Year, Bronwyn Penn of EVES Mount was Personal Assistant of the Year and Genevieve Wills won the coveted Realty Services Excellence award

EVES would like to congratulate all the award winners and wish the entire group all the very best for the year ahead.

Two well respected economists have suggested we are nearing the end of the property downturn. There are several reasons for this including immigration surge, house prices have essentially stopped falling, a shortage of properties for sale, interest rates stabilising, and the cost of living has moved fractionally down.

Last month we saw a total of 147 sales in the Mount and Tauranga with average sales prices at $925k and $880k respectively. Days on the market are steady at 61 and 47 respectively.

We have a large number of people who have been pre approved for finance and who have not been prepared to take a leap of faith and who we would expect to enter the market soon. If you are thinking of selling, come and talk to us.

EVES. Exceptional every day.

The real estate market in New Zealand is an ever-changing landscape, with fluctuations in property prices, mortgage rates, and housing demand. If you are a property owner or buyer, it's essential you stay up to date with the latest trends and insights, in order to be able to make informed decisions, plan accordingly, and have realistic expectations when entering the market. In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to keep up to date with the real estate market in New Zealand and how you can then apply this knowledge to your property transactions.

Follow Market Reports

One of the most accessible ways to stay up to date with the real estate market is by following market reports. Local newspapers, online news sites, and real estate magazines often feature articles and analysis on the latest property trends, market conditions, and industry insights. These sources can provide a wealth of information, including median prices, sales volumes, market projections, and expert opinions.

It's important to note, however, that not all sources of information are created equal. While the news and media can be a valuable resource for keeping up to date with the latest trends, it's important not to rely solely on sensationalized headlines or clickbait articles that may exaggerate changes in the market. Instead, it's best to focus on reliable sources of information supported by relevant statistics (for example, sales data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand) or with commentary from industry experts. This provides a more balanced and nuanced perspective on the market conditions,

Use Real Estate Websites and Apps

Real estate websites and apps are another valuable resource. These platforms can offer extensive information in the form of property listings, market data, and price history, which can help you track changes in your local neighbourhood or across the region. By using these tools, you can get a good sense of the types of properties available in your area, how much they are selling for, and how long they are sitting on the market for.

Attend Open Homes and Auctions

Attending open homes and auctions is an excellent way to keep your finger on the pulse of real estate. By attending these events, you can get a first-hand look at the properties available in your local area and see how they compare to others that are listed for sale. You can also get a sense of the level of interest in a particular property. This information can help you better understand the current climate of the market and the level of competition, which will better prepare you for making realistic offers or bids on a property. If you are selling your property, monitoring the progress and interest in other homes in the same area and price bracket as yours can help you gain an understanding of the buyer demand for your home.

Talk to an EVES Salesperson

Working with a real estate salesperson can be an effective way to stay up to date with the market and receive personalized advice on your specific needs and goals. Our EVES salespeople have access to extensive market data, insights, and industry trends, which can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling. They can also provide guidance on local market conditions, property values, and negotiation strategies. By working with a salesperson, you can get a better understanding of the market conditions in your local area and be better positioned to make a successful property transaction. Get in touch today: https://www.eves.co.nz/our-people

Grant Child, EVES National Auction Manager, provides an update on auction activity seen over the past quarter and shares highlights from Financial Year 2022-2023. He talks to the power of a 3 phase auction process and why it's so important to identify unconditional buyers within phase 1.

Karen Worley, General Manager of EVES Bay of Plenty, provides an update on the current real estate market, highlighting some of the key insights seen across March and what to expect from the property market through April.

Several things are affecting the market currently. The recent OCR increase of .5 basis points sent a few homeowners whose fixed interest rates are coming to an end, into a spin and the thought that another increase in May will have interest rates further increasing is a cause for concern. 

Another impacting factor currently is landlords who up until now have been able to claim interest against income on their investment property unable to do so and the impact that will have on the tax that they pay.

We are seeing investors considering selling and this will lead to a further housing shortage for those wishing to rent property. First home buyers are still looking however, they too are concerned with the increasing interest rates.  

For expert advice call us today.

Over the past number of weeks the EVES team has been walking in an effort to raise funds for the Waipuna Hospice. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, leading the teams for most money raised and with individual performances also topping the list as well. This was just one of many fundraising activities the team undertook throughout the year. Another is Rescue Helicopter where we handed over a cheque for over $17,000, money donated from salespeople and employees of the company and matched by EVES Realty. EVES is proudly a community company.

If you are thinking of selling, talk to EVES today.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Open homes, auctions and interest in property is on the increase again. First home buyers in particular have become reasonably prevalent in all of these activities. There is more certainty around interest rates, prices seem to have stabilised after a significant decrease year on year and confidence is returning to the real estate market.

We have a shortage of properties to sell. If you are considering a change in circumstances, if you have an investment property you would like to sell, if you want a team who is focused on getting your objective fulfilled, then we need to get together for a chat. Call EVES.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Before your home comes to the market, there are a number of tasks you can undertake in order to prepare it for sale. Getting your home well-presented and ready to make a good impression will give you the best chance of attracting the right buyer and maximising the sale price.

Street appeal

When buyers come to view your home, their first impression of the property is the exterior. In order to improve your street appeal, ensure your gardens, lawns and edges are well kept. Sweep your entry way and clear away any clutter and debris, including shoes stacked at the doorstep or piles of leaves that have gathered in corners. If possible, waterblast concrete paths and ensure any outdoor lights are working.

Property maintenance

When preparing your property for sale, it pays to assess any ‘small fixes’ you can do around your home, to increase its presentability and assist in giving buyers the best first impression. This doesn’t mean conducting structural changes or undertaking massive repairs, it means simply improving its cosmetic appeal. This could include minor improvements like replacing handles or knobs on cupboards, fixing hinges, replacing a chipped tile, or covering up chipped paint. It’s also a good idea to replace faulty light fittings and repair any leaky or damaged taps and shower heads.

Cleaning

Give your home a good clean prior to the professional photos being taken and buyer inspections. If buyers consider a home dirty, messy and poorly presented, it will impact their impression as to the monetary value of the property. Ensure your home is vacuumed and dusted, with benches and surfaces clean and clear. All windows, mirrors and glass surfaces should be cleaned and beds made tidily.

Declutter/Depersonalize

A task that is commonly overlooked, but of huge importance, is decluttering and depersonalizing the rooms in your home. Not only will this ensure the professional photography is the best it can be, it helps buyers to envision themselves and their belongings in the property. You can also get a head start on packing by storing away family photos, kids drawings and handmade projects. It pays to store other personal belongings such as toothbrushes and products out of sight, and ensure laundry is folded and put away.

Space and light

Buyers seek natural light and airflow when assessing potential homes. Make sure you have all blinds and curtains open for viewings to let in light, and open windows in good weather.

Where necessary, remove unnecessary furnishings to assist with the impression of more space. Utilize lamps in darker rooms and consider adding a mirror to smaller rooms to enhance the feeling of space.

It was an exciting time for the opening of EVES on Cameron in the Gate Pa Shopping Centre and the end of a very long era for EVES Cameron Road office, on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Cameron Road.  If the walls of that building could talk, there would be many great stories spoken of legends that worked from that site and transactions that were legendary.

Far from retraction, the change is all about consolidation, reset and looking forward to the future. The newly refurbished office is a springboard for the company to take the business to the next level, as it looks for ‘EVES House’ in the central city. EVES Gate Pa, now known as EVES on Cameron now accommodates 26 personnel operating from the office, managed by the very experienced Craig Wilson.

Looking back with nostalgia, but eyes on the future, EVES’ Tauranga team moved house last week. Shutting the doors on the iconic Cameron Road corner site where it all began in 1969, the team joined their counterparts in larger, refitted premises in the Gate Pa shopping centre in a new EVES on Cameron.

Far from retraction, the change is all about consolidation, reset and looking forward to the future, according to EVES General Manager Bay of Plenty, Karen Worley. 

Heath Young, Realty Services CEO, is quick to reinforce that the EVES business is now in its 54th year of operation and doesn’t for one minute take for granted the opportunity to take EVES to the next level.

“We’re only really getting started and a significant part of our strategy over the next couple of years is to identify a suitable location for ‘EVES House’. This will become our next iconic location here in Tauranga city and is part of our continued growth.”

From that single first office, EVES now has a total of 14 offices from Whangarei to Rotorua – nine in Bay of Plenty alone. From small beginnings, strength in numbers, presence and unity has steered EVES to where it is today and Karen is excited for the new opportunities and growth. In a career spanning 17 years with EVES – first as group sales manager and the past four years as GM – Karen says leadership and support underpin EVES’ core values.

“EVES has the best group of managers, great leaders and support that wraps around everyone and everything we do.”

Any successful company is only as good as its people. Evidence of that is the people the company has drawn from elsewhere in the industry. EVES on Cameron Branch Manager Craig Wilson might have only four years in the role, but he has 26 years in the industry.

Approached to join EVES, Craig says looking in from the outside was very different from looking out from inside. Impressed by EVES’ professionalism and leadership, the move has been rewarding. Further rewarded by the enlargement of his own team – now in residence at the new EVES on Cameron.

Brighter premises, positive outcomes

Expansion was required to cater for the extra numbers. The Gate Pa building hasn’t changed from the outside; inside is a completely different story, however. Expanded internally and refitted throughout, the new surroundings have been an inspiration. Better for the team; better for their clients - and the public.

Accompanying that is a strong belief in supporting the community that supports it. Sponsorship is regarded highly at EVES and a dedicated team works on major events to help the community succeed and grow.

When it comes to business, EVES philosophy is built on a reputation of trust and experience. After all, they have been in the game for over 50years. Real estate success might seem easy in good times – proven by soaring prices and rapid sales in the immediate aftermath of Covid however such a whirlwind would always be hard to sustain. A settling is a normal part of the cycle. While figures show percentage drops, the market will always be the market. 

Circumstance will always dictate a homeowner’s desire or need to sell. And results will always rely on the advice of a sales team with experience and knowledge to navigate a vendor’s experience through to a successful outcome. 

Remembering the little house on the corner

When doors closed for the last time on EVES’ iconic first home, it ended an era – but also an era of different times – born in 1969, when the business started. Craig Hilton doesn’t date back that far, but his 25-year career did begin in that ‘ little house on the corner of Cameron and Sixth’.

From a young trainee in 1997, he went on to three branch management positions and eventually EVES Principal Licensee.

“ I feel fortunate to have been coached and influenced by some of the industry’s legends – Richard Cashmore, Brian Waldegrave, Colin Martin, Gil Beadle and Graham Ferrabee.”

Up until the 90s, that ‘little house’ was EVES’ head office – home to the directors, managers, sales, property management and administration teams. Even after senior management and administration moved into the CBD, EVES’ heart remained in that little house on Cameron and Sixth.

It was a social hub of the city and a venue for numerous business meetings and social ‘after fives’, according to Craig. Like many Friday nights in the day, ‘the bunker’ was a special place. 

“After 25 years with EVES, I’m continually asked ‘ how’s this person getting on?’; ‘remember this occasion?’;  ‘that sponsored event?’; ‘or I bought my first home from this building’. This ‘home turf’ of EVES enjoyed almost 55 years of successful business, social activity and community interaction.”

EVES might have outgrown that ‘little house on the corner’, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who shared time there. Now, its onwards and upwards.

Our mortgage brokers are predicting quite a strong return to the market of first home buyers based on the number of pre-approvals for finance they are seeing currently. Timing seems to be about right. Investors are not returning strongly yet; prices have come down year on year between 15 and 20% depending on where you are buying and choice of property is much greater. We still hear of people waiting for the market to ‘bottom out’ but in the meantime the interest rates increase, and buyers will only know the market has bottomed out when month old statistics come out and the market and demand are on the rise again.

Get yourself ready by doing your due diligence up front. Finding and securing your first home is something to be treasured. Do it now!

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

New Zealand has experienced a tumultuous summer so far, with many periods of heavy rain. If you spent a lot of time over spring cultivating new growth so you’d have a beautiful backyard come summer, you may be feeling a bit defeated as your garden gets very waterlogged. However, there are a number of tactics you can take to stop your hard work being undone by the deluge, and keep your plants safe until the weather improves.

Support taller plants  

When heavy rain is due to hit, it’s a good idea to give taller, narrow stemmed plants some extra support. This is due to heavy rain often putting extra weight and strain on plants, meaning that taller, fine stemmed plants are at risk of snapping. Give these plants some extra support in the form of stakes or bamboo poles with a gentle material such as stocking to secure the stems. If your plants still suffer some snapped smaller limbs and branches, it pays to remove these tidily with some secateurs post rain, before they rot and impact the health of your plant.

Use mulch to reduce soil compaction

Excessive rain often results in soil compaction, where the soil condenses tightly around plant bases, stopping oxygen from penetrating the surface and holding the moisture around the roots which can lead to rot. Mulch will assist with retaining moisture at surface level and distributing it to the soil only when it is at maximum capacity.

Check your veggie garden for exposed roots

After the rain, check your gardens for soil displacement that resulted in exposed roots. Ensure that any exposed roots are recovered with soil or compost to stop them drying out. Plant roots must be covered in ordered to supply the plant with nutrients, oxygen and water, and if your veggie plants have exposed roots after a storm they will soon die if left unaided.

Pull weeds out by hand

One of the few benefits of heavy rain is that it leaves the soil soft – meaning that weeds can quite easily be pulled out by hand. If you have a period of heavy rain, with sunny days scheduled to follow, your weeds will soar in the humid climate. Therefore its best to get onto weeds post rain, while the ground is still soft, and pull them out.

Protect small and potted plants

An easy way to protect seedlings, outdoor pot plants or anything especially delicate close to the ground is to flip empty pots upside down over top of them to keep them safe in severe weather. Not only can this assist in diverting some of the heavy rain, it can also prevent plants from snapping in strong winds.

For more NZ gardening tips, check out the following websites:

www.palmers.co.nz

www.tuigarden.co.nz

www.gardenadvice.co.nz

Karen Worley, General Manager of EVES Bay of Plenty, provides an update on the current real estate market, highlighting some of the key changes we are seeing and how this is impacting buyers and vendors.

Sean Foster, General Manager of EVES Waikato, provides an overview of the current property market, regional trends and the recent increase in buyer activity.

We’re delighted to announce a further expansion of our Waikato footprint, with the strategic acquisition of Waikato Real Estate Putaruru. The acquisition brings a refreshing and dynamic approach to all aspects of the South Waikato property market and we can’t wait to hit the ground running.

Being owned and operated by Realty Services Limited, who also operate Bayleys franchises across the Waikato, BOP and Taranaki, sees our business span across 4 regions with 24 offices and 557 staff.  Specialising in residential, lifestyle sales and property management, EVES provides a strong and reputable brand to cater to the needs of South Waikato residents and want-to-be residents alike.

The takeover will see EVES re-brand all Waikato Real Estate Putaruru collateral – however the staff and salespeople will all remain the same.  

“The Putaruru team are a great fit for EVES,” says CEO, Heath Young. “We share the same family-business based values while maintaining a professional approach and applying high energy levels to the customer experience; there is a natural cohesion.”  

EVES General Manager for Waikato, Sean Foster, is justifiably proud of his local brand.  

“Our key value is the importance we place on people,” he says. “We work hard to be exceptional and recognise it takes local knowledge, a commitment to our communities and great people to get there.”

The acquisition marks further growth for our company and we have exciting plans to continue expanding our presence in the property market across several regions.

Young Kiwi Rob Reynolds has secured his first ATP world ranking point after coming back from a set down to beat Australian Rhys Searant at the EVES Open in Tauranga on Tuesday. The 25-year-old from Hawke’s Bay won 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and was one of 10 New Zealand players to win their first-round singles matches at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa.

“Honestly over the moon to achieve my first ATP point,” Reynolds said.

“It has been a lifelong goal, so to actually make it happen is surreal. Also, such good vibes at the EVES Open – Tauranga is a great place to host tennis.”

The first round of the EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga was played over Monday and Tuesday, after qualifying matches were held on Sunday.

This is a professional event for men and women with official ATP and WTA world ranking points and a total prize pool of NZ$70,000.

Players from all over Europe, North America, Asia and Australia are competing, as well as a strong New Zealand contingent.

Kiranpal Pannu beat fellow New Zealander Jack Loutit 6-2, 6-1 in the first round.

“It’s amazing, to get ATP points in our backyard is something us Kiwis don’t experience often,” Pannu said.

“My first round was good, it’s never easy to play another Kiwi. I’m looking forward to the tournament to keep rolling on.”

Second seed Rubin Statham, from New Zealand, beat Yuichiro Inui from Japan 7-6, 6-3. Kiwi Isaac Becroft had a good win over American Preston Brown 6-2, 6-4 and first seed Ajeet Rai, from New Zealand, overcame Australian Jesse Delaney 7-6, 6-4.

In the women’s competition, Kiwi Jade Otway beat Ashmitha Easwaramurthi from India 6-1, 6-1.

New Zealand’s Paige Hourigan won 6-1, 6-2 against compatriot Sofia Shing, and Kiwi Monique Barry beat Australian Angelina Graovac 6-1, 6-2.

Elyse Tse, who came through qualifying, beat fellow New Zealander Taleia Tuatao 6-1, 6-3. New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe was leading Norwegian Lene Mari Bolkesjo Hovda 6-4, 3-6, 3-2 when the match was abandoned due to rain on Tuesday.

It was picked up again on Wednesday morning and Routliffe won the final set 6-2 to progress to round two.

“The EVES Open is proving to be everything we had hoped it would be,” Tennis New Zealand chief executive Julie Paterson said.

“The quality of tennis has been remarkable, the Pāpāmoa crowd has been fantastic, the sun has been out for long stretches, and most importantly our New Zealand players are progressing their professional careers at home,” she said.

“Rob winning his first ATP point is the perfect example of why Tennis New Zealand is so eager to host events like this – it gives our young emerging pros a chance to kick start their careers without leaving the country.”

Vicki Semple, sponsorship and events manager for title sponsor EVES Real Estate, said the atmosphere was brilliant during round one, with plenty of Tauranga locals and visitors from out of town sitting on the grass bank together soaking up the sun.

“The crowd sizes are getting bigger by the day and with delicious coffee and food on offer, as well as locally brewed cold beer and cider, people seem to be more than happy to spend an afternoon enjoying this fast-paced tennis. Come along and join us, this sporting spectacle shouldn’t be missed.”

Doubles

Meanwhile, in the doubles, Kiwi pairing Kyna Decruy and Ruby Young are through to round two after beating Leah Patuwairua and Hilary Woodham 6-3, 6-4.

New Zealand’s Renee Zhang has teamed up with Australian Ashley Katz and they won their first-round match against Alkmini Giannakogiorgou from Greece and Katie Oliver from New Zealand – 6-3, 2-6, 15-13.

In the men’s doubles, there are four Kiwi pairings through to round two, plus Jack Loutit who is playing with Japan’s Daisuke Sumizawa.

Ajeet Rai and Finn Reynolds, Rob Reynolds and Anton Shepp, Reece Falck and George Stoupe, and Caelan Potts and James Watt all had wins in round one.

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga is running from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa. Entry is free for spectators.

Working as a real estate salesperson offers a dynamic, flexible and varied career path. Real Estate is a lifestyle as much as it is a career, and due to the flexible nature of the work, it can be a fantastic fit for a range of people from all walks of life.

What does a real estate salesperson do?

Working as a real estate salesperson in New Zealand consists primarily of representing property owners to facilitate the sale of their home, as well as assisting buyers find the property they’re after. There are many other tasks that fall under this umbrella that are a mix of administrative, collaborative and appointment based tasks, including arranging marketing and viewings, creating and negotiating contracts and liaising with external parties – photographers, lawyers, council etc as required.

The nature of day to day business in real estate varies depending on how much work you are wanting to generate for yourself – put simply; you get out what you put in, and the amount of business you generate is directly attributed to how much you apply yourself.

What skills are required for a career in real estate?

Real estate is largely about relationships, and the ability to foster and maintain positive relationships with your clients. When people are going through the process of selling or purchasing their biggest asset, they need transparency, good communication and the confidence to feel they can trust the advice of their salesperson.

The ability to market both yourself and your listings well is also a fundamental skill of successful real estate salespeople. Achieving successful sales, showcasing results, and promoting yourself as the expert in your field all come down to effective marketing.

Lastly, real estate salespeople need to be committed to ongoing education. In New Zealand, a Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) is required in order to be able to apply for a Real Estate License via the Real Estate Authority. Annually, you will also be required to undertake CPD (continuing professional development) training. The current requirement for this is 10 hours of verifiable training and 10 hours of non-verifiable training.

Beyond the REA requirements of continuing development though, real estate is an industry that is always evolving. Whether its new legislation such as the Anti Money Laundering requirements or a move towards digital marketing caused by the effects of the pandemic, you can make the most of your career in real estate if you keep up to date and informed on the changes in the market.

What are the benefits of working for EVES?  

We believe in equipping our salespeople with all the tools they need to succeed in the industry.
Over the past 50 years' we have become a market leading, innovative, and dynamic real estate agency with a culture of celebrating our people and their success. When you join the EVES family, you'll be armed with an extensive set of tools, training programs, support services and incentives. Find out more: www.eves.co.nz/careers-at-eves

It is just a couple of days now until the start of the EVES Open – the biggest international tennis event likely ever held in Tauranga, with professional players from around the world set to take on New Zealand’s best over seven days in the lead up to Christmas.

A notable feature of this ITF World Tennis Tour event is the prize pool split, with the men competing for US$15,000 and the women US$25,000. It will be one of the first professional tennis events in New Zealand to offer more prize money to women. Circuit rules do not allow events with prize money above US$15,000 for men in December, however there is no such rule for women. Tennis New Zealand saw this as a great opportunity to be able to offer additional prize money and ranking points for female athletes at this event.

That extra cash, and crucially the extra WTA ranking points on offer, has attracted players from all over Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The likes of Katherine Sebov from Canada and Ulrikke Eikeri from Norway are in the main draw alongside top Kiwi players Paige Hourigan, Valentina Ivanov, Erin Routliffe, Vivian Yang, and Monique Barry. There are also players from India and Japan, Germany, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, and more.

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will run from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa. Official WTA and ATP world ranking points are up for grabs for women and men. The ITF World Tennis Tour is part of the professional tennis circuit and features hundreds of tournaments each year across dozens of countries. The tour aims to attract the stars of the future, with some of the game’s biggest names making their start at this level.

There are two ITF World Tennis Tour events in New Zealand this December, in Wellington and Tauranga, which will provide emerging professional tennis players in New Zealand with a rare opportunity to earn ranking points and progress their careers while enjoying a summer at home.

A perfect example of that is Corban Crowther, who will be a fan favourite in Tauranga next week. Crowther picked up his first ATP ranking point earlier this week at the ITF World Tennis Tour event in Wellington. In Tauranga, he could be coming up against compatriots Ajeet Rai, Kiranpal Pannu, Isaac Becroft, Finn Reynolds, James Watt, George Stoupe, and Jack Loutit. All eight Kiwis picked up wins in the first round in Wellington. The top international seeds in Tauranga are Thomas Fancutt from Australia and Arthur Weber from France. There are also players from Japan and the United States in the draw.

“It’s incredible to have so many talented players from around the world coming to Tauranga. I think fans in the Bay will be blown away with the standard of tennis on show,” Crowther says.

Tennis New Zealand’s commercial and marketing manager Gareth Archer says he can’t wait for the event to start.

“It’s amazing how things have come together since our first conversations just a few short months ago,” Archer says.

“Everyone from the local Pāpāmoa Tennis Club, Western Bay of Plenty Tennis, TECT, Tauranga City Council, The Island brewery, and of course our naming rights partner EVES, have been incredibly supportive – it’s been a unique can-do attitude that you rarely experience as an event director. All we need now is a little sunshine and plenty of energy from the fans in attendance and I’m sure the players will put on a show.”

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will run from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa. Play will begin from 11am each day, with entry free to spectators. Courtside hospitality is also available to book at www.tennis.kiwi/evesopen

An evening of celebration at the EVES Accelerator Series Graduation ceremony - recognising a wonderful group of salespeople achieving success in their real estate business. Congratulations to our graduates!

The best of Pāpāmoa and Tauranga will be on show to the world in the week leading up to Christmas this year as professional tennis players from all over the globe travel to the sunny Bay of Plenty coast for the inaugural EVES Open.

The ITF World Tennis Tour event is also looking like a boon for local businesses, with Tennis New Zealand partnering with a range of local businesses to keep courtside spectators well fed, watered and entertained throughout.

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will run from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa.

It is a professional event for men and women with official ATP and WTA world ranking points and a total prize pool of NZ$70,000.

Players from more than 25 countries have entered, coming from all over Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, as well as a strong Kiwi contingent.

“The tournament provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region to the world over summer,” Matt Cowley, chief executive of the Tauranga Business Chamber, says.

“Many tennis enthusiasts across the globe will have their eyes on Pāpāmoa as they watch the sport’s future rising talent.”

Cowley says the EVES Open will also bring additional tourist visitor nights and expenditure into the Pāpāmoa community, “which will be appreciated by local businesses”.

Popular Pāpāmoa brewery The Island is an official partner of the EVES Open and will be running an on-site marquee bar for the public, as well as serving courtside hospitality tables just metres from the action.

Sales manager Scott Featherstone says people can expect an extension of everything that is good about The Island – from fresh cold local beer, to warm and friendly service.

He says the EVES Open is “a great chance to interact with The Island outside of our normal venue”.

“It’s such a great event for the local community, we wanted to be a part of this to help grow the Bay of Plenty as a high value sporting destination,” Featherstone says.

“We’re really looking forward to the quality of the tennis. It will be great to see emerging players and those striving to move up in the rankings and raise their player profiles.”

Hamish Carter, owner of Tauranga cafe and caterer Oscar and Otto, which will be feeding all the courtside hospitality guests during the week, says he and his team “leapt at the chance to be involved”.

Carter says he is delighted to see the city’s reputation for hosting major sports events is growing “and it shows there is more to our region than a beach, it’s very exciting”.

He says he hopes it is a sign of more things to come.

“It’s great for everyone to be able to watch, and of course it’s a boost for local businesses catering to visitors and players.”

The ITF World Tennis Tour features hundreds of tournaments each year across dozens of countries, with two events in New Zealand this December – in Wellington and Tauranga.

Vicki Semple, sponsorship and events manager at EVES Real Estate, says the EVES Open will not only bring economic benefits to Tauranga and Pāpāmoa, “but it will create a buzz and sense of pride in the community”.

“Pāpāmoa is one of the fastest growing suburbs in New Zealand and it is continuing to attract new residents, businesses, events and opportunities,” she says.

“This international tennis tournament is a perfect example of that and in partnership with Tennis New Zealand, we would love to grow the EVES Open into an annual and iconic event on Tauranga’s summer calendar.”

Semple says hosting the EVES Open will be a team effort and it would not be possible without the support of Tauranga City Council and TECT, local businesses, Tennis Western Bay of Plenty, Pāpāmoa Tennis Club, “and of course the community who we hope will pack out the stands and bring an electric atmosphere”.

As well as watching all the international tennis action from 11am each day, there will be activities for kids from 11am-1pm and courtside hospitality, music and entertainment from 3pm.

Tennis New Zealand chief executive Julie Paterson says she is excited to see international tennis back in Tauranga.

“The EVES Open is going to be huge for our tennis community in Tauranga,” she says.

“There are a lot of flourishing clubs in the region and having elite tennis in town is a fantastic way to ensure visibility of our sport and fuel participation growth even further.

“All of our local sponsors and partners have been amazing in helping promote the event, it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss.”

The EVES Open – ITF World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will be held from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa. Play will begin from 11am each day, with entry free to spectators. Courtside hospitality is also available to book at www.tennis.kiwi/evesopen

Kids rooms are an important space in the home. They require more thought and consideration than a standard room, as children need to see their bedrooms as a safe, engaging and relaxing space. It can be challenging decorating a room without doing any damage to the furnishings or making permanent changes. It’s important to make your kids rooms an inviting space where they feel safe to sleep and have limited access to stimulating activities and toys. We have compiled a couple of key components that can help you in deciding how best to decorate your kids’ bedrooms. Check them out below.

Flooring

Creating engagement at different levels is the key to success in kids’ rooms. You should invest in an inviting addition to the floor space that fits with your child’s age. For toddlers, this could be in the form of the spongy jigsaw mat sets. These are especially fantastic for young kids, as they are comfortable and robust, they will do a great job of protecting your floors and are gentle on little knees. The aim of the game here is to still encourage kids to get down to floor level so they can spread out with books and teddies, while still protecting the floor underneath.

After the robust foam mats have run their course and perhaps when kids have progressed from a cot to a bed, it’s great to swap the sponge mats out for something inviting like sheepskins or shag pile rugs. You could also position these in the corner of the room and prop some pillows and cushions around the walls, creating the ultimate comfy corner to wind down with a book.  

TIP:  Ensure that any carpet or shag pile mats have a cellophane membrane underneath (or apply this yourself), so that it can prevent any spilled drinks from seeping through, and protect your carpet.

Storage solutions

Cubes are key. Cube shelving is affordable, dynamic and has an array of uses. Single or dual cubes are best, as you can chop and change the way they are stacked and displayed in a room. They offer great storage for books, shoes, toys and teddies, and also offer a great option to display school awards or artwork.  

In addition to cubes, consider adding a chest or large basket for soft toys, additional bedding and bric-a-brac. For littlest ones make use of sets of drawers to conceal things like nappies and wipes. You can never have enough storage solutions!

Lighting

Lighting is a very important aspect of children’s bedrooms, as the tone and arrangement of lighting can affect emotional states. Soft yellow lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere due to its association with sunlight, so consider swapping white light for a warmer hue. Try out some fun light fittings that can be easily swapped out at a later stage.

Other fun lighting additions could be in the form of fairy lights or salt lamps, which are both energy efficient and bring an inviting ambience to any space.

