The property market has had a roaring start to 2014, and brokers who aren’t proactive will miss out on opportunities, say top brokers.
John Kolenda, director of 1300 Home Loans, says a number of brokers, including himself, who worked through the Christmas period have been busy during the traditionally quiet holiday break.
Brokers should be sure to make themselves available in early on in the year, and start gearing up for a demanding 2014.
“Certainly from the middle of January onwards you’re going to find that it’s quite a busy period, so a lot of consumers are coming back into the market from Christmas break. Traditionally in years gone past we’ve found that the lead generation from the middle of January all the way through until Easter has been very strong, so I think that activity is going to be maintained.”
Jeremy Fisher, director of 1st Street Home Loans, says many referral partners are back at work already – and brokers would be wise to do the same.
“What I was saying last month is that the market’s going to start a lot earlier this year, which means we’re going to be working pretty much from the beginning of January, clients are going to want to get themselves prepared – and that’s exactly what’s happened.”
Fisher predicts the strong property market seen at the end of last year will continue to strengthen in the early days of 2014, and it’s important brokers prepare themselves early on.
“If brokers aren’t around there are potentially opportunities being missed,” says Fisher. “Are you out there speaking to referral partners? It’s the beginning of the year and they’ve all come back early before the market gets busy. Now’s the time to be formalising arrangements, agreements and a plan for the year.”
As well as getting in touch with referral partners, the beginning of the year is a good time to plan for any traditionally quiet periods and put promotions in place, says Fisher.
“The property market is heating up earlier than ever before… we’re just being proactive and trying to keep ahead of things. It’s easy to do nothing but anyone big or small can be doing what we’re doing.”
