A quick note to update and to thank all those involved in our Amazing Race race for their participation, assistance and donations to what was an awesome day. Your generosity with time, donations, entry and bidding is very much appreciated.

I have a final tally up and if my maths is correct the GRAND total is

$4,233.60!

This gets our relay team over half way to our fundraising goal of $8000 for next years Relay for Life Northland.

Thank you Whangarei!

Click >>> Allens Amazing Race Booking Form

Following the fun and success of last year’s annual Allens Amazing Race fundraiser – which saw more than 12 teams race around in a competitive, fast-paced three hour challenge down to another breathtaking, down-to-the-wire finish – the event is back for another exciting season!

The team, now known as “Ray White Allens” are at it again and, on their quest to raise $8,000 for The Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, are inviting you to take up the challenge.

The Ray White Allens Amazing Race throws competitors into a Whangarei-wide quest to beat overwhelming odds and cliff-hanger challenges in an all-out battle to win and take out the title. Get your friends and colleagues involved as teams (of 4 players) race around the world (well, Whangarei). Teams have to make their way through a series of checkpoints with interactive tasks and challenges (involving both brains and brawn). Whose team will be victorious?

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

The Ray White Allens Amazing Race is open to everyone and is great for friends, families, and colleagues. . You may wish to use the event as a great afternoon team building exercise.

On the Day: 14 October 2011

12.45pm Registration/payment (at Kensington Park Netball Courts).

1.00pm Welcome & pre-race briefing

1.05pm Game On

4.15pm Race ends…perhaps

5.00pm BBQ, Charity Auction & Prize Presentation

Dress Code/ Equipment Required

• Digital camera

• A hockey stick

• A Yo-yo

• Packet of Jetplane lollies

• Car for getting around

• You may get points for your teams dress

$120 per team of four (BBQ available upon completion)

Enter your team by Friday 7 October 2011 – Get in quick as space is limited. Register with Gary Younger, Ray White Allens Goode Leith Realty Ltd, . phone 09 430 3300 or 0800 222 393 email: gary.younger@raywhite.com.

The activity continues in North Crest Drive, Onerahi with Classic Builders having 3 properties underway currently.  The subdivision is certainly growing, both in house numbers and popularity, and fairly soon the choice of sections will be limited.

More Great News

I have recently listed a great section at 10 North Crest Drive, just as you enter the subdivision, and it has a perfectly flat building site.  We have also teamed up with Julie Scott and the Classic Builders design team to come up with a package for the section.

For just $370,000 you can have a brand new  3 bedroom master with ensuite brick & tile home offering relaxed living with great indoor/outdoor flow.

This Price Includes:

Council permits

Floor coverings

Driveway, patio, clothesline &  letterbox

Call or email today for a detailed information pack on this plan option or you can also call Julie at Classic Builders Whangarei to check out their extensive range.

Just back from the rugby and overheard another parent bemoaning the lack of field markings and maps.  Here are the links to the rugby and soccer maps to make it a bit easier to sort the kids on Saturday.  Send one to to the grandparents and co to make it easier for them too!  I will work on the signage too!  Pass it on…

Rugby:  http://www.whangareihomes.com/Kensington%20Whangarei%20Field%20Map.pdf

Soccer: http://www.nff.org.nz/fileadmin/user_upload/Maps/Kensington-Park-field-layout.jpg

We have started to see more first home buyers in the market recently as lower interest rates and prices have combined to improve affordability. Many of these buyers are using the Welcome Home Loan or Kiwisaver Subsidy or withdrawal to achieve this. Could you or someone you know be eligible? It could be enough to make that move from renting to home ownership.

Check or share the link for below information.

Buying Your First Home

It’s been a busy month or so in Onerahi’s North Crest Drive subdivision, with Classic Builders selling both their showhome and a spec home within the space of about a week.  Along with this enquiry were others who missed out so it looks like a few more might be going up soon!

The sale of the showhome has brought about a temporary move to 21 North Crest Drive which Classic Builders have recently finished for a client – this property is on the market and you can click the following link to view – view it here.

There is a new showhome plan underway as well as more house and land packages available.  Visit Classic Builders to see what is you can buy now.

As this activity increased we also had the chance to sit down and review the prices on the available sections.  The prices have all been reduced and we have added a price on the larger Lot 61.  You can view the new prices and a plan of the subdivision on the following link. North Crest Prices.

So now is your chance to get into a fast moving and popular subdivision.  Call me on 0800 222 393 today for your tour.

Great opportunity to purchase a brand new home with loads of extras.  The developers now have plans to move on giving you the opportunity to secure this superb new home well below the rateable value of $410,000.

Three bedroom, 2 bathroom, brick and tile, quality chattels including alarm, ensuite plus separate bathroom all handy to primary schools, shops and city.  The exceptional floor plan contains all the essential elements for today’s busy urban lifestyles along with a relaxed atmosphere for indoor/outdoor living.

Secure it now!

Click here for more

A quick update on the Whangarei real estate market.  It certainly has been an interesting year to date as we work through the effects of the current economic climate.  Buyers are fewer and cautious, while banks are very particular on lending criteria – certainly a change from the heady days of a few years ago.  Looking forward there still seems to be a lot of the effects to work through so it will be slow and steady with plenty of hard yards!

Market Numbers Update

Whangarei City sales have dropped off mid year, a bit seasonal and also the effect of the current economic climate.  Below shows the last quarter numbers.

April           Sales:  88            Days on Mkt:  68              Median:  $292,025

May            Sales:  61            Days on Mkt:  63              Median:  $280,000

June           Sales:  50            Days on Mkt:  46              Median:  $280,000

For more click here:Residential Market Statistics June 2010

Statistics source REINZ sales data