Bedding

Quality bedding is an expensive furnishing in NZ. But, if you play your cards right, you won’t have to buy new bedding every few years for growing kids! Its all about knowing what you should invest good money in, versus what you can just buy cheaply. 

Invest in good quality sheets. For older kids you can also look into quality duvet inners and pillows. Good linen and a nice, toasty duvet inner will last the distance. But when it comes to duvet cover sets and decorative cushions, cheap is key! Hit up the sales and find cheap and cheerful patterns and prints that your kids will love. Often the cheaper printing and lower thread counts won’t last as long, but your kids will likely outgrow the bright patterns and trends pretty quickly anyway.

Another hack is to simply buy solid colours for duvet covers or quilts and rely on cheap cushions and throws to bring some personal taste and decoration to the room.

Seating

Lastly – look to add a small seating arrangement. This could be in the form of a small table and chairs or a teepee.

School aged kids can progress to a study desk, which will also supply some additional storage. If you want to stay away from creating a studious zone and opt for comfort instead, consider a bean bag or armchair for the ultimate haven.

Sean Foster, General Manager EVES Waikato, discusses the constantly changing market in comparison to last year, and how this is impacting buyers and sellers

Karen Worley, General Manager EVES Bay of Plenty, provides an update on the continually changing property market. Karen discusses the positive shift we have seen with an increase in the number of sales, and a decrease in the median days to sell.

We are delighted that EVES have once again been awarded New Zealand’s Most Trusted Real Estate Agency at the recent Most Trusted Business Awards! This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication our people, across the regions, demonstrate every day.

The Most Trusted Business Awards have been running for six years now, and this year saw 2456 eligible NZ businesses compete in the various categories, with over 3600 votes and reviews submitted!

The categories are segmented into Regional, Industry, Overall and Nationwide winners. This is the second year in a row EVES have won the Nationwide category of Most Trusted Real Estate Agency.

We are truly proud of our team and their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and results for our clients. No matter how big, small, simple or complex your needs are, you can trust us to achieve your property goals.

Check out the full list of winners at  https://mosttrusted.co.nz/business-awards/

Tennis fever is building in Pāpāmoa as the coastal community prepares to host an ITF World Tennis Tour event this summer. And it is some of the youngest residents in town who get first serve.

Two lucky local primary schools have had a visit from Tennis New Zealand and EVES Real Estate and were gifted thousands of dollars worth of brand new tennis equipment.Enthusiastic young groms at Te Ākau ki Pāpāmoa School and Tahatai Coast School took off their jandals for 45 minutes and hit the court for free introductory skills sessions with top coach Peter Blow.

“It’s just good fun, everyone has fun, and that’s the key to tennis at this age – we learn through play,” Peter said.

The kids were rapt with the new Wilson tennis racquets, balls, and nets donated by EVES and Tennis New Zealand and they raced around the court in a blur of colour and noise, only stopping when Peter introduced a new activity.

“If the kids see tennis as fun and we just play games, then it’s really attractive,” he said.

“Attractive for parents and kids as well.”

Peter is head coach at Pāpāmoa Tennis Club and a high performance coach at Tennis Western Bay of Plenty.

He said the tennis community is “absolutely buzzing” about the EVES Open – World Tennis Tour: Tauranga, which will be held in Pāpāmoa in the lead up to Christmas.

“I think we are going to see massive numbers of the public come to watch,” Peter said.

“Some of the pros will work with kids in the neighbourhood too and maybe create some interest through that avenue, so we should be able to see good numbers coming through the clubs, kids that haven’t had any exposure to tennis as well. So it’s a win-win.”

The EVES Open will be held from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre in Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa.It is a professional event for men and women with official ATP and WTA world ranking points, as well as a total prize pool of US$40,000.

“We’re so excited to partner with EVES to bring the World Tennis Tour to Pāpāmoa this December,” Tennis New Zealand chief executive Julie Paterson said.

“The community support so far has been phenomenal and I have no doubt our Kiwi players will thrive off a big home crowd courtside. International sport in one of New Zealand’s iconic beachside holiday spots, just before Christmas – what’s not to love!" 

Vicki Semple, sponsorship and events manager at EVES, said the free coaching sessions and new equipment will hopefully pave the way for a few young locals to fall in love with tennis just in time for summer.

“We are all about supporting events and sport in our region and the EVES Open is an exciting opportunity for our community to host high quality international tennis,” she said.

“This is exactly the kind of sporting event that can capture the imagination of a future star.”

Sally Cooney-Acker, sports administrator at Tahatai Coast School, said her students had a lot of fun learning some ball and racket skills and improving their tennis.

“We are incredibly grateful for the donation of new tennis gear for our tamariki. It will be put to good use to get more children playing and having a go at tennis.”

Te Ākau ki Pāpāmoa School kaiako Jo Weldon said the school was feeling “extremely lucky” and that the new equipment would enable more tennis skills to be taught in school sessions.

“Te Ākau ki Pāpāmoa School is feeling very fortunate and will be producing many future tennis stars with our donated equipment,” she said.

“Students are eager to learn new skills and be outside while doing so and they are going to be very excited to use the new equipment to do this.”

The EVES Open – World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will be held from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa. Play will begin from 11am each day, with entry free to spectators. The event is also supported by TECT and Tauranga City Council.

EVES Realty has expanded their Waikato presence into the north through a strategic acquisition of LJ Hooker Huntly.

Established since 1969, EVES have been in the business of buying and selling property for over 50 years. EVES Real Estate is owned and operated by Realty Services Limited, who also operate the Bayleys franchises across the Waikato, BOP and Taranaki.

Now with 23 offices, Realty Services employs 557 staff and spans across 4 regions. Specialising in residential, lifestyle sales and property management, EVES provides a strong, reputable brand to cater to the needs of North Waikato residents and want-to-be residents alike.

Whilst the takeover will see EVES re-brand all LJ Hooker Huntly items, and relocate to a fresh new office, the staff and salespeople will remain the same. 

“The North Waikato team are a great cultural fit for EVES,” says CEO, Heath Young. “We share underlying family-business based values while maintaining a professional approach and applying high energy levels to the customer experience; there is a natural synergy.” 

EVES General Manager for Waikato, Sean Foster, is justifiably proud of his local brand. 

“Our key message is the value we place on people,” he says.“We work hard to be exceptional and recognise it takes local knowledge, a commitment to our communities and great people to get there.”

The acquisition marks an exciting step in EVES growth strategy, with plans to continue expanding their presence in the property market across several regions.

FAQs for landlords

Renting out your home – Frequently Asked Questions

If you own an investment property and are considering renting it to tenants, you will likely have some questions as to what you can expect from a property management service.

There are many aspects of renting that a property manager takes care of.  From screening prospective tenants to conducting inspections and rent reviews, through to keeping you up to date with the latest legislation and compliance required, there are many benefits to engaging the services of a property manager.

To help you on your way, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by landlords. These will also give you an understanding of what it means to engage the services of a property manager – and how it can make your life easier!

What are the on-going fees?

The ongoing fees for having your property under management may include:

-           The small percentage of the rent that the management company deducts weekly as their management fee. In New Zealand, property management services usually charge between 8-13% (+ GST) of the rent collected.

-           Many companies charge a fee for finding tenants for a property, whether its vacant when they first take over the management, or if the property becomes vacant at a later stage, though this is often capped to a certain amount of charges per year

-           The cost of any routine maintenance and repairs required. In New Zealand the average maintenance cost for a rental property amounts to about $82 per month­* though this varies from house to house depending on its state of repair.

-           Another on-going fee which is absolutely necessary, regardless of whether or not your rental is professionally managed, is landlord insurance

What are the one-off costs

·        Marketing; Some property management companies may require you to pay start up fees or advertising costs when your property is initially listed for rent. Effective marketing will promote your property to the largest possible audience, so that the most suitable tenants can be selected. 

·        Healthy Homes Inspection; If your property does not comply with the current Healthy Homes Regulations to meet the minimum regulatory requirements, for example for heating, cooling or ventilation, you will need to invest money in bringing these things up to standard. Having a Healthy Homes assessment conducted by an inspector does incur a fee, but once the assessment is done you will know what remedial works are required (if any) and once your property complies, you can proceed with renting it out.

·        Methamphetamine Testing; Meth tests can be conducted at the landlord’s request, or at the recommendation of the property management company. Conducting a meth test will incur a cost, normally around $200. If contamination is present, you may be covered by your landlord’s insurance.

How will my property be advertised if listed with EVES Rentals?

EVES Rentals has a dedicated website to advertise all available rental properties. If you list your rental property with EVES it will also be advertised on major property portals such as Trade Me and realestate.co.nz, providing the highest level of online exposure to prospective tenants. 

In addition to the online portals, your property will also be included in our ‘daily rentals list’ which is available to prospective tenants in our EVES branches.

Window displays and signage will also be used to attract interest. Our property managers also maintain a database of prospective tenants who could be suitable to occupy your investment.

How do I cover myself for things like fire damage or meth use?

All landlords, regardless of whether or not their property is under professional management, should have landlord’s insurance. There are a variety of policies available for insurance. Some are basic policies covering standard issues like meth contamination and intentional or accidental damage, while comprehensive policies offer compensation for more unlikely issues like natural disasters, issues with retaining walls, gradual damage, and loss of rent. 

My house is currently a building site. Can I still advertise it for rent?

You can advertise as long as the tenancy does not commence until all works are finished and any works done have obtained Council Compliance and appropriate consents.

What if my tenant stops paying?

If a tenant stops paying rent, the property manager can issue them a ‘notice to remedy’ if less than 21 days rent is owed. If more than 21 days of rent is owed, they can apply to the tenancy tribunal on your behalf for termination of the tenancy.  They will also represent you at all hearings at the tenancy tribunal and keep you informed of any progress made.

In addition to these remedial steps, EVES Property Managers conduct rigorous reference and credit checks on potential tenants, which lessens the likelihood of issues arising. 

What if a tenant’s damages cost more to repair than their bond?

If a tenant intentionally damages property they are liable for the full cost of repairing those damages, regardless of their bond amount.

If damages are the result of carelessness, and are not intentional, the tenant is liable to pay the landlords insurance excess or the equivalent of four weeks rent, whichever is the lesser amount.

How do I get assurance that they don’t have pets?

You can request that the property be advertised as not allowing pets. This should also be included in a clause in your tenancy agreement, otherwise it will not be enforceable. You are also legally allowed to ask if any of the people living at the property, not specified on the tenancy agreement (such as flatmates) own a pet. From that point on it is the responsibility of the property manager to monitor and enforce this.

If the tenants breach this rule, and it has been outlined explicitly in the tenancy agreement, then the property manager can issue a 14-day ‘notice to remedy.’ This advises the tenant of the breach to their agreement, and lets them know what they need to do to remedy the situation. If the issue hasn’t been resolved after 14 days, the property manager can apply to the tenancy tribunal to have the situation resolved.            

Can I specify no smoking at the property?

Yes, the tenancy agreement can specify that no smoking is allowed inside the property. This should also be included in a clause in the tenancy agreement, to make it enforceable. Similarly to the above point regarding pets, if a tenant is found to have breached this then the property manager can issue a ‘notice to remedy.’

Can I specify no holes/hooks/nails in the walls?

The tenant’s obligations under the tenancy law prohibit them from making any alterations to the property without the written consent of the landlord.

However, under the new legislation, you also cannot refuse permission for minor alterations to be made to the property. 

Is the tenant in charge of the lawn?

Yes, tenants are in charge of mowing the lawns and weeding the gardens. Landlords are in charge of pruning and maintaining trees.

Can I end the lease early?

There are some circumstances which allow a fixed term tenancy to be ended early. Tenancies can be ended if family violence or landlord assault has occurred.

Also, if a landlord and all tenants agree to ending a fixed term tenancy early, this can be arranged, though there may be fees owed to the landlord for the cost of advertising. There is also the option for tenants to assign the lease to someone else.

Instances of severe financial hardship may mean a landlord or tenant is able to terminate a fixed term lease early, however this would need to be reviewed by the tenancy tribunal.

How do I know how much rent to charge?

Your property manager will conduct an appraisal of your property and advise you on the appropriate rent, based on the current market and the condition of the property. In addition to this, property managers can conduct rent reviews to ensure that you are still receiving the best price for your property in the current market.

Who pays for the rates?

Any costs that the property would incur even if it was vacant are the landlord’s responsibility (unless otherwise specified in the tenancy agreement), this includes local and regional rates. Tenants are responsible for paying water usage rates.

If you would like more information on what our property managers can do for you, or if you have any other questions about property management and renting, please get in touch with our team today: https://www.evesrentals.co.nz/our-people

NB If you choose to become a landlord, we recommend reading the full rental agreement and contract, so you understand you’re rights. If there is something you aren’t comfortable with, or feel is missing, speak to your property manager. They can provide guidance on how to include additional clauses.

*https://cgpm.co.nz/blog/the-expenses-of-being-a-landlord/

We are excited to announce that the EVES Open - World Tennis Tour will be coming to Tauranga this summer! It will be held from December 18-24 at Venture Developments WBOP Tennis Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Pāpāmoa.

This Men’s and Women’s World Tennis Tour event will be hosted by Tennis NZ and is part of the professional tennis circuit. About 120 athletes will compete across a main draw and 32 qualifying draw format, with about 40 players Kiwis and the rest from overseas. 

EVES is delighted to be supporting this international tennis event right here in Tauranga and we can't wait to work with our partners at Tennis New Zealand. Check out the full write up on this awesome event on the NZ Herald website.

Grant Child, EVES National Auction Manager, provides an update on auction activity and the market influences that are currently affecting buyers.

If you are residing in a larger family home, and your children have all left the nest, you might find yourself with much more space than necessary – which comes with additional maintenance and costs. It’s a good idea to consider downsizing to a smaller property. 

Not only can downsizing allow you to shed clutter and reduce time and money spent on property maintenance, but with the cost of living in New Zealand increasing and inflation the highest it’s been in 32 years, it’s a good idea to consider making the move to a smaller residence sooner rather than later. We have compiled five key benefits to downsizing to a smaller property:

1.      Low maintenance living

Generally speaking, the larger the home, the more maintenance that is required. Empty-nesters often find themselves in huge homes with sprawling sections to maintain. Large backyards and multiple bathrooms and living spaces were all well and good when there was a full house, but once children have grown and fled the nest the amount of upkeep required on larger family homes can seem insurmountable.

Smaller, single level homes will require less weekly housekeeping. Smaller outdoor areas can also reduce time spent mowing lawns and maintaining large planted areas. At a smaller dwelling you might like to create a small garden instead, or opt for paved outdoor areas which can double as additional parking, perhaps for a boat or campervan.

2.      Save on utility bills and other costs

That’s right – downsizing to a smaller property can lower your utility bills! Provided your new home meets the minimum requirements for insulation and ventilation, you can heat smaller homes much more economically than a large family home, with fewer external surfaces to lose heat through.

A smaller property will also require less electricity for lighting, which equals lower power bills! This is especially beneficial with the recent increases to power costs around the country.

You can also save on furnishings – smaller properties cater to less furniture, so you won’t be forever on the lookout to spend and fill empty spaces.

And lastly, the scale of ongoing maintenance is reduced significantly with a smaller dwelling. Tasks like pressure cleaning external walls, cleaning gutters, repainting or carpet cleaning are all on a smaller scale which will then impact the associated costs of these services.

3.      Reduce clutter

Downsizing to a smaller dwelling gives you a great opportunity to reduce clutter, as you simply won’t be able to accommodate as many belongings in your new abode. If you have lived in a larger home for a number of years you will have likely accumulated a huge amount of possessions, especially if kids have fled the nest and left lots of their belongings behind.

It’s much easier to shed clutter before you downsize, as it can save on moving costs and ensures you aren’t taking extra belongings that you will simply sell or donate at a later stage.

Before you move into your new, smaller home, work through one room at a time and separate everything into two piles: keep and discard. Be mindful of the size of the spaces in your new home and the amount of storage you will have available. You may want to down-size your lounge suite and reduce the amount of crockery or bedding you will need to accommodate.

4.      Less maintenance can free you up for travel

One of the motivating factors behind many people choosing to downsize is that many smaller properties provide ‘lock and leave’ opportunities. When there is less ongoing maintenance, and with smaller properties often easier to secure, this can you free you up to travel!

You could also consider listing your property on Airbnb or Bach Care, to earn some extra income on it during your travels.

5.      Often smaller homes are more accessible and user friendly

As people move into the retirement phase of their life, it often becomes more desirable to move into a more accessible and user-friendly home. This can mean a property that offers features such as:

- Single storey
- Internal access garage
- Logical floorplan
- Automatic heating systems (for example heat pump or gas heating as opposed to a wood burner)
- Modern appliances  

What do all of these features equate to? Less work, more leisure.

Where to start

When looking into purchasing a smaller abode, it will soon become apparent that smaller homes cost more per square metre up front. However, the savings on utilities and maintenance mean you will reap the long terms benefits.

If you are interested in downsizing, get in touch with an EVES Salesperson today and find out how we can help.

Want more info on the benefits and process of downsizing? Check out the articles below: https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/housing-affordability/128985224/want-winter-electricity-bills-of-less-than-60-a-month-it-might-be-worth-a-downsize

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/retirement/128831300/the-big-squeeze-a-survival-guide-for-downsizing-your-home

Karen Worley, General Manager of EVES Bay of Plenty, provides an update on the increase in activity that we are seeing in the market, and the latest statistics that support this.

Sean Foster, General Manager of EVES Waikato, provides an update on the activity and changes we are seeing in the real estate market over the past month.

Karen Worley, General Manager of EVES Bay of Plenty, provides an update on some of the positive changes we are seeing in the real estate market. The latest stats from REINZ also support the stabilisation of the market and provide good insight as to what we can expect in the coming months.

With the real estate climate shifting considerably in the first half of 2022, many properties for sale are sitting on the market longer that expected, with the median days to sell increasing significantly across our regions. The impact of this is that some sellers are struggling to achieve time-sensitive goals that are dictated by the sale of their home. Renting out your home is a great alternative to selling that could suit a number of circumstances.

If you have listed your property for sale in the past few months, you may have discovered that sellers are experiencing a completely different property market than this time last year. Median days to sell for the Bay of Plenty was 55 for June 2022, an increase of 24 days from June 2021. For both Waikato and Northland, median days to sell has increased 15 days from this time last year.

In addition to stock sitting on the market for a lot longer than what we have become accustomed to, the inflated sale prices have shown signs of slowing, with major banks projecting a significant drop in property values in the next 12 months.

So, what is the rental market doing in comparison? Due to the effects of factors such as inflation and changes to lending criteria, there is a significant amount of would-be buyers that have now been excluded from the property market. This, combined with inflation and a shortage of rental properties, has resulted in the residential rental market soaring.

According to an article published by Stuff earlier this year, the national median weekly rent jumped 7% year-on-year to reach $575 in March. In the Bay of Plenty the median weekly rent was actually up 9% year-on-year to a record high $600. The other region to reach a record high was the Waikato, with a 7% year-on-year increase and the median price reaching $520 per week. This means that rentals are currently achieving premium prices.

There are several benefits to renting out your property instead of selling. Read these all here.

How can EVES Property Management help?

If you decide to rent your property out, engaging the services of an EVES property manager will ensure your property is in safe hands. Our team take the hassle out of the process by alleviating a lot of the admin and labour involved with a tenancy.

Here are some of the things our property managers can take care of, on your behalf:

• Screening prospective tenants
• Bond lodgement
• Liaising with contractors when needed
• Conducting inspections
• Conducting rent reviews 
• Keeping you up to date with the latest changes to property laws

Find a property manager today or get a free rental appraisal.

What does it all mean and how is it relevant to NZ real estate?

Blockchain technology is emerging as a powerful trend for de-centralised finance, and more recently as a means to complete both real world and digital real estate transactions.

Just last month, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, in conjunction with the Real Estate Institute of Australia, published a report titled ‘Blockchain: Opportunities and disruptions for real estate.’ The report analyses both the opportunities and challenges for the real estate industry with the growing interest in blockchain based property transactions now evident across New Zealand and Australia.

The report outlines the security and cost benefits that come with blockchain technology, and the way the digital records of blockchain transactions allow transparency and ease of auditing.

So what exactly does ‘blockchain technology’ refer to?

Blockchain is the digital architecture that allows users to transfer value or ownership. Types of blockchain-powered technology include bitcoin, Etherum and NFTs.

Are there examples of blockchain-powered real estate markets within New Zealand?

Yes; Max Crowdfund, real estate crowdfunding platform, launched in New Zealand in 2021. Max Crowdfund is a Netherlands based company that allows New Zealanders to access real estate backed investment opportunities, with a low-level investment of only $100NZD. Simultaneously it grants project developers access to alternative financing.

Max Crowdfund’s Head of Development, Erwin van Kekem stated

“Max Crowdfund was designed as a global resource for investors and real estate professionals alike. Having achieved proof of concept in Europe, the technology is now ready to be rolled out to other jurisdictions and we are really excited about disrupting the New Zealand property market.

Real estate investing has entered a new, digital era. With more people working and making financial moves from home, online platforms such as Max Crowdfund are becoming infinitely more desirable.”

Since its launch last year, the Max Crowdfund NZ website is showing its first development in Invercargill as fully funded, proving the acceptance of blockchain powered investment and asset ownership in the New Zealand market.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of crowdfunding platforms for real estate is the opportunities they present to invest in real estate, that may not exist otherwise. Due to the ability to purchase fractional ownership of real estate with smaller, entry-level investment amounts, more of the general population have access to purchase real estate in this way, without the need to qualify for a mortgage or part with tens of thousands of dollars.

How do NFTs fit into it?

NFTs or ‘non-fungible tokens’ are the latest craze to capture the real estate market within blockchain powered architecture. The inception of NFTs came about as a means to represent and manage ownership of real-world assets. This is similar to bitcoin representing currency, however NFT’s have the added element of a unique ‘token’ that is minted to authenticate ownership of a particular asset.   Because the tokens are unique, there is no other data collection like it.

An NFT cannot be duplicated, and it can only have one owner at a time. There is also the added security of transparency, as blockchain ledgers are visible to all parties.

The types of assets NFTs can represent ownership of include both digital and non-digital property. This includes artwork, collectibles, avatars and real estate.

What are the benefits of using NFTs for real estate transactions?

·         For one – it’s a lot less admin work. The ownership transaction in the NFT world is streamlined. It removes a lot of the administrative tasks of property ownership, due to the fact identity and ownership can be verified and transactions settled much more quickly. Property ownership can be transferred within minutes through an NFT transaction.

·         Despite the fact that online transactions are widely reputed as being risky, NFTs can have a higher level of security than other digital transactions due to the fact they are encrypted tokens, and also because blockchains are unchangeable ledgers with no single point of weakness.

What does this all mean for the New Zealand market?

Generally speaking, blockchain technology and real estate is still in its infancy. The findings of the REINZ report ascertained that the general population is not yet ready for a fully blockchain-driven real estate market. The main factor behind this assessment is that regulatory bodies are still trying to fully understand blockchain technology to be able to develop some base regulations for property transactions.

There is still evidence that New Zealand is slowly making the shift towards alternate forms of property purchasing. Just last month, an Auckland vendor sold his family home with the option of paying for the property, either in full or in part, with bitcoin. The seeds of change have been well and truly sewen into the fabrics of the market, but execution is still a long way off. 

Resources:

https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/nft-explainer.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/02/16/nfts-and-the-future-of-commercial-real-estate/?sh=722792339bac

https://www.fma.govt.nz/news-and-resources/fma-stories/spotlight-on-nfts/

https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2021/01/171735-blockchain-powered-real-estate-crowdfunding-platform-max-crowdfund-announces-expansion-to-new-zealand/

https://www.propertynoise.co.nz/what-is-blockchain-and-what-does-it-mean-for-real-estate-reinz/#google_vignette

1.     Our people

At EVES, our people are passionate about giving you the best real estate experience. You can trust us to make your journey to buying or selling as stress free and smooth as possible, with the skills and expertise to ensure we get you a successful result.

EVES started in the Bay of Plenty in 1969, and although plenty of trends have come and gone in this time, our dedication to market-leading real estate hasn’t changed. We believe that in such a competitive and expertise driven industry, doing everything we can to prepare, protect and foster the skills of our salespeople has been one of the pillars to our ongoing success as market leaders. That’s why we prioritise  ongoing training, coaching and development programs, for our salespeople, to ensure they continue to represent the exceptional service EVES is known for.

2.     Our reach

There are 13 dedicated EVES offices across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Whangarei. We have 176 salespeople, and over 280 staff. The collaborative reach of this company network means that we can further support both buyers and sellers to achieve their goals.

Our reach also comes with experience. EVES has over 50 years of trusted real estate experience, meaning you can rest assured we are well equipped to assist you on your real estate journey.  

3.     Our exceptional service 

We pride ourselves on our success stories, from both vendors and purchasers during their real estate experience with EVES. We achieve incredible results for our clients time and time again through dedication, innovation, and hard work. No matter how big, small, simple or complex your needs are, we deliver standout property solutions tailored just for you.

4.     Our marketing  

Effective marketing is a key element in achieving a successful sale result. We provide proven multimedia marketing campaigns that combine a mix of online, digital and print marketing to position your property in front of the right buyer. In addition to this, we will provide advice on the benefits of additional media that you can leverage, to maximise exposure and attract more buyers.

Buyers – effective marketing benefits you too! When you first start shopping for your new home it can seem like an overwhelming task. In addition to this, the amount of websites you can use to access property for sale can make it confusing to know where to begin. Our EVES listings are featured across all of New Zealand’s top property sites, including Trade Me, realestate.co.nz and OneRoof. Our EVES website is also a fantastic one-stop-shop to view all of our listings in one place.

5.     Our resources

We offer a range of fantastic resources for buyers and sellers. Our resources for vendors include:

• A guide to Preparing your Property for the Market
• The EVES Moving Guide
•  Our Thinking of Selling Guide
• Our resources for buyers include:
• The EVES Home Buyers Guide
•  Information on the 7 Step Buying Process

EVES also has an industry-leading partnership with Vega, our preferred financial advisor business. Vega can assist prospective buyers on their home-buying journey with access to over 20 lenders. They can navigate the ins and outs of lending requirements and make the process of getting a mortgage easier for you.

For more information on buying and selling with EVES, check out eves.co.nz.

When first conducting a property inspection, you will likely have a list of must-have features that you will be mentally checking off over the course of your inspection. However, do you have the most important factors on your list? Beyond the superficial aspects of a house such as presentation and décor, there are three key things you should be considering when viewing a property, prior to making an offer. 

1.    Heating, cooling & ventilation

Heating, cooling and ventilation systems are especially important when purchasing property in New Zealand. During your initial inspection, it is vital you identify what heating and cooling systems are available, as well as the main source of ventilation.

Is there a heat pump? Wood burner with wetback? HRV system? These are all popular and hugely beneficial, as not only are they fundamental to living comfortably through New Zealand seasons, but the efficiency of different heating and cooling systems will also dictate how much your monthly power usage will be, and the associated cost of this usage. Heat pumps are the most energy efficient way to heat a property, followed by wood burners and ducted gas heating.

You should also check if the property has single glazing or wooden joinery. If not, consider if this is something you would want to invest in upgrading in the future. No source of heating and only single glazing would see your power bill soar during the winter months.

Sufficient ventilation is also key to ensuring your home is a comfortable and healthy living environment. Damp homes without proper ventilation can exacerbate health conditions. Mould and mildew can also cause gradual damage to the interior condition of a property such as staining, bubbling and peeling of paint or wallpaper.

As of July 2019, adequate heating, insulation and ventilation are also key components of the Healthy Homes Standards. The Healthy Homes legislation sets out a series of minimum requirements for all residential rental properties. If your intention is to rent out the house you are looking to purchase, you would need to ensure it complies with these standards prior to renting it out.

2.    Suitability

During your inspection, work through your checklist of your must-have features and consider if it fulfills all of your non-negotiable property requirements. Identify any work that needs to be done to bring it into alignment with the vision of your ideal home/investment. This could be as minor as changing the colour of a room, or as large scale as fencing the entire section.

Consider how much any improvements will cost, as well as the time investment required. Is it still financially feasible? After these improvements, will the property fit the bill and suit you long term? If purchasing the property as-is will max out your budget, with a host of issues still needing to be remedied and worked on, consider shopping around for something more suitable for your budget or that better aligns with your requirements.   

3.    Future problems

Even with an untrained eye, it is possible to identify aspects of a property that could cause problems for you down the road. Asking your salesperson for further information and conducting some basic maintenance checks, can give you an idea on what areas to seek specialist advice on. Things to look out for include:

-          Retaining walls: Any large or structurally significant retaining walls may need to be inspected prior to purchasing, to ensure that appropriate consents were obtained, and that they aren’t causing any issues

-         Unconsented works: If there are additional buildings/sleepouts/living quarters on the property, find out if council consent was obtained for these additions

-         Title issues: Ask the listing salesperson for a copy of the Certificate of Title, and supply this to your solicitor to review if you have any interest in the property. Things to look out for include the type of title (ie. If it’s a Unit Title there may be associated body corporate fees), shared driveways, caveats, covenants and encumbrances

-         Are the lights flickering, throughout an entire area of the house? This could indicate old or faulty wiring. Have an electrician assess the cause of this to see if it’s a localized fault or part of a larger issue

-         Plumbing: Check the shower pressure, as well as inside and around any cabinetry and joinery in rooms where plumbing exists. Identify any areas showing watermarks or swelling, that could indicate some localized water leaks or water tightness issues

-         Are the piles in good condition? Old piles are expensive to repair or replace. Find out what condition the piles are in and have a trusted building inspector assess these if you have any concern.

For more information on what to look out for during a property inspection, visit www.settled.govt.nz/buying-a-home/researching-the-property/learning-about-the-property/

*The above points are intended as a guide only, and buyers are encouraged to seek professional advice on any property they are looking to buy.

First impressions count, and a buyer’s first impression will be the moment they arrive and view your property from the street.

Whether or not you are intending to sell your house, street appeal can have a significant impact on the property's perceived value. People will often make assumptions on the quality of the interior of a house based on its external presentation. It is also an indicator of whether or not the entire property has been cared for and maintained well by the residents.

