Rural Agent

Tips for Selling Real Estate in Rural & Regional Markets

Rural AgentIt is different from city real estate

A core tenet to recognise at the outset of real estate sales in regional and rural Australia is it is indeed different to urban markets. Sure, the tenets of good value, of a good location, and of an attractive home and land package remain the same.

Yet, rural property is different from a variety of reasons. Now, don’t go and make a fool of yourself by saying a long g’day to everyone you come across as you wear your newly-bought Akubra. Instead, just be sure to incorporate the following into your rural ventures…

Weekend visitors

Though Australia is one of the most urbanised nations in the world – and the rate of population movement to cities like Sydney and Melbourne is only set to grow in years ahead – so too are many Australians finding the prospect of a weekend home away from the hurly burly of weekly city living of growing appeal. Understanding this market is essential to a sale.

For such a buyer, illustrating not only the quick and easy comfort of the home but the opportunity to arrive here quickly is core. Though that beautiful home that sits atop a nearby hill may enjoy splendid views to go along with its ‘Kookaburra’s Nest’ nickname – if that home is also 30 minutes outside of town via a often muddy road – showing a urban buyer a home just a one road off the main town strip will offer greater appeal to a potential resident with a Friday night commute from the city on their mind.

The seasonal market

Then you shall find buyers who seek to purchase with a view to consistent but infrequent visits. Once upon a time this may have been a real challenge to real estate salespeople as a homeowner would use the home in the summer months, and then offer forward the tall task to their local agent of finding a tenant or holiday visitors for the rest of the year.

Yet, with the diversity of the Australian economy that now provides many the opportunity for holidays – and even remote work/work-from-home opportunities – the prospect of attracting tenants year-round is a real possibility.

To sell a home with such an aim in mind cosyness and comfort remain important certainly – but as distinct from a weekend visitor and owner who knows exactly where they keep the teapot and how hard to hit the generator when it doesn’t work – ensuring modern amenities are featured throughout is essential to attract (and standout from other listings) in the seasonal market. So, though it’s totally OK if your local occasionally has a spotty pay TV signal, or internet yet to hit the speeds of urban areas, be sure – unless this is the chief selling point of the listing) that rural living does not equal rustic living – that you seek to showcase the beauty and rich beauty of life in rural Australia; while also enjoying the amenities of urban living.

The urban reality is real (target city visitors)

Accordingly, being aware of the shifting nature of Australian property is prudent too. Just as you may be showing a home to a soon-to-retire couple flirting with the idea of making a rural move – or two professionals in their 40’s seeking to buy an investment home – you may come across the aspiring young 20’s ‘super commuter’ who doesn’t mind the prospect of a long daily commute and seeks to buy a home for a more affordable price point than city living.

While knowing your buyer is always an essential foundation of good real estate, with the smaller markets and more diverse demographics who may seek a weekend home – for though an inner city studio apartment in Sydney may in the main be the target of young professionals and first home buyers – knowing your potential buyer’s capital and intentions for the home shall inform what to show them.

Yet, if in doubt? Be sure to be upfront and ask a lot of questions. Rather than this being seen as unprofessional, a solid guiding star of Real Estate 101 is providing personalised service to your client. All up, one of the core advantages of working in a rural real estate market is the greater opportunity to really get to know your buyer, and show them exactly why you’re the right agent for them. Be sure to make the very most of this opportunity.

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