Hi there, I’m Chris McGregor from Bay Islands Property, and I’ve just returned from an invigorating adventure in New Zealand where I attended their inaugural real estate conference, NZREC. Often, stepping out of our regular circles provides fresh insights and ignites new ideas, and this trip was no exception.
Having just touched back down, I am thrilled to share some of the valuable lessons I’ve gleaned from this experience—insights that have not only strengthened my approach to real estate but have also contributed to us hitting a record month with nearly 6 million in sales.
Unprecedented Success through Video Marketing
One of the standout revelations from the conference was the power of video marketing, especially as highlighted by Lisa Simmons from Devonport, Auckland. Lisa’s innovative approach showcased the property not just through the lens of real estate but by telling the owner’s story. We adopted her style and created a similar video for a listing, which sold within seven days above the asking price! The profound impact came from focusing on what made the property and location special through the eyes of its owners, which kept viewers engaged, ensuring high retention rates on platforms like YouTube.
Youth & Innovation: The Changing Face of Real Estate
Another refreshing observation was the average age of conference speakers—mostly young, successful agents roughly 35 years old, full of innovative ideas and fresh perspectives on the market. Being surrounded by this next generation of real estate professionals sparked a renewed enthusiasm in me, reminding me of the importance of continually learning from all ages. As someone who has always valued diverse opinions, this trip reinforced the paradigm—it’s time to really listen to voices both older and younger in age group than my own.
Market Dynamics and Economic Insights
The conference also provided a lens into the comparative economies of Australia and New Zealand. Australia is currently experiencing a population boom, with 600,000 people moving to the country each year, which starkly contrasts with New Zealand, where many Kiwis are making the move across the Tasman to Australia. These demographic shifts have deeply impacted property markets on both sides, highlighting the interconnected nature of our economies.
Hearing from influential market players, the conversations around the expected dip in interest rates and a stronger forecast for next year painted a more optimistic picture. This insight ties into local trends I’m witnessing back home, with Southeast Queensland markets—like ours—still thriving while larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne experience more turbulence.
Community Engagement and Local Predictions
Back on the islands, the real estate community is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting end to the year. Elections, both local and the upcoming U.S. election, often influence market behavior, causing hesitations with listings and sales. However, with our affordable property options, we continue to attract not just local Brisbane buyers but also those from further afield.
I’ve observed the infrastructure improvements on the islands, such as new jetties, which have made the area even more attractive, bolstering our reputation as a great place to invest. Builders are eager, with many already banking land for future developments, anticipating a bustling market in the coming years.
Supporting Arts and Community
Aside from real estate, supporting local arts and events remains close to my heart. Recently, Gary from Gallery 19 and I sponsored a local Dracula show, and it was heartwarming to see the community come together to enjoy and support this initiative. Engaging with such events enriches our community bonds and ensures we give back to the arts, a vital part of our culture here.
On the Horizon: Growth and Opportunity
Our office is buzzing with activity and growth. The addition of new team members like Olivia Renata, who brings in valuable connections, is set to bolster our services. With our team expanding, our focus is on capturing new opportunities and continuing to provide top-tier service to our clients.
To prospective sellers, now is an opportune time—as properties are moving swiftly, often with multiple keen buyers ready to make quick decisions. It’s essential to be prepared, whether you’re buying or selling, to take advantage of the burgeoning market dynamics.
As we look to 2024, the momentum from these lessons and current market trends signal a promising year ahead. If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply seeking some real estate guidance, feel free to reach out—I’m here to assist and thrilled to help navigate the exciting roads ahead.
Thank you for following along on this journey. The world of real estate is as much about the people and experiences as it is about the properties, and with every trip, every conversation, I find new ways to enhance our work and community engagement. Here’s to the continued learning and success that comes with every new day.
