23 May

Bucking the Trends

The problem with the property market is that it is 'hot news' all of the time. Irrespective of how it is performing it is normally a reliable and constant source of conversation. However, when listening very closely to the aspirations and expectations of consumers you often find that what is being quoted is the latest headline news or front page story. This in itself offers both the problem and the solution. We believe that what we are experiencing in the market in general today to be entirely media driven. Events are often portrayed with the most negative and gloomy forecast and these stories will normally run for as long as conceivably possible. As any journalist or reporter will tell you 'bad news sells'. ITS ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE That is not to say that there is not bad news in the market place. However, what is conspicuous by its absence is 'perspective'. Firstly, any media report is generic and refers wholesale to the market place and economy right across the UK, sighting very few variables when in fact the fortunes of the market place can vary from one end of a road to another. Of late, there have been, concealed in the small print and well away from the headlines, some very encouraging news and whilst we are facing a very 'different' time it may not be anywhere near as 'difficult' as publicly portrayed. PRO-ACTIVITY COUNTS For example, Penyards sales figures for the first 4 months of 2008 varied by only 4 % with those in 2007. In May this year we have continued to sell a property per day which by and large compared very closely to that of both 2006 and 2007. It is evident that some properties will fare considerably better than others. 'One off’s' will usually be part of the market where demand outweighs supply, the influence is how it is presented to the market. A positive, pro active and assertive, if not aggressive, style does pay dividends when communicating with consumers who are 'waiting' for something to happen. There are those who 'wait', those who 'watch' and those who 'make' things happen. Our culture, philosophy and style is to serve the latter of those three because whether the market is good, bad or indifferent it is the only true way to achieve unlimited success. Here in the Hampshire heartland, whist the buying process is much different the results may not be anywhere near as bad as you perceive them. Our forecast still remains the same as the prediction we made in early April. That is a gradual but consistent improvement and a much better second half of the year. There continue to be a considerable number of property sales. The real difference is that some agents will sell many and some very few. Usually defined by the attitude of those representing the agent. Many agents talk of negativity and despondency, but that is a frame of mind and for them it could be a self fulfilling prophecy, whilst transactions are reportedly down there are still thousands sale agreed every week. There is business to be done and we would welcome the opportunity to be part of a successful outcome for you.