Buying or selling a home can be the most exciting time in someone’s life. But it can also be one of the most stressful and emotional times.
From leaving behind memories and readying the property or organising finance and negotiating a purchase price – sellers and buyers are likely to be feeling the pressure.
It’s something Adelaide-based real estate agent Sean Muxlow from Ouwens Casserly has seen time and again.
And sometimes, the circumstances are even more difficult – particularly if sellers are going through a relationship breakdown or a death in the family, Mr Muxlow says.
“Unfortunately, we do have to deal with the not-so-nice side of it,” he says. “We do need to be chameleons. I’m a part-time negotiator, part-time marriage councillor and part-time psychiatrist.”
It’s why Mr Muxlow ensures he is understanding of not only people’s circumstances, but also their feelings and future goals.
"People always say 'real estate's about houses' – it's actually not – real estate is about the people who live in the houses," he says.
"There's nothing better than that feeling when you see a young couple finally getting into their first home.
"For me it's about the look on people's faces when you meet them at the property with the keys."
Adelaide's property market has had some of the most rapid growth in the country in the past year – its median dwelling price increasing by 11.3% in the 12 months to March, according to PropTrack data.
Only Perth has had a more rapid rate of price growth (11.5%) and other capital cities recorded significantly softer gains, or in the case of Melbourne, a decline (-2.3%).
Despite this, the median dwelling price remains relatively affordable at $796,000. The median house price is sitting at $853,000 – a far cry from Sydney's $1.43 million or even Brisbane's $982,000.
"You can have a coastal, beachside property, 30 or 40 minutes from the CBD and for well under $1 million," Mr Muxlow says.
Adelaide has seen strong property-price growth in the past year. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
He says homes sold without much effort in the years immediately after COVID, but now the market – though still robust – has shifted back.
"A nine or 10 out of 10 home on the market will still sell well," he says. "But people are now more conscious of building and pest inspections and the quality of the home."
"With some time and effort put in by vendors, homes can still get great results."
Mr Muxlow's team also helps vendors with getting their homes ready for sale, with a stylist on hand to highlight the home's best features.
"The right time to sell is when it works for you," he says.
"The property market is like a big round-about. Houses are always coming on and always exiting – it's about being ready and having the right people behind you."
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