 
Any Spring in this Market?
The Spring real estate markets replicates the Spring weather patterns to a large degree.
There is definitely more "heat" in the market, some weeks you start to think here we go, on a roll again, and then the next checks you and forces you to rethink yes, whilst the worst is over, we would not say plain sailing and back to the heady days of three years ago.
A shortage of stock has caused good competition for the listings available. There are certainly fantastic numbers at our auction open days and also in the auction rooms.
I have seen more complete cycles in the real estate business than I care to remember, but at the end of each one I notice an increasing long term confidence in our product as an ideal investment. This cycle once again has seen real estate ‘out class’ and ‘outlast’ all other forms of investment. Whilst relative values may ebb and flow a little, bricks and mortar are always there, still performing the vital functions they were designed and built for.
In our industry we await with interest the introduction of the new Real Estate Agents Act in mid November. It is very much a case of "Wait and See". Our industry now must fund a totally independent authority – a good idea in principle. Their job is to monitor all real estate activity, but my great fear is that in the long term it may make the cost of doing business higher. Let’s hope not.
In the meantime, if I can assist in any way over this next busy and important period, you know I relish the calls.
Regards
Ally Aitken
Simply The Best
Congratulations to my wonderful auctioneer Phil McGoldrick, who took out the 2009 Australasian Auctioneer's title in Hobart last month. After many years of intense rivalry with his colleague Mark Sumich (who won the last two Trans-Tasman battles), Phil was delighted to take the top honours, in a performance described by the judges as "clearly the best" out of 16 finalists.
September Competition Winners
Congratulations to Jane Cameron - the lucky winner of the Hanmer Luxury Escape draw
Congratulations to Tim Whitehead - the lucky winner of the Hemingway Fine wine draw which is a bottle of the Black Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Monthly Mortgage News with Sue Clydesdale of Mortgage Express
Spring is here and positive thoughts and actions begin. The OCR rate is unchanged and buyers think they can better afford the repayments due to the lower rates being offered by the lenders. Most importantly they appear to be more comfortable about their future job prospects. The lenders are still prepared to negotiate interest rates and still want the business.
For further information please contact Sue Clydesdale at Mortgage Express on 0272 117 209 or freephone 0800 226 226.
WIN! Hanmer Springs Luxury Escape
To enter the draw to win a luxury weekend escape to Hanmer Springs, fill an entry form below and click send button.
Package includes:
- One night's accommodation for two at the Heritage Hanmer Springs.
- Breakfast for two.
- A bottle of wine on arrival and,
- Entry for two to the Hanmer Springs Hot Pools.
Drawn 1st of each month
To enter, email your name and contact details to: alison.aitken@harcourts.co.nz Please ensure you place the competition name in the subject line of the email i.e. Hanmer Springs Luxury Escape
Brian Delore Hemingway Fine Wines
Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Amisfield is one of the big names of Central Otago Pinot Noir and 2007 was the vintage of the decade. It all adds up to an outstanding wine. The New York based highly respected 'Wine Spectator' Magazine have recognised this wine with a very high score. This is what they said: ~ "90 points. Bright and focused, with a lively balance of acidity to the ripe currant and floral flavors, persisting nicely on the finish." Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 April 2009
Clients of Alison Aitken receive a 10% discount at Hemingway Fine Wines when they mention the name 'Alison Aitken.'
To enter the draw to win a bottle of the featured wine, email your name and contact details to: alison.aitken@harcourts.co.nz Please ensure you place the competition name in the subject line of the email i.e. Hemmingway Fine Wine Draw
Thought of the Month
"If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means keep moving."
~Martin Luther King
Community Noticeboard
New Zealand Cup & Show Week
Christchurch will turn on its spring colours and the city will be on show when the country’s largest spring festival. Whether you’re into racing, fashion or world class entertainment, or want to see rural lifestyles on show, there is an experience to suit everyone. Saturday 7 - Wednesday 14 November, Various Venues.
