hockingstuart Altona & Williamstown | Estate agent

hockingstuart Altona & Williamstown

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24.01.2022 Just Listed! Properties such as this brilliant brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse with street frontage on its own title and the added benefit of a fantastic position within the suburb, are highly sought after. 184 Woods St, Newport ... Visit our website for more information, or call us today to arrange an inspection! Tony Anile on 0418 314 744 Chris Inglis on 0400 078 716

23.01.2022 The Music’s Playing Remember playing musical chairs as a kid? That nervous anticipation as you moved from one safe space to the next, in absolute terror the music would switch off while you were in that no man’s land between chairs and you’d be out? But the rules were clear - there was no dallying in front of a seat. As long as the music was playing, you had to keep moving. That’s the feeling we’re getting in the property market right now. Most Melbournians are thrilled to... be almost free of the onerous restrictions we’ve been under for months, but we don’t quite trust that freedom. There’s a sense for many that while things are great for now, we could easily end up back in another lockdown within the next few months. And if we do, we want to be sure we’re in the right place for it. While the rest of Australia might be a little naïve as to the risks, the data shows we’re clearly not just being paranoid that this pandemic is not over. For those who continue to say Covid is no more serious than the flu, 1.2m people have already died from Covid around the world, compared to an estimated 250k-500k deaths in an average flu season. As another raft of restrictions are announced across much of Europe in response to a new spike in Covid infections, America is facing what many are calling the third wave during the same week as its turbulent presidential election. Of course, no one knows exactly what the future holds, but what we can say without any doubt is that in our local market, there’s a frenzy of activity right now and it’s on both sides of the property equation. Sellers are flooding to the market, keen to upsize, downsize or free up debt. Buyers are equally plentiful and they’re motivated, particularly first home buyers who more than ever want to be looking at the view out of a window they own, rather than rent. We’re busy helping buyers and sellers transact daily, with November already looking set to be a record month. If there’s one thing Covid-19 has taught us all is that life is short and the freedom to live the way we want to is precious. If you’ve been holding back, there’s no sense in waiting for a better time to buy or sell - it’s already here. And with that reality playing loudly, it’s the perfect time to make your move. All the best, Anthony Anile Director 0421 056 056 [email protected]

22.01.2022 Vendors Encourage Agents to Lie Hardship can often reveal great things and this year has had its fair share. In recent good news, Australia has now received its highest ethical rating in five years, with the Governance Institute of Australia reporting our Ethics Index 2020 score is 52, up from 37 in 2019. Word is that Covid-19 has brought an increased focus on collaboration, trust and transparency. But regardless of the uplift overall, there’s still a list of least ethical ...occupations. It includes federal politicians, directors of foreign companies and sadly, real estate agents. Although we’re disappointed, we’re not that surprised - although you might be surprised at our take on the problem. Because we believe this viscous cycle of mistrust is perpetuated by vendors as much as agents. Why? Because every vendor wants to believe their property is worth more than it is. So when a lazy agent lies at the appraisal and quotes a high sales price just to get the listing, the vendor is inclined to believe it - putting honest, hard working agents (like us) at a distinct disadvantage. We understand it’s hard - resisting the lure of a heady price promise is a tricky thing after all! But for the vendor that falls for temptation, what happens after they sign on the dotted line? The conditioning that agents are so well known for. Usually after the first week of open homes, the agent will start saying the market has spoken and the price they originally appraised the property for is just not out there. After several weeks of this, the deflated vendor generally ends up accepting a much lower price than the sky high outcome they originally expected - we know this is true, because we track the listings we lose to competitors who overquote. Importantly, while every agent should be able to give an indication of price, it’s important for vendors to remember the agent's job is not to value the property, it’s to market it. To generate the maximum amount of competition and gain the best possible price that’s available in the market at that moment. That’s the skill. The most important question you should be asking as a prospective vendor is about the method the agent will use to do this, not about how high the price could go. The price is a best guess until the agent finds someone who will pay it. If you’re in the market to sell, just remember this dynamic of untruth is real. And whatever you do, don’t be the vendor that encourages agents to lie. All the best Anthony Anile Director 0421 056 056 [email protected]

22.01.2022 | JUST LISTED | 1,2&5/16 Rowan Avenue, Brooklyn The chance to secure a contemporary residence of exceptional quality is here with these brand new properties, filled with light, loaded with style.... Contact: Gus Anile 0425 781 466

22.01.2022 | JUST SOLD | 159 Blyth Street, Altona Space, style and modern sophistication defines this exceptionally well designed home. ... Contact: Gus Anile 0425 781 466

21.01.2022 | JUST SOLD | 169b Hudsons Road, Spotswood This large, light filled single level detached unit is set perfectly on a 280sqm (approx.) allotment, allowing open spaces indoor and out. ... Contact: Tony Anile 0418 314 744

