Building Boost Makes Queensland Home Builders Leaders for Australia

By on April 27, 2012 in Blog

building boostABS Building Approvals released today show once again that the Queensland Government’s Building Boost is working with Queensland bucking the national trend of a shrinking industry.

The trend data for total number of dwellings approved in Queensland rose 1.4% in December and the trend data for the number of private sector houses rose 3.1%.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Andrew Fraser said that while the nation was seeing the 24th straight month of approvals for private sector houses falling, Queensland has notched up its 4th consecutive month of growth.

“These results tell us what we already know, that the Building Boost is doing what it’s meant to do, providing stimulus to the housing construction industry, which provides thousands of Queensland jobs.

“That’s why industry bodies like the Housing Industry Association, Master Builder’s Queensland and the Property Council have all welcomed the recent extension of the Building Boost.

“We have seen the Boost gain plenty of momentum in recent months, and we think that will continue through to April.

“With cuts to official interest rates, as well as the lowest standard stamp duty rates for all homes in the mainland States of Australia, there has never been a more attractive time to buy or build a new home.”

Mr Fraser said the results crushed the LNP’s political claims about the property industry and the need for the building boost. “I urge everyone to make the most of this great offer before it ends on April 30.”

 

Boost take-up rate:

August 100
September 569
October 1174
November 2038
December 3221
January 4602

 

Source : Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade, The Honourable Andrew Fraser (2 February 2012)

 

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How to Hang On To Your Home When Money’s Tight!

By on April 23, 2012 in Blog

hang on to your homeWith today’s ever-changing economy, home owners are under increasing pressure and especially when interest rates increases are combined with the rapidly rising cost of living.

We believe that many households are under enormous financial pressure. Times are uncertain. Job security, interest rates, electricity increases and the general cost of living are putting families under more and more pressure. Whatever happens, it is important to attempt to hang on to your home by riding out the storm.

Tips on balancing the budget to hang on to your home:

  • If mortgage payments are too difficult, try and switch to an interest-only loan
  • Shop for a better mortgage deal
  • Rent a bedroom or granny flat
  • Enjoy a great night in – regularly!

Understand that property is a long-term appreciating asset. Hang onto it at all costs if you can, over a period of time the gain outweighs the pain.

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Can You Sell a Home Under the Hammer With Just One Bidder?

By on April 18, 2012 in Blog

Yes, you can – and we do it all the time! I mention this here as invariably people ask if we’ve held any auctions this week and how they went, and they’re often shocked to learn we’ve sold a property that only had one bidder.

bidderGrant is pictured here in action doing just that last week, selling a unit at Clayfield for one of our team. When the market is tougher this type of auction becomes a more regular event: either having one bidder or a buyer who is clearly willing to pay a lot more than the others. In this situation many agents pass the property in and negotiate after auction but as this means the cooling off period and other clauses often come into play, we consider this a last resort.

Not every property will have ten bidders like the property we recently sold in Ennever St, Bardon (testimonial included here), though of course we wish they did as they are lots of fun! 

We find that people will often question, (and rightly so!) why you would auction if you don’t have a high demand property in a hot market? Going to auction has its own specific advantages. With the right agent and an auctioneer who thoroughly understand the process and are confident in negotiating with one bidder, a frequent result will be an unconditional sale. Under the hammer within less than thirty days on the market is eminently achievable!

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Five Fast Ways to Add Value to Your Property

By on April 16, 2012 in Blog

add valueEverybody would like to add value to their property and enhance its sale price.

 

Leading agents believe every property can be improved and every owner should try to obtain maximum sale prices. Adding value to property isn’t necessarily that difficult. It takes planning and vision and, of course, sticking to a budget!

Five fast ways to add value are:

  1. Add a bedroom: preferably under the same roofline, convert a garage or dining area. Valuers generally begin their assessment of property by looking at comparable sales in line with the number of bedrooms. Immediately you can boost your property to a higher value bracket.
  2. First Impressions: improve the front yard and facade of the home to offer “street appeal”.
  3. Add a bathroom: this is particularly important if you go from 3 to 4 bedrooms and can often be achieved by converting an existing laundry.
  4. Use similar features and finishes to those in a more expensive property.
  5. Add a WOW factor: incorporate finishes or factors that people remember. Perhaps a double sized shower, French doors or an outstanding entertaining area.

If you are thinking of buying or selling please contact us for a FREE copy of our book “How to sell your home for a dream price in record time” for all the tips you need.

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Are You Asking the Right Questions? – A Buyer’s Checklist…

By on April 11, 2012 in Blog

questionsPrior to inspection, ask the vendor or agent the following questions so that you can gain adequate knowledge of the property.

 

 

ð       What is history of property in terms of building works?

ð       Were they council approved and who undertook them?

ð       How long has the vendor lived in the premises?

ð       Why are they selling?

ð       Has there been any evidence of termite damage, flooding or ponding?

ð       Have they received any offers on the property?

ð       Why didn’t they proceed with that transaction?

ð       Have there been other buyers undertake a building and pest report?

ð       What did that report show?

ð       How soon do the owners want to move?

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