Archive for Harcourts The Property People – Page 2

To downsize or not to downsize…

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 29 June 2018 

Whether you are retiring, looking to free up some capital, or are simply wanting a smaller home, downsizing can offer some real advantages – but it also comes with some downsides. Following are many of the pros and cons of making this lifestyle change.

PRO: A SMALLER HOME MEANS SMALLER BILLS.
If you are looking to save on daily living costs, downsizing into an apartment or smaller home usually means you will save on basics such as heating costs, electricity, and house insurance.

CON: A DOWNSIZED HOME MAY MEAN DOWNSIZED FURNITURE.
Moving into a smaller space could cost you some extra money if your furnishings are too big for your new home, and you have to spend on new items such as lounge suites, dining tables and bedroom furniture.

PRO: DE-CLUTTERING IS THE ONLY OPTION.
If you (or others in your household) struggle to get rid of clutter, downsizing provides the perfect reason to get tough and minimise. Especially if you are moving into an apartment, storage space will be at a premium, so only the most important possessions should go with you.

CON: OUTDOOR SPACE AND HOBBIES MAY BE AFFECTED.
For those who love gardening or lounging around the backyard, downsizing can be challenging. However, many people cultivate impressive gardens on apartment balconies, and if this is something that is important to you, look for a home that fits the bill in terms of sunlight and space.

PRO: LESS HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE.
If you can’t wait to retire the lawnmower and hedge clippers, downsizing is a great option. Indoor chores such as vacuuming, dusting and cleaning will also be quicker and easier in a smaller home, freeing up your time for other activities.

CON: LIFESTYLE CHANGES MAY BE HARD TO ADJUST TO.
Moving from a large family home to an apartment or a smaller home can present some major changes. You may not be able to have family or friends to stay over, hosting large events may be difficult, and new neighbours in closer proximity could prove challenging.

PRO: RELEASE YOUR CAPITAL.
Many people have the majority of their savings tied up in the property they are living in. Downsizing can offer the opportunity to free up money that can then be used to diversify investments, take a dream holiday, or simply provide more cash flow for daily living.

Should you need any real estate assistance, Harcourts The Property People and Harcourts Lifestyles are here to help. Contact us today on 4628 7444 or 4623 5570.

Categories : Buying, Moving house, Selling
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Selling before buying, versus buying before selling

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 11 June 2018 

Timing is often a challenge when it comes to buying a new home and selling an existing one. In a perfect world, both transactions would happen simultaneously, however this is often not the case.

Here are the pros and cons of selling before buying and buying before selling:

SELLING BEFORE BUYING

Pros

  • If you sell your property first, you know the exact amount of money you will have to put towards your next property purchase.
  • If you decide to sell before you buy, you are not in a position to sell urgently – so you can wait until you are happy with the sale price before moving forward.
  • If you sell your property before buying, there isn’t the need to apply and pay for an additional bridging loan to finance both properties.

Cons

  • If you sell before you buy, you may find yourself in a position where there are no suitable properties when you are ready to buy. You could end up having to move out of your home and into a rental property until you find your next property. You would then have the added expense and hassle of having to move twice.
  • If you sell first, prices might go up and you can be priced out of the market, or not able to find the home you want for the right price.

BUYING BEFORE SELLING

Pros

  • If you buy your next home before you sell, you can avoid moving into a rental property and the hassle and cost of moving twice.
  • If you buy before selling, you have the peace-of-mind knowing where you are moving to next. And you can start working on all the details that are needed to move.
  • If you are buying first, you can potentially take advantage of a rising market and get more for your money, and the subsequent home sale.

Cons

  • If you buy before selling, you may need a bridging loan in order to finance the new property. Interest on bridging loans is more than interest on standard loans.
  • If you are buying before selling, you have the extra cost and possible stress of having to pay two mortgages at once.
  • Buying before selling may force you into selling your original property at a lower price, if you need the money to meet your loan obligations. Bridging loans must be repaid within 12 months.
  • If you buy before you sell and you can’t sell your existing home for the price you expected, you will have to source additional funds to cover the shortfall.
  • If you’re making a conditional offer on the property you are buying, you might need to make a higher offer to convince an owner to hold the property while you sort out your circumstances.

Buying before selling and obtaining bridging finance has its risks. Unless you’re clear and comfortable with the risks and you are able to manage two loans for a period of time, selling first is generally more advisable.

If you’re in the position of having sold your property first and are searching for a new home, there are a few things you can try to make the process smoother and minimise the stress (and only have to move once):

  1. Negotiate a longer settlement period on the sale of your home, so you have more time to find a new house.
  2. If possible, organise to lease-back on your home from the new owner to give you more time to find a property.

Before you act, talk to a trusted finance professional and real estate agent to make sure you are clear on your options.

Categories : Buying, Selling
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Our offices win at annual awards

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 21 May 2018 

Harcourts offices throughout the state gathered at Harcourts’ NSW Awards event at The Hilton Hotel, Sydney, to celebrate individual and office real estate achievements for the 2017-2018 Annual Awards.