Undertaking a revamp of your property’s street appeal will make your house more attractive and typically generates a better return on investment than other home improvement projects, especially if you are looking to sell within the next three years.

1.       Clean windows and exterior walls
The first and most obvious step towards improving your street appeal is to clean your street-fronting windows and exterior walls. Water blasting or soft-washing these surfaces to remove dust, grime and mildew will make a huge difference to the presentation. Clean surfaces can also assist in making the property appear newer and more low maintenance.

2.       Clear the way to the front door
The path to the front door should be clear and easy to access. Guests should be able to walk directly to the doorway without having to sidestep overgrown shrubs or step over miscellaneous items like spare pavers. It’s also a good idea to remove excessive pairs of shoes from the doorstep and store these out of sight instead.

3.       Get rid of leaf debris and mow the lawns – including your berm
Leaf debris is especially prevalent in the autumn and early winter months. Not only does it look messy, but it can make outdoor spaces appear crowded and smaller than they actually are. Hire a leaf blower or get to work with a rake. Clear all leaf debris from gardens, lawns, fence lines, doorways and gutters. Piles of leaves blocking gutters look messy and can lead to blockages and breaks.

Mowing your lawn is also a key part of outdoor maintenance, so keep your lawn low and tidy, and don’t forget the berm. Its also a good idea to trim the edges with a weed eater.

4.       Fix broken gutters, gates and fencing
Obvious remedial works are usually off-putting when it comes to street appeal. If you have broken gutters, or gates hanging off their hinges, take the time to repair these small defects.

5.       Remove interior clutter from view
Street frontage windows allow a small glimpse into the presentation of the home. Ensure your street facing windows are kept free of clutter, decorations and stickers. It also pays to keep the room in view clean and tidy, especially if marketing your property for sale.

6.       Ensure your external lights are working
External lights offer convenience, security and ambience in the evenings. They can also make your home really ‘pop’ in the twilight hour. If you have external light fittings, ensure all are in working order and replace any blown bulbs.

7.       Check your letterbox
Letterboxes are often neglected as many people don’t realise they are the marker beacon for your address. Ensure your letterbox doesn’t look shabby and replace any missing numbers and letters; this is especially important if your home is on the market for sale and likely to have potential buyers trying to locate your home.

8.       Does your front door need a coat of paint?
Painting your front door is an inexpensive yet very impactful step towards improving street appeal. A fresh coat of paint creates a clean, inviting point of access. If your exterior colours are very neutral, you may even want to opt for a brighter shade to create an inviting and eye-catching entry.

9.       Keep your bins out of sight
These days most homeowners have quite a host of different bins outside for rubbish, recycling and greenwaste. Keep all bins out of view of the street. Where possible, hide them around the side of your property or behind a garage or shed, so that they don’t add clutter and scruffiness to your kerb side appeal.

 For more tips improving the appeal of your property, check out our guide to preparing your home for sale.

When you first start to consider buying a home, it can be hard figuring out where to begin. We have compiled our top tips for getting started:

1. Finances first

Before deciding on your criteria for a new property, such as neighbourhoods and design features, go to your bank or Mortgage Broker and get pre-approved for a home loan. Finding out how much you can spend should always be your first port of call and can save some heartache at a later stage if you were to start shopping around, only to discover you’ve been browsing outside of your budget.

2.Decide when and where you want to purchase first

Giving yourself a timeline of when you would like to purchase a property will assist with your planning. Things like financial logistics, work impacts and current living situations are best coordinated with plenty of time to prepare.  

Once you have been pre-approved for a home loan, deciding where you wish to purchase should be next on your list. This can be as large-scale as a new town or as granular as a certain suburb. Wherever you decide to purchase, make sure you familarise yourself with property values in the area, to be sure these align with your financial limits.

3.Get familiar with the process

Familiarising yourself with the home buying process from start to finish will give you a clear indication of what to expect. From making offers to satisfying conditions and paying the deposit, learn about what the process entails so you can be prepared. For more info on the purchasing process, download a copy of the EVES Home Buyers Guide.

4. Talk to an expert

Get in touch with an EVES Salesperson and let them know your criteria. This means you will be across any new stock that comes to the market and on the email mailing lists for agents that send out new listing alerts to their buyers eves.co.nz/our-people

1.      Choose the right Real Estate Agency & Salesperson

Choosing the right real estate agent from the start will save you time and money. Some people may attempt to first sell their home privately, or with a cheaper/set-rate real estate agency, before eventually paying for a good company and a salesperson who is a market expert.

Exploring cheaper-commissioned options may seem appealing, however the real price you end up paying depends on the time your property spends on the market. Not only will you be paying to advertise your listing, but you also risk over-exposing it to the market before eventually conceding defeat and deciding to invest in a company and salesperson with better brand exposure and extensive market knowledge instead.

2.      Shop around for the right solicitor

Conveyancers and lawyers are both qualified to help with property transactions. The difference between them is that lawyers also offer a broad range of legal services and can assist with more complicated property transactions, such as a relationship breakdown. Conveyancers on the other hand specialise in property transactions only.

Before choosing a solicitor/conveyancer, assess how complex your needs are and shop around. Enquire as to the fee structure. Is it a fixed fee? Or do they charge by the hour? How long do they typically spend on a property transaction? These are the questions you should be asking before engaging their services.

When you’re ready, engage their services early and supply them with all required documentation as soon as possible – agency agreement, LIM reports, council files etc. You want to supply them with everything necessary to do their job in a timely manner.

3.      Don’t sell within a bright line period

If you can help it, and it doesn’t impact your end goal, avoid selling a property within a bright line period if possible. The bright line property rule means that if you sell a residential property you have owned for less than 10 years, you may have to pay income tax on any profit made on the sale. Generally the bright line rule doesn't apply to a property that has been your main home, but is more likely to affect you if you have used the property as a source of income. 

4.      Marketing your property is essential

Don’t skimp on marketing. You may think you’re saving money by choosing to invest in minimal marketing, however you will quickly find out that your marketing efforts directly affect the sale of your property. Minimal marketing means minimal exposure. In order for your property marketing campaign to be effective, you need it to be exposed to as many buyers as possible, in the most suitable marketing channels. This can help reduce the amount of time required to advertise and maximise your sale price.

5.      Only make necessary improvements to your home

Necessary changes/improvements to your property can help it sell faster and assist in marketing it to the best of its ability. If there are minor cosmetic defects that are easy to remedy, for example – missing doorknobs on cupboards, broken light fittings or a cracked tile in the bathroom, it’s worth remedying these prior to selling. But be careful not to over-capitalise on improvements, you are not trying to recreate the entire home for a new buyer, only fix existing issues to help it sell well, and in a timely manner.

6.      Have realistic price expectations

As much as the property market has been booming in NZ in recent years, the market is changing and having unrealistic price expectations will do nothing except waste the money you invested in your marketing campaign. It will also waste money spent on solicitors’ fees for processing and counter offering agreements that will never amount to a sale. If you are buying and selling in the same market, you need to consider what you’re likely to spend on a new home, and make sure that the amount you need from the sale of your current property aligns with its worth.  

7.      Disclose any and all issues

When selling property in New Zealand, you are required to disclose any known issues and defects. If you request that your salesperson does not make these defects known to prospective purchasers, then they have an obligation to terminate their agency with you.

Being upfront and transparent about any known defects will allow the right buyer to purchase your home and will save you the legal risks and costs associated with lengthy court proceedings if you fail in your duty of disclosure.

8.      Prepare your home for the market

First impressions count, and presentation is key. Making your home ready for the market and presenting it in the best possible light to potential buyers, means that you are giving yourself the best chance of seeing it sold. It also will allow buyers to pay what the property is truly worth, as opposed to thinking they can give you a low-ball offer because there is visible maintenance and obvious remedial issues that need addressing. Make sure your outdoor area is maintained, your home is clean and tidy, and talk to your salesperson about the benefits of home staging to really highlight the best features of the property.

9.      Time your sale appropriately

Timing is everything when deciding when to sell your property. Different seasons can better suit the sale of your home. For example, beach side locations are best showcased in summer, when the local population will be booming and holidaymakers will be shopping around local real estate. Discuss with your salesperson the best time of year to list your property.

Timing your sale appropriately can save you time and money, as the longer your property sits on the market, the more costly it can become to maintain high exposure through the various marketing channels.

10. Sell surplus furniture and items prior to moving

When preparing to relocate, its normal to discover you have excess furniture and items when you start cleaning up and condensing your home contents. If you find you have some items to spare, now is the time to sell them.

Resist the urge to offer to leave them for the buyer to deal with, and don’t leave it to the last minute to deal with them and end up taking them to landfill. Instead, sell them on prior to moving day. Not only can you make some money for your efforts, but it can also reduce the time and money spent on packing and removal vehicles.

The EVES annual awards evening was held on Thursday night, celebrating the top performing individuals and offices for the 2021/2022 financial year. The 13 offices across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Whangarei areas incorporate over 300 people, from salespeople to managers and support staff.

Danielle Hayes from EVES Mount Maunganui was awarded EVES Overall Top Salesperson of the Year for an outstanding ninth year running. The EVES Mount office also took home the coveted EVES Top Office of the Year award.

Owen Phelps from EVES Gate Pa took out both the Top Auction Acheiver and the Golden Hammer Supreme Excellence Award for his outstanding success in the field of Auctions. Rookie of the Year was awarded to Sharon Blaikie of EVES Cherrywood, and Anne Moffatt of EVES Rentals Tauranga won both the Property Manager Excellence Award and the Rothbury EVES Referrer of the Year.

From adminsitrative excellence right through to 20 year service awards, a number of outstanding acheivements across the company were celebrated. For more information on the EVES award winners and their accolades, check out the full article on the NZ Herald website.

Last week saw the LVD World Auctioneering Championships held in Queenstown. The competition gives auctioneers a platform to enhance and hone their skills in auctioneering, and to celebrate their prowess in the field. EVES had fantastic representation with three competitors - Louis McDonald (EVES Whangarei) and Isaac Jakobs (EVES Gate Pa) both competed in the novice section and Jordan Sievwright (EVES Papamoa) in the senior section.

Louis MacDonald won his pool, qualifying for the final, and Isaac came runner up in his pool, also qualifying for the final. Jordan captured the judges’ attention in his senior heat against some experienced competitors and was right off the cusp of a finals spot. All three competitors did an awesome job in representing the company, and we look forward to the REINZ National Auctioneering Championships which are due to run in Auckland next month.

The real estate market in New Zealand is shifting, and this change in pace is being felt in all corners of the country. After experiencing a seller’s market with house prices increasing at dizzying rates in recent years, we are now seeing a short, sharp correction in the property market. Price increases are slowing and even plateauing in some areas. There are less properties being sold at auction, and more conditional offers being made, causing the average days on the market to increase. Factors in this market shift include the recent changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, as well as the changes to tax regulations for income made on rental properties that came into effect early 2021.

Sale prices across New Zealand have been on the rise since 2015/2016, resulting in some regions experiencing vastly over-inflated house prices. However, Auckland has seen a very slight decline in property prices for the first quarter of 2022, as a result of the market correction and the rise in building costs. According to a recent interview with economist Tony Alexander, the price pullback is most likely to be seen in the regions that have reached the more overvalued pricing heights, such as Auckland, Wellington and Hawkes Bay.  

The slowing pace is being reflected in the median sale price for the Bay of Plenty with March 2022 sitting at $937,000, which is only a 12% increase on March 2021’s $822,000. By comparison, March 2021 was a whopping 26% increase in median sale prices for March 2020 which sat at $660,000.

Waikato has shown a similar trend with the median sale price for March 2022 sitting at $845,000, only a 16% increase from March 2021. However, the Median price for March 2021 ($728,00) was a 22% increase on the median price for Waikato in March 2020 ($595,000` Whangarei’s median house price for March was $827,500, only a 14% increase from the year prior. However March 2021 at $723,000 was a massive 37% increase from March 202 at $525,000.

Despite the above figures illustrating that prices are still increasing, median sale prices can be influenced by the top or middle range sales prices, if these make up a larger portion of the sales. Greg Ninness, property Editor of interest.co.nz instead examines the REINZ House Price Index, which adjusts for differences in the compositions of the sales each month and can give an accurate idea of overall price movements. The national HPI for March shows a 2.1% decline in housing prices.

ANZ’s pricing forecast predict house prices to fall 10% over 2022, whereas Kiwibank thought a 10% decline would likely occur over a two year period. ASB forecasts a 6% decline in prices for 2022.

The slowing market is also evident in the median days to sell, which shows how long property stock typically sits on the market. The median days to sell has slowed in most regions, with less unconditional sales and more conditional offers being made. Median days to sell for Tauranga in March 2022 was recorded at 36, compared to 22 days for March 2021. Median days to sell for Mount Maunganui and Papamoa were recorded at 35, compared to 26 days in March 2021. Hamilton city recorded 34 days to sell for March 2022, compared to only 21 days in March 2021. Whangarei’s median days on the market was 43, compared to 30 for March 2021. Rotorua’s median days to sell for March was recorded at 28, the same recorded days as one year prior.  

What are the factors contributing to the slowing market? There are several, but at the forefront sits the recent changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, as well as the tax changes that came into effect last year for residential rentals.  

The changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act came into effect December 2021 and mean that lenders must follow a more robust process to ensure that borrowers can service loans and mortgages long term. The intention of these changes was to ensure that vulnerable borrowers didn’t find themselves drowning in unaffordable debt, however the collateral of these new restrictions is that people applying for mortgages have found their credit application declined as a result of exhaustive vetting of their personal spending habits, future plans, and the amount of savings they have available. The flow on effect of this means that fewer first home buyers are able to access the housing market, with a reduction in the volume of mortgages approved since the changes came into effect (for more information www.mbie.govt.nz).

The other contributing factor to these market changes is that any residential rental property purchased after 27 March 2021, cannot have interest deducted against the income landlords make from their rental property. Further to this, the introduction of the bright line rule means that if you buy and sell a residential rental within a bright line period, you will have to pay income tax on any profit made when you sell it. The added introduction of the intention rule also means that investors and people purchasing the property with the intention of improving it and ‘flipping’ it for a profit in the accelerated market will have to pay tax on their profit.

All of these changes imposed on prospective purchasers (and sellers) in the past year have been bought about with the intention of protecting vulnerable people from insurmountable debt and restricting access to the market for investors, to make way for first home owners and owner occupiers. However, the market is currently slowing due to the financial chokeholds felt by all, with the added pressure of higher interest rates fuelling this change in pace.

For more information on the current market, get in touch with your local EVES office. Our EVES salespeople can give you trusted advice on the best time to sell your home and what to expect in the current real estate climate.

eves.co.nz/contact

Articles for reference:

https://www.interest.co.nz/property/115362/reinz-house-price-index-already-down-78-last-years-peak-auckland-and-wellington

https://www.interest.co.nz/property/115432/around-third-properties-selling-under-hammer-overall-auctions-around-new-zealand

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/04/economist-reveals-key-reasons-behind-price-correction-to-nz-s-hot-housing-market.html

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/credit-crunch-winners-and-losers-41027

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/peter-thompson-market-moving-in-first-home-buyers-favour-41026

Rotorua is a popular hub to visit and live. Located right in the centre of the north island, its extremely accessible from the other main centres. With the current population sitting at just over 77,000, it strikes a great balance of city life combined with close proximity to vibrant native scenery. There are 18 lakes in the district, with the area covering almost 2,500 square kilometres. With the abundance of natural attractions and outdoor activities, you can see why the small city has surged in popularity as a place to live and work. Consistently voted one of New Zealand’s most affordable cities to live in, and with the real estate market a hive of activity, its a prime prospect to relocate to.

Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity, and the area is home to natural mud pools, geysers and geothermal springs. Many attractions showcase these natural wonders to the public, such as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia. The area also has a host of outdoor activities to choose from, such as ziplining through the redwood forests or taking the Luge down the Ngongataha Mountain. Several online travel sites* have recently ranked Rotorua as #1 on their list of The Cheapest Cities in New Zealand to live in, and have cited job opportunities from the booming tourism industry as also attracting travelers for lengthy stays, as well as highlighting that the average property price and weekly rents both sit well below the national average. Rotorua’s  rent prices sit around 40% lower than Auckland and Wellington, with among the lowest monthly living costs at around $2,100, compared to Auckland’s $2,800.

As of February 2022 the median house price in Rotorua was $714,500, almost 20% less than the national median sale price of $885,000. A recent report published by OneRoof has also noted that the property prices in Rotorua, which had initially soared in the over-heated housing market, have slowed considerably in the past three months, with buyers proceeding a lot more cautiously than in the previous 1-2 years. This is largely due to investors pulling back from the market, combined with the changes to credit laws and rising interest rates.

The volume of sales has stayed reasonably consistent over the past year, with 81 residential sales recorded for February 2022, compared with 78 sales in February 2021. The median days on the market however has slowed considerably. Median days to sell in February 2022 was recorded at 62, almost double the time on market from twelve months prior at 34**.

If you would like more information on the current property market in Rotorua, get in touch with our EVES Rotorua team. Accommodating about eight residential salespeople that cover all corners of the district and located on a prominent corner of Eruera Street in the CBD, the team combine years of experience with a reputation for going the extra mile for their clients and can give you a comprehensive insight into the current real estate climate.

**Stats sourced from REINZ.

* https://www.jtgtravel.com/australia/new-zealand/new-zealand-cheapest-places-to-live/
https://myfunkytravel.com/cheapest-cities-to-live-in-new-zealand.html

Homes that feature swimming pools have always been in hot demand, but there has been an absolute surge in popularity for residential properties with pools in recent years. There are around 40,000 swimming pools on residential property in New Zealand, and with the impacts of the pandemic forcing many kiwis to spend more time at home, there is a lot more importance being placed on enjoying your home environment and creating a lifestyle around this. What better way to make your home the ultimate sanctuary than by having your own pool?

The monthly market insights posted by Realestate.co.nz have found that the word ‘pool’ has featured consistently in the top three keywords searched online in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato over the past couple of years, with the results spanning both residential and rural property searches across various suburbs. Over the lockdown in 2021, an article posted by Stuff showed that ‘beach’ and ‘waterfront ranked highest in keyword searches, followed by ‘pool,’ solidifying the idea that life at home is fueling the desire for close proximity to a body of water, whether it be a local beach or in your own backyard.

Pool law in NZ

Most of the restrictions for swimming pools in New Zealand focus on safe fencing. Pool fencing must be a minimum of 1200mm high, with no climbable objects against the fencing, in addition to self-closing gates. Mandatory inspections of residential swimming pools must also be carried out every three years by a qualified pool inspector. If you’re unsure of what restrictions apply to your swimming pool, check out https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/f-safety-of-users/pool-safety/guidance-for-pool-owners/ or ask the local council. If you’re looking at purchasing a home with a pool, it’s important to familiarise yourself with pool safety law.

Do your research

When viewing properties with pools, it’s important to check with your salesperson if the pool fencing has building consent. In addition to this, find out when the pool was last inspected, and who the current owners contact for sourcing parts and filters. Residential swimming pools in New Zealand typically fall under one of three categories – fiberglass, concrete or vinyl lined. They can also be fresh water or salt water, and the care and cost of maintaining the pool varies depending on these factors.

Most swimming pools have a pump and pool filter, and some include a cover. Find out what is included in the sale of the home, as you will need to review the condition of all fixtures and chattels at the pre-settlement inspection.

To view our range of properties with pools, or to get in touch with your local EVES salesperson, check out the EVES website.

Sight unseen property purchases have increased over the past two years due to COVID in the community and the subsequent level 4 lockdowns. Fueled by a desire for a change of scenery and lifestyle, many kiwis spent lockdown combing through property websites and looking to relocate to other regions. Buying sight unseen has become not only a feasible way to purchase property, but with the assistance of digital tools that support this process, it can also be relatively straight forward.

Useful digital and online tools

One of the most important aspects of buying a property sight unseen is to be able to understand and visualize the layout of the house. 3D virtual tours and 2D floorplans are fantastic tools for this. A 3D tour creates the illusion you are walking through the property. You can turn around, go into different rooms, and explore the layout of the home. A 2D floorplan provides a topological view of the layout of the property which illustrates the configuration of the home like a digital map.

Other tools that can be beneficial when property shopping from home include online resources that allow you to research potential homes. Settled.co.nz has an online tool called Property Checker which you can use to search houses by their street address and basic information, and this then generates a report on areas they recommend you do further research into. If you are looking at homes that you intend to renovate, then canibuildit.govt.nz is also a useful resource. This portal allows you to search by project eg. deck, garage, bathroom etc and brings up information on whether or not council consent will be required, as well as any other guidelines or restrictions around obtaining that consent.

Alternatively, if you are wanting to purchase an investment property sight unseen, then chat to your EVES salesperson about obtaining a rental appraisal from one of our property managers, which can give you an idea of the expected yield.

What information to request from the salesperson

After identifying property listings that interest you, you can request further information from the listing salesperson to assist in gauging the suitability of the property for your intended purpose. Requesting the Certificate of Title and LIM report is a good place to start.

The Certificate of Title is effectively the deed to the property. It includes information such as the legal description and legal ownership entity, as well as any rights and restrictions that apply to the land. It is important to have your lawyer review the title to ensure there are no restrictions in the form of caveats or encumbrances that could potentially affect your intended use of the property.

A LIM report, or Land Information Memorandum, is a summary of information about the land and buildings held by the local council and can include everything from building consents and previous work done, to zoning information or history of flooding. Although many vendors have a LIM report available to supply to prospective buyers, you will be encouraged to purchase your own LIM report to ensure the information is right up to date (the same goes for a building report). Your lawyer or conveyancer will then extensively review the information supplied.

In addition to any information pertaining to the house and land, it is also good to ask your salesperson questions such as why the current vendors are vacating, what the neighbours and neighbourhood are like, if any unconsented works have been done and if there are known defects.

When you decide to proceed with a purchase sight unseen, the method of sale may determine the order and timeline in which you need to arrange your conditions of sale. An auction requires purchasing on an unconditional basis, so all conditions need to be satisfied before the auction date, such as finance or having a building report done. Your EVES salesperson will be able to liaise with you on the process for auctions including telephone bidding. If the property is priced or listed by negotiation, then your offer can be subject to conditions which you then have a set period of time to arrange completion of.

To view our extensive range of listings, visit www.eves.co.nz.

Waihi Beach is a bustling, boutique coastal suburb in the Western Bay of Plenty, that is renowned for its white sandy beach stretching almost 10km down the coast. It’s home to a small beachside community with a residential township of about 2700 permanent residents and is located only 10 minutes from Waihi township, and 35 minutes to Tauranga city.

With the uptake in holiday hot spots becoming locations for permanent living, brought on largely by COVID and the working from home lifestyle that came with it, real estate in the area has understandably soared. There were only 8 residential sales in Waihi Beach for November 2021, with the low stock levels and high demand having a significant effect on prices. The median sale price for November was $1,430,000, a massive 48% increase on the median price from November 2020. However, this is a 20% decrease on the median price for October 2021 at $1,831,000, indicating that prices are starting to ease heading into the summer months.

Despite its small population, there is plenty to do in Waihi Beach. In addition to surfing and swimming, the area is home to several walks to secluded spots like Orokawa Bay, William Wright Falls or Homunga Bay. There are plenty of delicious places to grab a bite to eat, like Surf Shack Eatery or the popular Flat White Café. Boutique shops line the main street, and the Sunday Market is also a great place to browse the many eclectic stalls and meet the friendly locals. With such a kiwi coastal vibe, combined with a great community culture, its easy to see why Waihi Beach is a fantastic place to visit and live.

If you would like more information on the current real estate market in Waihi Beach and the surrounding area, get in touch with our team at EVES Waihi. They will be happy to answer any queries you have. Visit https://www.eves.co.nz/our-people or email waihi@eves.co.nz

Residential property management is a huge part of our business here at EVES. In the latest edition of UNO Magazine, Joanna Martinez-Hart, Group Manager of EVES Property Management, outlines how engaging the services of a property manager can allow you to get the most out of your investment, without the stress.

Joanna is an expert in the field and feels that her team not only brings peace of mind to landlords, but also helps property owners navigate the ins and outs of owning an investment property. There is so much involved in the rental process, from liaising with tenants and contractors for inspections and maintenance, to complying with the latest healthy homes regulations. All of this can be taken care of by the EVES Property Management team.

To view the full article, check out the latest UNO Magazine.
To get in touch with or property management team, visit https://www.evesrentals.co.nz/

EVES is proud to announce our exciting new sponsorship of the Waterbourne Charitable Trust, who are bringing their premier beach festival to Mount Maunganui in March 2022. The Waterbourne Beach Festival is a water sports event spanning three days featuring food stalls, international musicians, sandcastle competitions and beach clean ups run by volunteers. Ensuring the beach is preserved for generations to come is a core pillar at the heart of the Waterbourne Charitable Trust. 

In addition to beach volleyball, wing foiling and ninja games, there will be the EVES NZ Stand Up Paddle Boarding National Championships. The Mount has become home to paddle boarding in New Zealand, providing awesome conditions for both competitive and social paddle boarding. The competition isn’t restricted to the pro’s though, with a range of divisions available so that the public can get involved. There is also free equipment available for youth to compete, making this the ultimate family friendly festival in the Bay.

EVES Real Estate has a long history of community support, firmly believing in giving back to and supporting the local community. Event organiser Laurence Carey says “to have EVES onboard with the same vision as the Waterbourne Charitable Trust is great! They understand the importance of being sustainable whilst providing everlasting experiences for the community.”

Partnering with the Waterbourne Charitable Trust means that we are able to provide our community with more opportunities to enjoy the beach. The EVES Paddle Boarding Nationals alone is expected to attract more than 150 athletes from around New Zealand, alongside athletes from Australia, USA and French Polynesia, with 10,000 attendees also confirmed for the international musicians, which will make the festival a huge benefit to our local economy.

The festival will run from March 4-th-6^th 2022, and tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.waterbourne.co.nz

We are honoured to have been named the Most Trusted Real Estate Agency in Tauranga’s Most Trusted Business Awards! This is a huge accolade and recognises how hard each and every one of our salespeople and staff work to provide everyone who deals with us the best possible real estate experience. Our clients are at the heart of our business and we will always be committed to understanding your goals and aspirations so we can get the best outcome for you and your family.

https://mosttrusted.co.z/business-awards/

Spring and summer usually bring an uplift in real estate market activity, however this has been slightly delayed this year due to the interruptions of COVID restrictions across several parts of the country. There is still a consistent theme of strong prices and low stock across the main centres. Below we outline the latest market stats and activity from across our regions.

Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty region is experiencing a 23.9% increase to median house prices year-on-year, with October reaching a record new high of $900,000. Rotorua and Tauranga also reached record new price highs for their individual districts.

Tauranga (including Oropi, Ohauiti and Pyes Pa suburbs) had 150 sales in the month of October, with the median price reaching $970,000. This is a 25% increase on the median price from October 2020 ($775,000). The median days to sell is currently 34, one day less than October 2020.

Rotorua had 92 sales in October, with the median price reaching a high of $687,500. This is up 5% from just one month prior ($651,400 in September 2021) and the median days to sell currently sits at 32, 7 days less than the same time last year.

Hamilton

Hamilton had 300 sales during October, despite the area going into a second lockdown for the larger part of the month. Dinsdale had the highest amount of sales per suburb at 27, closely followed by Flagstaff at 26, then Hamilton East at 25 sales. Jen Baird, REINZ Chief Executive, commented in a recent article published by nzherald.co.nz* that real estate professionals have still been able to conduct business over the recent lockdowns due to some changes to restrictions:

                ‘Lockdown restrictions are having a reduced impact. Real estate professionals have the resources to conduct business remotely and customers and clients have the confidence to move forward to make decisions. Steps by the Government, as advocated for by REINZ on behalf of members, to enable more private property viewings at alert level 3 have helped, especially in areas longest affected by tighter lockdown. Less stringent restrictions equate to more activity."

Hamilton achieved a median sale price of $825,500, a 23.3% increase from October 2020 ($669,500). Of the 300 sales in October 2021, 53% of these were between $800,000 - $2,000,000.

Whangarei

Whangarei has seen a very noticeable shortage of stock, with only 100 properties sold in October this year. The impact this shortage has on sales prices is evident, with the city reaching a new median price of $795,000, a massive 30% increase on October 2020 ($604,500).

Kamo had the highest amount of sales per suburb at 21, followed by Onerahi at 9 then Kensington with 6. With restrictions easing coming into Christmas and Aucklanders able to escape north, its anticipated competition for stock in Whangarei could increase and further impact sale prices, although more listings may become available heading into the summer months.

Sources:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/pandemic-lockdowns-hit-house-sales-volumes-drop-21-but-prices-still-rise/4FNBEC2VMXFNASOXPT6DIA2UEE/

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-sees-highest-average-house-price-rise-in-15-years/PYTFWFOEK6IY6IKBECH3X7VRQU/

https://reinz.co.nz/residential-October-2021
Sales are based on residential statistics only and are sourced from reinz.co.nz

The real estate market in New Zealand is under pressure, with buyer demand far exceeding supply across many regions.

The inflated market and rising sale prices are pushing many homeowners to consider selling, with some weighing up whether to attempt to sell their property themselves, or through a real estate agent.

There are many factors to take into consideration here such as sale price, the labour and legal implications involved, and also access to marketing products and prices that may only be available when selling through a real estate agent.

Below we outline 3 of the key points of difference when selling through your local EVES branch.

1. Which Method Will Sell Your Home At A Higher Price?

EVES salespeople are skilled negotiators - they know the area, the property market, and can maximise buyer interest and competition to achieve a premium price for your property.

If you’re thinking of selling your home privately, it’s important to consider that although you wouldn’t be paying a commission, you risk losing a significant amount on the price you obtain for the sale of your home.

Negotiation is key and it can be challenging to negotiate face to face with a potential buyer when selling your own property.

