New real estate players on scene

Lisa Struneski and Jenny Martin are the new franchise owners of Mike Pero Real Estate in Whangarei. Photo / Supplied

A new real estate team has signed up to join the game in Whangarei and little wonder too with the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures revealing a 63 per cent rise in sales volumes in the city since last year.

Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) chief executive Colleen Milne said this week that Northland was experiencing the "halo effect" as Auckland first time buyers and investors spread to the regions.

The effect was mostly in Northland and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, she said.

"These regions have recorded very strong sales growth so far during 2015, and this is now starting to be seen in the median price data."

The new Mike Pero Real Estate franchise has decided to get in on the property action in the district with a new office on the corner of Cameron and Quality streets, which is being run by Northlanders Lisa Struneski and Jenny Martin.

REINZ figures showed 263 properties were sold in Northland in September, five more than in August and 113 more than in September 2014.

Northland recorded the largest percentage increase in median price compared with September 2014, at 26 per cent, followed by Auckland at 25 per cent.

Sales volumes in Whangarei district jumped 147 per cent; the city was up 63 per cent, while Kerikeri's sales jumped by 169 per cent, compared to the same month in 2014.

The median price of those properties was $338,000, up from $323,750 in August and $267,750 last September.

In Whangarei city, 91 properties were sold in September, 8 eight more than August and 35 more than in September 2014.

In the district, there were 37 properties sold last month and 40 in August, compared to just 15 sold in that same month in 2014.

The median price for a property in Whangarei city was at $290,000 last month - $31,000 less than in August but $26,250 more than September 2014.

In the district, the median price for a property was $545,000 in September, a whopping $92,500 more than in August and $140,000 in September 2014. The average number of days to sell also improved by 20 days in September, she said, from 63 days in August to 43 days last month. However, Ms Milne noted that the number of properties available for sale was continuing to fall quickly due to the strong demand.

ACTION

The new Mike Pero Real Estate franchise has opened this week.

"We know the district is increasing in popularity, with many people moving here from further down the country and we know properties are selling well here - why should people have to pay more when they can work with us and save thousands of dollars in commission while still receiving excellent, detailed and personalised service," Ms Martin said.

Ms Struneski said the city had plenty to offer and had "so much potential for people moving here".

"Buying or selling a home can be one of the biggest financial transactions you can make in your life, it needs to be handled professionally and properly, and we don't believe you have to pay higher commission rates to achieve that."

The company has branches at Mangawhai and Kerikeri.

Chief executive Mike Pero said the timing was perfect to open an office in Whangarei.

"Our next-generation culture and philosophies have hit a note with New Zealanders, and we're growing ahead of our expectations."

Mr Pero said the business model focused on offering a lower commission structure "by reducing middle management and utilising new marketing technology", such as online. The official opening of the office was planned for November.