GPTV Ep. 409 - Your weekly dose of optimism!

Presented by Phillip Kingston & Gary Peer 

Transcript

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Phillip Kingston 00:10
Hello, and welcome to GPTV on the very best Tuesday that we've had for many, many
months, Gary, Tuesday the 29th of September. My name is Philip Kingston.

Gary Peer 00:20
I'm Gary Peer, Phil it's a sunny day and there's lots of sunshine because we're back. We're
open!

Phillip Kingston 00:26
We are going to now shout out to our favourite premier Dan Andrews, the man that we
now absolutely love because he looked down upon the real estate industry and led us out
of exile and brought us into the land of being able to show people through houses. So for
all of those people that think this is a right wing show, we're right behind our premiere
now.

Gary Peer 00:49
He's the 'Moses of real estate' Phil, that's what they call him the 'Moses of real estate'.

Phillip Kingston 00:53
Out of the darkness Gary.

Gary Peer 00:55
He parted the waters and he put out an open for inspection sign. And here we are, Phil, for
the Moses of real estate, how can anybody do anything but admire him for that Phil. Here
we are Phil, we are like in the depths of spring we are getting right into it. And the racing
season I had two runners on Saturday and both came third - Order of Command will be
back and natural choice for the guineas Phil.

Phillip Kingston 01:19
Had two thirds, third last or third at the front?

Gary Peer 01:22
Two thirds was a chaotic aspect. Such as racing season, it's of course, property time Phil.
And of course, for people in the Jewish faith. It was the Day of Atonement yesterday, as
you would well be aware. And of course, you know the day to atoning for your sins. And of
course, a lot of people in the Jewish dream said look, praying to God and saying whatever
we do on court last year, we're really sorry, because we don't want another year like the
one we've had now. So I think there's been quite a bit atoning happening Phil.

Phillip Kingston 01:34
Well, Gary, clearly not enough, because I never got a phone call from you beating
forgiveness.

Gary Peer 01:56
No. Well, that's because I haven't done anything wrong. So if you haven't done anything
wrong. There's no reason to, to atone, Phil, so it's all good. But you know, it's been an
interesting time. And of course, the curfews gone Phil so the dog has clipped his paws with
bling, because we can walk around the streets at midnight, one o'clock in the morning,
which is what we like doing. So things are on the up, this is a very optimistic episode Phil,
don't you think?

Phillip Kingston 02:20
Well, they've increased the fines, Gary, just so that we can move past all of this, they've
increased the font size, the font for breaking the curve, well, not the curfew, but for
breaking the smear, the agreement has gone up from $1649, to just under $5,000, Gary
and just imagine if you were to have a party and invite 10 friends over that would be a
$50,000 party if the police came knocking on your door. So make sure that we all observe
the spirit of the new regulations.

Gary Peer 02:49
So you don't get to split it. Because if you only split the party is big enough, and you split
one fine, not so expensive isn't really?

Phillip Kingston 02:57
They're pretty serious about this. But look, it's a good, we've got the daily averages down
significantly, the death rate thankfully has fallen dramatically. So these are all good signs.
And as we all start to go back to work, we've just got to remember that this is a silent
killer, Gary, that is out there. And we've got to do all that we can to ensure that this doesn't
have a third wave.

Gary Peer 03:25
I don't know, you didn't have the choppers over here. But I had the choppers over here
one night last week, it was interesting looking up here and those choppers going - thought
"what is going on here?". But anyway, these are, as everybody says, unprecedented times,
and we're getting through it. And I just want to shout out to our team because all of our
team. And of course, if you're a sales agent, Phil, as we have so many of, it hasn't been
particularly great fun for them. Because you haven't been able to make the sale. You
haven't been able to meet anybody to get instructions to sell or though we have got
instructions to sell play property still. But it has been very hard for them Phil for our team,
people have been missing the office. I mean, Lord knows when we're in the office, they
usually roll their eyes when we walk past and say, "Oh, I wish they weren't here so often" but
now I feel a bit of love Phil because they're saying "we actually miss you!". So there's a
message in that, for us some optimism Phil, this is a very optimistic episode.

