Grape Escapes within Easy Reach of Brisbane

Grape Escapes within easy reach of Brisbane:

Inspiration for the upcoming weekend….? For those that don;t have to work of course….

Wineries within reach of Brisbane

Tip Sheet – Childproofing Your Home

As mentioned in our previous post “Child Proof Your Home” – The following are some handy tips and hints on how to childproof the home – increasingly a necessary must for homeowners and investors alike.

Kitchen and Wet Areas:

• Scald-preventing devices are installed on bathroom taps, so the temperature of bathwater can be measured, and the water thermostat is turned down to 37 degrees Celsius.
• Unplug and store all electrical gadgets. Install latches and/or locks on cabinets, drawers and lids (toilets are a great place for kids to throw items into).
• Keep handles and cords out of reach by facing handles into the centre of the stove, bench or towards the rear wall.
• Cords should be kept short.
• Store cleaning supplies, hygiene products and other points and dangerous items such as razors, knives, etc in a locked closet or cabinet.
• Living and Sleeping Areas: Securely attach entertainment and shelving units to the wall to prevent them falling onto, or being pulled down by, a child.
• Place screens, preferably wall mounted, around fireplaces, radiators and other heating units.
• Shorten strings and cords on curtains and blinds or tie them up as high as possible to avoid children becoming tangled in them.
• Remove any poisonous plants and ensure house plants are kept out of a child’s reach.

Outdoor Areas:

• Ensure pools, and spas, are fully fenced, with well-maintained, self-closing gates.
• Fence off play areas from the street and the driveway because cars and kids don’t mix.
• Safely store mobile BBQ’s, and ensure they are properly covered when not in use.

Handy Hint – Deposits

Whether or not a deposit is paid has nothing to do with whether or not a contract is binding. It is a myth that buyers may withdraw from a contract prior to paying their deposit.

The only criteria that must be met to establish a binding contract are –

1. the buyer and the seller have signed the contract; and
2. the buyer or buyer’s agent have “received” a copy of the contract

Beat Future Rate Rises

As consumer confidence continues to fall in the face of increasing concerns over future rate rises, Ray Ellis, Chief Executive of First National Real Estate advises home owners to plan now to avoid unnecessary stress and the potential of losing the family home.

While the Reserve Bank has held interest rates for the time being, further rate rises in 2010 are inevitable, along with the strong possibility that living costs will also go up,” Mr Ellis said.

“Which is why we are suggesting people take a good look at the household budget and start factoring in how they will meet these challenges in the coming year.

“Even a 1 per cent increase in interest rates, which is expected by the end of 2010, will translate to extra repayments of $193 per month on a $300,000 home loan, which may force many homeowners to default on their mortgages and lose much of the value they have built up in their homes.

“But there are some simple steps we advise homeowners should consider when planning for these future interest rate rises.”

Minimise the home loan balance.  Pay off as much as you can over and above the minimum monthly repayments.  There are a number of ways this can be done, including making fortnightly rather than monthly repayments; putting any additional cash into the mortgage (e.g. live off the amount of last year’s wages and put any wage increases into the home loan), chart spending and expenses and any surplus achieved as a result should go into the mortgage.

Consider re-financing.  There are often better deals to be found in a competitive market and even a small reduction in the home loan rate can significantly reduce the mortgage over the long term.   Even if you do not re-finance, make sure the valuation on your home is up to date and reflects recent price increases.

Prepare a budget.  Draw up a budget, clearly outlining all your expenses and spending and factor in rates 2 per cent above the actual current level.

Consolidate Debt.  Put all debts under the one umbrella – the housing loan.  Home loan rates are often much lower than those of credit cards or car and personal loans.
 
“Your home is not just your major asset, it is also where you live, so it is important that it does not cause you stress,” Mr Ellis said.

Prepare Your Home For A Hot Sale This Summer

Spring and summer are the most popular months to sell a home and First National Real Estate has some advice on how to make your home the hot item this summer.

According to Ray Ellis, CEO of First National Real Estate, homebuyers’ thoughts will naturally turn to patios, outdoor entertaining areas, landscaping, air conditioning and pools during the warmer months.