Our offices, Harcourts The Property People and Harcourts Lifestyles walked away with many of the major awards on the night. Here’s the summary:

ANNUAL AWARDS 2017-2018

Individual Awards

Being Courageous
Esther Hu

Property Management Business Development Award
1st place, Laura Makowski
2nd place, Sarena Rowley

Bronze Achievement Award
Tom Spiljar

Silver Achievement Award
Derek Worthington

Gold Achievement Award
Shaun Moss
Steve Arentz

Platinum Achievement Award
Tod Campbell

Titanium Achievement Award
Garth Makowski

Top Sales Consultant – Number of Settled Sales
1st place, Garth Makowski
2nd place, Tod Campbell

Top Auction Lister
3rd place, Garth Makowski

Top 10 Sales Consultant – Income to Office
1st place, Garth Makowski
4th place, Tod Campbell
9th place, Steve Arentz

Office Awards

Property Management Office Excellence Award
2nd place

Property Management Office Revenue
1st place

Property Management Business Development
2nd place

Property Management Organic Growth
1st place

Top Auction Office Award
2nd place

Top Office – Highest Gross Revenue per Sales Consultant
1st place

Top Office – Highest Gross Revenue
2nd place

Well done to all awarded individuals for their performances, as well as both teams for contributing to these great achievements.

sales

team 2018 photo

To experience our award-winning service, call Harcourts The Property People on 4628 7444 or Harcourts Lifestyles on 4623 5570.

Categories : Awards, Property Management, Selling
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Winter selling tips

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 18 May 2018 

No matter the time of year you choose to sell, it’s critical that your property is well-presented, to ensure optimum buyer interest and a top result.

If you are looking to sell your property this winter here are seven ways to give your property that extra-edge:

1. Street appeal
In winter, street appeal is often a bit lacking due to the fact that many plants and trees are deciduous, i.e. they lose their leaves in winter. Freshen up your property by putting out potted flowers or planting some evergreen plants to brighten up the garden areas around your home. Also rake up leaves, prune dead branches, and mow your lawn to enhance your street appeal.

2. Make the most of the season
Winter can be a wonderful time to showcase some of the best features of your home. If you have a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, or centralised heating, make sure these features are obvious to buyers during the Open Home inspection.

Fireplaces should be clean and stocked with wood, and even lit before an inspection. Or heating should be turned on ahead of time so the house is warm and welcoming for when buyers arrive.

3. Create a cosy space
There are lots of personal touches that can be added to your home before an Open Home inspection that will bring a real sense of warmth and cosiness to your property.

Or consider baking before an inspection? This not only warms-up the kitchen area, but also fills your home with inviting smells.

Little touches like these make your Open Home inspection a positive and memorable experience, where buyers to get a good sense of what it would be like to live in your property.

4. Let the light in!
At an Open Home inspection, you should pull back the curtains and let the natural light in! Also think about what time of the day is best for buyers to see your home? Between 10.00am – 2.00pm is when winter light is at its optimum.

5. De-clutter and keep tidy
De-cluttering and tidying are important tasks to undertake before an Open Home inspection. Make sure both indoors and outdoors are well-presented to buyers, which may mean the outdoor table setting and umbrella needs to come out, the back patio swept and the pool cleaned.

6. Make sure your home is airy
If your property has been shut up to fend off the cold, remember to open windows and let in the fresh air before an inspection.

You want to ensure your property doesn’t smell stale or musty. Pick a time before inspections to open windows and turn on ceiling fans to allow some fresh air in. Leave enough time to warm things up again before the inspection.

7. Winter staging
To create a cosy ambience and vibe, have complementary pillows and throws adorn couches and window seats, and light candles in certain rooms. Winter is the season to showcase your property in a cosy and inviting light, so why not make the most of it?

Should you want more information on selling your home this winter, speak to one of our highly trained Sales Consultants.

Categories : Preparing your property for sale, Selling
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Tips for purchasing success

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 9 May 2018 

Attending open home inspections in search of your ideal property is an exciting time, however it can also be exhausting and frustrating too.

To help you make the best property choice, it’s a good idea, before attending open home inspections that you have a clear idea and a list of your next property’s ‘must haves’, as opposed to the things you would ‘like to have’. For instance, you may have two teenage children, so one of your ‘must haves’ is having a bedroom for each child. You may also work as a tradesperson, so having a secure garage for at least two cars plus tool storage is a priority. Your ‘like to haves’ may include a theatre room and a second living area – these are the features that are great if you can get them, but can be compromised or renovations done to achieve them at a later time.

You should also consider further investigating a property that fundamentally fulfils your ‘must haves’, except for a few issues that are holding you back from purchasing.

Rather than eliminating the property based on these issues, have a closer look and judge, or get an expert’s opinion on whether these issues may have an easy and inexpensive solution? You may even save yourself a lot of money by purchasing and doing the rectifying work yourself.

When attending open home inspections, have your list handy and check your ‘must have’ items off. Then take a note of any issues; and perhaps take photos of them, for you to evaluate and research your options.