Phillip Kingston 04:18
This is the start of October, Gary. And keep in mind under normal times, we'd be saying
Okay, we've got 12 weeks to go before the end of the year, which we still essentially have 
12 or 13 weeks to go, having said that, all indications are that this is going to be a longer
season to try to make up for lost ground. Interestingly, that buyers are out - We know this
because the online inquiry is right up there. Certainly we can measure online inquiry. So I
think as of this week, Gary, you're going to see sales happening all around Melbourne. And
I think there's going to be a bit of a rush, a pre Christmas rush, to bed down a sale.

Gary Peer 04:58
Now Phil, I'm going to move on in a second but before I do - one commentator who's a
little bit comedic, property expert and commentator said that Estate Agents are going to
be playing like teachers now, or police people. So you know, if people are in the inspection
too long, it's 16 minutes and then out you go, don't touch anything. So, you know, we've
got to be very, very much in control of the inspection experience. Now, Phil, because the
trust is they put their hands. So we want to make sure our team don't let down what we
are required to do. The other thing to move on and talk about is the economist Nerida
Conisbee, the chief economist from REA gave us a great, big injection of hope Phil. She
was a another shining light in this time of darkness, and has been certainly plenty of, but a
lot blaring through now, blazing through. Interesting observation Phil that she had to
make about the market and her predictions. One of the comments, of course, is that
people haven't been spending much money, they've been saving. And of course, most
importantly, she thinks that the market's going to come back. I wouldn't say bouncing,
unbelievably strong, but pretty solid, I would say she felt that it was going to be pretty
solid, your thoughts?

Phillip Kingston 06:11
Well, for the viewers that don't quite know what you're talking about. Gary, we had a
zoom conference with the chief economist from REA. And we had a number of GPTV
watchers in our clients as part of that, together with our entire team. I was a little bit
concerned because we invited her on not knowing exactly what she was going to say. And
effectively if it hadn't been doom and gloom, I think she would have spoken in mind. But
she was very upbeat, very optimistic, and talking in terms of the property market is going
to have a very, very busy three or four months. And she felt, coming out of lockdown, if
anything, the market was going to push forward, as opposed to stagnating or going
backwards. So we certainly can measure online activity, as I said before, but all
indications are that people - you know, if you think about it, there's been a lot of people
through this entire COVID process that have been in businesses or professions that have
been relatively unaffected. And those people are certainly sitting on more money today
than what they were six or seven months ago having not been on holidays having not
consumed much. So I think that if anything too, whether you're a first time buyer, second 
homebuyer, third homebuyer or or downsizer - the home has become much more in focus.
I think people are really zeroing in on the fact that feature comforts of a home are
absolutely everything. And we've been saying that for generations that the home is
everybody's castle. But I think people have got a new understanding of what they want in
a home. And I think you'll see a bit of a buyer activity just for people, for example, saying I
want a bigger back garden or I want a bigger family room or I want a study. So all of
these things are going to push forward, I think in terms of people changing their homes
that might not have under normal circumstances.

Gary Peer 08:03
Well the study was mentioned as a big one Phil, and I think a lot of people now will be
looking for the extra space. And that's certainly a bit of a tip that we got from Leah, that
people are talking about study looking at the study inquiring online about the study. Also
interesting when she named areas that people looked in or looking in. Elsternwick I think
was on top of the list in terms of most search suburbs. So those are of course the areas we
operate form a nice little cosy ring around Elsternwick Phil. So that was also, I thought, an
interesting kind of telltale of what suburb is being sought after. And of course, a lot of
people looking at areas, regional areas now thinking maybe I'll downsize, have a city pad,
go and have a place in the country somewhere or a little bit further out also as another
interesting comment. But overall, I took a lot of optimism from that Phil, because you
would have thought, well, you know, there's so much gloom and doom being reported, you
would have thought, gee, there's unemployment and there's problems out there. How's the
market gonna hold up? But it's held up in Sydney. And it looks like if Leah, I beg your
pardon, if Nerida is correct, because I've got information from Leah today as well, but if
Nerida is correct, then the market is going to hold up and we know there's a lot of people
itching, scratching, keen to get out there looking at property Phil, that's happening now!

