By Narelle Coulter
Despite the impact of Covid-19, Ray White Berwick director Debbie Brettoner said she is enjoying working in the real estate industry more than ever.
Ms Brettoner is relishing the industry’s slower pace after the government banned mass gatherings at open for inspections and auctions.
She said personal inspections gave her and the other Ray White agents much more time to get to know buyers and vendors.
“I am enjoying being in real estate, having more time to talk to people and offering a one on one service, which lets me assess clients’ needs better and know if a house is the one for them,” she said.
“I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in the market, but I’ve never had to mask up and sanitise my hands. It makes for a good talking point though,” she laughed.
Nor has the economic crisis slowed the Berwick agency’s sales figures.
“We certainly had a very good figures in what I call the Covid month of April,” Ms Brettoner said.
Ms Brettoner said there was still a steady flow of buyers in the Berwick market, with good competition. The Berwick office placed 8th in the Ray White group in Victoria and Tasmania for April sales.
“People are out and about and there are a lot of genuine, serious buyers in the market.”
She encouraged anyone thinking of buying or selling to take advantage of current market conditions.
“There is no better time than now. Interest rates are as low as I have seen them in my lifetime and if you are buying and selling in the same market you won’t be disadvantaged.”
She predicts the market will kick back to normal in late May or early June if restrictions are lifted.
For the moment demand is being driven by first home buyers with pre-approval and next stage up graders also with borrowing approval.
“Investors are back too because of the low interest rates.”
Ms Brettoner said she did not agree with some pundits who have predicted a 10 to 20 per cent slide in Melbourne property prices because of Covid-19.
“I think in the inner city you will see a lot more adjustment in prices. In Berwick, if we do see a reduction, it won’t last long. It’s all about supply and demand.”
