RAY White Orange principal Libby Seaman says selling Housing NSW homes to a first-time buyer is always rewarding.
RAY White Orange principal Libby Seaman says selling Housing NSW homes to a first-time buyer is always rewarding.
“It’s great, they’re excited and they’re grateful,” Ms Seaman said.
“Ninety per cent have never purchased a property before.”
In November Ray White took over the contract to sell ex-Housing NSW properties in Orange.
Since then it has sold 18 properties, with another six set to go to auction on February 27.
Ms Seaman expected the properties to be snapped up quickly.
“It’s an opportunity for people to enter the market at a low price,” Ms Seaman said.
Ms Seaman said the philosophy behind Housing NSW’s sell-off was a plan to increase the number of owner-occupied homes in Bowen and Glenroi.
The fact that once sold all of the ex-Housing NSW homes must be occupied by its owner for seven years helps keep the house prices “realistic” and prevents investors trying to make a quick dollar.
It also means the houses are sold for around $50,000 less than they’d be worth if they didn’t have the owner-occupier restrictions, Ms Seaman said.
“Generally most landlords don’t maintain houses to the same high standard as people who live in their own homes,” she said.
“Home owners move in and do whatever needs to be done to make the property a home.
“They really take pride in their house.”
Ms Seaman said most of the houses have good carpet and paintwork with kitchens that are less than five years old.
“I think these houses are bargains and fabulous stepping stones,” she said.
Ms Seaman said while she’s aware Bowen and Glenroi have bad reputations, this is changing.
“It’s just a mindset that West (Orange) is best,” she said.
“It’s not true.”
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