According to an article on wiseup.nz the financial value of a competent agent can equate to tens of thousands more in sale price and outstrip any commission you were trying to save. [Source]

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) conducted a comparison analysis in 2020 and found that on average homeowners achieved 15% more when selling through a real estate agent than those who sold privately. [Source]

There is a professional process in place for real estate salespeople to follow when it comes to selling your property.

This includes advising you on an appropriate method of sale, coordinating a marketing campaign, hosting inspections, assisting buyer enquiries, and being both mediator and negotiator which enables you to achieve the best result.

Certain methods of sale encourage more buyer competition, such as auctions – a transparent and very competitive method of sale that has proven highly successful in today’s market.

(For more information on the benefits of EVES auctions visit https://www.eves.co.nz/auctions)

2. Which Method Is Safer From A Legal Perspective?

There is a lot of admin involved in not only hosting inspections, but also fielding enquiries and providing accurate information to buyers.

Whether you sell a property yourself or through a trusted agency, its important to always provide potential purchasers with complete and accurate information pertaining to the home and ensure that nothing is omitted or misrepresented.

If you are selling privately, misrepresenting your property (even unknowingly!) may have significant consequences, as any information you provide to buyers is your responsibility.

There is a host of legal documentation involved in the transaction, from anti-money laundering forms and compliance to sale and purchase agreements with the inclusion of clauses, conditions and chattels, all of which can be managed and communicated by a real estate salesperson.

They can also assist both vendors and buyers by liaising with lawyers, builders, valuers and other professionals engaged by either party during the sale process.

Real estate salespeople are licensed professionals, meaning they must comply with the requirements and standards of Professional Conduct and Client Care as outlined in the Real Estate Agents Act 2008.

You can take comfort and confidence in dealing with a professional through the sale of your biggest asset, where your best interests are protected and backed by the Real Estate Authority, should anything go wrong.

3. Which Method Has More Marketing Benefits?

Working with an EVES salesperson means that you will have access to our proven marketing campaigns that combine digital and print media, to target buyers specific to your property.

At EVES we have access to print publications and websites at rates that are not always available to the public.

Further to this, our salespeople have their own internal databases of contacts and buyers which further enables them to fast track the process of matching the perfect buyer with your property.

Marketing is a strategic process and is instrumental in achieving the best price.

Engaging the services of an EVES salesperson to sell your property will alleviate the stress and labour involved in the property transaction and give you confidence that you are achieving the best price for your property in the current market.

For a no-obligation appraisal visit https://www.eves.co.nz/free-appraisal

Achieving the best possible price for the sale of your home comes down to a combination of factors. Choosing the right agency and salesperson, presenting your property well and using effective marketing alongside the appropriate method of sale all contribute to achieving a premium price.

The first and most important factor is selecting the right agency to market your property. Not all real estate companies are equal, and few have the collective capabilities of EVES. EVES have been at the forefront of New Zealand real estate for over 50 years and our people are committed to excellence and determined to get the best results. We are passionate about harnessing marketing to achieve the best outcome for our clients, all while striving to make your real estate experience as smooth as possible.

First impressions count, and you shouldn’t expect prospective purchasers to look beyond a shabby presentation and visualise what a property has to offer. A strong first impression can help buyers to feel emotionally invested in a potential home, which in turn gives them the confidence to leave it all on the field when making an offer.

The presentation of your home or investment property is a key factor in obtaining the best price. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make major cosmetic changes, but at the very least present your property’s current state in the best possible light. The interior of the property should be clean and tidy. Reducing clutter and de-personalising the space as much as you can will also help buyers be able to picture themselves in the home. Outside, lawns should be mown and grounds tidy, with no junk or debris lying around. The exterior walls, roof and gutters should be cleaned of any visible mildew before professional photos are taken, and clean windows are a nice touch too.

Effective marketing is the most valuable tool in the real estate toolbelt. At EVES, we pride ourselves on our marketing campaigns, which can be tailored to include a proven mix of print, digital and social channels. We can cover all the bases and optimise the exposure of your property. Effective marketing isn’t always about targeting all buyers, but more about targeting the right buyers, bringing people and property together.

The method of sale for your property can determine not only the length of time its marketed for and the level of competition it attracts, but also the chances of it achieving a premium price. In today’s market, there is a shortage of stock across all regions with buyer demand far outweighing the supply of properties on the market. As such, auction campaigns are a fantastic method of sale to consider. A four week auction campaign will intensively showcase your property whilst encouraging buyer competition. Buyer competition is ultimately what enables you to achieve the best price on auction day. Your real estate salesperson will be able to talk you through the benefits of the various pricing methods and will make a recommendation of what is most suitable for your property and your personal circumstances.

Spring is a fantastic time to bring your home to the market and brings with it a strong sense of a fresh start along with the excitement of summer approaching. In addition to this, there are many buyers who start shopping around this time of year in the hopes of being able to move into a new home (or make use of a new holiday bach!) by the time Christmas rolls around. If you are considering selling, get in touch with our team today for a no-obligation appraisal. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. https://www.eves.co.nz/free-appraisal

Our EVES Whangarei office opened in 2018, relocating to new office premises in 2020. The team consists of 11 residential salespeople plus additional support staff. Nikki Tracey, a top performing EVES salesperson, has recently been appointed the Sales Manager for the Whangarei branch, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. From sales, marketing and property market knowledge to operations and HR; she is well-versed in everything real estate.

Nikki believes her affiliation with the EVES brand and the EVES Whangarei office in particular is a match made in heaven, sharing the same core values of respect, professionalism, honesty, family and great communication.

‘I believe in the importance of fostering strong relationships built through transparent communication and exceptional customer service. I am committed to my team and it is my aim as Sales Manager to be an exceptional coach and mentor who is supportive, motivating and dedicated.’

Much like the rest of the country, Whangarei is seeing a real shortage of property for sale, with stock levels across Northland down 45% from this time last year. Nikki says the lack of competing listings, combined with strong sale prices, has geared the current market in favour of those selling.

‘There is no denying that well-presented property is selling fast and achieving premium prices. Buyer demand remains strong and even with lockdown restrictions proving a hindrance at open homes, we are still seeing good numbers through. Buyers outside of Whangarei are still exhibiting strong interest with some purchasing sight unseen.

Investors are still in the market but less active, opting to rid their portfolios of less desirable properties that don’t meet Healthy Homes Standards in favour of brand new homes.

First home buyers are still finding home ownership difficult with low housing caps and banks tightening lending criteria. Having finance approved and moving fast are what we are stressing to our buyers.

Some good news for those who have potential to develop, Whangarei District Council are looking at zoning changes which should see more high-density housing zones added closer to the city. This should translate into more land and housing opportunities for our region.’

To find out more about the current real estate market in Whangarei, get in touch with Nikki and her team today – whangarei@eves.co.nz or visit https://www.eves.co.nz/our-people

As a long term supporter of Waipuna Hospice, EVES is proud to be a key sponsor of their latest donation drive - the dollhouse appeal. The dollhouse appeal is a four week auction campaign for the Rose Cottage, a 1950s inspired dollhouse whose sale proceeds will go directly to the Waipuna Hospice, to support the work they do in our community. At only 72cm tall and 50cm wide, the Rose Cottage dollhouse took three years to build and the detail in this mini abode is nothing short of amazing. 

Oozing character and warmth with its charming weatherboard exterior, the ground floor features a combined kitchen/dining room, with spacious larder and stove. A separate lounge has a large open fireplace with French doors that open out to the garden and upstairs you will find the spacious master suite, complete with en-suite bathroom.

Every item was handcrafted, from the kauri/rimu wooden flooring with paua inlay, to the furniture and pantry items. The house is electrified with a 12 volt wiring system. There’s a battery powered  grandfather clock and you can even pop your own photos into the photo frames on the wall. You can view this work of art in person at our EVES Bethlehem office, located in Bethlehem Town Centre.

The auction for the dollhouse appeal is being hosted online using Galabid and will commence on 14^th October, closing on 11^th November. Bids can be made at any time during this four week period. Any unsuccessful bidders will be given the opportunity to make a donation to the dollhouse appeal, once the auction has closed. This is a fantastic cause to get behind, and EVES Realty will match donations dollar for dollar up to the highest bid and total donation raised for this campaign*. For more information visit www.waipunahospice.org.nz/rose-cottage-charity-auction/

*EVES Realty will match donations to a maximum of $20,000

The latest stats from REINZ show the continuing trend that buyer demand for property continues to far exceed supply across many of New Zealand’s main centres. The Waikato region is no exception to this, having experienced a record median house price of $780,000 in August 2021, while experiencing extremely low stock levels with listing numbers down 33.6% year-on-year. Another ongoing trend in the region is the median days to sell continues to decline. August had the lowest median days to sell since 2016 at only 29 days. The limited stock, combined with overwhelming demand, means that buyer enquiry and open home attendance is strong.

Hamilton was one of four districts in Waikato that individually achieved a record median price, despite the country entering Level 4 restrictions. According to Neville Falconer (REINZ regional director) the most recent lockdown has seen a lot more digital capabilities come to the fore to advertise properties for sale. 3D Matterport tours, 2D floorplans and videos are among those tools real estate companies are utilising to help buyers engage with listings from the comfort of their homes. As such, there were still 221 sales across Hamilton city for August 2021 despite the lockdown in the latter part of the month.

‘With lockdown appearing again mid month we still worked on executing agreements and appraisals remotely. Prices had certainly levelled between Feb – June 2021, however July and August produced momentum with levels rising accordingly. Our Median price in Hamilton hit a staggering $840,000.

With Spring evolving we should see the traditional rush to come to the market with many appraisals currently underway and new listings coming on. We still have a dire shortage of stock across all price brackets.’ - Roslyn Coombes, Branch Manager for EVES Hamilton

*REINZ data from August 2021 statistics

EVES online auctions were a huge success during Level 4 lockdown, allowing both buyers and sellers to achieve their objectives without delay. Buyers were able to bid from the comfort of their home by viewing the auction via livestream on our EVES website, while talking to their sales consultant by phone. The sales consultant then conveyed their bids to the Auctioneer via a zoom call. 

Our Auctioneer called 20 auctions in Level 4 from his kitchen, selling 18 of them under the hammer! The livestream was all facilitated by the Auctioneers assistant from her home. The end result was no one missed an opportunity to purchase the home they had registered interest for and the process remained as transparent as the live auctions in the auction rooms. Properties that were scheduled for auction but only had minimal exposure to the market were postponed and are now fielding subsequent enquiry and good interest, so sale on those is imminent over the forthcoming weeks.

You can view upcoming live auctions by visiting https://www.eves.co.nz/upcoming-live-auctions   

With a population of over 8,000, the Otumoetai peninsula attracts everyone from young families to retirees. Along with its popular harbourside location, there are plenty of parks and recreational spots to enjoy, such as Fergusson park, Kulim park, and the Matua Saltmarshes. There are two popular primary schools; Otumoetai Primary and Pillans Point School, with both college and intermediate nearby in the neighbouring suburb of Bellevue. The area also has some awesome views of the harbour and across to Mount Maunganui.

Our EVES Cherrywood branch opened in 2014 (having previously been located on Willow Street) and has a proud spot in the Cherrywood Court shopping centre, right in the heart of Otumoetai. Surrounded by amenities favoured by the locals, including hair salon, pharmacy, post shop and the popular Neighbourhood Kitchen restaurant, this neck of the woods is family friendly and full of life.

The EVES Cherrywood sales team has about 25 residential salespeople and support staff. These guys pride themselves on their experience, market knowledge and achieving excellent results for vendors and buyers alike. The team are led by branch manager Gordon Stewart, who has been in real estate for over 34 years! Gordon has an absolute passion for the industry that he shares with his team, along with supporting them to provide the highest level of service.

Next time you pop over to Otumoetai to have a coffee at the CherryTree espresso bar, or to take a stroll in Fergusson Park - pop in and see the team at the EVES Cherrywood office. Our friendly admins Helen and Bridie will be on reception to greet you, and any one of our fantastic salespeople will be more than happy to help, whether you are looking to buy or sell, or even just to have a chat about what’s happening in the area.

Mount Maunganui is known for its permanent holiday vibe, with a combination of laid back living and boutique chic. Our EVES Mount Maunganui branch resides in pristine and modern office premises (having had a full refit in 2019) at 121 Maunganui Road – right in the central hub of shopping, restaurants and cafes. Maunganui Road is the pathway to all that this cool coastal location has to offer – the golden sands of the Mount Main Beach, the chilled vista of Pilot Bay, and the impressive Mauao, the 230m high landmark at the tip of the peninsula - enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Our EVES Mount branch was opened in 1975, six years after the first EVES office opened on Cameron Road. The sales team has around 19 residential salespeople, plus additional support staff and led by branch manager Gill Bowden, a real estate powerhouse who believes that training, mentoring and committed support is the key to leading top performers.

Earlier this year the EVES Mount office received the celebrated ‘Top Office’ award for 2021, at the EVES Realty annual awards ball. These guys are no strangers to success though, having received the Top Office award previously in 2017 and 2019. This year there were also over 20 individual accolades awarded to our awesome EVES Mount team.

So if you’re over in the Mount, checking out leisure island, getting an ice cream from Copenhagen Cones, or hunting through the array of boutique stores – pop in to the EVES office and say hello. Our admin superstars Jenny and Justine will be on reception to greet you, and any one of our exceptional salespeople will be happy to have a chat with you about the booming real estate market.

EVES is proud to support our local community. Here is a snapshot of whats been happening:

As a long running local company, EVES was delighted for the opportunity to partner Heritage Bay of Plenty with a special project being launched next month. The Te Papa Heart of Tauranga’s Heritage Walk will be a 30 page booklet with map and facts highlighting over 72 places of historical, heritage or archaeological interest in the CBD, more news to come on this project. 

We were thrilled to finally catch up with our mates at the TECT Rescue Helicopter and hand over the ‘big’ cheque (having already sent via the bank late last year). We are so fortunate to have the helicopter based here and that they can respond so quickly to emergencies, we are proud to have supported the team for over 20 years in a unique partnership with our EVES salespeople, admin and Property Managers plus the company contribution. 

EVES has supported the Otumoetai Intermediate Sports Academy for over 18 years – it was great to share morning tea with the teachers to start the term and to hear about their plans for the Anchor AIMS Games next month – so many wonderful, dedicated young athletes across a myriad of sports, what a pleasure to continue our sponsorship.

Our EVES Rotorua team has been busy getting involved with schools – colouring competitions, coaching hockey and setting themselves up for another enjoyable season supporting the Arawa Bowling Club.  BOP Sports Awards are back and being held in Rotorua – again delighted to continue our sponsorship and present the EVES Realty Young Sportsman of the Year.

According to the NZ Property Investors Federation, there are approximately 600,000 rental properties in New Zealand. That is a huge amount of property that landlords are either managing themselves or putting into the trusted care of a property manager. There are several challenges that come with managing your own investment property, such as knowing whether or not you are getting the best possible rent for your property, understanding who is in charge of repairs and maintenance, and being familiar with recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act as well as the Healthy Homes legislation. Property managers have access to a huge pool of tenants, as well as access to renting history and credit information. They will conduct routine inspections and rent reviews, and will liaise with contractors and tenants on your behalf. They will also navigate the ins and outs of property legislation.

Are you charging the current market rate for your rental?

Knowing how much you should be charging for your rental property can be difficult. Many people managing their own investment property come up with their rent figure based largely on what they see other rentals priced at. However, this method often doesn’t take into account important property features that can increase or decrease the value of a rental. For example, proximity to schools and shops, additional bedrooms, bathrooms or toilets, garaging and off-street parking. A property manager, as well as being a specialist on the current rental market, has access to extensive information on comparative rental properties, and how they compare to your own in terms of value. 

Knowing who is responsible for what

When it comes to remediating issues that arise such as broken fittings or unkempt gardens, it can be difficult knowing where you stand in terms of who is in charge of fixing or maintaining different aspects of the property. Property managers can easily identify what maintenance is required from a tenant, and what issues fall to the landlord to remedy. They will also liaise with contractors, tradesmen and tenants on behalf of property owners to organise fixing issues. 

Dealing with difficulties 

Easily the most stressful and daunting aspect of managing your own investment property is having to deal with difficulties and disputes. If issues arise in the form of unpaid rent or damaged property, it can be stressful trying to find a peaceful and productive solution. Property managers provide an important buffer between you and your tenants and are at the frontline of communication and problem solving. Our property managers are well-versed in tenancy law and provide solution-focused mediation, as well as contacting the tenancy tribunal when necessary.

Knowing your way around the new laws 

In recent years, a series of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act have come into effect. These amendments have drastically changed the landscape for landlords by providing new restrictions around grounds for terminating a tenancy, the frequency of rent increases and the ability for tenants to make minor changes to a property (to name a few). In addition to the amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, the Healthy Homes Standards (which came into effect July 2019) are now enforceable with all privately managed rentals needing to comply with these standards as of 1st July 2021. These standards outline the minimum heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping requirements for rental properties. According to Sharon Cullwick, executive officer of the New Zealand Property Investors Federation, the implementation of the Healthy Homes Standards is challenging for investors as many people are unsure what they need to do in order to comply. Property managers can provide you with expert advice on these changes to legislation which can help reduce the risk of receiving a fine. At EVES, we have our own Healthy Homes coordinator who’s sole focus is assisting our owners to meet these news standards within the required compliance dates. 

Why you need an EVES Property Manager to take care of your rental investment

There is a lot more labour and admin involved in managing your own rental property than can be anticipated. With cleaning, advertising, screening tenants, conducting inspections, annual rent reviews, liaising with contractors, and keeping up to date on the latest changes to property laws, logistically it can be a monumental task. Engaging a property manager can save you time, money and stress, so contact one of our EVES Property Managers today to find out what we can do for you https://www.evesrentals.co.nz/our-people 

No matter where you live, the security of your home should be something that every home owner gives consideration to. 7 out of 10 burglaries that occur in New Zealand are residential properties* and the majority of these break-ins occur during the afternoon, meaning that regardless of where you live, keeping your home, contents and yourself safe should be a top priority.

Windows and doors

Keep all doors to your property locked, even when you are home. Windows should be closed when you aren’t home, or at the very least have security latches that only allow for them to be opened a short depth to let in fresh air. If you have any faulty levers or latches on windows, these need to be remedied right away and usually inexpensive replacements can be purchased from your local hardware store. Otherwise, weak spots in your windows can be identified by thieves and potentially compromise the security of your home. If you keep a spare key outside, avoid keeping it in obvious locations such as under the doormat, or under the pot plant next to your front door. 

Gates and fencing 

A fully fenced and gated property can help reduce the appeal to potential thieves. Having to clamber over a gate or scale a fence is a lot more conspicuous than being able to slip up a driveway on to a property unannounced. Additionally, a key or combination lock on a gate provides an added layer of protection and is another step towards making your property too bothersome to break into. 

Security cameras 

Security cameras are nowhere near as hard or expensive to set up and maintain as they used to be. You can purchase the cameras yourself to set up around the main access points of your home. These don’t need to be monitored by a security company, as the motion-senser technology can activate a recording and feed it directly to your smart phone. It really has never been more simple to remotely monitor your home.

Sensor lights

Sensor lights are not only convenient for lighting the way to your front door if you arrive home in the dark, but they are also a deterrent for anyone trying to loiter or sneak in around your property. If used in conjunction with security cameras, position the sensor lights above the cameras (light fittings shouldn’t be visible on camera as these can cause glare and blind spots). Keeping your access points well-lit will make your property look exposed and prove difficult for burglars to lie low.

Insurance 

Contents insurance can be a saving grace for any homeowner or tenant that has experienced the stress and anxiety of being a victim of theft, fire or even accidental damage. Contents insurance can cover the replacement cost of items such as furniture, electronics, personal possessions and valuables. For a nominal monthly or annual fee, you can be completely covered in the unfortunate scenario you are robbed of your homely possessions. Put it this way – can you afford to not be insured?

Source: NZ Police

The Covid-19 lockdown has provided the keys to unlock a career in real estate for aspiring agents, with more Bay men and women in their 20s keen to enter the profession.

Changing work circumstances and a profession fuelled by a “hot” real estate market could be attracting more people to the property industry, the Real Estate Authority says.

NZME spoke to four agents in their 20s who switched careers, with one saying lockdown was the “silver lining” that got him into real estate.

According to the REA, 45 Bay people - 23 women and 22 men - younger than 30 have applied for their real estate licences since the lockdown last year. In total, 154 people in the region have applied for their licence post lockdown.

REA chief executive Belinda Moffat said more people were entering the real estate profession, with 45 per cent more new licences issued nationwide compared to 2019.

At the end of February, there were 15,711 active licence holders, which Moffat said was the highest since 2018.

The average age of someone applying for a real estate licence nationwide was 38 years old, which suggested applicants were bringing skills and experience to the real estate sector having had careers in other fields, she said.

Moffat said becoming a licensee was a serious undertaking and the role itself was hard work. “Real estate transactions are complex, and it’s critical that licensed agents have the skills, training and integrity required to support buyers and sellers to navigate a property transaction with confidence.”

Simon Anderson, managing director of the Realty Group Ltd, which operates Eves and Bayleys, said it was exciting to see young people entering the industry operating in a professional manner.

Carlos Del la Varis left the fitness industry for real estate. The 22-year-old joined the Eves Gate Pa office about a month ago. Del la Varis was working at a local gym when his friend and Eves agent Kale Kirk offered him a job a couple of years ago. He said he had been thinking of changing careers for a while and then Covid-19 hit.

“It was lockdown that drove me into real estate...it was quite spontaneous.” 

By the end of July 2020 Del la Varis had enrolled at the Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology to complete his certificate in real estate two weeks before the course started.

Del la Varis juggled working full-time at the gym and studying part-time for 24 weeks until he graduated last month.

He was later awarded an Eves Scholarship to kick-start his career.

“At first, the giddiness of being my own boss got to me. But then I realised if I am not working I am not getting paid, so it was back to work.”

He said he was not afraid to put in the long hours and strived to be a good agent.

“I’m hard on myself. There is a lot to learn and the learning doesn’t stop,” he said.

“I definitely want to be known as the more personable sort.

He said there were benefits to having youth in the industry, especially with online and social media marketing of property. “There’s a special place for young people in this industry.”

Published in the Bay of Plenty Property Guide 21 May 2021.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2T92f9x

Many parents and retirees will one day face the dilemma of what to do with the family home once their children have grown and left the nest. Often parents are left with a home and section that caters to a larger family lifestyle than what they now require. It must eventually be weighed up if the family home should be put up for sale to allow for the purchase of a smaller, lower maintenance abode more suitable for a relaxed retirement, or if, in some cases, the family home can be updated to accommodate a smaller scale of living. If the decision to sell seems more practical, as it does for many and most empty-nesters, there are some keys aspects you should consider to future-proof your home for its eventual sale. 

Dealing with clutter

Clutter is something to combat early. When your children fly the nest, get them to take as much of their sporting equipment, hordes of clothing and general knick-knacks with them as possible. Utilise the existing storage in your family home and try to avoid turning the spare bedrooms into storage rooms. When you sell your property, you want to showcase the inviting family home that it is. You will also want to minimise the amount of clutter you need to pack and sort through when the time comes to relocate. 

Practical versus personal design

If you are going to sell, it pays not to indulge those wild design fantasies you’ve had of a room with three different feature walls in various patterns and colours. Over-personalising a space can be off-putting for buyers who are trying to envision a home they can make their own. Therefore, if some rooms require a touch up of paint or wallpaper to make them more presentable, opt for simple as opposed to strong colour and design choices.

Change old or damaged appliances for energy efficient alternatives

Energy efficiency is a hot topic and a valid area of concern for buyers. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems that are old and outdated can end up costing a fortune in power if they don’t run efficiently. It’s a good idea to remove or replace old and ineffective appliances with smart systems such as heat pumps and HRV. Not only are these attractive features for prospective buyers, its equally beneficial in long-term savings should you choose to permanently reside in the family home.  

Remediate issues and get outstanding consents

If you have a problem area in your house that doesn’t require a large scale renovation to fix, it’s a good idea to remediate the issue before going to market, so that it can’t be used in the buyers favour to lessen the value of the property. For example if the bathroom is original from an older home, and there are some damaged tiles and a leaky tap, it works in your favour to do a basic revamp and make the home move-in ready. With that said, you don’t want to be over-capitalising with a full upgrade featuring all the bells and whistles of your dream bathroom, only to sell it on for someone else to enjoy. 

If there are outstanding consents on things such as additions, fences/walls, sheds, decks etc, it is important to obtain consent or a certificate of acceptance before hitting the market.  

Do you have the option of making your family home suitable for retirement? 

Depending on your property you may find that you can adapt your empty nest to be a suitable retirement abode. Perhaps this is an area of unkempt garden that you could pave and turn in to extra parking for the motorhome? Or maybe there is an area of your home you could isolate completely for short or long term letting. In addition to changing out old and inefficient heating and ventilation systems for ones that are more economical, the other main areas to focus on for down-scaling your family-sized lifestyle are reducing maintenance and using storage space effectively.

House Prices Hit Five Year High

House prices in Katikati have climbed to the highest they’ve been in the past five years as buyers see value in the suburb post Covid-19 lockdown.

Local real estate agents say the suburb was punching above its weight in the property market, with prices increasing rapidly particularly in the last six months. They say retirees and young families were eyeing up Katikati as a more affordable option. Housing supply was tight with sales volumes rising only slightly in the last few years.

However, agents say a new luxury townhouse development could help ease the pressure.

The latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand data showed median sale prices in Katikati had climbed to $624,000 in the year to February 2021 — $137,000 more than $487,000 in February 2017.

In the past year, prices have skyrocketed 15.6 per cent from $540,000 in February 2020 — the largest jump in the last five years.

Although, sales volumes have climbed only slightly each year to 152 in February 2021 from 136 in February 2017.

REINZ acting chief executive Wendy Alexander said house prices in Katikati have increased rapidly over the last couple of years.

“Unsurprisingly, vendor expectations have been rising as prices in the wider area have risen, so it’s just a matter of making sure that this is managed accordingly, although some of the prices achieved post-Covid continue to surprise local agents.” Alexander said interest in Katikati was coming from all parts of the country — and particularly from retirees, who liked the easy access to

the local medical centre and nearby Tauranga Hospital.

“Families in the wider Tauranga area have been looking further afield as prices have continued to increase in the city, and Katikati

is seen as a more affordable area that’s within a reasonable commute to Tauranga.”

Alexander said some buyers were reporting “auction fatigue” as prices continued to climb, making it harder to gauge what a property might sell for, especially in the case of first home buyers. Supply was still tight, she said.

“But it’s slightly better than we saw at the beginning of the year where properties were quite tightly held. Hopefully in the next few months, we’ll see more supply come on to the market which will in turn hopefully ease some of the demand and pressure we’ve seen on prices.”

The Uretara River Views development on Katikati’s main street overlooking the Kaimai Ranges recently launched 29 luxury townhouses on to the market. Another 35 townhouses were due to come to market shortly. Alexander said the development will add to the overall supply once it was ready. “But given they’re quite a niche target market it’s hard to know how much this will impact the overall picture.”

Simon Anderson, managing director of the Realty Group Limited which operates Eves and Bayleys, said Katikati was “punching above its weight for market presence”.

“We’re finding a lot of people are comfortable with Katikati as it is in close proximity to Auckland, has a good price point, and it’s a nice town with all the services.

“It’s not a hustle-and-bustle town. It’s still a New Zealand town. “You’ve got all those nice ingredients. So it’s not surprising it’s finding its feet more in the market.”

Anderson said there was also a lot more buyer interest in Katikati properties in the auction rooms, with the area becoming attractive to Auckland and Tauranga buyers.

Eves Katikati branch manager David Sylvester said there had been a sharp increase in prices, especially in the last six months.

“The volume of sales haven’t increased as much but the prices certainly have,” he said.

“Things are selling a lot quicker too. Most of our sales go through auction and they’re selling before or on auction day, which is a

massive difference from 12 or 18 months ago.

“We’ve had a lot more investor interest in the last six months but we’re getting people moving out of the major cities like Hamilton and Auckland as well as people moving out from Tauranga.” Sylvester said many people moved to Katikati for lifestyle properties.

“There are a lot of people who have bought small horticulture blocks where they can have a bit of a home and income.”

Alison Rudd, Waihi and Waihi Beach sales consultant for Tall Poppy Real Estate Katikati, said Katikati was a sought-after area

and prices had been growing rapidly.

“Properties we appraised at the end of last year are well out of date now. Everything is just jumping up in price.”

Rudd said house prices were “flying through the roof”. “We always thought they were at a high price prior and now they’re extraordinarily high, which is great for vendors. Obviously people are seeing the benefit of moving to the Bay and see Katikati

as a desirable area.”

Buyers were coming from all sectors and price ranges, she said. “We listed a property a couple of weeks ago and it went to multioffer and it sold within three days at an extremely high price. “That was probably the highest price you’ve got in Katikati town and it sold within just a few days in the market. We’re getting some really good results without taking properties to auction.”

Article as published in the Katikati Advertiser 8 April 2021. Read full article here.

2021 has bought with it the roll out of the new Healthy Homes standards, which will ensure that all rental properties must comply with the new standards for heating, ventilation, moisture, drainage and draught-stopping by 1st July 2021. 

As such, many investment properties are already undergoing the improvements required to make homes warmer, drier and healthier during the colder months. This is actually a timely reminder for everyone that the best time to prepare for the pitfalls of winter is during the autumn months, before cold and miserable weather sets in and while we still have some daylight hours in the evening. 

Here are some top tips for making your home a healthy one: 

Get your chimney cleaned

If your home is fortunate enough to enjoy the benefits of a wood burner, now is the time to get your chimney cleaned. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned annually to ensure there are no unsafe blockages or build-ups, as well as providing an opportunity to check for any structural damage or decay.

Check your smoke alarms 

Colder months means more time spent indoors. Whether its huddling around the fire, using space heaters or cooking up some warm winter meals, checking smoke alarms should be a fundamental part of property upkeep. Ensure that you have smoke alarms positioned in every hallway, living area and within three metres of every bedroom door. 

