How good has it been to finally see restaurants packed, streets full of people and some real activity happening across the CBD and shops again?
How good has it been to finally see restaurants packed, streets full of people and some real activity happening across the CBD and shops again? With the Easter school holidays in full swing it has been absolutely fantastic to see people once again flocking to Cairns and the Far North for their holidays, many returning for the first time in a year (or 3) after lockdowns and the hesitancy around the Omicron strain over Christmas.
Among those holiday-makers, we have also been seeing an influx of enquiry as Sydneysiders, Melbournites (I hope I got those right) and others look once again at making Cairns their 2nd home or investment. In the 24 hours prior to writing this I found myself meeting one couple on their way to picking up a campervan for the road trip, and another fresh from the airport and on a taxi-tour of homes on a whirlwind visit. With this time of year traditionally (read: pre-covid) a big declaration of “open for business” in real estate here in Cairns, its again very encouraging to see some traditions still ringing true, especially after so many norms have been thrown out the window.
The positioning of Easter this year however, with THREE LONG WEEKENDS IN A ROW, is a godsend for those looking for an opportunity to kick back and relax (or move house – lucky me!) but can throw a couple of challenges in the way of prepping a home for sale and getting on market in the next 4 weeks.
Long weekends mean short weeks – and tighter availability of tradies and photographers to get the last-minute jobs done and things looking as sparkly as they should be. For those working to a deadline, this is the time to roll up your sleeves and make sure you are booking people in as far in advance as you can. Paint, flooring and gardening remain the best bang for your buck activities, though for the incredible price of FREE, a good declutter does wonders.
Once on market, you might also find things a little different as long weekends aren’t typically as open home friendly as your average Saturday as buyers take an opportunity to relax or go away. On the flipside, expect to see plenty of private inspection requests as people take the time to check things out online and making enquiries to suit more flexible schedules. Keep in mind though, agents are as likely as anyone to put their own feet up on Public Holidays, so stay patient and enjoy plenty of chocolate in the meantime!
Tom Quaid is the REIQ Zone Chair for Cairns