Editorial: Housing lift a boost we need

If you're thinking of a career change, the real estate game is starting to look more attractive.

Agents throughout the country have had lean pickings in recent years since the recession struck and the housing market plummeted.

But finally this week there is some good news - the local housing market is on the move.

Figures released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand show 88 properties sold in Rotorua in June. That's the biggest monthly total since May 2009. In June last year, 57 houses sold. The median house price has risen, from $229,000 in May to $266,250 last month.

While it is dangerous to look month-on-month and draw conclusions, local agents in the know say they are starting to feel the confidence improve - and long may it continue. With interest rates so low, there are plenty of first home buyers and investors sniffing around. And let's face it, Rotorua is a bargain.

More people are going to open homes and hopefully that will encourage more people to put their own houses on the market (which will help with our current shortage of properties for sale).

During the boom times in the mid-to-late 2000s, everyone wanted to be a real estate agent - and they practically were. It seemed like every second person I spoke to was about to become an agent.

But not all survived the industry. Once house sales dried up, the sharks emerged and the bad agents found something else to do.

Now it is tougher to get into the industry, thanks to changes made by the Labour government. The new changes have also given greater protection for those buying and selling a house.

Buying a house and putting your property on the market is apparently in the top three most stressful events in your life (along with getting married and having children). Having a good, honest agent is so important.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.