Change or clean the filters in your rangehood

This is another general task of home upkeep that, like checking smoke alarms, should be done frequently throughout the year. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact it is prudent to double check your rangehood filter before the colder months set in. Once compacted with grease, rangehoods lose functionality which can increase condensation in the home. 

Clean your gutters 

Throughout the year gutters can become clogged with leaves, debris and bird nests. It pays to have your gutters cleaned twice a year, both in autumn and spring. This allows your guttering to perform at maximum capacity in the wet weather months and can prevent costly repairs from over-burdened gutters in the future.

Clean your heat pump filters

Keeping your heat pump filter clean not only ensures the best performance from the machine but can also help prevent unnecessary power consumption. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean the filter of dust and debris on a regular basis, to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. 

Have your dryer exhaust vent cleaned 

Dryer exhaust vents should be cleaned at least annually, maybe even more often depending on how frequently you use it. A clean dryer exhaust means your dryer will work more efficiently, potentially reducing unnecessary power consumption, and (more importantly) reduces the risk of dryer fires. Dryers tend to be used more frequently in winter so it’s important to keep them running as safely and effectively as possible. 

Check the seals, hinges and catches around your windows 

Give your windows the once over and check for any loose or missing seals, as well as stiff or damaged hinges and latches. There are many reasons to keep your windows well-maintained. Loose or missing seals can create condensation, while stiff or damaged hinges and catches can let out warm air, let in a draught and in some instances, even compromise the security of your home.

Many businesses have used the events of the past year as an opportunity to re-evaluate the way they operate and for many of their staff, Working from Home (WFH) will be the new norm, at least for the time being while COVID-19 is around and there is still the possibility of moving between Alert Levels. For many, this is something that takes some getting used to. We’re used to being in a busy office surrounded by people, with the phone constantly ringing. Now, you need to drown out new noises - kids, dogs, partners, lawnmowers, Netflix – and take it day by day, always adjusting to the WFH way of life.

Here are our top tips to help maintain productivity and sanity while working from home until things return to our old normal.

Go to work

Not literally, mentally. Instead of staying in your PJ’s or dressing gown, get up and go through part of your usual morning routine – shower, get dressed, have breakfast and get yourself mentally ready to work. We’re not saying put on make-up and heels if that’s what you’d do on a normal day before going in to the office, just do enough to make it feel like a work day and not a weekend day that you’re having to work.

Get some space

In an ideal world, we would all have spare rooms and offices where we could shut ourselves away from distractions but sometimes a desk in the corner of the lounge or bedroom is the best we can do. Even if you have a small home, you should set up your workspace in a dedicated area. Don’t just move yourself and your laptop from couch to bed and back again, create a space where work is to be done. Take over a table or desk that has adequate lighting and find a supportive, comfy chair. Make it familiar – if you normally have plants or photos on your desk, do that. 

Do anything that is going to help you create a great working environment.

Take some time

Although we all need to get a certain number of hours of work in per day, most workplaces understand that this isn’t necessarily going to be the usual 9-5. This will especially be the case if you have kids at home that need wrangling! You need to be prepared to put in the time required but work out what this may look like. If you do have kids at home, will you have a two hours on/two hours off schedule with your partner so that you can share parenting? Will you work earlier or later so that you can fit in exercise? Taking time for yourself to walk the dog, take the kids for a bike around the block or to do some lunchtime yoga is important. It’s also important to stretch and rest your eyes from looking at the screen non-stop for the entire day. You would do this naturally when working from the office because you would walk to the printer, chat to someone for five minutes in the staff room or run errands at lunchtime. When WFH, you have to consciously make an effort. 

If you find the urge to work 24/7 is too hard to fight, set yourself some boundaries on how much work is too much. Turn your computer off when you are done for the day, don’t answer emails from your phone. It’s not bad to put in overtime but remember you still have a life outside of work, even if you’re stuck inside.

Stay connected

Although you might be working alone right now, it doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. We are so fortunate in this day and age to be able to connect with others in so many ways from the safety and comfort of our own homes. Keep in touch with your colleagues via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or email. Whether you’re contacting them for work purposes or just to see how they’re coping, all of the digital contact we have from others goes a long way to helping us feel connected and not so alone. Have a virtual happy hour or give your online meetings a dress up theme. 

Find something that can bring you together while you’re apart.

If after all is said and done you just can't make it work in your space, get in touch with one of our salespeople to help you find the perfect place for you to work from home.

The EVES Papamoa branch is superbly located on the outer edge of the Papamoa Plaza, with great visibility and parking. This central position means they are approximately halfway between the Mount and the end of the proposed Papamoa East developments. Also, being near Domain Road, the roadways to Te Puke and the highway east and west are very close.

EVES was one of the foundation businesses in the original Plaza and over the years, the office has been altered twice and we were temporarily relocated once during renovations. Despite those upheavals, they keep kicking goals and retain a dominant market share in the area.

Papamoa East continues to grow at an astonishing rate but with no major shopping centre located there so far, the Papamoa Plaza enjoys a significant amount of shopping from those East residents.

Some of their fellow retailers are also well known in the community, Doug the Butcher and Bobby’s Fish and Chip shop, both being either side of our branch, and proving very tempting! The iconic Pap Tav (now called The Island) is also a short walk away. 

The branch residential sales team numbers around 20, with a further 5 licensed support staff assisting in 5 different sub teams. Also, the Property Management team here is comprised of 4 property managers, and support and admin. When you come into the branch, you will be met at the residential reception by Tracey and Cat, and at the rental reception by Taliyah.

Experience, expertise and a sense of urgency, words that are often thrown around loosely, but these are definitely evident among the residential sales team and property management division. In a real estate market that demands action, accuracy, and sound advice, EVES Papamoa offers the all round package for buying and selling property plus all aspects of property management.

EVES Papamoa is managed by Trevor Hansen (027 2849399), who has real estate sales experience in Tauranga, and has held management roles in Rotorua, Mt Maunganui and Papamoa. Trevor hopes that one of the team can be of great service to you soon. 

When starting out on your journey to buy your first home, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. It’s a big thing and something you’ve never done before – you’re nervous, scared and excited all at the same time. 

Along the way, there are a few things that you need to be sure to remember, especially if you want to avoid any surprises.

Get pre-approved

Before you start dreaming of the home you want to buy, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for your mortgage. This may also be the time that you confirm how much of your Kiwisaver fund will be available for you to use. By doing this before visiting open homes, you will know what or where you can purchase and how much you can spend. It will also help you to avoid the disappointment when you find the perfect home but realise that it’s out of your price range. 

Get in touch with a financial advisor.

Know the costs

Aside from the obvious cost of the home, there will always be other things that you will need to pay for. These aren’t hidden costs, just some that you might not think of. Before you go unconditional (confirm that you are buying the home and pay your deposit) on a home, you will need to provide your mortgage provider with various reports that they request of you as a first home buyer which may include a valuation, building or LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report. You will also need to hire a solicitor. These things all cost money but they’re unavoidable costs when purchasing a property. They also make sure that you can sleep soundly knowing you have done thorough checks.

You may end up needing to outlay costs for multiple properties if you are not successful in buying the first one you make an offer on so just keep this in mind.

Be realistic

We’re not saying that you have to buy the first home you see, you will just need to be realistic when it comes to your must-have list. Make lists of non-negotiable features that you do or don’t want in a home, then a list of the features that would neither make nor break a deal. Like, if you think that your first home must have four bedrooms with three bathrooms and a pool, you probably won’t find what you’re looking for. But, if you’re more realistic and your must haves are things like a dishwasher or a separate toilet, you’ll have more chance of getting what you want. It’s about needs vs wants.

Gaze into the future

When you are looking for a home, look beyond the ugly curtains or torn carpet and see what could be there with a little work and some great ideas. See the potential in the home you’re buying but also remember that renovations and cosmetic work around the home do cost time and money so make sure you don’t over commit!

Also think about how long you might want to be in the home – will it still be perfect when you buy a dog, have a baby? This will help you to decide whether this is the perfect home or the perfect right now home and how much effort and money you are willing to part with in order to bring it to a standard you’re happy with.

Get a team together

There are a lot of people involved in buying a home, not just you and the current owners. You will need to surround yourself with the right, helpful people to make the journey as smooth as possible. On top of your financial advisor, your building inspector and your solicitor, it’s a great idea to get in touch with a real estate salesperson. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be the one selling the home you are looking at, they just need to be one that will listen to your needs and wants to assist you in finding you your very first home. Finding your first home should be fun and exciting and with the right team around you, it can be.

Find an EVES salesperson here.

...Not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.

At EVES we love being involved in our community and we are fortunate to meet many vibrant, hardworking people who generously volunteer their time. Many ‘not for profit’ organisations rely on the goodwill of volunteers and it has been said ‘there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer’.

Money does make the world go round but one of the greatest gifts you can give is your time. Volunteering as coach or manager to sports teams, breakfast in schools program and offering business skills to a board or community trust are just some of the ways to give back.  

At EVES, we receive many, many sponsorship requests and whilst we cannot always support everyone financially, we certainly do our best to assist a cross section of our community. Sometimes that is with marketing or sponsorship advice; helping groups to understand the difference between sponsorship and donations.  A donation is given from the heart without any real requirement for receiving anything in return; sponsorship on the other hand comes with an expectation that the business will be promoted through websites, newsletters, signage and personal contact etc. Approaching a business for sponsorship is very different to approaching a Trust or Community funding organisation.

As we head into the festive season our EVES team will be thinking about how a couple of cans added to the family shop for Foodbank, a wee wrapped gift to the Salvation Army or a donation to those in need will make a difference to others.

A quick stop into Kmart on the weekend and I hear background music playing – Christmas carols! Throw more into the mix of this crazy year and it’s now time for Christmas shopping too! I like many of you, would like to leave this year behind, I certainly do not want to wish time away but it sure has been a heck of a year. 

Rotorua’s Property market, like many other parts of New Zealand has been riding that same rollercoaster, we have a real shortage of listings and plenty of buyers out there, an awful lot of first home buyers and they are competing with the investors and we seem to be seeing some of those investors from various other regions of the central north island. 

With this competition happening this I feel is a strong reason property prices are on the rise as there is an arm wrestle between buyers to secure them, seeing a lot going into multi offer and higher than anticipated prices paid. Rotorua has yet again another record high median house price of $580,000 - a whopping $100,000 more than the same time last year but seeing the biggest growth over the last 3-4 months.

To celebrate Grant Child calling his 9,000th auction last week, Zoe Hunter from the Bay of Plenty Times sat down with Grant to find out what he loves so much about auctions.

Article below:

You could cut the tension with a knife.

"Can we make it over $1 million?"

Bayleys and Eves auctioneer Grant Child has full control of the packed auction room.

There's standing room only. Real estate agents are sprinkled throughout the room, phones held tight to their ears. Buyers, couples mostly, whisper nervously and shift in their seats or from foot to foot.

Bidding is moving - and fast.

A Mount Maunganui property has been called and a bidding war has begun.

A woman at the back of the room raises her hand, bidding in the $1000s.

To the left of the room, a gentleman has raised his hand confidently bidding $500,000.

But a couple sitting a few rows back from the front of the room has their eyes on this one.

"You're going to have to change your strategy there ma'am," he says to the woman bidding in the single digits.

Another woman raises her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear.

"Is that a bid there ma'am? You've got to be careful here or you'll walk away with a property," he quips.

The bidding war continues between the two couples before one reaches his budget.

"Going once."

The woman at the back of the room shrugs her shoulders.

"Going twice."

Couple on the left shakes their heads. Couple in the front whispers to one another.

"Third and final call."

It's like the whole room has been holding its breath.

"Sold!"

The hammer hits down and the winning bidders gasp, kiss and hug while the crowd claps and cheers.

Just minutes after bidding started the newly-renovated three-bedroom home sells for just under $1m.

Another 14 out of 17 are sold - millions of dollars worth of property gone under the hammer within a couple of hours.

Calling 9,000 auctions

Grant Child says there's usually a story from the auction room every week.

"You get the emotion of the estate sale. It's been the family home, the kids have grown up there and mum and dad have gone now it's time for the family home to be sold. That brings tears into the auction room.

"The one I absolutely love is seeing first-home buyers securing their first home.

That gives me a real buzz, a real kick."

Child has been an auctioneer for 20 years and this week celebrated calling more than 9000 auctions across the North Island.

He's also celebrating more than a decade with the Realty Group, which operates Eves and Bayleys.

"Getting to 10,000 is the goal and I'm not going anywhere until I achieve it. There are plenty more auctions in me yet."

From army to auctions

Prior to real estate, Child served 20 years in the New Zealand Army.

"I started from the bottom and worked my way up to warrant officer class 1 when I retired as senior transport instructor after 20 years' service."

After the army, Child opted for an "all care, no responsibility" job as a logging truck driver after years of working in a strict, high-pressure environment.

But it didn't take long before Child tired of waking up in the early hours of the morning to go to work. So, in 1995, he moved to real estate.

"My first boss said to me, 'If you want to get some profile go out and get an auction'. So I did. It took me a couple of weeks but I got there.

"I went back into the office and said I have done it and he rang the bell. In those days when a new listing came into the office they used to ring the bell and everybody cheered.

"So he announced to the team I had just listed my first auction. When everything quietened down I asked what I do now and he said, 'Sell it'."

So he did.

He watched an auctioneer from Rotorua sell the home under the hammer and thought, "I can do that".

"But I wasn't that naive to think I could just become an auctioneer. So I set myself a goal of five years as a salesperson, specialising in auction marketing before I went to become an auctioneer."

In 2000, Child enrolled in an auctioneers course in Auckland and "the rest is history".

Since then, Child has called more than 9000 auctions as far south as Foxton and as far north as Coromandel.

It was in Coromandel where he sold his biggest sale under the hammer - an orchard for above $7m.

The first auction

Child said auctions had become more popular over the years, and more accepted as a method of sale.

The first time Child banged down the hammer was at a training auction in Parnell, Auckland, outside a busy school.

"There was a little concrete wall that we had to stand on and call the auction.

"It was right at the peak of the day when everybody was out to lunch and there were school kids around. It was quite daunting."

Since then, Child has been involved in many charity auctions including for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter's quiz night fundraiser and the Ladies' Long Lunch.

"Charity auctions are a lot of fun. It's great to be able to put something back into the community."

Child said there were two auctioneers he modelled himself on - local auctioneer Gil Beadle and Roger Dawson of Christchurch.

"I admired them and I watched them a lot and I thought if I could be as half as good of an auctioneer as those two guys, I would be a good auctioneer."

Child gets "a real kick" out of being an auctioneer.

"Buying and selling real estate is one of the most important things that we do in life. They are also one of the most stressful. I love helping people transition from one phase of their life to the next."

Auctioneering 'a bit like acting'

Child said there was a bit of theatre involved in auctioneering.

"Being an auctioneer is a bit like being an actor... It can be quite entertaining."

Being able to read body language was one of the things Child said made a good auctioneer.

"It's knowing when to encourage somebody and knowing when to back off."

There's also a bit of comedy involved.

"The hardest part is keeping the salespeople entertained because they come week after week and they don't want to be hearing the same old one-liners.

"You've also got to be able to think on your feet."

Being able to count is also a good thing to have.

"Confidence is another one. Being confident standing up in front of people and being confident in yourself and in your own ability."

Presentation is also key, Child says, smoothing his well-ironed suit and tie.

"There's a number of factors that come into it and when you combine all of those things together, you create a bit of theatre.

"I just love it."

Article as published in the Bay of Plenty Times, Saturday 21 November.

View the full article online here.

Global financial markets continue to operate in a market of considerable uncertainty, and thus volatility. COVID-19 is still having significant impact on global economic activity, which when added to political challenges, USA, China, UK, Brexit, and Europe - all the powerhouses of any potential economic recovery, and are now all clearly facing recessionary rescue. Despite negative media in NZ, we are considered to be a whole lot better off than many, and our own business activity and confidence appears to be held in high regard, despite the rigid controls on our boarders.  

Banks remain cautious however, and with record low interest rates fuelling the attraction for borrowing, and many expats deciding to settle/remain in NZ, property has been the growth industry attracting the most attention of late. Of course, when you have very low investment rates, and uncertainty in the equity markets, the age old consideration by New Zealanders for investing in property has taken hold, with record sales activity, considerable appreciation in property values as demand outstrips supply, and the Banks are all inundated with record volumes of lending applications. The Reserve Bank has come under some heat from media and politicians calling for the brakes to come on, and indeed, the Banks have decided to apply the brakes anyway. 

The assessment of lending proposals has included a thorough consideration of the ability to continue to generate income to be able to afford any existing borrowing/s over the term of the loan, in conjunction with any new requests. Now more than ever before, it is critical to be very well prepared early, with the information required to support any new lending proposal seeking bank support, including latest income and financial detail, and an impact statement, providing commentary on the impact of COVID-19 on incomes and employment, and business operations. Assessment of income is now critical to the ability to secure finance, particularly now, when COVID-19 appears to have ravaged the northern hemisphere at a greater rate than the earlier impact in March and April. LVR limits are now strictly imposed by all the banks, particularly to those considering lending for investment property purchase.

Home loan rates continue at record lows, offering borrowers the opportunity to seriously review their strategies for repayments, and reducing debt levels where possible. Please know that the experts are here to assist with the right lending strategies to match your needs and circumstances and you should consult with them before making any financial decisions.

A red hot market right now in Hamilton, with 405 sales in September this is 9% up on last month and 66% up on the same time last year.

Many buyers are encountering multi offer situations and feeling despondent when missing out time and time again. Vendors are elated with prices achieved.  The surge is due to the lack of stock and buyers coming back into NZ to reside permanently. As of September the median sale price is $676,000 compared with $597,000 in September 2019.  24% of the sales in September were in the $500 - $600K price bracket.

Get in touch with our Victoria Street team today to see how EVES can help you buy or sell your home.

Happy 4th birthday EVES the Lakes!  

EVES The Lakes is the newest EVES office in the Bay of Plenty and the team have seen Tauranga Crossing go from tumble weeds blowing over an almost deserted car park, to the bustling hive of activity generated by a superior shopping centre in a popular place to live. 

As the neighborhood has grown, so has EVES. It’s thanks to those new to Tauranga, or those relocating from other parts of the city they’ve become a popular port of call for those looking to sell or buy in the Lakes, Pyes Pa and surrounds; also, an informal information point for those seeking local directions! In true EVES style it really is a case of "EVES. Exceptional. Every Day" even if you’re only looking for a helping hand to find your way around the shopping complex.

Specialising in residential homes, sections and lifestyle properties on the city fringe, both sellers and buyers love all the properties on offer in their expansive window display – check them out today, or call in and say hi you’ll always be greeted with a friendly smile from their wonderful adminsitrator Chloe - even if it’s only to ask for directions to streets not yet on Google Maps!

There are school communities, the communities that we live in and the groups that we are part of.  

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Our EVES Realty team has a real sense of community and we absolutely believe in doing what we can to enhance our patch.  

Our EVES auctioneers enjoy charity auctions – nights where the community comes together to organise the night and sell tickets. The business community provides vouchers and services to be auctioned and willing bidders wave enthusiastically to ‘win’ that unique experiences on offer. 

Without a doubt ‘the bigger the event; the bigger the prize’ but there are many other ways to help organisations and enjoy a sense of community. A few hours a month can help keep the gardens nice at the local Hospice, a few extra items in the grocery trolley will make a world of difference to the Foodbank. Tidy, clean and fresh kids clothes are so welcome at the Women’s Refuge homes. 

It is well documented that sport and fresh air are wonderful for our mental and physical health – many of our team play golf, cricket, tennis and other sports; each with their own sense of community. Coaching or managing school sports teams is a fun way to engage with other parents and like-minded humans; it takes a bit of courage to put your hand up but usually when someone steps forward the ‘community’ of other parents will also offer to assist.  

In most financial situations, spending the least amount of money on fees and charges is probably your highest priority. When it comes to our taxes, we aim to minimise our obligations and account for all our deductible expenses.

In fact, some of the only times we think twice when it comes to fees and charges is for products and services. For example, none of us wants the kettle that breaks the first time it's boiled and an accountant with higher qualifications might just be worth the price.

The fees and charges for real estate agents are tied up in some of the most significant transactions of our lives – buying and selling property. That’s why real estate fees are one of those circumstances where you should think twice about choosing the lowest price.

Being wary about real estate agency prices doesn’t mean you should automatically choose the most expensive agent. It’s also important to have an honest conversation about the fees and charges you can expect when selling through an estate agent.

A trustworthy New Zealand real estate agent will be happy to have this conversation, which will – at the very least – give you an indication of the quality of your estate agent.

Generally speaking, real estate fees for vendors will include:

• a small percentage of the sale price as commission 

• a one-off administration fee

• GST

While you shouldn't be shy about having the conversation around fees, enlisting the services of the company with the lowest fees isn't always the best idea. The quality of your service could be dependent on the price you pay and when it comes to real estate, while in the short term it seems like a great idea, poor services could hurt you in the long run.

Here are a few things that may go wrong with the lowest price estate agents:

• Marketing mayhem: actively and accurately marketing your property is the key to sales success. A low-price real estate agent may charge extra, sometimes exorbitant hidden costs for these services, and that's the best-case scenario. In the worst case, marketing will either be underfunded, poorly focused or even non-existent. This could seriously hurt your final sales figure, making the higher-priced agents seem like a bargain. To sell your home well, you need a comprehensive and well thought out marketing package.

• Inexperienced and under committed: while real estate agents are regulated by the REAA, levels of service will still vary across the industry and extra-low prices can sometimes be the first warning sign. Sometimes poor service will simply be the result of inexperience while at other times it might be a sign of an overworked agency. The important thing to remember when comparing prices is to find an experienced real estate agent who can offer personalised service for you. 

Equally, that experience should be local to your area. If you’re looking for a real estate agent in Rotorua, they should be up to date with all things Rotorua and the market in the area.

If you’re looking for professional real estate agents with a transparent and competitive fee structure, look no further than EVES. We put our clients at the centre of everything we do to achieve results that exceed industry averages. To buy or sell property in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato or Northland, contact your nearest EVES office today.

The Whangarei real estate market has been hectic since the lockdown, as has been the trend throughout the country. I don’t think anyone predicted a buoyant market and most pundits expected a slow and cautious market through the winter and early spring.

The demand from first home buyers, families and investors has been strong, resulting in record median prices. The supply of new listing stock (down 30% on the same period last year) has not kept up with demand resulting in strong and competitive bidding at auctions and multi offers on most new listings. 

With the overall shortage of new spring listings throughout the Whangarei District there is a strong possibility the demand will continue to outstrip supply.

Buyers will need to be prepared to compete for their favoured property and should, if possible, have their finance pre-approved, do as much homework as possible and know their buying capability. 

With summer just around the corner there are likely to be more buyers coming in to the market as Whangarei offers an attractive lifestyle to those looking to move north.

If you are a seller, now is a great time to get your home on the market - you may be surprised at the price you can achieve. 

Give us a call at EVES Whangarei for a no obligation appraisal.

August was a repeat of July with sales numbers well above expectation and the city median sale price at $565,000. The demand for all price ranges is strong. Rental investment property in Whangarei is in hot demand from local and off shore Kiwi buyers.

The listing stock levels dropped by 30% on the same month last year and we are hoping for a surge in new listings over the spring to meet the unprecedented demand.

Whangarei is going through a growth period and even with COVID levels restricting some real estate activity , we are seeing a constant flow of new buyers in to our region.

Right now is a great time to be listing your property for sale. We have had so many multiple offers on listings resulting in prices well above expectations. 

Give one of our sales team a call to have your home appraised and discuss the opportunities to maximise the value with our smart successful marketing strategies.

Our Bethlehem office, strategically positioned in the Bethlehem Town Centre next to the famous pie shop, has continued to be a hive of activity all through the ‘dark days’ of the Covid-19 pandemic. With early predictions of a cliff face fall in prices and activity, the reality has proven to be far different, and our team has been kept on their toes trying to satisfy the demand for both residential and lifestyle properties. Whilst we have seen a slight uptick in enquiry from abroad, and Auckland, Wellington and the Waikato are well represented amongst the buyers we encounter, it is fair to say that demand from local buyers is particularly strong. Anyone observing our auction room on a Thursday (you can watch live here) cannot fail to be impressed at the results we are seeing, with – for now – no indication of weakness in the market ahead. 

What used to be a small EVES Bethlehem team some years back has grown into a team of 20 experienced salespeople with diverse backgrounds, a formidable combined skill set and a sprinkling of assorted accents. On the team we have power couples and solo flyers, agents with decades of real estate experience and others who still have a few years to go before they’re invited to the 10 year lunch. But whoever you encounter, you can be sure that you are dealing with someone who shares EVES commitment to be Exceptional. Every day.    

Anyone popping into the branch will have been met with a smile and a cheery greeting from one of our super star admin ladies, Kate and Niki. Ora is the friendly face who handles all our property rentals, making sure that both tenants and landlords are kept happy. Keeping tabs on the crew and making sure that everything runs smoothly is our branch manager (and EVES principal), Craig Hilton.  

And about that pie shop – we like to think of it as our secret weapon! More than one happy pie muncher idling on the pavement has had their attention piqued by a property in our window… and the rest, as they say, is history!

August is synonymise with Daffodil Day; the big fundraiser for the Cancer Society and a welcome sign that spring is on its way. In these uncertain times organisations like the Cancer Society are having to challenge their normal revenue streams and be innovative with their ideas. 

We have all seen the very willing volunteers on our city street corners selling daffodil flowers, crocheted brooches and other merchandise – it really is part of our social conscious to support the collectors if we can. Now we might need to make a bit more of an effort make that annual donation – digital daffodil, donation online or any ANZ Branch and who could resist a bid on the Trade Me auction for lunch with Dr Ashley Bloomfield.  

Just as many businesses are needing to ‘pivot’; congratulations to those organisations who are also thinking outside the square – as reported recently on TV1 news – Women’s Refuge has created an online initiative ‘Gift a Safe Night’ and KidsCan were overwhelmed with their appeal asking people to donate $19.

We at EVES love our communities and respect the many volunteers who are working even harder to keep those in need; fed, clothed and safe – thank you.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss

Hamilton’s residential property market gathered further momentum during July with 314 completed sales up from 260 completed sales during June 2020. 

New homes to the market are seeing buyer activity consistent with a continued lack of available homes for sale which has now declined 13 months in succession and a large number of unsatisfied buyers which is resulting  in multi offers and sellers using auctions to take advantage of the current market conditions.

Open homes continue to see an array of buyers from first home buyers, families looking to upsize and investors with motivation remaining extremely high with current lending rates at record lows.

New homes to the market continues to be challenging with homes sold in excess of new listings which will continue to put pressure on the median house price and  days to sell which reduced 25 days further to 33 days to sell in July, this is much lower than the 10-year average of 44. 

The current market indicators for the residential property market is further strengthening the market as a sellers’ market and this is likely to continue heading into the warmer months of spring.

The Whangarei real estate market has seen a big upswing in sales numbers in July. The number of house sales in the city is up 20% on June numbers and up 10% on July 2019. The median house price within the city has remained above $500,000, up 16% on July 2019. 

The number of listings is as low as we have seen for a decade, but the buyer enquiry has been well above expectation given the current circumstances. We have experienced strong demand for property across all the price ranges and expect this to continue into the spring while the stock numbers remain low. 

There is a heightened demand from investors looking to secure blocks of flats or multiple units within the Whangarei District.

 It is difficult to measure the impact the elections may have on the market, however the increasing bank of buyers looking to secure Whangarei property should see the market stay strong and prices remain steady.

We have been able to avoid a Level 3 lockdown in the North and hopefully we will see Auckland back on track soon. Auckland has been a source of buyers for our market for some time and we welcome their safe return once the lockdown is over. 

Spring is close and now is a great time to consider marketing your property given the strong demand. Traditionally spring brings out more buyers and more activity in the real estate market.

Give one of our salespeople a call and arrange a no obligation appraisal if you are considering a move. We are always happy to help with advice and market information.

August already and inching toward spring! Whilst we have had a good winter post-COVID we are all smiles knowing spring is just around the corner, but we are all feeling a little waterlogged after the last few weeks of heavy rain. 

We have a very big first home buyer market here in Rotorua who directly compete with our investors. With high demand for rental properties and landlords getting a good return on their investment, demand is outstripping supply. In our market it is proven that the nicely presented homes priced right move very quickly with numerous properties having multiple offers presented on them. Although multi-offers are not ideal for our first home buyers, most of them are not in a position to be cash unconditional buyers at Auction either so this is potentially a better option for them.

We have new salespeople starting at EVES Rotorua in the coming weeks, and this will add to our already exceptional team to work with vendors out there who are looking to transition to their second home upping the supply for the first home buyers. All this being said and with COVID still looming, three weeks of winter left and an election just around the corner Rotorua’s property market is still looking very strong.

It has been great to see communities come together over recent times and certainly we are going to need to continue to watch out for our neighbours and to support our local business community as much as we can. There are numerous reports of charitable organisations coming to the realisation that their normal funding streams are going to be somewhat reduced.  

Here at EVES, we love being involved in our community and whilst we are maintaining our normal levels of support throughout our area, it has been nice to see some different types of initiatives with people thinking a little outside the square. Hospice shops rely, generally, on the retired work force and therefore older people who may be immune compromised find themselves unable to volunteer in the various roles, sorting, selling, maintenance etc so the call has gone out; do you have a couple of hours a week to assist your local not for profit shops? 

Even the supply of donated goods seems to have reduced – some of our people have been putting their creative skills at work with knitting beanies to donate to sell along with making aprons and crocheted items. Many lower decile schools opt to assist their young charges with warm clothing and so delicious hand knitted scarves are being whipped up and donated -  a nice rewarding way to spend a winters evening. Even adding a couple of tins or packets to your own grocery trolley and donating these to a Foodbank; many families find themselves in situations they have never been in before so whatever can be donated is greatly appreciated.

Hamilton house prices and sales volumes have continued to surpass predictions for how the residential property market would perform post-COVID with Hamilton’s market achieving 260 sales for June and a new record median sale price of $660,000 up 18.9% on June 2019.