Phillip Kingston 09:19
Talking about itching, scratching and keen Gary, it's probably the perfect segue to talk
about what I've been watching over the last week. And you probably think, what possible
connection is there? There's none, but I thought I'd just move you on. Watching two things
which I want you to watch Gary, because, you know, to the people that have said that this
is a right wing show, you are very much that part of the right wing. So I've been watching
two shows that I can thoroughly recommend and I would love you to watch because I
think that this would educate you. But I've been watching the series on Netflix about
Hillary Clinton. It's a four part series, essentially the life and times of Hillary Clinton. I
learned a lot out of that. was the most probably one of the most extraordinary four part
series I've ever watched. Having finished that. The thing that really is extraordinary is Tony, 
which is also a four part series about Comey, who is the head of the FBI that
undertook the investigation of Hillary Clinton and the email scandal. Absolutely riveting
and fantastic watching. And I would urge all of those Democrats supporters and all of
those Republicans to watch this because I think that they can all learn something from it.

Gary Peer 10:35
Well, they you go Phil. To think that I thought I was being educated by watching the
Jeffrey Epstein series, which was also I thought very interesting. But anyway, look, I don't
know whether after this next few weeks we'll ever be talking about miniseries anymore,
because we're going to be back. I mean, I know we've both been busy anyway, but we're
going to be very, very, very busy. I think the telly is going to be off and I won't be watching
so much of CNN as I have been notwithstanding you talking about my right leanings.
Because I like to see what both sides are saying Phil, I love to go back and forth between
the two at 2am when I am when I'm doing my best telly watching work. But anyway, with
election coming up here as well. I mean, could there be much more happening in the
world then COVID, elections, property market, racing season for some? I mean, it's just
unbelievable, football Grand Final. I mean, how much is going on out here? It's crazy talk.

Phillip Kingston 11:28
Just a bit of a shout out to Melbourne because ultimately, as much as we've suffered
through this lockdown, I still think whatever happens in Melbourne, it is still the most
liveable city of the best country of the world. So, shout out to all Melburnians as we start to
shake off the remnants of lockdown. I still think it's the best city - where else would you
prefer to live? Other than Sydney...

Gary Peer 11:58
Sydney or Queensland? Yeah.

Phillip Kingston 12:01
Or Perth.

Gary Peer 12:02
Yeah, exactly. Right. Or perhaps Darwin.

Phillip Kingston 12:04
Adelaide was looking pretty good.

Gary Peer 12:06
Okay, yeah, I think that comment 'who wants to know Adelaide?' was probably one of the
comments that maybe the premier, in retrospect, would have preffered not to have said.
But Phil, I've always been the most proud to be Melburnian, But I think we've got some
work to do to get things back on track - and no doubt resilient Victorians with their
innovation and resilience will make sure those things get back on track.

Phillip Kingston 12:28
Well let's move into some real estate Gary, what's been happening over the last week? I
see we've made some sales which is good. Obviously not the same volume but in
lockdown period. I see our new projects division has been busy in Westbury Street in East
St Kilda.

Gary Peer 12:44
Phil, we've made a few sales and paid a few bills, not sure we paid them off for the month
that's another story, but we have paid a few bills made a few sales. This project at 95
Westbury Street Phil, that's a very exciting one. What a great street Westbury Street is and
of course, you know, I used to work at the milk bar in the corner of Westbury Street and
Alma Road, it was called the Westbury Walkabout for those people who have been
around a long time Phil. I used to stack crates and mop and clean the floor for $1 an hour
but they pay me cash which was good. So I know that straight well remember well, and it
used to be an Okay, not great street. It's become a great street Phil.

