Graduating with degrees in both Law and Science, The Agency’s Sam Hobbs established successful careers in consultancy and as a solicitor before pursuing his long-term interest in real estate. 

As a resident of Port Phillip, Sam lives and breathes his core market.  With thorough knowledge of the area, he truly appreciates its many attractions, valuable insight that has helped him build a huge amount of repeat and referral business.

It’s the relationship building aspect of real estate that Sam finds most appealing.  He enjoys nothing more than exceeding his client’s expectations in terms of the level of service he delivers, and the ultimate result achieved.  

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Source: Sam Hobbs

Sam spoke to WILLIAMS MEDIA about the current market and the outlook for the rest of the year.

What are your predictions for the 2020 luxury market in your area?

People always desire luxury and quality, so provided the property exhibits these attributes, and the location is not compromised, I expect this section of the market will keep performing well in 2020.

What advice you would give to vendors for the best outcome?

Ensure the photos and video are of the highest quality. Pricing is key - most of the best results are still coming through competition so guide prices need to be attractive to drive inspections, offers and ultimately competition between buyers.

Image: 11 St Leonards Avenue St Kilda for sale by Sam Hobbs of The Agency.  Source: The Agency

What advice do you give buyers?

Buyers can easily see properties that are on the internet or in papers, however at this time many properties are being offered by agents without any advertising. It’s a good idea to identify who sells the type of home you are looking for in your preferred area(s) and let the agent(s) know you want access to their off-market properties.

 

What are vendors saying?

Some vendors are seeing attractive opportunities to upsize in the current climate. Others are selling now to downsize.

What are buyers saying? 

Some buyers are saying they will wait to see if the market slows later this year, but in my experience quality property sells well in any market. And don’t forget interest rates are at historic lows.

 

What changes (if any) have you noticed in buyers and sellers since the COVID-19 situation began? 

There are less ‘curious only’ buyers and sellers. People contacting us are wanting to transact not just testing the market or kicking tyres.

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Sam Hobbs with family dog, Bonita. Source: Sam Hobbs

Are the buyers changing? 

Some expats are looking at returning home but inspecting properties at the moment has been an issue. The sub $1M market has been very strong during COVID. The higher priced properties have experienced more caution from buyers with some exceptions.

 

Where do you see demand coming from? 

Buyers moving from interstate and overseas, particularly next year. Astute buyers upsizing is a strong driver.

Where are the buyers from? 

Mostly local and from within the state currently, both looking to upsize or downsize.

What are your interests outside of real estate?

Very keen surfer, travel (pre COVID!) and live music (pre COVID!!).

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Sam Hobbs snowboarding with son Kai. Source: Sam Hobbs

What motivates you in your real estate career?

My motivation is to sell quality family properties that are either currently luxurious or will be after the renovation! Good locations are imperative to this.

What is one thing you have learned over your years as a luxury agent? 

Luxury cannot be faked! People will only pay for the real thing.

 

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