2017 was a memorable year
Helen Mays takes a look back at the past year in the real estate world.
The year 2017 may be recorded as a memorable one, when listings were short, house prices were hot and Palmerston North was discovered as having some of the most affordable housing in a metropolitan city. The region’s real estate companies have had a busy time, hunting down listings, preparing multiple offers and managing busy open homes in every price bracket.
Max Vertongen, Principal of The Professionals, Unique Realty Ltd, says their office enjoyed another great sales year in a buoyant local property market.
‘‘Palmerston North, Feilding and Foxton have seen record numbers of sales transactions pass through their offices in both the residential and lifestyle sectors and we’ve seen some very happy clients and new home owners at the end of the sale,’’ he says.
‘‘Our specialist commercial sales and business broking team have also enjoyed a very busy year as many new buildings were constructed for lease and business growth creating movement around the city.’’
In the local residential market sales prices have moved upwards in line with the national trend which has been great news for sellers, especially those looking to upgrade or relocate to other cities.
‘‘The shortage of listings throughout the year proved challenging for anxious buyers but a welcome increase in the number of available listings in November was encouraging.’’
First home buyers have continued to be very active in their search for the right property and it is hoped the lowering of the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) by the Reserve Bank will help them get into their first home.
Vertongen says Professionals Unique Realty Property Management division is a tight knit unit which provides top service to their clients.
‘‘They’ve continued to provide an outstanding service to all our numerous landlords and very wellmanaged housing for our huge number of tenants.’’
There are many new up and coming real estate stars in the industry across Palmerston North.
Professionals’ residential and lifestyle sales teams have undergone a huge growth period, taking on eight new sales people, all gaining their National Sales Certificate and joining an older very experienced team.
‘‘During the year we were joined by Jesse Sergent, Kelvin Tane, Fiona Edmonds, Holly Wikiriwhi, Severine Beneteau, Rae Frear, Craig Dias and Kirti Acharya; all keen and enthusiastic about selling real estate in Palmerston North.’’
The increase in new sales consultants takes Professional Unique Realty to 23 residential salespeople in Palmerston North, four residential consultants in Feilding and five residential salespeople in Foxton,’’ Vertongen says.
‘‘This growth has seen the whole team at Professionals Unique Realty becoming more social media savvy, with lots of promotional work using Facebook.’’
Of particular pride were The Professionals international awards held in Australia earlier in the year and Team Richard Jensen receiving the runner-up award for International Salesperson (EBU/TEAM) Sales 2017.
‘‘It was an outstanding achievement so well done Team Richard. Our Palmerston North office also gained a creditable fifth placing in the International Top Office 2017 awards.’’
At the end of last year The Professionals promoted the Christmas Lights Spectacular, receiving 29 entries from around the Manawatu¯ region.
Vertongen talks about their other community work with pride.
‘‘Our support for the Child Cancer Foundation both locally and nationally has continued loyally and planning is underway for the Big Rigs 2018 to be held in March at the Railway land.’’
Max and Joss Vertongen and the whole Professionals Team say: ‘‘We’re wishing all our valued customers, clients, friends and family a happy and prosperous 2018.’’