In this week’s issue of TV he notes the sharp decline in consumer and business sentiment readings revealed in recent surveys, hikes in business plans to raise their selling prices, and new weakness in the residential real estate market seen in my monthly survey of agents around the country. Full results will be out after Easter. Have a great break if you can.

At The ProAgent Team, being proactive where it counts is more than just a tagline. It is how we operate, how we think, and how we show up for our clients, especially in times of uncertainty.

Right now, there is a lot happening globally. Economic shifts, rising living costs, and growing concern around fuel availability are starting to influence the way people move, travel, and make decisions. Closer to home, we are also seeing the early signs of what could become a petrol shortage or, at the very least, significantly increased fuel costs. These changes may seem external to the property market, but they directly impact buyer behaviour.

Over the past few weeks, we have noticed something interesting at our open homes. There has been a clear increase in interest from overseas buyers, along with out-of-town purchasers who are carefully considering how and when they travel. Buyers are still active. Demand is still there. But the way people engage with property is evolving.

Rather than waiting to see how this plays out, we have chosen to move early.

The ProAgent Team is now offering virtual open homes across our campaigns. This allows buyers to walk through a property in real time without needing to physically attend. Whether they are based overseas, living in another region, or simply wanting to reduce travel costs, they can still experience the home in a meaningful and interactive way.

This is not just about convenience. It is about removing barriers.

A buyer in Australia can view a property in Titirangi without getting on a plane. A family in another part of Auckland can attend multiple open homes in one afternoon without worrying about fuel costs. Investors can make more informed decisions without delay. And importantly, vendors benefit from a wider, more accessible pool of buyers.

We see this as a natural evolution of how property should be marketed in today’s environment. Technology gives us the ability to stay connected, and it is our responsibility to use it well.

Being proactive where it counts means anticipating change before it becomes a problem. It means recognising shifts in buyer behaviour and adapting quickly. And most importantly, it means doing everything we can to ensure our clients are not limited by circumstances outside their control.

The market is still moving. Buyers are still watching. And at The ProAgent Team, we are making sure they can engage, wherever they are.