Times Property Square - Article in Times Property on 4th July 2009
Take the Consultancy Cue
Times Property Square that was held on June 27 and 28 was a reflection of how real estate consultancy has matured into being a key to finding the best realty solutions
The traditional image one conjures up when the term 'broker' or 'agent' is mentioned is not-sopositive. They used to be seen as mercenary Shylock-like people better known for their shady unethical, purely commercial concerns. However all that is set to change if some of the recent developments are anything to go by. Brokers are now not only seen as useful, necessary go betweens who can help find the right fit between buyer and seller or owner and tenant, but are also being approached by a more diverse set of clients seeking high quality services.
In a unique attempt to facilitate the exchange of ideas between real estate consultants and buyers,Times Property in association with Andhra Pradesh Realtors Association (APRA) organised an event Times property Square, that brought the two together on a common platform.
The recently organised show brought to the fore the channelised and transparent way brokers work and how they almost double up as personal consultants providing realty solutions.The show saw the participation of an enthused bunch of consultants offering a slew of real estate solutions that extended way beyond commission based buying. Simplifying the home buying exercise, the 14 APRA members who participated in the show assisted visitors with brokerage services, project promotion, project development, property management, plot management, affordable housing, warehousing and web-based assistance. State Bank of India extended financial advice to visitors.
"Consultancy business grows by networking, and it is such platforms where we meet like minded people sharing similar business interests. Also, after the recent price corrections, the real estate sector is witnessing heightened activity and the buyers once again are looking for value-for-money deals. Times Property Square has helped us explore business opportunities with such a set of genuinely interested buyers who are willing to invest with a long term view," said Raj Padmanabhan of R&R Associates. Among the many visitors were people looking for rental houses and commercial space, investors looking for pre tenanted properties for rental income, buyers looking for plots for long and short term investments and owners of properties wanting to sell or lease them out.
Times Property Square gave an insight and revision, of sorts about the current market status. With the maximum number of enquiries being for the 30 to 60 lakh range housing options, economical projects received an overwhelming response. A lot of young investors enquired about projects nearing completion and also emphasised on knowing the credentials and past record of builders. Seemingly well-informed, buyers were exploring bargain deals that offered quality amenities, connectivity to the city and commitment for timely completion.
"The two day show saw a lot of walk-ins leading to site visits the same day and next. We received hordes of inquiry calls throughout the week that followed site visits. Some of them, we expect, will eventually materialise into business deals," said Aju Thomas, Director, ASA Management Consultants. Receiving phenomenal response, Ghar4u.com, another exhibitor closed deals for two DLF apartments on the very day of the show. Lanar Realtors too closed a couple of lease transactions and are expecting another three apartment sales to materialise.
While the exhibitors were impressed with the kind of business they did, the visitors on the other hand appreciated the range of choices made available to them under one roof. With projects suiting almost all budget and location preferences, the show had something in store for all. "Painting a larger than life picture, developers often make tall claims to market their projects.
With so many of them now dotting the market, the show helped me touch base with consultants who gave me a real status report of the projects, informing me about the track record and authenticity of these companies. This hopefully will help me make a well-informed investment," said Col Jaidev Reddy, who is planning to buy a house in Hyderabad for his post retirement life.
"Events like Times Property Square act as one stop solution providers for realty services. Bringing all the leading consultants of the city together is a great idea simply because it spares the buyer of the extensive research he has to do before making a real estate investment," said the chief guest K S Jawahar Reddy, Commissioner, HMDA appreciating the initiative.
The positive response generated by the event is indicative of the increasing momentum in the real estate market that is only going to add to the growth story of the city. With real estate valuations at their realistic best, this appears to the best time for a long term, profitable investment.
Times Property Square - Article in Times Property on 4th July 2009