Phillip Kingston 13:19
If you think about Gary, Westbury Street is the connector between Carlisle Street and
Dandenong Road and you couldn't get better access to facilities from Westbury street.
Shout out to Julian Millman who, together with the new projects division, had a project at
number 95 Westbury Street, which only settles in about five weeks time that is it's being
built and will have its new occupants moving in in five weeks time. Didn't stop him from
selling all 15 right through COVID. And he's now moved on with the same developer to 105
Westbury street where there was 14 in that building and he's already sold two, a great two
bedroom ground floor apartment and a great first floor apartment one bedroom.

Gary Peer 14:03
You got those numbers mixed up Phil, it's 95 now that's on the market and 105 sold. That's
ok, doesn't matter.

Phillip Kingston 14:11
Just making sure that you're paying attention, I knew that...

Gary Peer 14:14
Yeah, well I like how you keep me on my toes like that Phil, it's good. It's a healthy thing to
do. 95, one bedroom sold here for $495,000 a two bedroom at $849,000. If people are
curious about what you would have to pay to get a not good but a magnificent
apartment in Westbury Street so $495,000, $849,000. So it's good to see our project
marketing team still making sales Phillip, even in this lockdown time. And that's just
another example of it. We sold property in Robert Street so well done there to Arlene.
Robert Street in Bentleigh and that is number 4/77 Robert Street, looking at the site here
Phil I got the details. We also sold 53 Bealiba Road, which is another property that sold.
It's denied you an auction Phil, the price is undisclosed. So another sale has happened and
we sold an apartment, Joel Ser, 15/129 Kambrook Road has also sold Phil there. So well
done to Joel Ser, busy, busy man is he. Phil we've got a feature property today to talk
about, you know this one.

Phillip Kingston 15:16
Before we jump into the feature property Gary, I think it's probably prudent that we just let
all our viewers know what we can and can't do in the property market at the moment. So
viewers, if you've been itching to get out and have a look at a property, or you've been
thinking about getting your property on the market, the rules as of 11:59 on Sunday night,
that's just past, were that we can now show buyers through one on one, that is one agent
and one buyer. Although, one buyer is now described as the principal buyer, but can bring
through their, as long as it's from the same family, they can bring their partner, their
intimate partner, as long as from the same family and their children. So it's not as though
the man or the woman or the woman and the woman or the man and the man have to
go through, they can bring the entire family through, as long as it's from the same family.

Gary Peer 16:14
Only 15 minutes Phillip?

Phillip Kingston 16:15
Only 15 minutes - and we've got to have a COVID plan, Gary, which is a simply, we've got
to ask you whether you're feeling okay before you come through. Naturally, if you're not
feeling okay, please go and have a COVID test. We've got to sanitise your hands before
you go in, well, that can't be a bad thing. And then of course, we've got to have you in the
property for 15 minutes or less. And we've got to register you so that should there be a
COVID outbreak somewhere we're able to trace you back. So we'd ask that the viewers if
you're going to go and inspect the property, try and keep your touching of surfaces of the
home to an absolute minimum. If there's absolutely no reason to open a cupboard or a
drawer we would ask you not to. In fact, just put your hands in your pocket as you wander
through the home and resist all temptation.

Gary Peer 17:07
Exactly right and only 15 minutes Phillip. 15 minutes, the alarm goes off and you're out of
there because the 16 minute is the dangerous minute Philip so you can't be there for more
15 minutes because once you go there overtime, everything starts breaking down. So
that's the time frame that's been decreed. Anyway...

