13th February 2013: Fletchers Group News Update – 14 February

Two consecutive weekends of strong auction results have indicated a growing level of confidence in the property market in 2013. The REIV recorded an auction clearance rate of 67 per cent on the weekend, up from 54 per cent on the same weekend in the previous year.

As reported in The Age, the upgraded and well presented two bedroom unit at 2/10 Aird Street in Camberwell attracted a strong crowd of approximately 65 people. On a perfect summer day, Senior Associate and Auctioneer, James Bateman placed a vendor bid of $460,000 to start the proceedings, which saw four bidders in total compete. A couple who had been there from the start powered through to purchase the property, which sold for $35,000 above reserve. There was a good vibe and energy at the auction, again illustrating a growing level of confidence.

The extra large, two-level apartment at 29/219 Auburn Road in Hawthorn sold prior to auction after selling agent, Steven Lowry, negotiated an excellent price for his vendors. They praised his professionalism, noting that he was very "calm and collected", and the type of agent they would also like to deal with if they were buyers.

In a recruiting coup this month, Fletchers Gold Coast South has secured two leaders in their respective fields over in the Sunny State! Phillip Oliver came to Fletchers as the top selling agent of his previous firm, hitting the ground running with three new listings and a sale in his first week – he is continuing to kick goals. Cara Watts is widely recognised as the leading Business Development Manager in her field on the Gold Coast and was responsible for bringing on 111 new managements at her previous office last financial year. Both Phil and Cara were attracted to Fletchers by the culture, systems, support and reputation for excellence that our brand has enjoyed for almost a century.

On the sales front, Karl Peters, who joined Fletchers in August with no previous real estate experience, had a great week when he closed three sales on the same day, totalling $1.555 million. These included a luxury apartment in Surfers Paradise (after only 47 days on the market against an area average of 163 days); a waterfront home in Palm Beach and also in Palm Beach, a much loved home held in the same family for 25 years. Karl unashamedly attributes his success to his Fletchers Way training and mentoring. "Fletchers systems and support have been unbelievable and the culture has been the best I've ever worked in."

Last, but not least – it's Valentine's Day today! Why not treat your loved one to a weekend escape on the Mornington Peninsula?

Enjoy your week.