Here are a few examples of issues and fixes:

Construction
Poor construction of walls or floors may seem like a huge issue, but may be easy to fix. Some walls can be demolished to open up areas of the house, and floors fixed or new floors placed over the top to gain what you are looking for.

Unappealing design
Don’t be discouraged by the ugly tiles in the perfectly sized bathroom or kitchen. Tiles can easily be replaced. Many hardware stores also have easily constructed modern flat-pack cabinetry, and many can also install custom made timber or stone bench tops.

Not enough storage
If there is a lack of storage, consider building a shed, built-in wardrobes, or purchase a lovely set of drawers to serve your needs.

Air conditioning
If there isn’t any heating or cooling in the property, it is often easy to install air conditioning – and it certainly adds value to the property. Also consider insulation to keep the temperature constant and to reduce your power bills.

Unappealing backyard
The backyard is often full of opportunities. Adding a pergola, BBQ area, paving and beautiful gardens are all straightforward projects that will not break the bank.

Finally, when attending an open home inspection, don’t hesitate to ask the Sales Consultant as many questions as you like. The Sales Consultant is usually a great resource for the best local tradespeople to gain quotes on any issues you want addressed.

For any real estate advice, contact our highly experienced sales professionals on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Buying
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Should you renovate before you sell?

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 27 April 2018 

If you are thinking of selling and your property is in need of repair, or you’re considering a few renovation projects before selling, there are a few things you should first consider.

Whilst a well-planned and cost-e ective renovation can certainly add value to your property and gain you a better sale price – there is also the risk that the improvements will not be worth the cost of doing them, and you can over-capitalise on your property.

The bottom-line is your Return On Investment or ROI. You want to ensure that the amount you invest in the renovation is less than the value you’re adding to the property, and the sale price you’re likely to achieve.

If your property is an investment and your tenants are vacating before renovation, you will also have the added considerations of lost rent income during the renovation period, and the other costs incurred during the lag time before the new owners take over the property i.e. loan costs, council rates etc.

Here are a few situations where I wouldn’t recommend you renovating:

If margins are lean
If you’re property isn’t in desperate need of repair, then renovations may not be necessary. Especially if after crunching the numbers, you’re not confident you would be increasing the sale price by that much, and remember a return on investment can never be guaranteed.

If the renovation will personalise the home
Some renovations appeal to most buyers, like upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, but others can be quite personal and should be avoided. This can include adding extensions, and converting bedrooms into specific- purpose rooms like a media room or library.

If you need to sell quickly
Renovations take time, both to plan and budget for as well as to be completed. So if you’re looking to sell in the near future, renovations may simply not be possible. Remember that renovations often go over budget and can take longer than anticipated, so factor both of these into your decision.

If the renovations will cost more than 10% of your property’s value
A general rule of thumb when it comes to renovating a property for profit is that you should spend no more than 10% of the property’s value on the renovations. So the first step would be to ensure you have an up-to-date valuation of your property, performed by a professional. The next step would be to work out a budget, and ensure you add a buffer in case of unforeseen additional expenses. Using the 10% rule, this means a home valued at $500,000 should have no more spent on it than $50,000, plus a buffer amount. Otherwise you risk over-capitalising.

ASK IF YOU’RE UNSURE
When planning a renovation, don’t shy away from asking one of our sales professionals their opinion on the type of buyer your home is likely to attract, renovations they would recommend, plus market price (pre and post renovation). Another educated point of view is always helpful and may save you a lot of hassle, time and money.

NB: While every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, we recommend you seek independent specialist advice.

Categories : Preparing your property for sale, Selling
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Tips for moving house with children

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 27 April 2018 

Moving house can be stressful and upsetting for everyone, but particularly for young children, especially if they’ve only known one home. But with a plan, a little foresight and creativity, moving to a new home need not be a traumatic experience.

BEFORE MOVING
Keep the children as involved as possible in the process of moving house. Before you start looking for a new place, talk to them about what they’d like a new place to have, or even draw pictures of what they want their new bedroom to look like.

Once you’ve chosen and/or purchased the new house, take the children for a walk-through so they can see their new bedrooms and play area like the back garden. Or have them look at the house online.

If possible, make a few visits to the new neighbourhood before moving so the children can see where their new school is, where the local playgrounds are. Take some time to walk around the area so everyone can get their bearings.

Have your children research the new neighbourhood or town themselves and make a list of places they want to visit.

DURING MOVING
Let each child pack a box of their favourite toys, then have them write their name on it, and decorate it if they want to. And make sure they help load it into the car or moving van so they know it’s going with them to the new house.

Keep calm! Children will pick up on your stress and anxiety about moving, so try and focus on making it a fun adventure. It may even ease your own state of mind!

Keep a picnic basket available and well-stocked with plenty of snacks and drinks to keep children happy and refuelled.

AFTER MOVING
Once you arrive in your new house, unpack and set up the children’s rooms as a priority so they feel more at home. Make sure the rooms are welcoming and recognisable as theirs with familiar duvet covers, furniture, toys and books.