“First impressions are critical and nothing is more off-putting to a buyer than entering a stuffy, hot house on a 30-degree day, which is why it’s important to make your home summer-friendly,” Mr Ellis said.

“With sunny days and gorgeous blue skies, everything is on display. Flowers will be in full bloom, trees will be fully leaved and yards should be kept as tidy as possible.”

Walking through the front door, homeowners should assess the first impressions created and position furniture so that rooms have an ‘open’ feel. Place fresh flowers in vases and pictures on the wall to give the property extra vibrancy. Remove any clutter, and while family photos are great, limit them to no more than three. Be sure to have the kitchen and bathroom spotless and any used towels replaced with clean ones.

Most importantly, ensure any items requiring maintenance have been taken care of such as door handles, torn fly screens, broken window latches, light switches, light shades, leaking taps, doors opening and closing properly and clean carpets.

“If you have air conditioning, make sure it is in good working order and put it on when you are expecting potential buyers to be coming through,” Mr Ellis said.

“If you don’t have air conditioning, make sure you open as many windows as you can to let in the fresh breeze and keep windows clean.”

According to Mr Ellis the key area of a property during summer is the back yard, where buyers will envisage an area for the kids and a space to entertain.

“Australian’s love their barbecues in summer and can’t go past a good functioning back yard,” Mr Ellis said.

“Make sure the barbecue is in clean and looks to be in good condition, ensure the lawn is always mowed and presentable, and the landscaping is tidy with beautiful healthy plants that have been well-watered in the days leading up to any inspections.

“On the day of the inspection, give plants a light spray of water for a clean crisp look if water restrictions are not in force in your area.”

Home owners should consider hiring or borrowing some plants, especially leading up to the front door. For those with a pool or spa, be sure to keep them sparkling clean and leaf-free from crystal clear water to clean tiles at the top and bottom of the pool. Make sure any pool equipment is neatly stored away.

“Don’t forget the fence, gate, paths and decks. These should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and any cobwebs and free of peeling paint,” Mr Ellis said.

Other tips for selling a property in the summer are:

1. Schedule inspections for a time during the day when rooms are bright and have maximum sunlight shining in, but preferably not the hottest part of the day.
2. When having an open house, limit the number of people in the property at any one time. Too many people may make it appear smaller than it really is and reduce the viewer’s potential to see the possibilities of the property.
3. Keep pets out of the property during inspections and music at a minimum.
4. Get rid of unsightly garden rubbish which detracts from the appeal of your garden. This goes for the garage, old sheds and any outbuildings

Every Drip Counts

In light of the water restrictions sweeping our country, homeowners need to be proactive when it comes to water conservation. By ensuring your property is water friendly, you will not only help to save the environment and reduce your household costs, but you will also improve the value and attractiveness of your home should you be selling it now or in the near future. Take our quick quiz to see how water friendly you are.

Saving Water and Energy Consumption

1. Have you recently checked and fixed leaking taps around your home?
2. Have you installed a flow regulator on your taps?
3. Do you use cold water more than hot water?
4. Do you have a low-flow shower rose?
5. Do you use the half-flush more than the full-flush?
6. Do you turn off the tap in between brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth?
7. Do you wait until you have a full-load before you turn the washing machine on?
8. Do you use a drip irrigation system to water your garden?
9. Do you use grey water to water your garden?
10. Do you have a rainwater tank?

If you answered “YES”

1. to up to four questions only: Oh no! You’re wasting hundreds of litres of water a day. Please read below for ten tips on how to reduce your water usage at home.
2. to up to six questions: You’re on your way to saving our planet! Good work!
3. to up to more than seven questions: Each day you are saving our planet. Well done!

Check for leaks
Checking for leaking taps or pipes is an easy way to reduce water wastage in your home. If you do have a leak, you may need to replace the washer. Purchase from your local hardware store.

Install flow regulators
Flow regulators control the amount of water coming out of your tap. They are ideal in high water usage areas and are very easy to install, allowing you to halve the amount of unnecessary water and energy consumption.

