Real estate office wins award

THE Harcourts Levin team that won an award for outstanding results earlier this year.

Harcourts Levin office was awarded Harcourts Top National Office in its category for business generated in the second quarter of this year.

Competing against offices in larger markets, such as Auckland and Christchurch, it is the first time the Levin office has won an award. Manager Stuart Campbell said it was an outstanding result for the 12-member sales team.

"It's a result of hard work from a committed and professional team who know their market well," he said.

Harcourts has been selling residential, rural, lifestyle and commercial properties in Levin and Waitarere Beach since 1991.

The same period last year was good but this year is even better and the challenge is getting more properties to sell, Mr Campbell said.

"The market has suffered a shortage of properties this year. They don't stay on the market long, in many instances achieving more than the asking price. The auction system is proving very effective in this market. Properties are flying out the door."

He said more than 50 per cent of buyers are from Wellington, as well as from all around the country, with still some local movement. He expects this trend to continue for a while yet.

"Horowhenua is operating off a lower price base than south of the district, we are in catchup mode. It's all positive for the town. There are a lot of people who want to move into the district and all price ranges are selling from the cheapest where investors are still looking, to the up-market lifestyle properties."

He said the pressure was on the team to keep going and to get another award.