If they are old enough, perhaps give each child a responsibility such as unpacking books or toys to keep them occupied and the day running smoothly.

Keep a few large moving boxes for having fun and making forts.

Plan a special celebration “first night” dinner, that’s easy to prepare and fun – perhaps a pizza picnic on the lounge floor?

Set up a treasure hunt in and out in the backyard of the new home so the kids become familiar and positive about the house.

After moving day, try and return to the normal routine of bed times and meal times, school and play as quickly as possible to help everybody settle.

If you are looking to sell or buy, contact your local real estate professionals on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Moving house
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Property management sense

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 26 March 2018 

In our business, we often encounter investment property owners who are frustrated with their current Property Manager and real estate agency. They lack confidence in their service, and feel it is not being managed as well as it should be.

A poorly managed property makes for a difficult investment, and understandably many property owners feel like they have little option but to manage the property themselves.

But there is a better way…

There are some real estate agencies that focus on property management, and have highly experienced Property Managers who know how to quickly and easily resolve investment property issues. They only contact you for the larger decisions, and deal with the day-to- day items quickly and easily.

Your Property Manager should NOT be contacting you every week. A well-managed property should only be involving you via the mid month/end-of-month statements, property inspection times and results, when rent prices are reviewed, and any large issues involving your property or tenant. All other tasks should be efficiently dealt with by your Property Manager as part of their service.

Professional Property Management agencies have strict systems in place to ensure all details are attended to. These companies know their clients are looking for:

  • Maximum income from their investment property.
  • A well-maintained property.
  • Happy tenants that look after their property.

You may pay a little more for this service, but it is certainly worth it! You save money having a property that is cared for; you save time in not having to deal with detail; and having your property tenanted with the best tenants with the least amount of vacancy between tenancies are all huge savings that are often overlooked.

You should also remember that your property management fees are a tax deduction at the end of financial year.

It makes a whole lot of sense to employ a highly experienced and professional real estate agency with a proven track record to manage your investment property.

Our property management team is multi-award winning for its real estate service and results. We lead the way in delivering premium property management services throughout the Macarthur region.

Investing in a quality Property Management agency is money well- spent! A well-managed investment property will provide maximum income, no hassles, and the best long-term outcome.

For more information about our property management service, call our team of professionals today on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Property Management
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The Property People scoops-up at awards

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 1 March 2018 

Harcourts offices throughout the state gathered at Harcourts’ NSW Awards event at Le Montage, Sydney, to celebrate individual and office real estate achievements for the October to December 2017 quarter.

We were proud to walk away with many awards on the night. Here’s the summary:

QUARTERLY AWARDS OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2017

Individual Awards
Business Development Manager Award
2nd place, Sarena Rowley

Bronze Achievement Award
Tom Spiljar

Silver Achievement Awards
Garth Makowski
Shaun Moss

Gold Achievement Award
Steve Arentz
Derek Worthington

Titanium Achievement Award
Tod Campbell

Diamond Pin
Tod Campbell

Top Lister Award
1st place, Garth Makowski
2nd place, Steve Arentz

Top Sales Consultant – Number of Settled Sales
1st place, Tod Campbell

Top Auction Lister
2nd place, Derek Worthington
3rd place, Tom Spiljar

Top 10 Sales Consultant – Income to Office
1st place, Tod Campbell
10th place, Derek Worthington

Office Awards
Top Market Share Award – 1st place

Property Management Office Excellence Award – 1st place

Property Management Business Development Award – 2nd place

Top Auction Office Award – 1st place

Top Office – Highest Gross Revenue per Sales Consultant – 2nd place

Top Office – Highest Gross Revenue – 2nd place

Well done to all awarded individuals for their oustanding performances, as well as entire team for contributing to these great achievements.

To experience our award-winning service, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 4628 7444 or visit out website www.propertypeople.net.au for more information.

PM team

A18I0357

A18I0485

A18I0467

 

Categories : All Categories, Awards, Campbelltown Real Estate
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Selling your home in 2018

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 1 February 2018 

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to sell your home and upgrade or move to a more desirable location, now is a good time to consider putting your property on the market.

The sun is shining, homes are often looking their best, and many buyers are out in force, looking to “make good” on their new year’s resolutions in securing their next home or investment property.

So what should you do to start making the sale of your property a reality?

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE
There are bare minimums that need to be done to ensure a good sale. Cleaning, de-cluttering, de-personalising, and making needed repairs are all part of the preparation. The amount of time and effort in the right areas will certainly be worth your while!

Your chosen agent can guide you on what needs to be done, and many have the best local contacts to get the work done right!

CHOOSE THE BEST AGENT
Don’t just go with someone you know, or the agent who sold the neighbour’s house. Meet at least three agents, talk with them, attend some of their open homes and assess the way they do business.

Choose an agent who will work hard at following up buyers, has a good manner with people, as well as being a good and tough negotiator.