Use cold water
Try using cold water instead of warm water for washing clothes. This will save the energy of heating water.

Install a AAA, low flow showerhead
One simple way to reduce water usage is by fitting a AAA, low-flow water saving nozzle in your shower. By having a shorter shower with this type of showerhead you will easily reduce your water consumption and energy footprint.

Only use the half-flush
By only using the half-flush button on the toilet, you can save many litres of water.

Turn off the tap
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and fill the sink with a small amount of warm water when rinsing your razor. This will save litres of water per minute!

Wait until you have a full load
Try waiting until you have a full load before using the dishwasher and washing machine. Not only will this reduce your work load, it will also save water and energy use.

Install a drip irrigation system
Drip irrigation systems are the most water efficient, delivering a controlled trickle of water to the roots of plants at a low pressure. If properly installed, homeowners can use up to 75% less water than they would use with sprinklers.

Install a grey water system
Grey water systems utilise the water discharged from household appliances and fixtures such as showers and washing machines then distribute it throughout your garden. If professionally installed, grey water systems can be a safe and beneficial way of accessing extra water for the garden. Talk to a licensed plumber and your local council about the feasibility and requirements of a grey water system.

Install a rainwater tank
Rainwater tanks have come a long way. There are now tanks that can be fitted under verandas and decking, thin and sleek modular tanks that can be fitted to rear or side walls, virtually disappearing from view, and a range of above and below ground interconnecting tanks that provide very substantial amounts of water.

Property Negotiation Tips

Selling or buying a property represents one of the biggest financial transactions a person will undertake, and achieving the right price can be one of the hardest and most stressful things to do.

First National Communications Manager, Stewart Bunn says the number one tip when negotiating is to do it quickly.

“Whether you are buying or selling a property, a protracted, drawn out negotiation process can cost thousands in the wash up,” Bunn said. “The buyer can get frustrated and decide to seek greener pastures elsewhere, or the seller may decide to go with a better offer that comes along. Either way, it is in no-one’s interest to draw out negotiations. Everyone ends up a winner if agreement is reached in a speedy fashion.”

For buyers, a successful negotiation starts with an offer in writing first, according to Stewart Bunn.

“Written offers are a sign of a stronger commitment by the purchaser to the property, and are harder for the vendor to disregard. This commitment, evidenced by an actual contract, may be more attractive to the seller than other more lucrative offers.” Bunn said.

One of the most effective negotiation tools for sellers is the services of an experienced and reputable real estate agent who has strong local industry knowledge.

“The selected agent needs to be capable, have strong negotiation skills, but importantly be someone you are comfortable with. Look at how many sales they have made and what sort of skills they possess to maximise the price of your property.” says Bunn.

Negotiation Tips for Buyers

• Make sure you do your homework in advance of any offer.
• Establish why the owners are selling to determine their priorities.
• Make offers as realistic as possible – there is not always a lot of room for movement on price so unrealistic offers may only discredit your intentions.
• When offering less than the asking price, make contract conditions attractive to the seller (eg agree to seller’s settlement time, have finance approval in place if possible, consider releasing the deposit etc)
• Be prepared to pay a little bit more for a good property in a good area.
• Put offers in writing so the seller can see your serious intent.
• Be clear on any timeframes around your offer eg set a timeline for the owner to provide an answer, if they are indecisive.
• A good deposit can help tip the scales in your favour.

Negotiation Tips for Sellers:

• Be realistic – set your price based on fact, rather than emotion.
• Request a written offer to see how serious the buyer is.
• Don’t waste time acting on the offer – a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – don’t run the risk of losing the buyer, it may take a while to find another one.
• Be willing to compromise, particularly on small matters and consider ways to give them a sense of value which may lead to a better sale price for you.
• Look at all the conditions of the buyer’s offer, not just the price.
• Seek advice from those qualified to give it, rather than from family and friends.
• Employ the services of an experienced real estate agent who is capable of negotiating a good deal for you

Choosing the Right Agent

Choosing the right estate agent to sell your property is probably the most difficult task you will face.

