What Happened to the Markets in April?
April - that fluffy month with Easter holidays - traditionally signals the end of the fabulous Summer selling season. It’s the month that can bring a sharp dose of brutal realities. It’s the month where there seems to be less ‘impulse’ buying - just servicing of the hardcore needs of our communities! Did we hit our ...Read the story ...

Weekly State of the Market report: Blame it on the Deposits May 14, 2012
After months of spruiking increased funding costs as the reason behind increasing interest rates, ANZ changed their tune last Friday, instead blaming high retail deposit prices for its decision to pass on just .37% of the .50% official interest cash rate cut by the Reserve Bank (RBA). Interestingly, the ANZ did pass on the full .50% cut to the interest rate it pays its customers on deposits and although the bank denied the action was profiteering, consumers are sceptical. Meanwhile, commentators have interpreted the most recent RBA statement as indicating Australians can expect up to three further rate cuts of around ... What Happened to the Markets in April? May 11, 2012
April - that fluffy month with Easter holidays - traditionally signals the end of the fabulous Summer selling season. It’s the month that can bring a sharp dose of brutal realities. It’s the month where there seems to be less ‘impulse’ buying - just servicing of the hardcore needs of our communities! Did we hit our magic baseline $2billion in April sales? - that figure that we see as our platform. Yes we did - but help came from some surprising quarters. New Zealand keeps outperforming expectations. The results from our Indonesian network took our breath away. Indonesia has had it ... Weekly State of the Market report: Down, Down and Down May 7, 2012
On the back of the Reserve Bank’s (RBA) shock announcement last week to slash 50 basis points off the official cash rate, experts have said Australians can expect up to three more rate cuts. The RBA’s quarterly statement on monetary policy made clear that our jobs and housing sectors are weakening as global economic growth continues to be below trend, with Europe struggling to drag itself out of recession. Of course, the RBA’s actions can only have a stimulating effect if the banks pass the savings on to their customers and within days of the announcement, three of the four major lenders had confirmed they would drop ... Sign Language in Tokoroa – Outstanding Service May 4, 2012
The property management team at Ray White Tokoroa in the central North Island have been awarded the quarterly property management award for Outstanding Service exemplary to Ray White by volunteering to learn sign language. The portfolio has a high number of deaf clients who without their sign language can only express their intentions by writing everything down. Whilst the business owners Jenny and Dave Lamberton, were away on holiday, the team took it upon themselves to attend sign language classes after hours, showing their initiative, dedication and commitment to client service. Jenny Lamberton said “I was just so impressed at what ... Press Release: Redcliffe’s Dynamic Property Market to be Serviced by Ray White duo May 3, 2012
Ray White, the largest property company in Australia, opens in Redcliffe in May under Andrew Campbell and Tim Gordon. Both Andrew and Tim have lived and operated in and around Redcliffe for a decade and bring a wealth of local real estate knowledge to the new business. “The real estate market in and around Redcliffe is incredibly diverse, ranging from older homes under $300,000 to the multi million dollar waterfront and canal homes,” Mr Campbell said. “After a few very slow years, the sales and rental market in the area is beginning to turn around with more and more sales being recorded and ... Press release: May Rate Cut and the April Real Estate Market May 1, 2012
Contrary to a lot of published opinion the overall real estate market in April was 'acceptable', according to the Chairman of the largest property company in Australia. Brian White of the Ray White Group said his offices across Australia and New Zealand achieved the same turnover result in April this year as they had in 2011 - some $2 billion worth. “The New Zealand component in 2011 was higher than the previous year. There was a relative weakness in Australia but nowhere near the published perceptions,” Mr White said. “The interest rate drop of 50 basis points is significant... it’s dramatic. It’s a ... Weekly state of the market report: Next Move – Banks April 29, 2012
After sitting on the sidelines all year, the latest round of inflation data was lower than even the most conservative commentators had expected, making an official rate cut by the Reserve Bank (RBA) on Tuesday a dead certainty. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported inflation was just 0.1% for the first three months of 2012, following no change in the December quarter, taking annual core inflation to just over 2%. Experts are now saying Australians can expect not one but perhaps several rate cuts over the coming months, with the retail and construction industries facing real challenges. But with the dynamic that’s been developing over the past ... Press release: Residential growth in Geraldton April 27, 2012
It’s been all quiet on the development front in recent years, but the next major middle market subdivision for Geraldton, two land parcels at Verita Road, signals strong investment in the region. Former grazing land south of the city is the next major residential area, contributing to an upswing in development lots after a subdued three years. The site sits near the main linking highway between Geraldton and Perth; it adjoins - and is around half the size - of the large, nearly-complete Rosecrest development. “The market here is ready for a new subdivision development,” marketing agent Ian Wheatland of Ray White ... Press release: Old age a bonus in beach market April 23, 2012
Bed 3 | Bath 1 | Car 2 The sun hasn’t been shining on the beachside property market in Yamba on NSW’s north coast in recent months, so a strong sale on Saturday proved a surprise. The auction of an historic 1920s beach cottage, overlooking the beach and the mouth of the Clarence River, attracted 46 buyers in five weeks and resulted in 38 inspections of the property. The cottage, “Morningside” at 10 Queen Street sold for $610,000. Buyers came from as far as Melbourne and Gladstone and everywhere in between. Tb)he actual buyer was from Lismore. “There’s plenty of talk around the market ... Press release: World’s best bachelor pad April 23, 2012
Bedroom: 6 (including chef/butler quarters) Bathroom: 5.5 Car space: 6 (with valet services) It has been called the world’s best penthouse and even if it isn’t, it is surely in the running. The Soul Penthouse on the Gold Coast’s coveted Cavill Avenue was purchased off the plan in 2006 for $16.85million and is on the market again today. A private internal Italian glass lift and staircase give access to the four-level penthouse, with six bedrooms, six car spaces, 24-hour room service and concierge. Sitting on the 70th floor of the Soul building, marketing agent Karyn O’Dea of Ray White Robina Varsity says there’s nothing ... Weekly state of the market report: Australia’s “small” IMF Contribution April 23, 2012
While media speculation over the European debt crisis has died down significantly over the past few months, news that the Australian Government last week committed $7 billion to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) war chest highlights the reality of the ongoing economic risk, both globally and locally. While Treasurer Wayne Swan was quick to call the contribution “small” in the context of the US$430 billion raised overall, opposition leader Tony Abbot called on the Government to justify what he called the “large” contribution, especially given the US and Canada’s refusal to make any contribution at all. Interestingly, although Swan has justified ... Press release: Iconic old apartment block goes under the hammer April 23, 2012
One of the earliest apartment blocks in Brisbane will be auctioned this Saturday 28 April 2012 with Ray White South Brisbane. Constructed in 1937 atop Kangaroo Point, Cliffside Apartments - a block of eight art deco apartments - was reported at the time to be an example of the “most advanced flat design in Australia" by The (Brisbane) Telegraph. Cliffside had all the modern conveniences: laundry chutes, incinerator and electric hot water. It was later reopened in 1988 by the Brisbane Mayor as a hotel. Today, it is a heritage-listed building in a high profile location, visible from Captain Cook ...