PRICE YOUR PROPERTY COMPETITIVELY FROM THE START
Pricing your property correctly, right from the start is a top priority. This does not mean “cheap”- it means at a price that meets the current market.

Statistics show that a new property will attract the most interest in the first couple of weeks, and then interest levels decrease. So you need to take advantage of this peak buyer traffic by advertising your property with a realistic price that will channel the greatest amount of ready buyers to your home.

MARKETING STRATEGICALLY
There is no doubt that the systems, expertise, and connections available to you through engaging a professional real estate agent will increase your chance of a successful sale.

Talk to your agent about using the marketing tools that gain maximum exposure for your property, and make sure these tactics will connect with the type of buyers most likely to purchase your home.

Open houses are very important, but you should also be ready for ad-hoc showings and second inspections.

STAGING AND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Presentation is king! If needed, or if it suits your circumstances, you may wish to consider property staging or styling to assist in selling your home.

Next your agent should engage a professional photographer to capture images of your property in its best light. This is highly important, as many people’s first view of your home is from these photos online or in a publication.

METHOD OF SALE
An auction is a great method of sale for those with a tight timeframe, as it gives the seller a likely sale date, or even a possible sale before auction! In tougher markets, there is always the risk that the house will not sell. Despite this, the auction process still increases the visibility of a property over a short timeframe, and at Harcourts, properties that are passed-in at Auction are negotiated with buyers and sold on average the week after the auction.

For more information on selling your home, contact one of our highly experienced sales professionals on 4628 7444.

Categories : Selling
Tags : , ,

Successfully purchasing a property by auction

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 29 January 2018 

If you are looking to bid and buy a property that is being offered for sale by auction, it’s best to be fully prepared. The Contract of Sale for the property should be available from the selling agent. Buyers should read carefully through the contract, ask questions, and have their solicitor check the contract prior to the auction.

A seller may choose to sell the property prior to auction if a satisfactory offer to purchase is presented. To avoid this disappointment, you should make it clear to the selling agent your interest in the property, so that you can be informed if an offer is being considered, allowing you the opportunity to submit a competitive offer.

Here is some other information to help you purchase by auction:

ARRANGE YOUR FINANCE
A sale by auction is an unconditional sale, so it is vital that you have finance confirmed and know your limits before you bid.

UNCONDITIONAL BY NATURE
Auction is an unconditional sale, which means that there is no “cooling-off” period. If you purchase at auction, there is no provision for you to cancel the agreement. It is binding on both the buyer and seller. A deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is payable upon the signing of the contract. Buyers may request a lesser deposit amount, but any such request is subject to the written approval by the seller, prior to the commencement of the auction.

BEFORE AND AT THE AUCTION
Any party who intends to bid must register prior to the commencement of the auction. The auctioneer will not accept bids from any parties that have not registered or do not display a ‘bidder identifier’. Usually your driver’s licence or passport is sufficient identification to register.

Position yourself so the auctioneer can see you clearly. Also, be sure to identify yourself to the selling agent. You might feel more comfortable having a family member or friend submit your bids for you. However, anyone bidding on your behalf must have supplied a written authority to the agent or auctioneer prior to the commencement of the auction.

It’s important that you bid on the property from the outset, rather than employing tactics such as waiting for the auctioneer to announce the property as ‘on the market’; a strategy that has been heavily promoted in some media circles, but one that often ends in disappointment. The auctioneer is not obliged to announce that the property is ‘on the market’ or that the reserve price has been met. We recommend you ensure the auctioneer is aware of your interest as early as possible.

PASSED-IN
In the event that the property fails to reach the seller’s reserve price and is “passed-in”, the highest bidder gains the right to negotiate and buy the property.

If the highest bidder declines this opportunity, it is normal for other interested parties to be offered the opportunity to submit offers.

At Harcourts, we find that many buyers are unnecessarily worried about purchasing by the auction method. You should remember that under auction conditions all buyers are given equal opportunity to buy – plus auction has the benefit of being completely transparent, where all buyers can see each other while bidding. Another great thing about auction is that at the fall of the hammer the auction is final, and if you are successful the property is yours with no further negotiation. The contract is then signed straight away and the terms of settlement as illustrated in the Contract of Sale takes effect.

For more information or if you have any questions about the auction process, speak to one of our highly skilled Sales Consultants on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Auction, Buying
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New year insurance considerations

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 19 January 2018 

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family enjoyed your holiday and had some quality time and fun over the past few weeks.

Over the holiday break, it is likely you acquired some new possessions such as jewellery and other Christmas presents that you should consider including under your insurance cover. While looking to update your insurance, it would also be an opportune time to look at other companies and see if you can get a better deal.

Why insure your home?
Your home represents years of work to build it up to what it is today. This includes the building/s and all the items inside your home. It is important to protect it all, as your home is one of your biggest assets, and it’s this asset you will need to sell if you wish to move into a larger home, or downsize if retiring.

