When it rains it pours

As I return to work after a great break over Christmas the horrific Queensland floods serve as a sobering reminder of the true value of property.

For most of us the purchase of a house is our biggest lifetime investment and much of the discussion around real estate is about ‘cost’, ‘value’ and ‘return’.  However as we watch the devastating pictures out of Queensland, and now in Victoria and Tasmania, we are confronted with the reality that a house represents so much more than just an investment.

It is a home. A place of family and treasured memories.

The pictures of the homes destroyed by the floods are as heartbreaking as the strength of will demonstrated by the residents to rebuild and stay positive is heartwarming.

So as another year of intense speculation begins about the existence of a property bubble, the level of interest rates and the possible impact of ongoing economic explosions in Europe I think it would serve all in the real estate industry well to reflect.

We often focus as real estate agents is to ensure the property is suitable, affordable and a good investment.

The reality is we are in the business of helping people find the right property to become a home. 

That’s a pretty good job.