Buying Sight Unseen

At first it was a trickle, then it was a flood — we’ve seen more and more people buying Far North properties “sight unseen.” Of course, the extended lockdown in Auckland contributed, but it’s not just that. People in NZ and abroad are becoming much more comfortable with browsing and buying virtually — even when it comes to a purchase as important as property. 

Take for example our recently sold property at 21 Grey Street in Mangonui. After just one week on the market we had 7 offers, and 5 of them were from purchasers who had never viewed the property in person. Not only did we get a great price for the vendor, but we also had a very happy purchaser. Excellent photos and a video walkthrough gave buyers the confidence they needed to make an offer sight unseen.

What does that mean for you if you’re selling? First, it dramatically widens your audience of buyers, which is great news. Second, it means that the impression your property makes online is of paramount importance as now it’s often your only impression. We always prioritised getting great photos (which can sometimes require staging), but in the past a video walkthrough might have been optional. Now it’s our standard approach — and we’re seeing fantastic payoffs for our vendors. 

Local spotlight: Nic and Ria Mathieson, aka The Danes

Hailing originally from Denmark but now happily settled in Coopers Beach, Nic and Ria Mathieson (aka The Danes) are bringing their Scandinavian design approach to the Far North. Whether it’s measuring their client’s canola oil bottles to ensure a perfect fit in their kitchen cabinets, or handcrafting custom outdoor furniture on World War II-era machines (they’re just better, says Nick), the Mathiesons bring a spirit of excellence to everything they do. Find out more about their distinctive approach here.