Here are some tips to help you choose the agent that’s right for you.

What are the signs of a good agent?
When you speak to theagent, request an appraisal, not a valuation (this can only be done by a licensed valuer). When the agent inspects your home make sure you give them an inspection! Pay attention to how they dress as this can reflect their attitude.

Your agent won’t get buyers to part with large amounts of money if they don’t look and act professionally. If the agent doesn’t impress you, they won’t impress the buyers.

Shop around
Shop for an agent the way you would shop for a good lawyer, accountant, mechanic, plumber or any other professional.

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions
Ask things like:

• “How often can I expect to hear from you?”
• “What sort of feedback will you give me from potential buyers” and “How frequently?”
• “Who else in your office would work on the sale campaign?”
• “Are you too busy to take this on?”
• “Will you handle the sale personally?”

Ask about a marketing approach
Make sure you ask about how and where your property will be advertised and what types of buyers will be targeted.

• Does the agent have a buyer database, for instance?
• Web marketing is an essential component of any campaign but how effective is the agent’s website, blog, social media?
• What strategies will they employ to make sure buyers find your property on their website rather than another agent’s listing’?

Ask for feedback on your property’s presentation
An experienced agent will have ideas about how to improve your property to ensure a successful sale. They will be honest about any problems they can see. If you don’t get both positive and negative feedback about the property, you might be talking to the wrong agent.

Talk price
If one agent gives a vastly higher opinion of your property’s value, try not to get carried away. This is the most costly mistake a property owner can make – signing up with the most optimistic agent. You want a realistic opinion of your property’s value, one based on the agent’s sound knowledge of the area.

Remember, it’s not the seller or the agent who decides what a property is worth, it’s the buyer.

What type of agreement to sign
When you’ve chosen your agent you’ve another decision to make. What type of agency agreement should you agree to? Some people list their home with multiple agents. This is known as ‘Open Listing’. However, agents earn their income through sales, not listings, so they’re less likely to give a great commitment unless they’ve got a chance of success.

Like all business people, real estate agents dedicate time where they’re most likely to gain. Another method of sale is a ‘co-agency’. Consider this method from the agent’s standpoint again. Why should they work as hard on a sale when they’re only making 50% of their normal fee?

Finding the ideal combination of professionalism, experience and drive can be challenging in an industry where skills vary so widely. Now you’re ready to speak to an agent.

Preparing You Home For Sale

So you’ve made the decision to sell. The marketing plan is in place and you’re ready to have potential buyers walk through your property, but the question remains… are you really ready for this? Here are some tips that have proven to be invaluable to the successful home seller.

The right preparation and just a little investment, whether it be time or money spent on sprucing up your home, can deliver significant financial results. First National Metro Real Estate is familiar with, and understands, differing buyer requirements. To help us get you the best result for your home, we have provided some tips that have proven to be invaluable to the successful home seller.

Consider re-configuring rooms
If you are advertising a three bedroom home for sale then that is what people will be coming to see. Consider re-organising the rooms for the sale to show them to their best advantage. Hire or borrow some bedroom furniture, and put excess items in storage.

Tidy up the garden
Keep in mind that first impressions count. Dig out weeds, put mulch on the garden beds, keep paths and the driveway swept, prune and shape trees and shrubs, and make sure rubbish bins are clean and tucked away.

Get rid of the clutter
Crowded shelves and drawers can make rooms and storage space seem cluttered and smaller. Consider putting non-essential items in storage throughout the sale period.

Not everyone loves your cat as much as you!
If you have pets, it is also advisable to keep them out of the house, or ask friends or family if they will look after them during inspections. Remember to air your house as well as store your pets bowls and toys prior to inspection.

Remember first impressions last
Set the scene for your prospective buyer. Draw attention to your property’s best features by displaying fresh flowers and hanging decorative hand towels in the bathroom.

An open home is a great way to promote your property to prospective buyers. With the right preparation, an open home can be very successful.

You can also watch ‘Preparing Your Home For Sale’ on video.