Latest news with #JustinTong
News.com.au
07-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
First-home buyer snaps up home after 12-month search
A first-home buyer has scored the keys to a Hoppers Crossing house after 12 months of trying their luck in Melbourne's real estate market. The woman purchased the four-bedroom residence at 8 Woodville Park Drive for $670,000 on the weekend, triumphing over three other bidders. The owner of 25 years, Graham Woods, said he had previously lived at the abode with his wife and stepsons. After moving to a nearby suburb they retained the house, that features an open-plan living area, formal lounge room, pergola and large backyard, as an investment property. Mr Woods' treasured memories of the home included hosting barbecues in the rear garden and installing a bar room. He's a big fan of the location that's near a medical centre, the Pacific Werribee shopping centre, public transport and has a football ground across the road. 'It's pretty close to everything,' Mr Woods said. 'The only reason we're getting rid of it is because I'm moving on.' He said that as he and his wife were planning to move interstate and travel, it would be a relief to not worry about paying the mortgage and council rates on the house. Hockingstuart Werribee director Justin Tong said that the auction began with a $560,000 bid, at the lower end of the $550,000-$600,000 asking range. He called the house on the market at the $615,000 mark. The successful buyer was keen on the home due to Hoppers Crossing train station providing good access to Melbourne's CBD, he added. 'She was excited to buy but I think she stretched herself a bit to do so, she has been looking for 12 months,' Mr Tong said. He added that mostly first-home buyers and investors, including some based interstate, who had shown interest in the home. 'Anything that is presented really well and priced accurately is doing extremely well at the moment which I think is the same across areas,' Mr Tong said. He noted that buyers who were prepared to update their homes through measures such as repainting and updating flooring often got 'a bit more bang for their buck' with move-in ready residences in demand.
News.com.au
25-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Hoppers Crossing seller gains $45k ditching off-market sale
A Melbourne family who almost sold their long-time home off-market have walked away $45,000 richer. The move was thanks to a full-blown campaign that drew a flurry of offers and sealed the deal just days after hitting the market. The owners of 81 Birchwood Boulevard, Hoppers Crossing, had spent 27 years raising their kids in the three-bedroom home before making the emotional decision to sell, and initially tested the waters off-market with another agency. But when early offers failed to stack up, they handed the reins to Hockingstuart Werribee's Justin Tong, and the results were swift. Royals, Marvel's multimillion-dollar deal revealed 'It was off-market for about a month and they were only receiving offers up to $680,000,' Mr Tong said. 'We launched a full advertising campaign, had 14 groups through at the first open, received three written offers and sold it on the Sunday.' The property ultimately sold for $728,000, and Mr Tong said the sellers couldn't have been happier. 'They were ecstatic, really happy they chose the advertised approach,' he said. 'It ended up getting them $45,000 more than what they were being offered previously, so they were definitely pleased.' According to property records, the home last sold for $124,000 in 1997, marking a more than five-fold increase over the family's near three-decade ownership. And it wasn't just a standout for sentiment. The result also outpaced the local median, with the latest PropTrack data showing the median house price in Hoppers Crossing is now $630,000, up 4.1 per cent over the past year. The red brick residence sits on a substantial 730sq m block and features multiple living areas, a spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, and a huge pergola designed for entertaining, complete with ceiling fan, potbelly stove and room to dine alfresco no matter the season. A lush, tree-lined backyard adds to the home's tranquil appeal, while rare gated side access and a double garage make it a standout for tradies, hobbyists or families needing extra space. Mr Tong said letting go was bittersweet for the vendors, who raised their children there and had deep roots in the neighbourhood. 'It was an emotional sale for them, but they're downsizing and making a tree change to the Otways, so it's also an exciting next chapter,' he said. The Hockingstuart Werribee director said while off-market campaigns had grown in popularity, sellers should think twice before skipping open inspections. 'Some buyers are trying to avoid competition, they want to secure something without going head-to-head at open homes or auctions,' Mr Tong said. 'But that's exactly why I don't recommend off-market selling for most vendors. You risk leaving money on the table.' 'The reality is, the best buyer for your property might not be working with the agent you've initially chosen. 'If you're not putting your home in front of the entire marketplace, you're limiting your chances of getting the best result.'