Please click here for further information
Royal New Zealand Show
When country comes to town, with 120,000 visitors in just three days, indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature marquees and pavilions, showcasing the very best of New Zealand farming and rural life, top entertainment and attractions. Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 November, Canterbury Agricultural Park
Please click here for further information
Anika Moa - Aroha Tour 2009
The days are getting longer and Anika Moa is celebrating with the Aroha Tour 2009 that will take her from as far south as Rakiura/Stewart Island to as far north as Kaitaia, taking in 24 destinations along the way. Wednesday 11 November, Dux de Lux
Please click here for further information
Dave Dobbyn - Celebrating 30 Years As a Recording Artist
Classic Hits is marking Dobbyn’s landmark musical anniversary, he will perform all the hits from 1979-2009. Those attending will be reminded of Dobbyn’s capacity to write a hook that endures, from Th’Dudes and DD Smash through to his solo hits. Thursday 26 November, The Bedford
Please click here for further information
NZV8 Championship Series
The spectacular, fast, bumper to bumper action of the NZV8's are coming to Powerbuilt Tools Raceway. The BNT NZV8 championship meeting is an event not to be missed. An action packed weekend the whole family can enjoy, with race after race from some of the fastest, toughest cars in the country. Friday 27 - Sunday 29 November, Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park.
Please click here for further information
Want to know more?
Feature Listings
| FENDALTON |
AUCTION |
 4 2  2
To view detailed information on this property please visit http://www.harcourts.co.nz/ ID#CI3295 |
A Legacy of Love
28 Helmores Lane
A passion for European travel inspired both the name & design of Tiroltal whose distinctive style, reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, was revolutionary for its time (circa 1925). The original owners commissioned renowned builders Paynter & Hamilton, whose use of local timbers & volcanic rock provided a further point of difference. Flexibility with up to 5 bedrooms (master with ensuite) plus study & library. Buy to live in and enjoy, or further enhance, but with 1631sqm of prime Fendalton land, your future plans could well be more radical.
Auction: Thursday 5 November, from 1:00pm, Grenadier House, 271 Madras Street (Unless Sold Prior)
Open Homes: Sunday & Wednesday, 3:00-3:30pm
|
| FENDALTON |
AUCTION |
32 2
To view detailed information on this property please visit http://www.harcourts.co.nz/ ID#CI3376 |
Enjoy, Enhance, Exploit
25 Clifford Avenue
The steady demand for gilt-edged precincts & excellent school zoning has made entry-level opportunities, such as our subject property, increasingly rare. A plethora of possibilities for the astute buyer - enjoy "as is", further contemporise, add to your investment portfolio, or redevelop the generous 956sqm site in an area where we predict great appreciation.
Auction: Thursday 5 November, from 2:00pm, Grenadier House, 271 Madras Street (Unless Sold Prior)
Open Homes: Sunday & Wednesday 2-2:30pm
|
| LINWOOD |
ALL OFFERS PRESENTED |
41 1
To view detailed information on this property please visit http://www.harcourts.co.nz/ ID#CI3358 |
Present Your Offers
90 Randolph Street
Were it not for an exciting & grander development project, our Owner would never have contemplated this disposal. Contemplation is now determination, & their investment property must go. Appeal will stretch beyond investors & probably will encompass ambitious first & second home buyers looking for a small project that will give immediate comfort but future possibilities & profit.
Deadline Sale: All offers to be presented at 12noon on Wednesday 21st October 2009, unless sold prior.
Open Homes: Sunday & Wednesday, 1:30-2:00pm
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Recent Listings
| West Melton |
EXCLUSIVE |
 |
Worthy of the Artists Name
774 Weedons Ross Road
The home is both classic & strikingly individual. Its solid plaster construction, with timber, limestone & wrought iron detailing, suggests European influences, underpinned by the most innovative & contemporary products available. To view detailed information on this property please visit www.harcourts.co.nz ID # CI3248 |
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3 Woodbridge Road, Cashmere |
SOLD |
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9 Scarff Place, Cashmere Hills |
SOLD |
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13/165 Chester Street East, Christchurch City |
SOLD |
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22A Harakeke Street, Fendalton |
SOLD |
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6 Taylors Avenue, Fendalton |
SOLD |
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28A Galway Avenue, Fendalton |
SOLD |
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6 Colman Avenue, Upper Riccarton |
SOLD |
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12 Colman Avenue, Upper Riccarton |
SOLD |
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40 Solomon Avenue, Redwood |
SOLD |
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29 Winchester Street, Merivale |
SOLD |
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10 Grassmere Street, Papanui |
SOLD |
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134 Chapter Street, Merivale |
SOLD |
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82a Browns Road, Merivale |
SOLD |
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