The recent slowdown in the property market has inspired a Kiama agency to think outside the box.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Prior to recently returning to the real estate industry, Zest Real Estate sales agent Margo Lang worked as a nurse in Kiama's aged care sector for several years.
The Kiama-based agency recently launched a discount package for seniors who list their property with them.
She said the initiative was motivated by the state of and demographics within the Kiama area's market.
"The market is now showing form that it's picking up again, but the market a couple of months ago was quite unstable and had dropped quite a lot in the previous six months," she said.
"Also, Kiama and Gerringong have always been an exclusive market area.
"We also have a large proportion of our population that are over 65 in Kiama and Gerringong."
Only sellers over 65 years of age or with a seniors' card are eligible for the initiative, called the 'Exclusive Seniors' Package'.
"So it's mostly people over 65, but I'm already doing one for a lady who is 61 years of age," Ms Lang said.
As part of the package, they offer a discounted rate on the agency's commission and marketing costs.
"We can't say how much the discount is, because someone's bound to copy us," Ms Lang said.
The package also contains information about the process of selling your home.
"We have an extensive pack with everything a senior would need to know from start to finish about listing their property," Ms Lang told the Mercury.
"It's very personal, it's like holding their hand all the way through the process."
The agency has also struck an arrangement with a Kiama bank, medical practice, solicitor and various tradespeople.
They have 27 tradespeople on board in the area - including electricians, gyprockers and painters - who will give customers with the seniors package a discounted rate on their work or service.
For instance, the solicitor offers a reduced rate on conveyancing fees.
"We have already obtained new listings from this proposal and believe that as our seniors are a huge part of the community, we want them to benefit from our personal services," Ms Lang said.
