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 FROM
BERRY EVERITT
Although this year has been an extraordinarily
difficult one, it is ending on a high note, with sales more than
50 percent up on the same period of 2008 and house prices firmly
back on a rising trend.
Consequently, we at are really upbeat about the
next 12 months, especially with all the economic promise inherent
in the Soccer World Cup. Indeed, homebuyers and investors seem to
be gaining confidence by the day and the oversupply of stock that
has plagued the market for many months is rapidly being absorbed,
which will further underpin the price recovery.
As the result of the tight rein that the banks
are still keeping on credit extension, we do not expect to see the
sort of gains that were common during the 2003 to 2007 boom, but
we do foresee that an improving economy and spreading empowerment
will ensure that demand keeps expanding and having a positive effect
on real estate values going forward.
At the same time, though, we believe that the events
of 2009 and the new consumerism that has emerged as a result will
permanently reshape the real estate industry. While technology will
no doubt continue to enable better marketing campaigns and more
informed decision-making by property buyers, our research shows
that the "x-factor" that will spell real estate success
in future is high-level - and some would say old-fashioned - personal
service.
In short, what homebuyers and sellers really want
in addition to the bells and whistles of this electronic and digital
age is a "real human being" to talk to, an estate agent
with whom they can build a real and long-standing relationship based
on honesty, trust and accountability. And since these are the core
values of our group, we don't foresee any difficulty in providing
exactly what is required!
Right at this moment, though, what most people
seem to want is a rest and a break from their everyday pressures,
so I'll save the rest of my enthusiasm for the new year and stop
now to sincerely wish all our readers and their loved ones a blessed
Christmas and a happy, safe holiday season.
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