It’s important to take precautions to protect your assets, should an unthinkable event occur such as fire or flood. Home and contents insurance can buy peace-of-mind and protect you from major disasters, however there are also smaller events your insurance can cover such as burglary, broken windows, kitchen accidents and bathroom/laundry overflows. Some insurance policies can also protect your outdoor furniture, the loss of valuable jewellery, or golf clubs taken from your car. There is plenty of choice amongst insurance companies and affordable insurance options to suit any requirements.

When deciding what insurance company to buy from, its important to first look at their credit rating. Ask the representative what their rating is and compare it with other companies. This is an important factor to consider because the rating will tell you whether the company is likely to be able to pay out readily if you have a claim.

The second step is to look at the company’s representation. Do they have representatives in your residential area, or close to it, so that you can have easy access if you want to make a claim? Is it possible to make a claim with the company over the phone or internet?

Price is a major factor when buying any product, and insurance is no different. The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ applies. Check the policies you are offered given the coverage you require. Sometimes, a cheap product offers less coverage, or the price could reflect a lack of access to representation or poor credit rating. When selecting cover, ensure you fully understand all the policy’s exclusions.

Affordability is also important. Often, insurance companies will offer flexible payment options such as monthly or quarterly payments. Another way to reduce premiums is to ask if the company gives a ‘multiple’ discount if you put all of your insurances, including motor vehicle and/or business insurance, with the one company.

Lastly, make sure you keep your insurances up-to-date, and in the case of contents insurance, it would be wise to detail your contents, their value and have photos safely stored with your own paperwork in the event you have to claim against stolen items.

Harcourts can help you with any of your real estate needs. If you are curious to find out the current value of your home, please do not hesitate to contact us on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Home security
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The Property People wins at quarterly awards

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 6 December 2017 

Our team at Harcourts The Property People attended the Harcourts Quarterly Awards at Le Montage, Sydney, to celebrate individual and office real estate achievements for the July to September 2017 quarter.

We competed against Harcourts offices throughout NSW, to win these highly sought-after awards:

QUARTERLY AWARDS JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2017

Individual Awards
Property Management Excellence
3rd place, Kerrie Galvin

Property Management Business Development
1st place, Laura Makowski
3rd place, Sarena Rowley

Bronze Sales Achievement
Derek Worthington
Tom Spiljar

Gold Sales Achievement
Garth Makowski
Shaun Moss
Steve Arentz

Harcourts Foundation Achievement
Nathalie Cerda
Kirsten Friedli

Top Auction Lister
3rd place, Steve Arentz

Top 10 Sales Consultants
8th place, Steve Arentz

Office Awards
Top Market Share – 1st place

Property Management Office Excellence – 1st place

Property Management Office – Business Development – 1st place

Top Auction Office – 3rd place

Top Office – Highest Revenue per Sales Consultant – 2nd place

Top Office – Highest Gross Revenue – 2nd place

Congratulations to the entire team for contributing to these great achievements, as well as the individuals who were awarded for their outstanding efforts.

A18I6392

A18I7034

Categories : All Categories, Awards, Campbelltown Real Estate, Property Management, Sales
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5 thing to consider before buying a holiday property

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 28 November 2017 

For many people, buying an investment property in their favourite holiday destination presents a double-dose of benefits – the chance to regularly stay there, and build wealth at the same time.

Such a property can also represent the ideal retirement destination, and a place to treat family and friends with affordable holidays in the meantime.

While buying a holiday property seems like a great idea, consider the following before taking the plunge:

1) MAKE SURE YOU REALLY LIKE THE LOCATION
The first and highest priority is to know that you absolutely adore the location of your holiday property, and will be happy to adopt the area as your home away from home. Gaining such an understanding may require you staying for several weeks or longer to fully appreciate whether the location is going to stand the test of time.

Easy accessibility should also be considered. If the thought of catching two flights, or driving 1000 kilometres every time you want to take a holiday seems overwhelming, then you may wish to consider something closer.

2) KNOW ALL THE COSTS
A holiday property is the same as any other property investment – you need to factor in all the costs involved – rates, electricity, maintenance, property management and all other overheads involved. A dream holiday property can quickly become a nightmare if your holding costs exceed your budget.

3) MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY
It is likely that you will only spend a few weeks a year at your holiday property, so what happens for the rest of the year in your absence?

A good property manager will not only ensure that ongoing maintenance issues are attended to quickly and effectively, but will maximise cash flow from rentals, and will also work to ensure that the property is consistently occupied and cleaned while you are not there. Engaging a local property manager to undertake ongoing maintenance is very important, as the last thing you want to do on your holidays is to spend them labouring.

4) DUE DILIGENCE ON IMPORTANT INDICATORS
If your strategy for buying a holiday property includes creating more wealth as well as enjoying the benefits of staying yourself, then there are some calculations required.

Before buying a holiday property, make sure it has the capacity to attract enough holidaymakers to make the investment viable. Ask local agents about the average rental yield in the area, average rents for similar properties, and occupancy rates which can often be lower and more volatile in holiday locations.