18.01.2022 | JUST SOLD | 3/18 Rose Street, Altona Single Level Stunner!... Contact: Anthony Anile 0421 056 056

11.01.2022 The Numbers Stack Up We were as thrilled as anyone to see restrictions ease further last week. After what definitely feels like the longest winter on record, to finally have the freedom to travel further afield and interact face to face with loved ones (albeit with the appropriate social distancing!) is something we will not be taking for granted. Of course, keeping our freedoms will rely on us all doing what we can to minimise further infections. We know the numbers have to... stack up. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all of that forced time at home has clearly made Victorians more focussed than ever on living in a place they really love. The property frenzy that began just over three weeks ago (when private inspections became permissible) has continued to build in momentum and shows no signs of stopping. In our local area, this dynamic is playing out in three very clear ways. Firstly, buyer activity is through the roof. We had over 100 inspections over last weekend alone, and buyers are not mucking around - we’re finalising sales left right and centre, and prices are holding firm to pre-COVID levels. There are lots of first home buyers in the mix, but every buyer segment is represented. Secondly, sellers are enthusiastically entering the market at a similar pace, resulting in around 30% more listings on our books right now than usual. Interestingly, we’re not seeing any forced sales - these are all sellers who are looking to upgrade, downsize, or have some other personal reason to sell. Lastly, Hobsons Bay has become a market of attraction for tenants. While the vacancy rate in the city is over 13% and still rising, we have fewer than 4% of our rental properties vacant currently. There’s a reason for this. As working from home becomes a longer term probability for many, Australia is recording an exodus of people moving out of the cities and into the suburbs, where they can have more space and a better lifestyle. All of this is great news not only for local property owners today, but for those who aspire to be and want to ensure their investment has a positive outlook. Clearly, the numbers stack up. All the best, Anthony Anile Director 0421 056 056 [email protected]

10.01.2022 From Toilet Paper to Houses We’ll tell the story to our grandkids one day - how early in 2020, toilet paper suddenly became one of the most valuable commodities around. Shelves stripped bare, shoppers swarming over pallets dumped in the middle of the supermarket floor, like locusts in a field. Few of us had backup supplies, everyone wanted it, and on the days we were lucky enough to score ourselves a pack, we held it proudly aloft like the winners of a medal. Especially if it... was a jumbo size! Now that we’re set free, Melbourne has swapped out its intense focus on groceries to an asset with real value - property. The frenzy of activity has been so intense over the six weeks since private inspections once again became allowed, we have barely even had time to write this column. We’re carrying significantly more listings than usual, but we can barely get enough to satisfy the demand, which is coming from every buyer segment. So intense is this period that we’re not even making it through to auction day in many cases. Once buyers have found a property they want, they are determined to finalise a sale as soon as possible and in many cases, vendors are equally willing to seize the day if the price is fair. It seems that very few of us want the year to tick over with unfinished business - no great surprise given how difficult the year has been for us all. At least all this current craziness is underpinned by some rationality. We’re not seeing silly prices, just healthy, robust activity. And unlike toilet paper, the winners in this quest are battling it out for something with permanent value. Their home. All the best, Anthony Anile Director 0421 056 056 [email protected]

10.01.2022 89 WIlliam Street, Newport VIC 3015

08.01.2022 Santa’s Coming After what has definitely been the weirdest year yet, Christmas is now just around the corner. In less than six weeks, families around the country will be putting out the carrots and the cookies and enjoying the happy chaos of Christmas morning. The pressure’s on now to find the perfect gift for each of our loved ones, many of whom we haven’t even been able to see for months. Truthfully, we can’t wait. ... There’s also a narrow window of time left in 2020 for those who’ve been waiting on the property market sidelines to act. The relative silence of lockdown has now turned into an almighty roar, and we’re continuing to help buyers and sellers transact properties every single day. We’re so thrilled to be back doing what we love, with an incredible client base who really appreciate it. But despite all the activity, we are still hearing from vendors who are nervous to make their move. As a classic example, one of our clients was all prepared earlier in the year to go to auction just after Easter. Then the first lockdown happened, so they decided to postpone their plans for a few months, eventually getting those plans completely derailed by the second lockdown. Interestingly, we were chatting through the options last week and they said they’re now wondering if they should wait until the new year. We say it’s really time to learn from the past. Being blunt, waiting for a better time is pointless. Conditions are nothing short of awesome right now, and going to market will most likely mean finishing up the year with a finalised sale at a healthy price. And if the worst happens and next year brings another lockdown, at least this important decision won’t have been forcibly stalled. We’re here and ready to help. And truthfully, we can’t wait. All the best, Anthony Anile Director 0421 056 056 [email protected]