An award-winning agent, Place's Aaron Woolard is the most recommended agent for New Farm and a passionate member of the local community.
Lead Agent for Place New Farm, Aaron Woolard, has been achieving record results in the thriving Brisbane property market for over a decade.
Aaron has developed a stellar reputation over the course of his career, from gaining national recognition as a Rising Star in the industry to securing the top salesperson for Place New Farm and top five in the group since 2015.
Image: Aaron with his Sales Associate for lat four years, Dylan Leone. Source: Aaron WoolardAaron specialises in the inner-city postcodes and is a passionate member of the local community, living and working in the New Farm area. When he’s not walking his dog through these vibrant neighbourhoods, he dabbles in the booming cafe and restaurant culture.
Image: Running across Story Bridge with Pat Carrol Run Club. Source: Aaron WoolardWILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Aaron Woolard about the Brisbane market.
What are your predictions about the market in your area over the next 6-12 months?
The past 12 months have been a really exciting time for the Brisbane market, and I see the current trends continuing for some time to come. With strong demand from Southern buyers looking to move to the Sunshine State, we are still seeing lots of interstate movement, and these buyers are seeking out properties with the best of both location and lifestyle amenities. Brisbane still offers good value for money property in close proximity to the city, and I anticipate that this will continue to be recognised by interstate buyers and locals seeking to upgrade. The low interest rate cycle has also spurred many buyers to take advantage of their increased borrowing capacity which may bring that dream home within reach.
Image: Aaron with husband, Sean. Married at Spicers, Peak Lodge in May 2021. Source: Aaron WoolardAre you noticing a significant change in buyers and sellers after 2020?
I have noticed a significant change in what buyers are looking for and what is motivating sellers to move on and seek out alternative properties. These decisions are largely being driven by the global trends shaping our lifestyles including the requirement for work from home arrangements – buyers and sellers are seeking out larger properties which address these needs. We have also noticed an increase in the desire for “lifestyle” properties offering more than just the basics. People are seeing value in apartment buildings with great amenities and homes which have it all.
Image: 9 Benelong Street, Kedron - For Sale by Aaron Woolard, Place. Source: PlaceWhat advice you would give to vendors for the best outcome?
To work with an agent who has a proven track record of achieving results in your area. A local agent will know the market better than anyone else, and will know the best strategy to maximise your result. Having an agent on your side with a history of successful transactions will put you in a strong position.
Image: 203/1 Gray Street, New Farm Sold by Aaron Woolard Place. Source: PlaceWhat advice do you give buyers?
Align yourself with a local agent and attend as many inspections as possible. Inspecting a wide range of properties will give you a great feel for what you love and what you hate. Building a relationship with an agent will often give you access to pre-launch and off market opportunities which the general public won’t have access to. No property will ever be perfect, so when you find one that ticks most of the important boxes, jump! Hesitating could cost you the property in a busy market.
What are vendors saying?
Many vendors are unprepared for how quickly their property will sell in the current market, when properties often sell at the first open home. As a result, I am finding it really important to understand our vendors timelines before we move forward with a campaign so that we can best accommodate both their needs and those of the buyers.
Image: Maddy Jones, Dylan Leone, Anissa Lamond, Laura Evans and Aaron Woolard of Place New Farm. Source: Aaron WoolardWhat are buyers saying?
Many buyers are frustrated by the speed at which properties are transacting in the current market, and buyers who have missed out on multiple properties are becoming increasingly frustrated.
Where do you see demand coming from?
We are seeing a lot of demand across the market from people moving for lifestyle reasons – upsizing due to the requirement for work from home spaces, downsizing into luxury apartments and lots of first home buyers taking advantage of the low interest rate cycle.
Image: Aaron at cooking class with his mum, Cheryl and life long friend, Steve. Source: Aaron WoolardWhere are the buyers from?
I’ve found that there has been a significant movement of buyers from the Southern states, and we’ve also helped many buyers returning home from overseas. Our local buyers remain in the majority, however there has been a tangible difference in the amount of enquiry coming in from interstate and overseas.
What do you enjoy in your down time outside of real estate?
I’m a real foodie and love exploring the exploding food scene in Brisbane. It’s great to see so many incredible restaurants opening here, and I feel that Brisbane is really growing up as a city. Travel is also a great passion, although understandably this has had to be put on a backburner for now! I’m also into running and make sure to get my exercise fix every morning.
Image: Aaron is training for the 2021 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Source: Aaron WoolardWhat is one thing you have learned over your years as an agent?
Real estate transactions can often be very stressful for both vendors and buyers, and there can be a lot of emotion and tension involved. Having a real understanding of both the vendors and buyers needs and expectations is really important in being able to facilitate a smooth transaction. People want clarity, sincerity and to be valued. My mantra is that people will always remember how you make them feel, and I aim to make both my vendors and buyers feel great about their property transactions.
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