Most holiday destinations experience “high seasons” when rent prices can be increased to accommodate increased demand. If this season clashes with your preferred holiday times, you may have to forgo earning higher rents for your own enjoyment, and this should be factored into your calculations.

You should also look at growth figures of similar properties over the past few years. This is good to keep in mind, and maybe necessary should you need to sell down the track.

5) TAKE SECURITY SERIOUSLY
If it’s likely that your vacation property will be left unattended for weeks or months on end, to protect your investment it is crucial to consider security.

Depending on the location and type of property, this could take the form of contracting a security firm to patrol the property regularly, or installing an alarm system.

For all your real estate needs, contact our office for any help or advice on 4628 7444.

Categories : All Categories, Buying
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The pros and cons of buying an apartment

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 16 November 2017 

House or apartment – it’s a choice that looms large in the minds of many first time entrants into the real estate market. More and more buyers are choosing apartments as their first purchase.

Undoubtedly there are cost advantages of buying an apartment over a house. And apartments tend to be located close to major centres with easy access to public transport, shops and facilities. Houses are usually more expensive than units in the same area, and therefore you often have to compromise on location to get a house within closer budget range. Longer term, capital growth is usually higher on houses than apartments.

Aside from this, here are some of the pros and cons of apartment living:

PRO – With no lawns, no fences to repair, and no gutters to clean, apartments offer the ideal living arrangements for anyone who has a hectic business life and/or enjoys a full social life. Even in the event of an internal maintenance issue, you can often call upon the strata appointed handyman to fix the problem.

CON – For those who love renovating, apartment living will hamper your creativity when it comes to exterior design. And gardeners, who enjoy growing some of their own food, may need to be satisfied with herbs and cherry tomatoes on the balcony.

PRO – With most employment focused in the CBD in close proximity to apartments, they offer unparalleled convenience for city workers, not only to work, but also to so many other city-based amenities, such as restaurants, clubs and entertainment. Centrally based apartments are also easier to rent out for future investment.

CON – There’s no escape from noisy neighbours. Despite vast improvement in sound insulation technology, sound seepage through walls, ceilings or floors can be an ongoing irritant.

PRO – If you do choose to renovate an apartment internally – whether to increase the value of the property or for your own taste and enjoyment – you can typically achieve much more on a smaller budget than renovating a house.

CON – For young couples that purchase an apartment early in their relationship, apartments present no opportunity to extend for a growing family.

Apartment owners need to consider the complex’s community
As an apartment owner, you inherit the right to participate in the collective of owners often referred to as the “owner’s corporation” or “body corporate”. In this community of fellow owners, usually in consultation with an external Strata Manager, you take on the responsibility of managing the overall property (mainly external and grounds).

Whether you see this as a “pro” or a “con” is a matter of perspective. Many people who own houses, love the freedom of making individual decisions regarding their property. Many apartment owners enjoy being part of a community of owners, sharing the responsibilities and costs. It’s all about preference and perspective.

At Harcourts we have many homes and apartments, both new and old for sale. See our website for available properties, or talk to one of our Sales Consultants on 4628 7444, and let them know what you are looking for.

See below links to more information on our latest off-the-plan apartments in Campbelltown:
Aspire Apartments Campbelltown
Phillip Square Apartments Campbelltown

Categories : All Categories, Buying
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Should you buy or sell your house first

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 2 November 2017 

When looking to change homes, one of the big questions is should you first SELL your current property, or BUY your next property first?

The answer to this question depends on your circumstances and the current property market. To help you make your decision, consider the following factors:

How easy will it be to sell your current home?
How quickly your home sells can vary for a number of reasons: – current market, type of home, amenities in the home, price, suburb and perhaps some outside influences like interest rate changes. A local and experienced Sales Consultant can answer most of the questions; show you recent comparable sales in your area and show you how long they took to sell, as well as give you a good idea of likely buyer demand for your home.

What is your current home worth?
Until you have an approximate value of your home, it will be difficult to establish what you can afford to spend on your next property. A Sales Consultant can show you a Comparative Market Analysis of what similar properties have recently sold for in your area, to help you get this approximate value.

What if you sell your property first?
If you choose to sell first, you will be in a far stronger position to purchase as soon as you see what you like. And if you have already done your homework and know the market that you are looking to buy in, you will be ready to confidently take the next step.

However, if there is a time difference between you settling on your home and finding the next one you want, you will need to arrange alternative accommodation in-between, and that means moving twice.

What if you haven’t sold and have found your dream home?
If you have found your dream home before you have sold your existing property, agreeing to purchase the new home obviously puts you under some pressure to sell. You want to avoid the position where you are under pressure to sell, and end-up having to drop your price for a quick sale.

To help alleviate some of the pressure, you can possibly negotiate the settlement date of the new property to be longer to give you more time to sell, and perhaps organise the final selling of your existing property and the purchasing of the new home on or around the same date so that you only have to move once.

If you find yourself in this position you should look at all your options and speak to the experts first. Speak to your Sales Consultant and finance professional to weigh up your options.

