Real Estate. It's a funny business. You have at your disposal experts you can call on to help you on the journey and save you money. We're talking big money, not small change you can find down the back of your couch. Yet it is probably still one of the few industries where people feel they can have a crack at it themselves (or call on Uncle Bob) and do a better job. If your toilet backs up, are …
Are buyers back?
A few weeks on from the federal election and with an interest rate cut thrown in for good measure, it seems that there is some confidence returning to the Melbourne real estate market. Agents I've been speaking to have said that they're seeing more hands going up at auction, with clearance rates lifting and some properties performing well. It's still a case by case basis, regarding which suburb …
Rate cut brings interest rates to a new low
The RBA has just announced it's second rate cut in a row, bringing the cash rate down to a historic low of 1 per cent. Last month RBA governor Philip Lowe hinted at another rate cut, commented that it was "unrealistic to expect that lowering interest rates by quarter of a percentage point will materially shift the path we look to be on". Indicating that a further cut was required in order to …
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RBA cuts interest rates to record low
The Reserve Bank has cut its official interest rate from 1.5% to a historic low of 1.25%. This was a widely expected result and is the first change in the RBA's policy setting since August 2016. The RBA governor Philip Lowe suggested an upcoming rate cut in last month's speech. All 43 economists surveyed by Refinitiv had pencilled in a rate cut this month, while 80% of them also expect a …
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What a difference an election makes
It really does feel like the real estate market has given a collective sigh of relief, with the coalition retaining power. Irrespective of your political views, the uncertainly surrounding the impact of Labor's policies on negative gearing and capital gains tax were causing nervousness in the real estate market. This was being reflected in prices continuing to remain sluggish or even fall …
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Purplebricks exit no surprise to those in real estate
Purplebricks is to exit Australia after 2.5 years. I don't think too many in the real estate industry are going to be surprised by this news. It just goes to show the importance of understanding your market and target audience, which is where I think Purplebricks missed the mark. I know that as a buyer's agent, when dealing with any property being sold by Purplebricks, it was such a …
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RBA announce rates prior to upcoming election
Despite much anticipation the RBA has decided they will keep rates on hold for another month, announced less than a fortnight out from the federal election. A record low cash rate of 1.5% has now been held since August 2016, although money market traders do not expect it to remain there much longer. It has been anticipated that the official cash rate would be cut due to consistently …
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The suburbs most popular for Victorian first-home buyers
Buyers and sellers advocate Wendy Chamberlain from Chamberlain Property Advocates has spoken to Domain regarding Melbourne's first home buyer's preference towards buying homes closer to Melbourne CBD, shunning long commutes. "Wendy Chamberlain said she had noticed a move towards the northern suburbs over the past six to eight months. “They’re definitely buying based on a budget under $600,000,” …
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RBA’s budget day rates decision
Already using Social Media? Follow chamberlainadvocates.com.au for the latest about tips and tricks when it comes to buying a home and hiring a buyers advocate. The Reserve Bank of Australia delivered its verdict on interest rates for April 2019, just hours prior to the federal budget being handed down. Despite both economic growth and inflation continuing to undershoot forecasts, the …
The Melbourne downsizers buying city properties to suit their beach lifestyle
Buyers and sellers advocate Wendy Chamberlain from Chamberlain Property Advocates has spoken to Domain regarding what is currently on Melbourne downsizers' wish list. “I think there is a definite trend of downsizers buying a low-maintenance city base in Melbourne that offers them quick and easy access to freeways to escape down the coast as they please. They know the timings necessary to leave by …