Many new homes to the market are selling within days of being advertised whilst buyers in competition resulting in multi offers is becoming the new normal.

Open homes continue to see an array of buyers from first home buyers to investors with motivation to purchase high with current lending rates at record lows.

Bringing new homes to the market continues to be challenging with the number of homes sold above the number of new listings which will continue to put pressure on the median house price and days to sell which reduced further during June to 31.

The current market indicators for the residential property market is for the current momentum post-COVID to continue with the market once again swinging towards a sellers’ market again heading towards spring.

The life of a real estate salesperson can be varied but it is exciting, challenging and worthwhile. Despite being mostly associated with property, a great real estate salesperson will focus primarily on people, working in a role that can span irregular hours, take you to wonderful locations, introduce you to a variety of people and see you finish your day back at your desk, tired but with a smile on your face. And that’s just one day in the life of a real estate salesperson.

A Job That Starts and Ends with People

The week of a real estate salesperson very rarely, if ever, starts with a property itself. A salesperson’s job is to help people buy and sell their property, meaning the first thing you need is people to help.

A salesperson’s week might start by talking to a prospective buyer, understanding their needs and searching for the perfect property to assist them. 

At other times, a client may be looking to sell their property which can involve everything from researching a home to calculating its potential value based on market trends. A salesperson is also responsible for organising a marketing campaign, as well as arranging open homes and potentially organising building inspections.

The ultimate goal for a real estate salesperson is to help both a buyer and a seller reach their property dreams. They are also responsible for negotiating sales and contracts in order to get a deal over the line.

In and out of the office

As a real estate salesperson, you will most likely work in the office but because the work can take you to several kinds of locations, including local homes, sections of land and lifestyle properties for sale, being able to work on the go and remotely is key. Sometimes you will find yourself with a vendor signing up a listing or looking over an offer from an iPad in a café or on the bonnet of your car. The ability to be flexible and innovative is an important skill to have if you are wanting to be successful in this industry.

Training Never Stops

Most weeks in a real estate salesperson’s career will involve some level of training. Continued education is compulsory when it comes to renewing your Real Estate License but it’s also important to keep learning because there’s so much practical information you will need to use. From desk work to market knowledge, some of the things you will need to know include:

• the housing market in your local area or areas, including the different types of housing, demographics, price ranges and trends in buying and selling

• wider market trends and property values across New Zealand

• the art of the sale

• finance, accounting, contracts and more

• information about property law

At EVES, we want our people to be constantly in the know and continuing to upskill so we offer world class training and coaching support to make sure that our people are able to do their job with the confidence that they have the best knowledge base in the industry. This helps them to do the best job they can for their clients and achieve the best results possible.

Is this the life for you?

Whether you’re new to the industry or wanting to take your career to the next level with a market leading real estate agency now is the time to act!

From our innovative marketing and world-class systems, to our industry leading training, coaching and development programmes, EVES continues to create opportunities for success and growth.

With 50 years of experience behind us, our local connections and vast networks, you can rest assured you’ll be armed with the skills and expertise to maximise your earning potential.

If you are interested in joining a real estate leader that’s New Zealand owned and committed to the success of its people, talk to us today or visit eves.co.nz/careers-at-eves

June sales volumes showed a gradual increase over April and May. 

The sales numbers in the first three months of this financial year within Whangarei city is down approximately 50% on the same period last year. 

The listing numbers in the Whangarei District are well down on last year and this is causing strong demand amongst a larger than expected  bank of buyers .

The accumulated effect of low listing numbers and plenty of buyers is the prices remaining strong with the median sitting well above $500,000 where it has been since the start of 2020 .

First home buyers are plentiful but having to compete with investors, both local and out of town, who have come back in to the market and are wanting quality stock across the price ranges.    

While mortgage rates remain attractive the buyer bank will remain strong and continue to push prices until we see a lift in stock numbers or a change in market conditions towards the spring and the election.

Right now the mood in our market is one of confidence and demand is high.

If you are thinking of selling, now is a great time to talk to one of our sales people. They are keen to help with market information, appraisals, and discussing the marketing of your property.

June was a very strong sales month for Eves Gate Pa. There is plenty of activity amongst first home buyers and investors with mortgage rates being at an all-time low.  

With a number of younger team members coming into the Gate Pa office it seemed an ideal opportunity for the office to specialise in helping those in the first home market given many of these young people have recently been through the experience of buying a first home themselves. Using online technology and social media as their main forms of communication, this new breed of salesperson is able to connect with a target market specifically looking for their first home. They are in touch with experts in the finance and insurance industries who also specialise in first home buyers, in the building industry for property inspections and with lawyers, who again specialise in first home purchases.  

Each salesperson in the office is trained fully on the many aspects of buying and owning a home but some team members have their own specialist area as well. Owen Phelps, for example, has a huge following of clients who have worked with him over his time in the industry but in addition he specialises in the marketing of subdivisions. His most recent subdivision is Quail Ridge Estate in Ohauiti. Stages 1 and 2 saw 73 sections come to the market, with now only 10 remaining available. Stage 3 is scheduled to be released in March 2021.

The Gate Pa office are also keeping a close eye on the councils proposed changes to the Te Papa peninsula. The Te Papa peninsula stretches from Greerton through to the city centre. The plan is intended to address the residential development capacity constraints, reduce pressure on urban expansion, and enable more intensification of existing urban areas. If this plan goes ahead it will provide added value to the residential homeowners of Greerton, Gate Pa and the Avenues with properties that meet the development criteria. 

With a large part of this area falling within the Gate Pa office catchment area they will be in a position to assist homeowners understand the value this change may add to their property. For further information on the proposed changes or to discuss buying or selling a home – not just your first, be sure to get in touch with the team at Gate Pa.

It is so good to see community sport getting underway – nothing like getting out in the fresh air and using up the energy that has been stored over these past few months.

It is well publicised that many community organisations who provide food, clothing, shelter and palliative care in our regions are struggling. There are many ways to give by donating goods, money or time and a little does go a long way.

We are also joining the chorus to support local businesses and encouraging our people to spend ‘what we can, where we can’ to invest back in our local community. We love our regions and a vast number of the business owners and their employees are already EVES clients so giving back just seems natural.

Hamilton’s residential property market is starting to feel a bit more like it did pre-COVID.

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand’s latest residential market statistics shows Hamilton’s median house price has skyrocketed to $645,000 from $636,100 in April and $580,000 in May 2019. The number of house sales in the city was 184 for May, compared to just 34 in April which also points to signs of market recovery. However, sales were a far cry from May 2019 when 336 homes were sold in the city.

While total sales across Hamilton were severely diminished during April and early May, sellers have been fast to list homes over the past month and sales are increasing week by week.  

Buyers are fluid with a sense of urgency. In particular, first home buyers are flooding to open homes and we are seeing a lot of multiple offers from all types of buyer.

The strong activity in the residential property market is a signal that Hamilton and Waikato is in a strong position to weather the economic impact of COVID-19 and could potentially bounce back faster than other urban centres.

Six months in to 2020 and despite the hiccup with COVID-19 and the lockdown period, we are seeing the market in Whangarei stay strong. Sales numbers are down by 55% in May but the prices have remained consistent after a sustained period of increases over 2020.

The listing numbers in the Whangarei District are as low as we have seen for a number of years but the number of genuine buyers looking for property right now outstrips the supply.

The demand is right across the price ranges and property types. First home buyers are active but are having to compete with an increasing number of out of town investors. Mortgage rates are very attractive with opportunities to borrow fixed term at below 3% and likely to remain low for some time, however the banks are showing caution with lending decisions. 

We expect the real estate market in Whangarei to continue to build for the remainder of the year. The supply of listings will have an influence over sales numbers. While the prices remain steady now is a great time to list.

There is some uncertainty as to what may happen with prices once the effects of the lockdown periods kick in, particularly when the subsidies come off, mortgage holidays finish and the employment opportunities diminish but arranging an appraisal on your property is a worthwhile exercise in this environment. Give one of our sales team a call for a no obligation appraisal.

EVES was born in the Bay of Plenty and although we’ve moved into different regions over the years, we’re still as local as can be. Like you’d expect from a true local, we understand the importance of keeping in touch with our community and supporting them the best we can, because we know that it is the support of our local community that has kept us in business for the past 50 years and will keep supporting us for the next 50. 

For weeks, social distancing has been the name of the game and local businesses in our communities that depend on in-person foot traffic for their revenue were seriously hurting! Now it’s time for us all to get back out there and support our favourite shops, cafes, restaurants, retail stores and enjoy everything these businesses have to offer. 

For some businesses, this support could be the little things that make the biggest difference – a follow or review on social media, a visit to their website, a recommendation to a friend. For others it will be spending more money with them, or choosing them over their national or multi-national counterparts.

Below are some of the ways that we, and you, can help support our local businesses. 

Give them a review

Good online reviews on Google or Facebook can impact other customers decisions to shop or visit. It can also help the business show up better in search engines. And, since consumers trust online reviews as much as personal reviews, your rating can go a long way.

Word of mouth

The upside of living in our beautiful little regions is that word of mouth still goes a long way. If, right now, you can't purchase something from a small business you love, you can still tell all your friends about it, sing its praises or share their page on social media, or share their website. 

Gift Cards

If you cant visit a local business right now or have no need to spend money with them right now – buy a gift card! This can help keep their cash flow steady, while you have something to look forward to later. It could even be a gift for someone special.  

Try Something New

Take time to explore unique local shops, book into restaurants and cafes you haven’t eaten at before, or even make it a fun day out with friends going to activity places you haven’t tried yet – rock climbing, trampolining, or escape rooms. 

Fix the lockdown DIY disasters

For some of us lockdown was a prime time to do all the odd jobs around the house we had been meaning to get to. And for some, that ended in disaster. So get in touch with your local plumbers, electricians, painters, etc, who need to come in and make the final fixes. 

AT EVES, we pride ourselves on our long history of giving back to, and supporting, the local community. We are looking forward to getting out there now and supporting the people who have supported us.

Live, work, play and shop local, with EVES.

In December 2014 EVES Cherrywood opened its doors after a successful acquisition of Tozer Real Estate, who had operated from this site for many years and were well known and established in the community. Members of the Tozer sales team were amalgamated with the EVES Realty team from Willow Street to form EVES Cherrywood. 

This amalgamation has proven to be very successful and EVES Cherrywood was acclaimed as the highest performing office in the EVES Group of 13 offices covering the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland through the financial year of 2019/2020. This is the third time the office has won the award since moving to their new location. 

The team would like to acknowledge the support they have received from the local Matua and Otumoetai communities. Without this, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible.

The EVES Cherrywood office provides a service to the whole of Matua, Otumoetai and surrounding suburbs when people are making a decision to either buy or sell. Pop into the office next to the public carpark for a friendly chat, some good advice and a cup of tea, they would love to meet you.

EVES Real Estate held its annual Awards evening last night, where it celebrated the top performing individuals and offices for the 2019/2020 financial year.

Due to the current COVID-19 environment the annual awards evening was cancelled and instead the fantastic achievements were celebrated virtually utilising online webinar technology. 

EVES are market leaders with a proven track record and this last financial year the company celebrated 50 years in business. The agency is made up of a total staff in excess of 260 people from 14 offices across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Whangarei. 

Heath Young, EVES Chief Executive Officer said, “Our awards are a memorable occasion where we have the chance to recognise the successes of our people and although this year we were not able to physically come together as a company, we are proud to still be able to celebrate another year of exceptional performance.”

The big win of the night, EVES Top Salesperson of the Year, was won by Danielle Hayes from the EVES Mount office.

Danielle also won the Top Auction Achiever Award. 

Top Office of the Year was taken out by EVES Cherrywood. 

Kale Kirk from EVES Bethlehem took out the award for Rookie of the Year, recognising an excellent first year in real estate.

The Marketing Campaign of The Year was awarded to Charlotte Gardener of EVES Mount.

Nicholas Meloni won the award for Greatest Number of Deals Settled, as well as the award for Greatest Individual Growth Year on Year. 

EVES Property Manager of the Year was taken out by Katy Laidlaw of EVES Papamoa. The EVES Property Excellence Award was given to Kylie Parker of EVES Hamilton.

EVES Administrator of the Year went to Chloe Adams-O'Riley from EVES The Lakes.

EVES Realty would like to congratulate all of the award winners and wish the entire group all the best for the 2020/2021 financial year.

While sales numbers for April were down, which was to be expected due to not being able to physically view property and uncertainty surrounding job security and the like, buyer enquiry is still strong in Hamilton. Properties that are listed and well-priced have been receiving excellent enquiry through all Levels of COVID. 

We are finding that people have continued to conduct their due diligence on properties during lockdown and we have been presenting vendors with multiple offers on their homes. Last week, we presented an owner with six offers in competition, this resulted in a contract for sale almost $50,000 over asking price! 

As we continue to move forward towards through to the post-COVID market, it is important to we want to make sure that our vendors feel confident marketing their homes. We will continue to strictly adhere to all government guidelines around property viewings and open homes. Rest assured we are available and looking forward to achieving the best possible results for you.

The sales statistics for April suggest a significant drop in the number of sales completed in April throughout the Whangarei District, however through the lockdown period we still had a steady level of enquiry from purchasers looking for property. Enquiry by buyers from other regions has been strong particularly for investment and coastal property.

Interesting the number of buyers who are confident in their ability to borrow and are wanting to ensure they get into the market as soon as possible. This has lead to multi offers on well-priced property. There has been no noticeable drop in prices so far.

The lock down period seemed to be a perfect opportunity for people to reassess their position and think seriously about their next move. In May, we have had viewings on many of our listings and negotiated a good number of sales.

Our team are all back at work full time and eager to take your call, whether it be to list or appraise your home or just for some sound advice about the market.

While we’re in the midst of Autumn and all confined to our homes for most or all of the time, it is a great time to start thinking of how we can get our homes ready for winter. Especially if you are looking to put your home on the market.

Here are some easy tips to help you ensure that you are ready to showcase the best features of your home when it comes time to start those open homes.

Shine a light

A sunny home is something everyone craves. It not only helps to keep the home warm and dry; it also gives people a great feeling when they walk into a sunny room. Trim trees around your property that could be hindering natural light flowing in, clean windows inside and out to make sure that there is nothing to stop what little light there is during these autumn and winter months getting in. On the inside, make sure you have adequate lighting to ensure your spaces are well lit. This could mean changing the type of lightbulbs you use, purchasing lamps or just moving them around the room to help brighten it up.

Clean it up

The exterior of the home will be the first impression for buyers. Washing the exterior of your home is something that we know we should do once a year, but it often doesn’t happen! If you have a multi-story home you may want to enlist the help of a professional for safety reasons, otherwise you can give this a go yourself. Your local Bunnings or Mitre 10 will have exterior house wash detergent that you can use in conjunction with a water blaster or hose and telescopic brush. If you’re wanting to be more environmentally friendly, a quick Google search for some concoctions containing white vinegar or biodegradable dish soap are readily available. Either way, having a clean and shiny exterior will be worth the money or time you invest, not to mention it helps to lengthen the life of your paintwork by removing grime and gunge. 

In these colder months, many of us find the paths around our home can become mossy or mouldy and potentially dangerous to walk on. While you’re giving the house a good wash, get stuck into these too. Again, there are detergents available from your local hardware store or you can use other non-toxic methods but either way, you will need to have a good hard bristled broom or brush and be prepared to do a little scrubbing. In the end, these will look great and it will save you from having to tread carefully when putting out the washing or walking out into the garden so it’s well worth the effort.

While you’re out there, clean any leaves or dirt from guttering. It will look great, extend the life of your gutters and allow them to do what they’ve been designed for when you get a big downpour.

Fix it up

Take a look around your home and look for anything like cracks in your plaster or holes in your spouting. If you notice any, get these fixed. You’ll most likely need to get in a tradie but it will be well worth it. Even if you aren’t intending to sell right now, these small things could become big issues if they aren’t tended to right away. Once water starts to enter your home through cracks in plaster, leaky spouting or windows, it’s hard to get rid of and a lot of the time, you won’t notice the damage until it’s too late. Fixing small things now could save cost and heartache in the long run.

As well as the big things, fix up anything cosmetic that you see around the home. Most of these things can be done by any home handyperson with a few simple power tools or a paint brush. Reattach any cupboard doors or drawer handles that might need it, tighten any leaky taps and get some CRC on those squeaky door hinges. With a few screws or nails, these small fixes can go a long way in the overall presentation of your home.

Up your garden game

Whether you’re an avid gardener or not, everyone can do a little to make their front or backyard look a little nicer. Pull weeds, mow lawns, trim trees and bushes, replenish bark or stones if need be. If you want to get more involved, plant winter friendly flowers, shrubs or trees in spaces that could do with a little more life in them. When choosing where to plant trees, make sure you think about the size that they will be in the future – don’t plant too close to fences or paths and make sure they won’t block sun into the home when they grow bigger. Your local garden centre will be able to help you to choose the best plants for the season and your space.

Head indoors

While it might not be as much work as the outside, the interior of your home will also need a little attention. Think of it as a spring clean in autumn.

Wipe clean ceilings and walls in all rooms. In particular, the kitchen and bathroom where mould could have built up. A simple mixture of dish soap, white vinegar and water in a spray bottle can help easily remove any dirt while also killing mould producing bacteria. 

Give the carpets a good vacuum. We’re talking getting down on all fours if you can and get behind doors and any hard to reach places that wouldn’t usually be tended to. Try and get rid of any obvious stains with carpet shampoo. Vacuum up any cobwebs in the corners of the rooms that you might find. If you want to, enlist the help of a professional, but remember this time of year may not be the best for drying carpet – make sure to discuss this when you give them a call.

Make like Marie Kondo

We’ve all got things in our homes that we probably don’t need. It’s time to decide what those are. We’re not saying you should hire a skip bin but decluttering your home doesn’t just make your home look better but it can be a great feeling to just get rid of ‘stuff’ and it will be more presentable in photos when it comes time for them to be taken. Clean out the junk drawer in the kitchen, the old magazines piled on the shelf that you’ll never read again. It could just be moving things into a better space, think about moving the items on the top of the vanity in the bathroom into a basket under the sink or well organised in drawers. You’ll be thankful when it’s time to move that you’ve rid yourself of some unnecessary things that you would have otherwise just carted from house to house.

After many years of serving the needs of Waihi property owners from the EVES Katikati office, we have recently opened an office at 42 Seddon Street. This commitment has immediately enabled us to grow our team and focus on the Waihi property market. We are looking forward bringing energy, commitment and the highest level of service to local property owners and buyers.

The EVES Waihi team of local experts consists of four salespeople - a fantastic team covering Waihi, Waihi Beach, Athenree and everywhere in between! Whether you’re looking to buy, sell have someone manage your investment - this team have you covered.

Stretching from the Hauraki Plains to the sea, Waihi and Waihi Beach offer countless options for those interested in tramping, fishing, swimming and recreational boating. This friendly, iconic town is well worth a visit if you are looking for artistic expression, great shopping, and an historical experience along the Pacific Coast Highway of New Zealand.

The EVES Waihi team including support staff, property managers and the sales team put clients first and work together with knowledge and integrity to provide the best possible service to everyone who requires assistance with their particular property requirements. Being supported by the wider EVES network means our team is provided the highest level of training, knowledge and skill in all areas. This support assists and qualifies EVES Waihi to be the first choice for many property owners and buyers both local and further afield.

Our community is very important to us at EVES and we are proud supporters of many not for profit and charitable organisations across our region. 

In these unsettled and unprecedented times are very proud of the work that, in particular, the Tauranga Women’s Refuge, Tauranga Foodbank and TECT helicopter are doing for our community.  We have been loyal sponsors of these three for a number of years and will continue to back them.   

Our thoughts are with Mandy and Liam Ryan and the Tauranga Jazz Festival Committee who put so much work into this year’s festival which was obviously cancelled.

Our community is blessed with so many people who volunteer their time across sport, health and wellbeing, the arts and our young people – we salute you all.

A few busy months have shown that real estate activity has not slowed down around Hamilton City. 

From the REINZ statistics that were issued on April 14, we know that the median price in the area was $620,000 for the month, up over 8% on the same time last year. The number of sales for March decreased by just 2 when compared to last year however we could probably attribute this in part to how quickly we entered Alert Level 4 and the lockdown that came with it.

Of the sales achieved for the month, 17% were $500,000 or less and nearly 5% of the sales made were properties over $1,000,000. This shows the varying types of property we have around the city and that there is something for everyone whether they are first home buyers, investors, downsizers or upsizers.

Although we’ve had some great record-breaking months in our city, we are now headed into a time of uncertainty and we cannot be sure how the real estate market will react to the COVID-19 lockdown. Even though we may not be able to meet you face to face for some time, there are other ways for us to do business with you, just not in the ways that you’re used to. 

So, if you’ve fallen in love with a property and want to make sure that you get in with an offer before anyone else does, let us know. If you’ve decided that you need to put your home on the market so you can be closer to family or in a smaller home, let us know. Most of our transactions can be done by electronic means and our people are on board to help you out. We’re in this with you for the long haul and if we can do anything at all to help you during this strange and unprecedented time, we will.

What an amazing end to March and of course the financial year. The word unprecedented has been used a lot lately. It doesn’t really describe much other than to reflect the fact we have not experienced these circumstances in our lifetimes. Still we had a good month and are happy with the results for the 2019/20 year.

In our first full year of trading as EVES Whangarei, the market in the Whangarei District has been very strong all year with the median price rising to $530,000 - an increase of 6% from March 2019 to March 2020. The number of sales in the area have also increased 11% from 101 in February to 112 in March, and we’re hoping this will continue post-lockdown as we know that there is increasing demand for properties in our region.

We are open for business with our whole team working remotely from home. If you looking for information about properties or wanting some market advice please just call one of the team. They would love to hear from you.

Stay safe and healthy. 

COVID-19. It’s all we seem to be talking and hearing about these days. But not everything out there is useless information. At EVES, we know that financial certainty is important to our clients and during times like these, you want to know that you have options should you land yourself in a little hot water. This is why we’ve teamed up with Lifetime to give you some sound advice that could really help you out if you need it.

There is no doubt that the outbreak of COVID-19 was something that nobody planned for, and the subsequent actions of the Government and health authorities to keep New Zealand safe will impact in different ways for many people. Some significant contributors to New Zealand’s economic performance will suffer for some considerable time to come, particularly those involved in tourism and hospitality, but also many small businesses undertaking a wide range of activity in various alert levels.

The banks have been asked to step up with assistance, in conjunction with the available Government assistance packages and subsidies. Many New Zealanders own property, either for their own occupation, or for tenancy, occupation by others, and many of these will be subject to borrowing from lenders, commonly referred to as mortgages. The banks have scrambled to put together relief packages for borrowers, and have been receiving thousands of enquiries as people seek assistance to help them through this challenging period, particularly from those whose incomes have been affected, or those who have lost their jobs.

It is important to seek advice early, from a specialist financial, or mortgage adviser, or directly from the bank, and be prepared to make changes as required.

Everyone will have their own different circumstances, loan amounts, financial situations, family needs and so on, and relief needs to be tailored to best match the needs and longer-term objectives of each borrower. 

The packages offered by the banks are aimed at helping to free up cash flow from available disposable incomes, and it is important to select the right package for the circumstances, to ensure that any decision is made with good advice. The bank packages can be summarised as follows:

Interest Only

The loan is restructured to have the cost of interest paid by the client each month, with no principle being paid to reduce the loan balance, for an agreed period of time, such as three to twelve months.

Interest Rate Adjustment

It is possible that the bank may offer a lower interest rate than currently applying to the loan, which may enable the repayment to be reduced, or the interest only amount to be reduced. There is likely a cost involved to break out of an existing fixed rate contract, and it will be appropriate to calculate the cost benefit of making this change.

Temporary Facility

It may be possible for the bank to consider offering a temporary overdraft facility, a top-up to the existing loan, or a flexible type facility to provide assistance when needed. This will need to be repaid in time and can be consolidated with existing lending when circumstances allow.

Mortgage Repayment Deferment (Holiday)  

This option has received considerable media attention and requires careful consideration. A deferment can be for a period of between three and six months, where the bank will suspend loan repayments but will continue calculating interest which will be added back to the loan balance monthly. At the end of the agreed period, the loan balance will be higher. New loan repayments will then need to be calculated and are likely to be higher to maintain the existing overall loan term.

Extend Loan Term

Banks may be able to consider extending the existing loan term out to the maximum available loan term of 30 years, depending on meeting other terms and conditions to enable this. This option can also have the effect of reducing regular loan repayments.

It is important to have a robust discussion with your adviser and the bank, to ensure that the right decisions are made to ensure that any assistance is appropriately matched to circumstances. Consideration must be given to the longer-term implications given the challenges of this unprecedented event.  

There are many other ways to improve your cashflow at this difficult time such as with your KiwiSaver and insurances. Again, speaking to a financial adviser should be your first port of call. If you have any questions about your finances, visit the Lifetime website or give one of their advisors a call.

EVES Papamoa salesperson Vince Heuberger's recent sale has been featured on the front page of the BOP Times - "Couple buys home - without even seeing it".

This one of the first signs of the real estate market adapting to a new way of selling and buying homes in Covid-19 lockdown.

Article below:

Beryl and Peter Lloyd sold their home of 17 years in Whakamarama before the country moved into alert level 4 and “had to get out” so they bought a three bedroom brick house on a 763sqm section in Savannah Place, Papamoa. But, because the country is in lockdown, the couple do not know what the house they will be moving into next month looks like in real life.

“I haven’t even seen the house yet,” Beryl said. “It is hilariously funny. I wasn’t scared in the slightest.”

Now in their 70s, the Lloyds put their large home on Wainui South Road on the market after Peter injured his eye in an accident.

“We knew it was time to go back to the city,” Beryl said. “We needed something smaller.”

Their son spotted a home in Savannah Place that was close to where their daughter lived and was near the shops. Beryl did not have a computer to search online to see what the house looked like, so she phoned her neighbour who had internet access and was able to print out a few photos. “I have two shots of the lounge from two different angles,” Beryl said. “But she started to print out the next page and she ran out of ink.” So Beryl phoned her real estate agent for more information. “I had him describing the house, telling me what colour it is and what it looks like. I sent him back a couple of times. I kept asking how many cupboards are there and the height of the fridge. My son was doing it too.”

Beryl also had some friends do a drive-by. “They said it looks all right from the outside.”

So based on the information they had, the couple bought the home and move in on May 13.

Beryl said she enjoyed the journey of buying during lockdown but it was difficult without a computer. “My family is used to me doing crazy things.”

EVES Papamoa agent Vince Heuberger, who sold the home, said Beryl did not even have email. Heuberger said her son sent images and property details to Beryl’s neighbour, who printed them out and left them at a safe social distance for her to pick up. “There was no floor plan, no video. I just talked it through with her on the phone for over an hour, answering questions about the flooring, the rooms, every little thing. It was quite fun.”

The vendor did not want open homes anyway, and was happy to measure the parking area to ensure the buyer’s campervan would fit, he said.

Heuberger said Beryl knew the area well, liked the size of the section and knew it was his third sale on the street since November, so didn’t want to miss out.

“The seller is delighted. The price is what she’d hoped for from the planned auction.”

The chief executive officer of Bayleys and EVES Realty Waikato Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, Heath Young, said it was a great outcome for both parties in such restricted times. Young said deals were still converting during lockdown but were well down on typical volumes for this time of year. “Many deals are now conditional on final viewings and market activity is building for the eventual lifting of alert level 4.”

Owen Vaughan, editor of NZME-owned property listings site OneRoof.co.nz, said it was encouraging to see Kiwis’ can-do spirit shining through. “Buyers and sellers are still managing to do deals, with virtual walk-throughs taking the place of open homes and agencies running auctions online.

“Some of the sales made in the past two weeks have resulted in above-CV prices, while cashed-up, financially secure buyers are making offers on properties without having physically set foot in them.”

Vaughan said it was likely that when the lockdown lifted there would be a rush to the market by those who were already well advanced in their buying plans before the restrictions came in.

Article as published in the Bay of Plenty Times, Saturday 11 April.

View the full article online here.

In a competitive housing market flooded with real estate agents, it can be difficult to sort the best from the rest. To give you the inside track, UNO Magazine asked our Bay of Plenty GM Karen Worley what kind of agent can get you the ultimate result.

When it comes to making your choice and maximising your success, there’s more to consider than just fees and commission. Read her top five reasons to opt for an established professional, as featured in the UNO magazine here https://www.unomagazine.co.nz/2020/04/07/give-me-five/ 

At the heart of everything we do here at EVES, it is people that are always our focus. Not just our amazing salespeople, property managers and administration staff, but you, our valued clients and the community we all live and work within.

Moving to Alert Level 4 to respond to COVID-19 in New Zealand happened quickly and we have all been impacted by this incredibly unusual global situation. Naturally we feel worried and uncertain about how it could affect us, our families, our colleagues, our clients and our friends.

How New Zealand’s lockdown will affect the property market is still unknown, things are changing day by day across all sectors of business. But we are continuing to work hard to get deals across the line and we still have active buyers and sellers.

This message is to reassure you that EVES continues to operate, harnessing our world class systems, infrastructure and communication tools. These enable our salespeople and property managers to continue to provide the highest levels of service to clients while working from home. Some things will be different, but critical things like reporting and client care remain exactly the same.

You will be able to reach out to us as usual via a range of media to stay connected, be heard and feel reassured that you are well-informed - phone calls, texts, emails, online meetings or social media.

Feel free to make contact with us if there is anything we can do to help you during this unprecedented time. We’re all in this together and we remain committed to staying strong yet vigilant to get through this and support you with your property requirements both now and when the alert levels reduce.

For now, look after your health, both physical and mental and embrace the good that you can find in every day. It might be a walk, a phone call with your children or grandchildren, a blue sky or a great movie. Stay positive through this challenging time as we all look towards a brighter, safer future for New Zealand.

The COVID-19 situation here in New Zealand continues to evolve daily with learnings from around the world being widely adopted.