Phillip Kingston 17:25
You need to get in touch with your favourite agent, or even your least favourite agent, and
say I'd like to have a private inspection. Obviously, all of our sales people are actually
sitting by the phone as we speak, Gary, waiting for your call. But certainly all you've got to
do is make a phone call to your agent and say 'Can I have a look through our property?'
and they will make a private appointment for you. That's what our sales people will now
be doing seven days a week. We're not yet back to open for inspections. But seven days a
week almost 24/7 Gary, we will be taking people through properties on a private basis.
One of the things that we've just ask the buying public to do is to really work out whether
you do want to have a look through a property before you make that appointment and I
just asked have a look at it on Google Maps, have a look on Google Earth, really research
it online, maybe even doing a drive by the property first. Because we'd much rather be
showing people through well qualified before they actually go through somebody's home.

Gary Peer 18:27
Good comment Phil absolutely right guys. As I say, our people are waiting by the phone
Philip you will get through if not they'll call you bet very quickly because they're good
callers back I believe - which not all agents are Phil but I got to say to you we are ready to go 
ready to show and getting very, very excited about the months ahead and of course in
three weeks time, it could well be a very different situation again. It could be on site
auctions and of course we're getting really excited about that. Phil we got one property to
talk about today. Our property of the week I want you to lead away - we've got some
images on the screen now 3/152 Orrong Road - how about this magnificent home Phil tell
us about.

Phillip Kingston 19:09
Gary what an unbelievable home. This property is brand new they've just managed to
finish it off through COVID. This is the most incredible property, one of only three and this
is the front home. And it is over two stories as you can see but it comes complete with its
own internal lift. The surfaces. the decor, the attention to detail, the quality of the finishes,
the floor plan is nothing short of incredible. Complete of course with double lockup
garage and beautiful courtyard gardens. That kitchen meals family room is nothing short
of fabulous and the main bedroom, Gary, you can either have a main bedroom up on the
first floor or a main bedroom on the ground floor. This is really the most beautiful home
and of course set in that very exclusive part of Orrong Road. Which is between Balaklava
Road and Orrong Road where you've got the magnificent plain tree scape and
streetscape. And of course, you've got access to Carlisle Street, you've got access to Glen
Eira Road village, you've got access to the Caulfield junction, you really couldn't get a
more beautiful development.

Gary Peer 20:18
I'm going to call the flexible, functional and fantastic Phil, if that's okay with you. That's
how I'm going to describe that property and a couple of other things to get through
quickly and we are going to have an interview, Phil, I've asked you to set that up. So
you've got to make sure that there is that zoom interview of a very well known local
person.

Phillip Kingston 20:35
I've said that up as we speak, Gary, not so easy, but we may be able to land it. So stay
tuned.

Gary Peer 20:42
Stay tuned. And of course, the great drawing competition Phillip draws to a conclusion
next week. So for those drawers, you get an extra week, rush in your drawing about the post 
COVID world and how it looks for you and things you're looking forward to doing.
And we're gonna give you the finalists next week. We've got a lovely, lovely of course
prize, supporting local businesses with a Las Chicas, LAS CHICAS as you say with a
voucher of $200 and you win $100 for second - go and get some great takeaway or go
and enjoy it once it's open. Hopefully our cafes will be open Phil because Lord knows they
are hurting right now and we're missing them. Now that's a big wrap on GPTV on this late
September episode, Phil, the episode of optimism, of light, of hope, of positivity. There's
lots going on. I'm looking forward to a big, big spring now showing people through homes,
starting up auctions and inspections. It's all happening. That's a big wrap for me, Phil,
anything further from you?

Phillip Kingston 21:40
No, I think let's just have a great week and let's make it the most productive, fabulous end
of 2020. We can't wait to wrap this year up.

Gary Peer 21:50
That's for sure. But won't be wrapping up quickly because there's lots of work to do. I'm Gary Peer.

Phillip Kingston 21:55
I'm Philip Kingston, have a fantastic week.