year in reviewBy Stephen whitelaw, director

what’s the market doing? this is a question frequently asked of all real estate agents around Melbourne whether it be at work or socially any day of the year. Some years the answers never vary, the market is strong or the market is softening. this year the answers literally did vary from month to

month. 2012 was full of twists and turns. Just when you thought the market was struggling, it would produce some amazing results under the competition of auction. the balance of power continues to be fairly even between vendors and purchasers. the informed vendors listed their properties knowing that they had to be market relevant in order to attract sufficient buyer interest to achieve a sale. the auction system in the inner city still proved to be the most

effective method of sale. the calendar year finished with a healthy 87 percent auction success rate. the experience and ability of the collins Simms team to guide vendors and buyers through the selling process, was certainly been a contributing factor to this strong performance. we expect 2013 to be challenging at times but are confident that we have the team and resources in place to ensure it is an excellent year.

iSSUe 02 | 2013inner city

nicholaS corBy & Sarah wood Join collinS SiMMSin September 2012, we were delighted to announce that the in demand agents of nicholas corby and Sarah wood joined the Sales team at collins Simms. their positive professional manner and combined 31 years experience make them a formidable team. nicholas and Sarah can be contacted on 9488 0688.

for leaSewe are delighted to announce that from february 2013, collins Simms will have a property management division based at our clifton hill office. this exciting venture will complement our highly regarded sales team, specialising in inner-city property. if you require any advice or a current rental opinion please contact Stephen whitelaw on 0418 616 000 or 9488 0617.

MarShall white allianceBeing part of the Marshall White Group

in January 2009, collins Simms and Marshal white formed a unique alliance. the alliance allowed us to specialise in the area of our strength, the inner city and for our hawthorn sales team to join forces with the emerging power in Boroondara, Marshall white. the essential ingredient for the success of any union is compatibility. it was clear from the start that both

companies shared similar values and hada like minded attitude on how real estate today should function.

now approaching four years, the relationship between the companies has become very strong enabling both companies to provide extended levels of service and expertise to their clients.LET

72 Little Turner Street, Abbotsford

67 Drummond Street, Carlton 50 Beaconsfield Parade, Northcote

39 Myrtle Street, Clifton Hill

74 Falconer Street, Fitzroy North

15 Morrah Street, Parkville

SALES HIGHLIGHTS AuGuST – DECEMBEr 2012

Connect with Collins Simms

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2012 Fast Facts about collins simms

Our 2012 AuCTIONSuCCESS rATE FINISHED AT 88%

36% OF PrOPErTIES SOLD WErE $1,000,000+

68% OF PrOPErTIES MArkETED rECEIvED FrEE EDITOrIAL COvErAGE, WITH 34% receiving multiple editorial coverageOur centralised inner-city office celebrated 32 years in Queens Parade

OF PEOPLE ACCESSED Our WEBSITE THrOuGH A MOBILE DEvICE (source: Google analytics)

WE LISTED & SOLD PrOPErTY IN 18 inner-city suburbs

MEET SOME OF THE TEAM

Belinda Lindsay | 0409 853 769

Where did you grow up? IvanhoeWhere do you live now? richmonddescribe your area in five words Eclectic, cosmopolitan, fun, vibrant and unique. What’s your favourite architectural style Edwardiantop tip for selling this summer?Declutter, make sure the garden is

looking great and invest in quality photography.What do you love about summer? Obviously the weather and the busy season.What’s your favourite room in the house and why? Lounge room or yard, places to relax and unwind. Favourite holiday destination? ukWhat is on your shopping wish list this summer? MacBook Pro.

Stefan Dzanovski | 0404 828 723

Where did you grow up? Auckland, New ZealandWhere do you live now? East Melbournedescribe your area in five words A wonderful eclectic mix of people.What’s your favourite architectural style A quality mix of old and newtop tip for selling this summer? Do your homework and make it happencs career highlight to date?Selling the Snowball Factory in Collingwood

What do you love about summer? Time on my rooftop terrace at homeWhat’s your favourite room in the house and why? If I had a library that would be itFavourite holiday destination? Canberra for the Australian bridge championships or Queenstown, NZWhat is on your shopping wish list this summer? A bit of art for the wall