We wanted to let you know that at the heart of our business, as it has always been, are our people. This is at the forefront of our mind as we work to ensure the health and wellbeing for all who are part of our company; be that members of staff, salespeople, property managers and ultimately the people we are acting on behalf of – you, our clients.

We want to reassure you that we are following all advice and complying with the Ministry of Health (MOH) recommendations and taking guidance from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) as to how we continue to operate.

Business Continuity

We have initiated a Business Continuity Plan and our Executive Leadership Group is committed to taking all necessary steps to keep our people safe while supporting New Zealand’s strategies to contain the spread of COVID-19.

We continue to operate and have world class systems, infrastructure and communication tools to enable our salespeople and property managers to continue to provide high levels of service to our clients in these uncertain times.

Please find below some specific guidelines and protocols that we are adhering to:

Auctions

• We have signage positioned at the entryway of all our auction venues which advises attendees to not attend if they are feeling unwell, if they

have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and to get in touch if 14 days after attending if they feel unwell.

• Hand sanitiser is also available.

• We often experience a large number of people attending our auctions so we have reduced the number of auctions in each session that we schedule; this means we are able to reduce the number of people in the room at one time, but not reduce the number of people attending for each property. We are also extending the space between our chairs to that there is a greater physical distance between attendees.

• Our auction venues are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each auction day.

• If one of our vendors or buyers is reluctant to attend in person, then participation by phone is an option. Buyers can bid by phone or another person can be approved to bid on their behalf. Our salespeople have the necessary forms to ensure this is done in accordance with the REA Act 2008.

• We are keeping a register of attendees, in order to have a record of attendance so that if required, we can identify who was in the room at a certain time.

Open Homes

• At present open homes can be held, but your salesperson will discuss directly with you as to whether you would like to continue to have open homes or if you would prefer to move to private viewings by appointment.

• Salespeople will have hand sanitiser available for attendees and they are also taking care to have high standards of personal hygiene.

• A register of all attendees will be maintained, again this is in order to have a record of attendance so that if required, we can identify who attended an open home.

• Signage will be displayed and included in purchaser packs; it will ask attendees not to attend if they are feeling unwell, if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and to get in touch if 14 days after attending if they feel unwell. If private viewings are arranged, then this information will be emailed in advance.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will be constantly refining our Business Continuity Plan as well as communicating any changes to the above that will have an impact on the marketing or sale of your property.

Northland has experienced a wonderful sunny January, the holiday makers have been here in droves enjoying the boating, fishing, swimming and experiencing the Northland coastline at its best.

The real estate market in the Whangarei district remained active and strong right through December 2019 and in to January.

Our team experienced the busiest December in years and we have a large bank of buyers waiting for new listing stock to come on in the new year.

We are expecting prices to remain firm and with the growing confidence in the Whangarei District  the region is experiencing an  increase in business opportunities and a corresponding influx of new families .

We have moved in to fresh new premises at 96 Walton Street, Whangarei. It is a great location with plenty of client parking so if you are in town, call in.

EVES Whangarei has a new home in a completely refurbished office at 96 Walton Street on the site of the old ASB. 

Manager Paul Beazley says the new premises ticks the box for a high profile location and has the added bonus of plenty of car parking, which is at a premium in the central city. 

EVES was opened in Whangarei in August 2018. Paul says with 30 staff, the busy office covers real estate sales and property management. 

He says there is a lot of confidence in Northland, which has a steadily growing population. 

Over the past few years sales have been consistent all year round, which is the sign of a buoyant market. 

“This means there is no need to hesitate or worry about when to start marketing a property. The market is strong enough to sell at any time,’’ he says. 

Paul says Northland’s lifestyle is attracting interest from all over the world, and marketing is a huge part of the business. 

“The team experienced the busiest December in years and we have a large bank of buyers waiting for new listing stock to come on in 2020,’’ he says. 

“We are expecting prices to remain firm and with the growing confidence in the Whangarei district, the region is experiencing an increase in business opportunities and a corresponding influx of new families.” 

He welcomes visitors to pop in to the new office where they will find a warm welcome.

If you are a visitor to the Bay of Plenty then a very warm welcome to our patch of paradise and may your stay be a happy one. Enjoy all the area has to offer and stay safe!

It has been another strong year in real estate and I am fortunate to work with a group of professionals who are committed to make the selling and buying process a good one for those they deal with. Property values have increased in our regions, sales numbers remain strong and the economy is looking good going forward. 

I want to take this time to acknowledge all those people who have chosen to do business with us this year! Your loyalty and support are much appreciated as are the referrals we have had from many sources. Thank you to you all.

Christmas means different things for different people and on behalf of all of us at EVES, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2020. Remember to look after those nearest and dearest to you and take the time to think of those less fortunate or who may no longer be with you.

It is always a proud moment for us when presenting a cheque to Liam Brett-Kelly and the TECT Rescue Helicopter team. The fantastic work Liam and his team does is quite overwhelming.  

The rescue helicopter can literally be airborne in 10 minutes, with a crew of three on board including a trauma trained medic.  The situations these people attend are often in isolated areas or a distance from the nearest hospital. Time is absolutely of the essence to get the patient Into care to increase the chances of survival and recovery. The sooner treatment begins, the higher the chance of survival.

The White Island eruption this week was a prime example where these guys end up, assisting those people badly burnt, seriously injured and often unable to help themselves.

Our EVES team members, from management through to admin and salespeople respect the work this committed group of people do and contribute to this worthy cause. The company matches whatever is contributed dollar for dollar. It is a long standing commitment we have made to assist our community, to bring people home safely and it is probably typical of how we feel as a company to giving back and paying things forward.

Have a fantastic weekend and please, stay safe.

So many things have happened in the New Zealand property market over 2019 – plans for capital gains tax were scrapped, tax breaks cancelled for investors, cuts to the OCR and legislation passed to create healthier homes.

In the Tauranga area, the median value of homes is up 4.7% on last year to $670,000 but growth has been slower in the last quarter with values up just 0.7%. 

Sales volumes in Tauranga are down compared to the same period last year, but the good news is that investors are returning to the market after being virtually shut out for the last two years. 

Investors with a small portfolio of two or three properties took out 16.23% of new mortgages in the last quarter -  up 0.68% from the same time last year. Its great to see that first home buyers continue to be the most common buyer, accounting for 24.53% of new mortgages over the last quarter. 

Tauranga’s top performing suburbs are Gate Pa, Maungatapu, Parkvale, Poike, Tauriko and Welcome Bay - all up between 6% and 8% over the last 12 months. With the exception of Tauriko, the appeal of these suburbs lies in their relatively affordable price points - all have median values below $650,000 (Tauriko’s median value is $1.33 million), attracting both first home buyers and investors.

I’m pleased to report that our company continues to dominate the Tauranga market which should give anybody who is thinking of selling confidence that when they list with us, they will achieve exceptional results.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Source: One Roof Property Report, December 2019

When I review the constant flow of data that comes across my desk I’m heartened by the continued growth and confidence in the Bay of Plenty. 

The Bay continues to perform well against other centres and that vibrancy can be seen in new subdivisions, the number of building consents, retail and commercial developments and the job market. And if you need any more proof that our area is growing then simply try to drive anywhere at peak times. 

What does that mean for you? It means that you too can take heart and have confidence if you are thinking of buying or selling right now.

The next decision you may face is, “Who can I trust to look after me?” Rest assured that our people are trained and tuned to the current market conditions and what’s working best for our clients and customers. They will guide you through the processes relevant to your situation so that you can achieve what’s important to you.

So when you want to know for sure that you are in good hands, call any one of our EVES salespeople and let them show you how they will take care of you.

There has been great activity in the real estate world in the past few months and it is interesting to see the first home buyers and investors re-entering the market.  We attribute this to a number of things:

1. Interest rates are as low as I ever recall and that excites people, particularly investors who are receiving a higher yield than they are in interest from banks

2. There is a good supply of property for sale in both markets – first home and investors

3. Investors have seen their wealth grow through increasing values of property giving them more equity to borrow against for further investment.

The OCR is rumoured to change (at time of writing this there has been no announcement) which will further fuel buyers into action.  The only area of concern is with the banks.  They are taking a much more cautious approach as far as security on lending goes and rightly so if history is anything to go by.

All in all, a busy time for everyone leading into Christmas.

There are just seven weeks to go until Christmas, in case you need reminding! 

If you are thinking of making a move, there is still time to sell your current property and be in your new home before Christmas. 

There are plenty of opportunities to buy larger homes, homes with pools, smaller homes – whatever it is that you need - in this week’s EVES Property.  

And the market is still strong. We have buyers desperate to be in their new home by Christmas. 

Sell while the sun is shining, your gardens are looking fantastic and buy while interest rates are low and there is good stock available to choose from. 

Then all you need to do is get on and enjoy Christmas and the summer in your new home with family and friends. 

As market leaders, EVES are always ensuring we do things better for our clients – and recently we launched brand new Facebook Property Campaigns, one of the most effective digital tools available for marketing properties. 

Through our new listing-integrated platform, and powered by our innovation partner Listing Logic, these campaigns will ensure maximum exposure of properties - to the right audiences. Combining unique machine learning intelligence and Facebook’s targeting to ensure our Vendors properties are put in front of more qualified and engaged buyers, all in a highly cost-effective model, and with real time reporting!

When compared to standard Facebook advertising, EVES integrated campaigns produce far superior results. Early testing shows our incredible click through rates will ensure more traffic is being driven to your property listing and our low cost per click/action ensure the most effective use of your investment.

EVES also have a number of other exceptional digital tools to promote properties, including Google Display Network advertising, bespoke property websites, premium promotion across property listing websites, video and pre-roll advertising options. All designed to promote your property to more buyers.

So if you are looking to sell and want the best digital tools included in your property marketing, talk to EVES today.

The haul from Queen’s birthday through to Christmas feels so long, particularly given we go through the winter period but thank goodness, right in the middle of those six months comes Labour Weekend. 

At the time of writing this I have no clue as to what the weather is going to do, what the rugby results are nor do I know what activities are on this weekend. What I do know is that the break is always welcome and there is plenty to do in the Bay for all age groups. That is why we see our motels, backpackers and book-a-bach homes full and why we see more cars than normal on our roads.

What I do want to say to you though, is be more careful than ever when you are swimming, driving or just enjoying all we have to offer here. Enjoy this mini break in the lead up to Christmas and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Oh, and if you are looking for a property, it would be remiss of me not to point out the number of homes that are open for inspection this weekend with EVES.

Have a great weekend!

There is no doubt that we are in a bubble of frantic buying and selling of property right now. We are seeing good properties come to the market, we have plenty of cash buyers in the auction room looking to buy the right property and we have numerous buyers still needing to arrange finance or with houses to sell, who are keen to pop a contract on a property they have chosen.  

Last week saw 70% of the properties in the auction room sell to cash buyers and further conditional offers came after the auction on some of the remaining properties. A property we priced two weeks ago had a flurry of activity and ended up selling to an ecstatic purchaser for considerably more than the asking price because of the stiff competition wanting to own the property. And there are certainly more multiple offers on properties now in the spring than we have seen for some time.

If you want some assistance to either buy or sell your property, talk to the people who know how to market them to achieve the absolute best result! Talk to EVES today!

As we finish the last round of the pool play of the Rugby World Cup, without doubt the absolute highlight for me has been the host team Japan’s performance. Every time they get onto that field, they give their heart and soul and thus far have come out with the win! They study the competition, they strategise, formulate a game plan and implement it. Where there needs to be some changes to the plan - in other words they did not predict something the opposition has thrown at them, they amend their plan and get up and go again!  

This approach is so true in everything we do in real estate. When listing a property, we look at what competition is on the market, we think about the target audience, we tailor-make a marketing plan, we look at and allow for market conditions and implement the plan. If something unforeseen happens, or we have had a change in the market then we amend the plan and get up and go again.

Bravo Japan! We are proud that one of our own is head coach and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next round.

Enjoy the spectacle everyone.

Results speak for themselves and those who understand the EVES auction process understand the big picture and recognise that auctions are a very effective method of sale. 

Over 70% of our owners who employ this method of sale enjoy the celebrations of a successful sale within a 90 day period. Don’t be misled into thinking that all this happens under the hammer at the auction and don’t be misled or misinformed that when a property doesn’t sell at auction that the auction is a failure. 

The reality is that the calling of an auction is simply to allow cash, unconditional buyers and owners the first opportunity to work together and those wanting builders’ reports, LIM reports and valuations etc. have to wait to see if the property is still available after the auction is called. 

When a property hasn’t received a bid at auction there is often a lot of behind the scenes interest and activity that comes to a head very quickly with buyers who see it before the auction. We call these buyers conditional buyers so talk to your favourite EVES salesperson about the benefits of auctions, they are a very effective method of sale.

Buckle in, this Rugby World Cup is already something special. The first time the cup has been held in Asia and the All Blacks looking for an unprecedented three victories in a row after a strong start against our old foes, the Springboks.

The All Blacks have a very structured approach, rather than luck, to every game and they will look to analyse every oppositions’ strengths and weaknesses and come up with a plan to counter or take advantage of these.

At EVES we also have a structured approach where we like to understand our vendors individual needs and what the features or benefits of the property are. We then work together with our vendors to tailor a solution that will maximise the sale price of their property allowing them to move on to their next venture.

We leave no stone unturned to find the very best buyer for our vendors. Call your EVES salesperson today if you would like to understand more about how we take luck and hassle out of the selling of your home.

Go the AB’s.

Found that dream property you're desparate to buy but nervous about the auction coming up? 

Buyers can have a fear of auctions for a variety of reasons; some feel the process is stressful, others have a fear of paying too much and some are afraid of being tricked into paying more than they want to. 

Overcoming this fear is simple when you understand how an auction is conducted and how to go about bidding. 

Vendors will set a confidential reserve price which is a figure at which the Auctioneer is authorised to sell the property - unless this price is reached during the auction the property cannot be sold without further consultation with the vendor. 

Buying at auction can be stress-free when buyers bid with a three figure strategy which is predetermined prior to attending the auction:

• the first is a price you would like to pay for the property;
• the second is a price you would still be happy to pay; and
• the third is a walk away price. 

As long as you don’t exceed your walk away price, the fear of buying at auction is eliminated. 

EVES has a comprehensive buying at auction video outlining how to buy at auction in depth so contact your favourite EVES salesperson and they will provide this for you.

Close to everywhere, Hamilton has become a hub for business and job opportunities. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to rivers and lakes, the Hamilton area has become a town for everyone - offering a wide variety of family friendly activities, great schools, parks and walks, sports arenas, clubs and more. As part of the Golden Triangle represented by regional growth in Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga, many find moving to Hamilton a great option.

Our friends over at Crown Relocations have put together 5 top reasons why you should move to Hamilton - read it here https://www.crownrelo.co.nz/5-reasons-to-move-to-hamilton/

The city burst with intermediate aged kids this week when thousands arrived for the annual Anchor AIMS Games hosted in and around Tauranga. The event is estimated to have brought around $3 million into our local economy.

From small beginnings in 2004 - when there were 14 sports and only 760 competitors from 17 schools - to this year where 11,500 athletes from more than 365 schools from all around New Zealand and the Pacific competed in 23 sports. This year also marked the third time that para-athletes were included in the games with 20 disabled students attending the event.

I saw first hand the families enjoying the many facilities around the region - from the movie theatres to the hot pools, to ten pin bowling and in fact I would venture to suggest that most of the local entertainment facilities were well patronised.  

This event is absolutely amazing and the organisation and logistics are phenomenal. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for keeping this amazing sporting event in our region through your hard work and organisation.  

Many of the EVES families competed and enjoyed the experience. Long may it last.

First home buyers are back in the market in droves. Interest rates are low, confidence is high and employment rates are strong so the platform is perfect for first home ownership. 

A number of lenders are allowing qualified buyers into homes with less than 20% deposit and first home buyers are capitalising on this to get into their new abode. It is a pleasure to see. For those of us who are lucky enough to already own our own home, we all still remember our first. 

We know this journey can be daunting, there are so many things to consider when buying your first house; location, price, type of home, local schools, transport and amenities, type of street, number of bedrooms, the list goes on. Then there is securing a loan, doing due diligence and the auction process to understand. 

The dreams and hopes of owning your first home can be realised now. Seek advice from your preferred lender and then come and see us at EVES and let us assist you into your first home.

We are increasingly seeing signs of typical spring activity in the market. While July and August listing and selling activity has been solid throughout our EVES branches we are increasingly fielding requests for appraisals and responding to general buyer enquiry right across the market.

We are seeing excellent auction clearance rates in our EVES Auction room. While the pre-auction and under the hammer activity has reduced, we are picking up the sales process in the two weeks post auction; successfully selling and still achieving a success rate of over 70% when listing a property for auction with EVES. 

The median house prices for the Bay of Plenty (Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, Papamoa) are showing on average 5% growth year on year when compared to this time last year. This is reflective of demand still outpacing supply as people continue to view the Bay of Plenty as a viable option to either relocate to or invest in.

Contact your favourite EVES salesperson or branch today if you are thinking of selling in the near future or just want an update on what’s happening in your area and most importantly, enjoy the last few moments of winter as we look forward to some warmer weather through spring!

Everyone is talking about what the latest decrease in the OCR means to them. For banks it has meant that they have been able to offer lower lending rates, which for many purchasers means that their level of affordability just got better (subject to bank criteria). The reality is that the Bay of Plenty real estate market has been and still is very strong. Certainly, sellers need to be much more aware of the conditions because some price ranges are experiencing more buyer activity than others and most buyers require more guidance in the decision making process. But that’s what we do.

As a seller it’s important that you understand what’s happening in terms of how buyers are shopping, what they are buying, what stops them from making offers, what is the best way to attract them to your front door and how your agent can coach both parties to a mutually successful outcome. That means the match between you as the seller, the salesperson and agency you entrust your property with is even more critical. 

At EVES we invest heavily in time, energy and money in research and resources that provide our customers with a very tangible edge when they want to sell their property. We do that with 50 years of experience behind us, great systems, vast networks, employing high quality multimedia marketing mixes and great people who believe in good old fashioned listening to our customers.

Thinking of selling? Call EVES. 

Exceptional. Every day.

There is often confusion among buyers and sellers regarding the difference between market value and Rateable Value (formerly known as Government Valuation) or RV. RV is a valuation that is reviewed every three years and is derived from statistical data which then determines the value of your property that our rates are based on for the forthcoming period.

Owners and buyers basing their buying and selling decisions on the RV should exercise caution due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, market conditions and influences can fluctuate on a regular basis depending on the ever changing economic situations. RVs are often out of date before they are confirmed after objections have been reviewed. Secondly, statistical data doesn’t always reflect on the ground influences of value i.e. two properties selling in the same street may not be comparable when one may have been renovated and another not. Prudent buyers and sellers should survey the market and carefully consider recent sales in the area and make their own investigations and judgements on value.

Market value is determined by the conclusion of the negotiation process between a willing buyer and a willing seller reaching agreement on value. EVES can assist you with this information.

Being exceptional, every day, was the theme of the inaugural EVES Conference held in Tauranga last week. 200 of our salespeople, personal assistants, property managers and our management teams from three different regions got together to enjoy one of the industry’s best, Tom Panos and an extremely inspiring, entertaining and motivational Lisa O’Neill delivering their “exceptional best”. 

What an event! I looked on very proudly as our teams were engaged, inspired and excited by the delivery of great information, plenty of pearls of wisdom and lots of ‘take home’ ideas to improve and grow their businesses and their personal lives.

Over my many years in the industry I have heard any number of speakers and what never ceases to amaze, is that there is always something to be gained by attending these conferences and trainings and there are always different and better ways of doing things. Professional and personal growth never stops thankfully!  

Have a great week and remember – be your exceptional self, every day!

Plenty of trends have come and gone since we opened our doors in 1969, but our dedication to market-leading real estate hasn’t changed a bit. That’s why we’re still here. And will be for the next 50 years.

Over the years, EVES has witnessed first hand the Bay of Plenty region’s rapid expansion, seeing former rural boundaries become suburbs, and some suburbs become small townships. 

As a company, EVES has grown along with the region, from 1969 when Alwyn Coxhead and Max Eves opened the first office on Cameron Road, to today, with 12 real estate sales offices and seven property management teams serving communities not just in the Bay of Plenty but also in Northland and the Waikato.

What hasn’t changed throughout the years is the personal relationships that our EVES salespeople build with every single person they come across. It is through these relationships that EVES salespeople build trust with people and their families - we really get to know you in order to understand your needs. 

Being the longest serving real estate business in the Bay makes EVES exceptionally best placed to help you buy and sell property. Being in the market for such a long time gives us an advantage as our salespeople really know this region like no other, meaning they can really seek out the best solutions for you.

We are constantly assessing where our buyers are coming from and it is no surprise to see that 30% of our enquiry is still coming from the Auckland market. Our research shows there is a significant amount of interest in what is happening to property in the Bay of Plenty, with many people from out of town looking at relocating. So again, no surprise, we make sure properties listed with our company get in front of that market.

This year, once again, we are going to be at the Auckland Home Show with our special EVES Property publication and we would suggest that if you are thinking of selling, you should speak to one of our salespeople about showcasing your property in this excellent publication.  

Over 45,000 people visit the home show and we have experienced how popular the Bay of Plenty is to many Aucklanders, as they collect this magazine and ask questions about employment and lifestyle.

Our very experienced managers will be there to support the properties in the magazine and further promote our region as a great place to live, work and play.

If you’ve heard the old cliché of ‘if you snooze you lose’ - it’s a time of the year when this can become reality if you are thinking of selling. Whilst many are thinking let’s wait until spring when things get a bit brighter, buyers are still active in the market place which has clearly been witnessed in our auction room over recent weeks. 

The reasons that we buy and sell real estate are not governed by the time of the year, they are governed by our changing personal needs and circumstances along with all the things that happen in life. Your buyer may just be in search of your home as you read this article. 

More importantly, the best way to force those buyers to act is by utilising the auction method of sale where the benefits are stacked in favour of both buyers and sellers. In the current market buyers have limited choices but still need somewhere to live which enhances the opportunity of creating a competitive bidding environment on auction day. Waiting until spring provides buyers more options therefore creating more competition for you as the property owner.

Over the last year in particular, there have been many changes to the regulations imposed on rental properties that have become law. These regulations include working smoke alarms or detectors, with new ones required to have long life batteries or be hard wired into the home, along with rules around where they are placed. From 1 July, landlords must also have insulated their rental homes in the ceiling and under the floor and be prepared to provide a certificate of insulation.

Our Property Managers have worked hard to keep our landlords informed of all regulations, giving plenty of warning to ensure obligations are met. And there are more to come with Healthy Homes commitments due to take effect in 2021.

If you own an investment property make sure you talk to our Property Management team about managing the property to help protect you and your investment.  And if you are thinking of buying an investment property, talk to our salespeople to ensure it complies with current regulations.

Stay warm and dry out there!

The days are certainly getting colder and we know that these will continue for some time yet, however, it does not seem to have deterred active buyers in the market place still out looking at and purchasing property. The market is still strong!  

Winter is a great time to buy. It can reveal many things about homes that buyers typically would not see due to the forgiving spring and summer months. Cold weather, moisture and wind will test the ability of the home to insulate and for warmth, something you want to know about if you are going to buy and something you need to remember if you are selling. Visiting a home during a rainy period can uncover issues around drainage on sections as well. Winter also tests the amount of natural light a property is receiving.

Remember, if you are selling, a warm home is exceptionally appealing on a cold winter’s day and buyers will feel instantly comfortable out of the cold. Make your home light and bright and welcoming.

Speak to any of our salespeople about how you can get your property sold and in to a new home before summer comes.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

When most open homes are only 30 minutes long, you need to know what to do in order to make sure that you make the most of your visit. 

Leading up to the open home:

• Browse the EVES website and make a list of all of the open homes in the area you would like to visit. 

• Ask around. People are always happy to let you know about their experiences and what they’ve learned from buying homes in the past.

• Check out the open home checklist at Settled.govt.nz for anything else that you might not have thought of.

On the way to the property:

• Take in the sights of the neighbourhood. What are the other homes in the street like? Are there schools and shops nearby that could make life easier?

• Check out the driveway. Are you happy to have a shared driveway?

When you’re at the property:

Aside from the number of rooms and the size of the backyard that first grabbed your attention, there are other things that you need to check out.

• Make sure you ask the salesperson questions about the home such as whether there is double glazing, or if the house is insulated. When it’s potentially the biggest purchase of your life, no question is a bad one.

• Check for the obvious signs that there could be something wrong – mold, peeling paint, stained carpet, and ceilings.

• How much storage is there? Some houses have minimal in-built cupboards

• Look for light switches and powerpoints. Are there enough?

• Imagine how your furniture will look and how it may fit into the rooms.

• Use your senses. Can you hear any sounds? Is it overly warm or cold? Are there any smells? 

On your way out:

What’s your gut feeling about the home? Do you need to see it again or have you struck it off your list?

If you’ve fallen head over heels then you should book a private viewing with the agent, then it might be time to start some serious due diligence and call a professional to inspect it properly.

Browse our open homes:

Check out our open homes in the Bay of Plenty this weekend: HERE

Not what it normally does at this time of the year that’s for sure!  

There are more properties for sale right now than we have seen for some time – in fact I believe stock is up by around 8% compared to the same time last year. Furthermore, there are buyers out there looking to buy now and the open homes are busy. This goes against previous years where we have seen a ‘hibernation’ mentality take place – sellers decide winter is not the time to move, buyers snuggle down and start their hunt in the spring. It is a really pleasant change and great to see property moving.

Our auction results are out for the last financial year as well. Of the 873 properties we took to auction in the Tauranga/Mount/Papamoa area, 8 out of 10 sold within the auction marketing period! That is 8 owners out of every 10 who came to the market, moved on with their lives. That is a great result and it reinforces why this method of marketing is so popular when run properly and when the salespeople are skilled enough to get the best results for their sellers.

Have a great week, stay warm on the shortest day and remember when buying or selling, call EVES first!

We are in a really interesting period of time in real estate with regard to print versus digital media, with people challenging “where do people actually search for property?” At EVES, we are able to measure where our enquiry comes from through unique codes in our marketing – enabling us to continually use the most targeted and effective methods for selling our clients property.

Print media still has a strong presence in our marketing plans and that is deliberate. Although we understand that one of the first places potential buyers go when looking for a home is online, we still see many target markets that still favour print, and we know that when you combine both print and digital marketing in a cohesive campaign, it boosts the effectiveness of both!

You just have to look around in cafés to see the number of people browsing through a copy of our very own EVES Property Magazine –  It has to be one of the most read publications in a café! By combining our effective print, digital and social channels all in one campaign, we ensure you reach any and all possible buyers for your property. 

If you want marketing that works, speak to us at EVES today about how we can provide a solution for you.

The annual Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) was held last weekend on the Gold Coast. It’s always a great way for me to measure how we stack up as a company against other top performers in the industry and I’d have to say we are exceptional at real estate! 

It was fantastic to witness some of the best salespeople the industry speak and what insights they have to offer. There were also entrepreneurs from other industries who had strong messages that relate to everything we do.

As a company we invest in our people, in technology and marketing and we continue to make advances in the way we do things, whilst at all times keeping in mind our objective which is to list properties, market them well to achieve the best possible price in the market place at that time. I am immensely proud of our team and their commitment to do just that!

We may have lost our beautiful sunny days and this weekend we are officially into winter, but it is great to see the real estate market is still strong.  

I attribute this to a number of factors - low interest rates (remember 1982 and interest rates of 26%?) and plenty of confidence in the economy, particularly in employment certainly play a major role in adding to the strength of the real estate market. 

We are seeing plenty of new stock in and good sales occurring. We have 18% of the sales going to first home buyers, up from 12% and we are seeing good action through the auction process.

We still offer fantastic free marketing campaigns and we have a group of dedicated professionals who are able to guide you through the buying and selling process.

Stay warm and remember if you are needing anything real estate pop in or call one of our nine EVES offices throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Did you know, that all agents, regardless of real estate company, all have access to the same information sources?

So don’t be fooled if a non-EVES sales agent tells you you’ll get more if you list your home with them.

The 5 factors you must ignore when determining a price:

1. Historic price of this home

• What you paid for it 20 years ago, 10 years ago, 6 months ago, last week has no bearing on your market value today

2. What you have spent on your next home

• Will not determine what the value of your current home is - the market does that

3. Your emotional connection to this house

• The memories you’ve formed here, the emotional connections you have to your home, your personal favourite aspects are important and valuable to you. 
• This is called emotional value - not market value

4. The rateable value

• Is simply a mechanism for local councils to calculate your contribution to the running costs of your suburb and city
• Rateable value is not market value

5. Recovering costs of repairs and maintenance

• You’ve done some renovations, you’ve kept up with the maintenance, great! 
• These actual costs may not add value unless you are adding on bedrooms or upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. 

The ONLY 3 factors that will set the price for your home are:

1. What are the recent sale prices for similar homes in this suburb and neighbouring suburbs?
2. What is your home competing against in the market at this point in time?
3. What is the current supply and demand for homes with the same number of bedrooms as yours?

Interested in a valuation for your home? Reach out to your favourite EVES agent or your nearest EVES office.

Statistics from Realestate.co.nz and REINZ last month just reinforce that it is a great time to sell.  

Sales were up from the previous month on the Mount side and slightly down on the Tauranga side. The number of days to sell a property are also trending down. This fits in with the fact that the number of properties for sale is lower this month than in April.

People get this ‘thing’ about not selling in autumn and winter and yet some of our very best results are during that time.  

The auction room continues to fly along after slowing a little during April. Last week saw an incredibly good sale where the vendor originally marketed her property privately, had no interest and so listed with EVES. She ended up selling for over $100k more in the auction room than she had been advertising her home privately for. 

Once again this just proves that good marketing and a process that maximises opportunities equals great results!  

Give us a call to discuss any and all of your property needs.

Last week we held our annual awards evening celebrating the achievements of our salespeople, managers, administrators and all of those people behind the scenes who assist our people to be their best. It was a fantastic night of glitz and glamour and a real celebration of the hard work and commitment of this group of professionals.  