What if house prices are rising?
If you’re in a rising market, it could make sense to buy your new home first at its current market value, negotiate a longer settlement, and have your current property potentially rise in value at the same time – this way you could earn more from your existing property.

What if house prices are falling?
Falling house prices may work in your favour as well if you can attract an interested buyer before prices dip lower, leaving you free to purchase your new home at the lower end of the market. However, falling house prices is also an indication of a slower market, meaning it could take you longer to sell your existing home.

Your local real estate professional is equipped to help you make informed decisions. Speak to one of our sales professionals today on 4628 7444.

Categories : Buying, Preparing your property for sale, Selling
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Good tenants are key to a successful investment property

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 25 October 2017 

Gaining good tenants is one of the key aspects of a successful investment. So how do you acquire “good tenants”?

Checking tenants’ references and doing the appropriate background checks are critical tasks to give you the best chance of a smooth running and successful investment.

Property Management professionals have access to specialised tenancy databases, and have the knowledge and experience to carefully look into applying tenants and thoroughly evaluate them. Property owners would be wise to choose an experienced Property Manager and agency team that focuses on gaining a quality tenant. A carefully selected tenant increases the likelihood of a steady and trouble-free investment.

Two of the most important background checks your Property Manager can do are previous rental history and employment record checks. This sounds fairly straight forward, but there are many traps for the inexperienced.

It comes down to finding out from the information gained if the applying tenants have an excellent track record from their past tenancies. That means paying their rent on time, looking a er the rental properties, and staying for a reasonable period of time. Also the current ability for the tenants to pay the rent is evaluated through information and proof from current employers.

Tenants who have a history of moving frequently are not ideal, as this will interrupt your cash flow while there is a changeover from one tenant to another. You’ll also want tenants with steady employment records and income, meaning they can comfortably pay the rent each week.

Owners who manage their property are o en not objective, and lack
the expertise and experience to look into applying tenants. One of the mistakes many property owners make is relying on personal references when investigating potential tenants. A bad personal reference rarely exists – friends and relatives won’t write or tell negative things about those close to them. Professional and background checks are absolutely essential.

Superior Property Management agencies have strict systems in place to ensure all applying tenants are closely scrutinised before accepted, and are intimately across the day-to-day management of their clients’ properties. They are focussed on:

  • Happy tenants that look after the property.
  • Maximum income from the investment property.
  • A well-maintained property.

This is one of the many reasons why is smart to employ a professional property management service to manage your property. Their service will save you a lot of time, money and stress in managing your investment.

This service may cost you a little more in the short-term, but this “forward-thinking” will potentially save you thousands. Plus your property management fees are tax deductible.

For more information about our property management service, call 4628 7444 and speak to our management team.

Categories : All Categories, Investment, Property Management
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A garden good enough to eat

Posted by thepropertypeoplecampbelltown 
· 11 October 2017 

These days few people have the time or space for a separate vegetable garden or orchard, yet there is no reason why you can’t incorporate food-bearing plants into your garden, creating an easy, edible landscape.

There are hundreds of different plants that can fulfil any landscape need, and at the same time add something that can be eaten. You can enjoy berries and sun-ripened tomatoes as well as exotic vegetables with many species nowadays just as abundant grown in pots as in the garden.

Some of the easiest and most valued homegrown edibles are herbs. Start with one or two of your favourites, then build up your collection as they need very little space and most can be found in very hardy varieties. Fresh herbs are always handy to have on hand for adding a little bit of “something extra” to meals.

Most modern fruit and vegetable species are also ornamental. Their stalks, leaves, blossoms and fruit can work well in many situations, either set apart or mixed amongst borders and beds, or on a deck if you live in an apartment with no garden.

Edible planting is not only practical and functional but can add colour, texture and form to your landscape design. Besides supplying you with fresh produce at a reasonable cost, it makes your property more attractive and if you decide to sell your property in the future, buyers love the ability for home grown edibles.

There are attractive edibles to suit all landscape levels, starting with tall trees, then smaller trees, followed by a shrub layer, and finally the low shrubs.

Some tall trees with edible fruits or nuts, such as walnut or mulberry, will provide welcome shade. Smaller trees and larger shrubs act well as a single specimen or as focal points. Fruit bushes such as blueberry, raspberry, currants and gooseberries look fantastic in colour-coordinated pots.

As an alternative to wisteria, jasmine or clematis, you can train grapes to clamber along walls or fences, or over a pergola. Strawberries can be planted at ground level or as a substitute for annuals.

Edible planting should reflect the needs of the space and what you want and love to eat! For example, a tree that drops fruit would be inappropriate planted near a parking space or front entrance.

One of the great things about vegetables and herbs is that you can also experiment all year round with a range of varieties until you find your favourites. Exotic vegetables are great to have a go at growing, and it can become a well-enjoyed hobby for the whole family at very little cost.

For their immediate bounty as well as long-term enjoyment of form and beauty, it’s well worth growing edibles in your garden or whatever corner of outdoors you can find.

Categories : All Categories, Uncategorised
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