PROPERTY UPGRADES DRIVE SOLID RESULTS FOR DAVID DEANE REAL ESTATE

AN increase in the number of home owners upgrading from existing dwellings is spurring sales activity in Strathpine, where leading realtor David Deane Real Estate achieved $26 million in sales during the March quarter. The agency sold 79 properties for a total of $26.5 million at an average price of $336,507.  The increased sales are a result of established home owners upgrading from existing properties and first home buyers who are also finding value in the growth suburb.

Sales director Mark Rumsey, said a lot of the activity is being generated from those selling homes in the mid $300,000 category and upgrading to properties as high as $450,000. “We are seeing a lot of confidence return to the market and people are realising that they can have an improved lifestyle which is still affordable,” he said. “From our perspective it’s still tough out there in some areas of the industry, but our March quarter was staggering when you compare our figures to that of some of our competitors.”

Mr Rumsey expected sentiment to be further bolstered with further interest rate cuts predicted over the next two quarters.

“The positive signs are there and we have the ability to give properties the right exposure, provide the right marketing strategy for vendors and get buyers to the property,” he said. Investors made up 10 per cent of sales during the quarter with 62 per cent of those living in the local catchment area.

Rental activity also increased on the last quarter by 4.3 per cent with 622 transactions.

Principal Belinda Deane, said the steady rise of enquiry throughout the first quarter is a testament to the local buyers market. “The feedback from buyers is that they have now realised that the market did in fact bottom out last year,” she said. “That momentum is continuing into the second quarter and we expect another strong result in our residential department.”

Strathpine is ideally located just 23 kms from the Brisbane CBD. It is one of the only Brisbane suburbs with two railway stations, ensuring a smooth commuter flow in and out.

Its economic engine room is the booming Brendale industrial area, the largest commercial estate in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area. It caters for 22 per cent of all employment within the Pine Rivers district. “The business district is exploding given its proximity to skilled workers and supporting business services, competitive land prices and good transport access,” said Ms Deane.

Adjacent to Brendale, is the intended $200 million Strathpine Major Regional Activity Centre Master Plan earmarked at the pivotal for Strathpine Central. This major project of significance has the potential to increase market growth for the entire region with a strong public transport focus, medium to high-density residential developments and commercial/office spaces increasing employment, with supporting community facilities, services and public open spaces.

David Deane Real Estate was acknowledged at the recent 2012 annual Australasian Real Estate Results Network Awards (ARERA’s), where founder David Deane was honoured with a lifetime contribution award, while sales young gun Cassie Turner was awarded Rookie of the Year.
Visit http://www.daviddeane.com.au/ for more information.

USA v Australia

I have just returned from a month travelling accross USA. I noticed several points of interest as follows:- Petrol was half the price we pay in QLD Clothes were a third of the price, same brands Beer was half the price we pay or less Taxes were half what we pay Household water was at least half the price we pay. Electricity was likewise cheaper No carbon tax or discussion, but did see bankrupt mmassive wind farms. Things are very tough in us and it looks like they are ready exile the big spending debt burden democrats. Ok it's easy to say they have a much bigger population in USA but we have much bigger government to make a mess of our lifestyles. It's time we gave all policians notice that they are appointed to spend wisely, provide well and respond to the majority and forget manic fringe groups?

Breakfast on the Beach with Olympians!

In honour of supporting Natalie Cook and Tamsin Hinchley on their journey to London for the Olympic Games we all enjoyed a beautiful breakfast on Friday 24th of March. Guest speakers included Winter Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Bradbury & 2008 Flag bearer and 6 time Olympian James Tompkins. We even had the chance to meet Madam Butterfly herself, Susie O'Neill! A fantastic morning had by all to support our champions!

Good Luck Nat & Tamsin!!