Overall salesperson of the year for the 6th year in a row was Danielle Hayes, EVES Mount. The EVES Mount team won top office for 2018/2019. This is always fiercely contested between a number of our branches. Rookie of the Year, for her first full year in real estate, was Dynasty Holtz from EVES Katikati. There were plenty more winners to celebrate.

There were new milestones made during the year for many salespeople and they too were well recognised. All in all a great night of celebration and a great opportunity to once again thank all of you for your ongoing support of our business.

Some advisers are saying first home buyers shouldn’t consider a property going to auction however this means you could potentially miss out on purchasing the home of your dreams.  

Whilst it is understandable that completing your due diligence requirements can be an expensive process, there is actually no need to outlay this expenditure prior to the auction being called if you don’t have a surplus of funds to do so. You only have to do this if you wish to participate and secure the property at auction. 

Remembering that the calling of an auction is only to give cash unconditional buyers the first opportunity to work with the owner and secure the property. 

As we see first home buyer activity increasing in the current market we are also seeing less investor activity which means there is increased possibility of your preferred home still being available after the auction is called.  

There is clearly an increased number of first home buyers presenting offers conditional upon satisfaction of their due diligence in the auction room immediately after auction and achieving their goals.

Talk to your EVES Salesperson and view our video on first home buyers and auctions.

It is interesting to note that the number of properties coming to the market this month have increased in comparison to the normal trend during the autumn months. 

As a rule of thumb, people withhold coming to the market during autumn because their home is not as picturesque as it is in the spring and summer and because the weather is cooling down. 

But not this month. Numbers are significantly up giving buyers a great selection of homes to choose from.  

I myself have come to the market and I find the experience from “the other side” really interesting and have a new appreciation for what a seller goes through to get their home market ready. 

I appreciate the high level of service my salesperson is giving me and take comfort knowing that our EVES people know what is important to our sellers in terms of market feedback and consideration during what is a reasonably stressful process.  

Enjoy the selection of great properties we have on offer and have a fantastic week.

1. You may not know the current market

• We’ve seen clients underselling their own property in a buoyant market
• You may risk not selling your property if you haven’t priced it for the current conditions
• The longer it takes to sell, the more pressure you will feel to reduce your asking price

2. You don’t know where to spend your marketing budget

• Every dollar you spend on marketing hurts, so your budget may be smaller than what you need to get exposure to potential buyers
• Good marketing packages (like the one we provide for FREE here at EVES) increases the number of potential buyers exposed to your property, which drives up demand, which drives up your price

3. You won’t have a pool of buyers

• Your marketing budget is all you have to attract buyers
• Whereas, agents in large companies like EVES have huge numbers of potential buyers in your category, browsing one home after another to find one that suits

4. Buyers may withhold their feedback (both negative and positive)

• Buyers are happy to point out shortcomings or poor presentation to a salesperson, but not to you, because they don’t want to hurt your feelings
• Therefore you don’t get that chance to take corrective action which might increase your sell price

5. Your emotional involvement may inhibit the negotiation

• You are scared of losing a buyer so this reduces your negotiation power and may cause you to settle for a lower price
• It feels like the buyer trying to knock off $1000 is a personal insult to the memories you’ve formed in this home, and the choices you’ve made to decorate and maintain its appearance

6. The buyer thinks the commission you’ve saved is all theirs!

• You can’t add the commission onto the value. The value is the value. The buyer thinks that fee should be deducted off the price anyway

So why not leave the selling of your home to your EVES sales professional?

1. We know the current market
2. We know where to spend the marketing budget
3. We have a pool of buyers
4. We use buyer feedback to increase the value of your property
5. We are negotiation professionals
6. Our commission is our reward for a job well done

If you are thinking of selling your home, reach out to your favourite EVES agent or your nearest EVES office.

A long and pleasant summer has been and gone and another financial year is complete.

The Whangarei real estate market has experienced a number of record months particularly with the median sale price on a gradual climb over the past year. The city median peaked at $482,000 in February 2019, up from $405,000 in February 2018.

First home buyers are a big part of our market. Most are looking in the $350,000 to $400,000 bracket to meet the Kiwisaver/Homestart threshold but many have resources to buy in the higher price brackets.

The Anti Money Laundering (AML) legislation is creating some extra paperwork and we have put systems in place to ensure our clients have met their obligations under the Act without any undue stress. It takes a bit of time but will become a normal part of the sales process. We have all this information available and our sales people are happy to take you through the process. So call the EVES team today.

Whangarei has enjoyed a wonderful summer and projects like the Hundertwasser Art Centre are well underway, creating a vibrant inner city and an attraction that will bring more visitors to experience the local environment. And there are dozens of world class beaches and holiday destinations within the district This is a great area to live - the real estate is affordable, and there is plenty going on to attract new people to the area.

Easter is looking like it will be a fantastic weekend weather wise in the sunny Bay of Plenty. Thousands will flock here for the weekend and of course with ANZAC Day thrown in on Thursday, chances are people will be here for the week.  

It is always an exciting place to be over Easter and into the School Holidays. The annual Jazz Festival is on over the weekend so make sure you get down to The Strand and to the Historic Village on 17th Avenue. 

There are also tons of activities on around the area for kids including canvas painting classes, swimming and surfing for those prepared to brave the slightly cooler waters.  

And of course there are people who are thinking of moving to this wonderful piece of terra firma and they will be out and about looking for their perfect home.  

Whatever Easter means to you, have a fabulous weekend, enjoy friends and family and reflect on our very good fortune living in this beautiful country.

You already know that photos make a huge contribution to the price you’ll get for your home, right?

In over 40 years selling homes here at EVES, we ensure our photographers know not to make these 5 common mistakes:

Mistake #1: Ignoring the ideal buyer for the home before we start taking photos

• Is it a young couple? An older couple? A small family? A large family?
• Making a selection has a huge impact on the photos taken

Mistake #2: Not featuring your ideal buyer in 1 or 2 photos

• For example, if your home is best suited to a retired couple, we could assist you to arrange for people who match that description to pose in photos at sunset clinking 2 glasses of wine together.  
• For another example, if your home best suits a family, feature kids in the pool or playing in the yard. People in photos always attract more attention

Mistake #3: Not staging the home for the target market

• Houses with furnishings that don’t match the target market are less attractive to the target audience
• We can sell your home quicker and for more money by making suggestions on the furniture and placement of that furniture with your target market
• Did you know we can arrange the short term hire of the right furnishings from home furnishing specialists for the photo shoot (and open homes)?

Mistake #4: Taking photos of empty rooms

• Photos of empty rooms make the house feel much smaller. They lack ambiance and warmth
• Potential buyers will be wondering “will my bed and dresser fit in here?”, “will our couch fit over there?”
• If we can show them example layouts in the photos, these questions don’t occur to them

Mistake #5: Featuring your pets in the photos

• One third of people have their own cat, but two-thirds don’t care for them
• One third have their own dog, but two-thirds do not
• We don’t want any potential buyers turned away by any concern about animals having resided in the property along with their human owners

Example of the difference great photos can make

“Recently, we listed a home that had had a fire. It had been rebuilt and refurbished and was therefore like new.  It was empty of furniture. We had it appraised and decided to spend $1600 on hiring furniture via House Couture for the photos. The photos made such an impact that we think it added over $50k on to the sale price because of the feel of the home and the interest it created, simply because the buyers could visualise themselves in the property” - Karen Worley, EVES Realty

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This is yet another example of EVES people maximising the value of your home by paying real attention to detail that appeals to the market.

If you are thinking of selling your home, reach out to your favourite EVES agent or your nearest EVES office>.

Last week we saw 45 stores and eateries, including the likes of retail giant H&M and an Event Cinema complex, have their grand opening at Tauranga Crossing. The anticipation from local shoppers had been high in the lead up to the big day for this $150 million development.

Prior to this in December last year, Stage One of the new Bayfair development opened with the final stage to be opened later in 2019. Once completed, this will have cost around $115 million.

These new developments wouldn’t be possible or profitable if we didn’t have the fifth largest and fastest growing local economy in the country. 

It’s fantastic to see that developers and investors can see value like us locals do, and are continuing to look to Tauranga as a great place to invest. This increases the number of jobs and puts money back in to our local economy.

It’s great that there is the foresight to complete these projects now so that we are set up for years to come.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the potential introduction of capital gains tax across KiwiSaver, property investment and so forth and then yesterday I arrived home to my tax bill in the mail. 

My husband waved it at me and grunted and my reply was, “well, you’ve got to earn it to pay it!” And then I reflected on property investment and the fact people are saying that if capital gains tax is introduced then property investment is no longer attractive.

The counter to that is “well, you’ve got to earn the profit to pay the tax.” 

I think back to what I paid for my first home in 1986 - $26,500, what the value of that same property is now and I realise that property is actually one of the best and safest investments available. 

Before you think about increasing your KiwiSaver as has been allowed this week, think about leveraging off your existing property to buy an investment. I assure you, you won’t regret it.

At EVES, we are proud of our sponsorship of many sporting individuals and teams and in supporting them their success becomes our success. 

This is most definitely the case when EVES Greerton Cricket team represents Northern Districts at the National Club Champs in Auckland this week. 

The EVES Greerton team has competed all summer to win the right to compete in a round robin competition to determine the national club champion for the 2018 – 2019 season. We wish them well and will be following with interest.

The market is still strong with good numbers of buyers coming through open homes.  We are still seeing a large number of retirees selling in Auckland and moving down to the Bay of Plenty where their dollars go so much further. 

If you are thinking of selling we need to be talking to you now.  

Call any of our EVES offices and speak with any one of our EVES salespeople.   

I see them everywhere, in their lycra on their e-bikes, in and on the water – everywhere. 

Which is exactly why Tauranga is the perfect city to hold an Active Seniors and Retirees Expo. 

This year’s expo is on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March – open from 10am until 3pm, and is being held at Trustpower Baypark Stadium.

There you will find over 50 exhibits, including retirement village insights, travel offers, clubs to join and there will even be wine tasting. The best part? It’s free! 

If you are going to come down, make sure you come and see the team from EVES, we are on Stand 31.

If you visit our stand, don’t forget to test out your putting skills and if you manage to get a hole in one, there’s a chance to win a luxury hamper! 

We will have some great housing solutions for you, as well as an exclusive offer to help you with your next move that will only be available if you attend the expo. 

Just quietly, I am looking forward to going. I hope to see you there.  

In 33 years in the real estate industry I have seen a lot. There have been a lot of changes but none as great as the new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policy imposed on our industry by the Department of Internal Affairs from 1 January, 2019.  

For those people selling property, the questions salespeople have to ask now can most certainly feel personal and invasive. Having to ask questions of the vendors’ wealth and how they paid for their property (where a property is in a trust) is a really uncomfortable situation for salespeople as well. 

However, two months down the track and upon reflection, it would have been far easier had there been more education available to all parties. This is what we are trying to do now. 

We have created an excellent video, to prepare you for the questions that may be asked of you and what evidence you may have to provide.

More often than not, it’s more straight forward than it seems – it’s just knowing what and why.

If you are considering selling, view the video at eves.co.nz/AML or get in touch with one of our salespeople so you’re well informed when it comes time to list your property. 

Auctions are designed to flush out any cash buyers for a property - this is the ultimate for a vendor selling their home - to get a cash unconditional sale at a level acceptable to allow them to move on with their lives.  

During the auction process, conditional buyers will view the property as well – these are people with things to arrange like finance, or they have a home to sell themselves. Immediately after a property is passed in at auction those buyers identified as potential conditional purchasers for the property are dealt with. On average, over 20% of the properties we take to auction go under contract within 14 days of the property being passed in.

Auctions are still the strongest method of selling residential property and our passionate EVES auction department and our salespeople do auctions really, really well. 

If you are considering selling give us a call and let us talk you through this method - it works!  

Wow! The government possibly did not expect the reaction and back lash to the announcement of a pretty general capital gains tax being imposed on one of New Zealander’s favourite investments - property! Or maybe they did. 

It seems that this is a topic very dear to our hearts, particularly in the case of Baby Boomers who recognised years ago the Superannuation was not going to “cut the mustard” when retirement time came. Many have planned for retirement by investing in a rental property which gets paid off with taxed income and rent returns. Many invest into Kiwi Saver in the belief that the medium risk investment will show a profit when it is time to retire. In other words many New Zealanders are trying to be fiscally responsible. 

The reaction to the announcement was huge; property in particular has always been seen as a “safe” option for investment and literally hundreds of thousands of us own maybe one or two properties that we will cash up and reinvest the funds so we can continue to live a moderate lifestyle. It’s not about getting rich. It’s about enriching our retirement years. 

Maybe more questions need to be asked about how CGT will affect us all. 

Watch this space!

The local economy continues to benefit from out of towners travelling here not just for tourism but for work. 3000 vacancies were advertised last week for pickers required for the upcoming kiwifruit season. Friends recently told me they started coming here to pick fruit and having loved the area and the people so much, they decided to move here. All these factors help our economy to flourish as do the numerous cruise ships and tourists coming to visit.

Further signs of our flourishing economy would have to be the number of commercial buildings either currently under construction or where building permits have been applied for through the council.

On the housing front, the number of homes sold across the city was up 22% on January 2018 and prices remained steady moving up 3.3% on the previous year. All of these things are showing a good, solid market and a good option for those people thinking of buying or upgrading their home.  

If we can assist with either of these, make sure you call into any one of our eight offices throughout the Bay of Plenty.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

At the time of writing this, it looks like the amazing firefighters have finally got the fires in the Tasman area under control. The brave men and women have fought for days and nights on end. The evacuation of homes close to the fires has meant our defence force is also involved. They’ve taken an all-out, all hands on deck approach which hopefully means the fires will stay under control. 

It must be heart breaking watching everything you have ever worked for, and no doubt still owe money for, put at risk. The absolute grief on the faces of those who have lost their homes, their personal possessions and their memories makes me value and appreciate my own home and my belongings all the more.

Your home is your castle. It’s a special place and important to you and your family. It is, in most cases, your largest investment. At EVES we know all these things. That’s why we treat every sales transaction with professionalism, care and concern. 

If you are thinking of selling, let us help you with the process. We get it!

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

At the time of writing this, I have not seen the figures for new properties coming to the market in January, but I suspect that they will be low. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws that came in to effect on 1 January force a greater level of due diligence by the real estate provider, slowing the listing process right down.

Initial reactions to this have been varied and in hindsight I would love to have seen more promotion around these new laws however as we are becoming more accustomed to the expectations on us from the Department of Internal Affairs, and as home owners also become more informed the process is getting a little easier.

We are exceptionally lucky as a company to have a dedicated Compliance Manager, looking after our, and your, interests! EVES will be working hard to keep everyone safe from litigation and we have just recorded a great video, explaining the process of listing your home for sale and the information you may need to provide your real estate agent.  

If you are thinking of selling, contact any one of our EVES people and check out our video at eves.co.nz/AML.  

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Late last year Tauranga City Council released new rateable values to home owners. Rateable Value is calculated taking three things into consideration – the Capital Value (CV) based on comparable sales in your area, Land Value (LV) based on the sales of bare land in your area and the value of improvements (CV – LV). Rates are charged on the Rateable Value (RV – this used to be known as GV or Government Valuation).  

The council are very clear that the revaluation process is not done to provide values for property owners - for marketing, sales or any other purposes. It is done primarily for rating purposes and the Council are required to do this by law. Market Value, the price you could expect for your property if you were to sell it today, is based on several different factors: supply and demand of your type of property in your location, interest rates and the economy in general. Obviously physical factors such as presentation, appeal etc. are also taken into consideration in working at market value.

Sellers and buyers often confuse the two! They are very separate and should be treated as such.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Property laundering, where criminals purchase property in order to “clean” dirty money has been on top of the political agenda to address for a number of years now and as of January 1, 2019 the real estate fraternity is tasked with playing its part in reducing this criminal activity.

This means for you as a seller, or where a real estate agent is employed to act as a buyer’s agent, there is certain information required by the Department of Internal Affairs that the agent has to ask for. 

In the most simple of cases, minimum requirement is proof of identity and a utility bill such as a power account with the owners address on it. In more complex ownership, such as where a property is held in a trust, more documentation is required. 

Once we have the information the process is very straightforward – we do what we are employed to do and that is to sell your property.

For more on the Anti-Money Laundering Act or AML, contact your local EVES salesperson or view the information on our website.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

For most of us the festive season is over and we are back working and catching up with our colleagues’ adventures over the Christmas and New Year period.

In the world of real estate we have already seen people have made New Year resolutions, resolutions that involve selling to buy again, trading either up or down in size of home, depending on their family situation. We have also seen a huge amount of enquiry from outside of the region for those people who love the Bay so much they now want to invest here.

Looking at the stock available, the numbers are down. It is that old supply and demand thing – the less stock, the more viewers, the greater the competition and the higher the sale price. So if you are asking the question “is now the right time to sell” the statistics give you the answer - yes it is! We still have our free marketing packages on offer so don’t wait – get in now. All of our teams back on deck to assist you.

Keep enjoying these beautiful summer days but make sure you cover up - that sun is fierce!

2019 has arrived and with this comes new opportunities. If your New Year’s resolution involved a property investment then you will enjoy this bumper edition of EVES Property.

Right across Tauranga and the Mount at this time we welcome visitors from around New Zealand (and the world) to our beautiful city. Many, like you, will enjoy their time here so much they will want to plan for a return. Why not talk to one of our EVES agents today with regard to the property market here. You never know your luck!

Our market continues to grow and the region benefits hugely by attracting new businesses, new families and great opportunities. All the ingredients are there for an exciting and prosperous 2019 for our region. As a proudly locally owned and operated business we are looking forward to continuing to help locals get great property results.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and success in the coming year and always. Happy New Year and may your property dreams come true.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

We have witnessed a New Zealand property market in 2018 which is best described as a return to ‘normal’ following a couple of boom years. As much as the commentators have attempted to find fault, market conditions continue to remain positive. We have seen consistent interest this year in our property market across all sectors and locations again reflecting the desirability of the Bay of Plenty.

REINZ figures released last week illustrated this with the number of properties sold in the Bay of Plenty increasing by over 17% on the same month last year with an increase in the median house price by 3.5%.

At EVES, November saw a good number of listings coming to the market with many great success stories and as we head to the end of the year, this month has seen much of the same. We’re so glad to have seen so many happy sellers and buyers end the year on such a high. 

At this time of the year we would like to wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for your business over the last 12 months and I hope you can enjoy some quality time with family and friends during this most wonderful time of the year.

We remain ‘open for business’ over the festive season so if we can help with your next property transaction give your local EVES salesperson a call and they will be happy to help you out.

Merry Christmas.

Supporting our community is a very important part of our business. One of our favourite times of the year is the annual presentation to the Trustpower/TECT Rescue Helicopter.

Every member of the EVES team – that’s salespeople, marketing, finance, administrators and personal assistants - has the opportunity to contribute on a regular basis through their pay and then the company rounds this into a sizeable cheque.

Those that can, head out to the Ian Pain Memorial Hangar at Tauranga Hospital to enjoy a morning tea with Pilot Manager Liam Brettkelly (see below).

The cost of operating our local rescue helicopter is huge and without community support would not be able to remain operational on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis.

You don’t have to go far to hear a story about how the helicopter has saved the life of someone close to them.

Our community is very fortunate to have the major support of Trustpower and TECT and we are proud to see our EVES name alongside the other like minded businesses who also contribute

The real estate market in the Bay shows plenty of positive signs as we head toward Christmas. The latest NZ Property Report released by Realestate.co.nz indicates that while there may not be the same heat in our market as was felt last year, the market is more stable and ‘normal’. That’s good news for buyers and sellers.

The report went on to show that new property on the market for November was 874 across the Bay of Plenty at the time of the report’s release, with a total of 1,682 residential dwellings for sale.

Further good news is the further relaxing of the LVR by the Reserve Bank for both first home buyers and investors which could allow both groups more room to move while continuing to promote overall stability. This comes into effect in January 2019.

This news, along with our own very strong sales results, shows that our wide range of product offerings and sound understanding of market conditions is continuing to work in favour of our customers. We welcome every opportunity to help you achieve the goals that are important to you – whether you’re looking to sell or purchase property.

Talk to us today about what’s happening in your market.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Many of the main banks have dropped their one and two year rates to under 4% for a home loan which would once have been inconceivable.

This, together with low returns on other types of investments, a hint that the LVR may be relaxed and the continuing housing shortage are all contributing to on going demand from investors and steady demand from home buyers, for good property.

What does this mean for you if you are wanting to sell and achieve a premium price?

What it means is you will need a salesperson who listens to what you need, who understands your situation and who can make the right recommendations and has the right resources and network to provide you with the best results.

So, if you are thinking of selling now, talk to us right now!

If you are thinking about selling in the January, February, March period, then you need to talk to us right now too, so that you can learn how to take advantage of the many secret benefits ‘hidden’ within this time of the year.

Success favours the prepared. Call EVES today.

Some buyers have a perception that securing a property prior to auction means they will get it cheaper by eliminating other buyers.  Quite often this can be the opposite given the property is fresh to the market and the reaction from buyers looking for that type of home can inflate the initial perceived value. 

Options for owners in receipt of early pre-auction offers is to give all buyers expressing interest equal opportunity to purchase their home by bringing their auction forward or calling for offers from all parties expressing interest. 

When an owner brings an auction forward it is transparent and you can monitor your competition’s actions and take comfort that you may only pay a minimal amount more than what another buyer is prepared to pay. 

Outside of the auction arena there is a risk of paying significantly more than what someone else is prepared to and your purchase price may end up in excess of market value. 

Some buyers have also been known to act prematurely and purchase a property pre-auction without completing effective due diligence which can also have some serious and costly long term consequences. 

It’s wise to exercise caution when buying prior to auction.

When I review the constant flow of data that comes across my desk I’m heartened by the continued growth and confidence in the Bay of Plenty.

The Bay continues to perform well against other centres and that vibrancy can be seen in new subdivisions, the number of building consents, retail and commercial developments and the job market. And if you need any more proof that our area is growing then simply try to drive anywhere at peak times.

What does that mean for you? It means that you too can take heart and have confidence if you are thinking of buying or selling right now.

The next decision you may face is, “Who can I trust to look after me?” Rest assured that our people are trained and tuned to the current market conditions and what’s working best for our clients and customers. They will guide you through the processes relevant to your situation so that you can achieve what’s important to you.

So when you want to know for sure that you are in good hands, call any one of our EVES consultants and let them show you how they will take care of you.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

One thing is constant in the Tauranga, Mount and Papamoa real estate market and that is change. Every week at EVES, we experience something new that makes you rethink market conditions and what really is the best way to assist our vendors to maximise the value of their real estate assets.

We are very fortunate that when you take a look across the EVES sales team you will notice a very good blend of experienced, well established and acknowledged real estate professionals. This blends nicely with some fantastic new entrants to the industry, making their mark and building excellent reputations. Typically they have come from successful backgrounds with high levels of people contact and good communication skills. To support this, they receive EVES intensive training and continued support.

All these aspects are critically important so that we remain current and adaptable. When an EVES salesperson makes a recommendation to you in regards one of your most valuable assets then this advice is relevant.

The outcome of this? Every week EVES salespeople receive steady buyer enquiry from within the region and increasingly from newcomers to the region. With the right mix of recommendations, skills and personality we will bring to your door the very best buyers in the current market.

EVES. Exceptional. Every Day.

The run up to Christmas is always a great time to put your property on the market, because many people like to have secured their new home before the Christmas break, knowing they have a fresh start to the new year ahead.

That means that if you are thinking of selling, now is the time to act.

Well within the median number of days to sell and still with time to prepare and launch onto the market properly with an agency that is a recognised expert in doing that; giving you the peace of mind that comes from being in safe hands so that you can achieve those goals that are important to you and your family and to achieve a premium price.

With motivated buyer demand strong, interest rates low and clever marketing and first class management of our campaigns, auction clearance rates remain high, so why not put that to work for your advantage?

Let us show you the ‘secrets’ to how to sell well in today’s market so that you can enjoy Christmas. Eight weeks to go, call any one of our EVES salespeople now.

When you are unable to attend an auction there’s no need to run the risk of missing out on your dream home. We can assist by accepting your bids via telephone so you are still in touch with the live auction, but first you must register your interest by signing our telephone bidding authority which will in turn be approved by the owner of the property.

Ask your agent to send you our ‘buying at auction by telephone’ video which will give you some tips on how to be the successful purchaser by phone. Having a pre-determined bidding strategy will go a long way to overcoming the disadvantage of not being able to attend the auction to see what your competitors are doing. You will be able to participate in the auction in the same manner as being in attendance by staggering your clear instructions to your agent which will then allow them to participate on your behalf in a timely manner whilst keeping you informed of what is happening during proceedings.

If the auction goes past what you are prepared to pay you’ve lost nothing, but being secretive about your bidding strategy may lose you the opportunity to purchase.

At EVES, we are passionate about harnessing the power of marketing to achieve the best possible outcome. We go further to find the right buyer for your property, not just the first buyer.

We take pride in our ability to factor in the many variables of selling a property; we know each property, vendor and purchase is unique. By reaching more people we can create more competition and greatly increase the chances of getting a better price for you.

Leading into summer has always been a great time for buying and selling property in the Bay. As the weather warms we always see a lift in the market, as people begin to think about a move to a new home to take advantage of summer in our beautiful region.

To help you make the most of this lift in the market, we have designed an exceptional marketing campaign so that your property can get the best and most exposure possible. We’ve created a multi-channel campaign that can profile your property to a wide audience with the ability to easily add-on and upsize your campaign to increase your presence in the market. And when you list with EVES, it’s free.

Give your favourite EVES agent a call today to find out more.

Our salespeople know that it’s invaluable to communicate to as wide a group as possible in regards to any particular property being marketed by them. This is to maximise the opportunity for your salesperson to find the best possible buyer for your property.

Successful real estate professionals have a wide network of friends, colleagues, referrers and influencers. This is also invaluable when it comes to letting people know what’s happening in the world of real estate.

At EVES we have very busy salespeople who also take time to play an active role in their community. This may be through involvement with their children’s school, a sports team, cultural activity or through belonging to an interest group, service club, charity or church. There is a very long list of these sorts of possibilities and across our EVES teams this makes us very well connected. 

EVES leading profile in the region is not taken for granted and is not just a result of the significant number of properties sold by our teams but also due to the major part our people play in the wider community.

Talk to EVES today about what’s happening in your market.

EVES. Exceptional Every Day.

The median sale price for Tauranga was $574,000 by comparison to $560,000 for the previous year. For the same month, in the Mount/Papamoa was $665,000 compared with $671,000 the previous year. Year on year, then no real swing up or down in terms of price.

The number of sales in Tauranga was 141 by comparison to 137 in the previous August. Mount/Papamoa was 96 by comparison to 104 last year. So, no real change in volume either.

The median number of days to sell appears to be holding with Tauranga at 43 days by comparison to 42 last year. The same trend can be seen at the Mount and Papamoa with 46 days and last August at 43.

However, what is significant is that from August 2015 to now the median number of days to sell is getting longer which means sellers have to pay particular attention to their marketing campaign and method of sale if time is a pressure for them.

The total number of properties on the market in Tauranga is like September last year. The Mount/Papamoa it is somewhat lower making this a great time for sellers in both areas to capitalise on the opportunity.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

Some buyers have a fear of auctions for a variety of reasons. Some feel the process is stressful while others have a fear of paying too much and some are afraid of being tricked into paying more than they want to.

Overcoming this fear is simple when you understand how an auction is conducted and how to go about bidding.

Vendors will set a confidential reserve price which is a figure at which the Auctioneer is authorised to sell the property and unless this price is reached during the auction the property cannot be sold without further consultation with the vendor.

Buying at auction is easy when buyers bid with a three figure strategy which is predetermined prior to attending the auction.

The first is a price you would like to pay for the property, the second is a price you would still be happy to pay and the third is a walk away price.

As long as you don’t exceed your walk away price, the fear of buying at auction is eliminated.

EVES has a comprehensive buying at auction video outlining how to buy at auction in depth so contact your favourite EVES salesperson and they will provide this for you.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day

Our region continues to enjoy good buyer inquiry right across our price ranges. In some areas a lack of new listings to the market has created increased demand, especially at the top end of the market.

Mount Maunganui property values continue to climb as the oceanside suburb edges nearer to the $1 million mark.

Data released by NZME’s OneRoof show the median value of Mount Maunganui property reached $890,600 as of July 31 this year.

The value is a surge of more than $70,000 from the previous year, making Mount Maunganui the Bay of Plenty’s most expensive place to purchase property.

The same data pinpoints Merivale as Tauranga’s most affordable suburb with a median value of $446,600.

The Tauranga market experienced a small slowdown over the winter, yet it is still ticking along nicely, with sales actually better than this time last year.

While first home buyers, although active, are taking longer to transact due to financing constraints and options currently in the marketplace.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, talk to EVES today.

EVES. Exceptional. Every day.

With a slight increase in the supply of residential property to the market of 0.8% by comparison to the same period in the previous year and a slight decrease in the average asking price of 5.1% by comparison to the previous month (source: Realestate.co.nz monthly property report), these stats would suggest we are in a balanced period between willing buyer and willing selling.

However, in conversations with many of our expert teams, they tell me they have many buyers who are frustrated because in certain price ranges there simply isn’t enough property to look at with the features they need in their next property.

Interest rates remain at some of the lowest rates ever. The region’s GDP continues to track ahead of the whole country at 3.9% vs NZ 2.7% (Source: Infometrics quarterly monitor for Tauranga City).

So, is this a good time to sell?

I believe that if you need to be sold before Christmas, you should want to take advantage of the sun’s magic on people’s moods.

Also remember that many buyers will want to be in their new property before Christmas.

So then, the answer is yes. Now is the perfect time to call your local EVES agent.

EVES - Exceptional. Every day.

The recently released Quarterly Economic Monitor – June 2018 completed by Priority One announces some very interesting results.