Congratulations Melbourne!

Filed under Auction Properties, Featured Property, for rent, For Sale, Investment, Market Updates, News by on June 29, 2012 at 5:10 pm {no comments}


Congratulations Melbournites, we have passed through the coldest and longest days of Winter! We’re almost half way through the year with the end of financial year just around the corner. If you’ve been waiting for the Spring to sell, it’s time to start preparing now. At Dingle Partners Real Estate, we can match a property consultant specialist to your area to ensure the best possible result. We will design your sale or Auction campaign closely with you and provide you with all the tips you need to be competitive in the current market.An appraisal is more than just a property valuation.

Although it’s complimentary, we’ll always take the long road and go the extra mile. We’ll suggest subtle ways you can improve the appearance of your property without breaking your budget, discuss the best price range to attract a larger buyer interest and answer any questions you may have to help make the process a smooth, professional and successful outcome.

If we can help in any way, please call the office or email today to arrange your complimentary appraisal.

Warm Regards,

The Team at Dingle Partners Real Estate

customerservice@dinglepartners.com.au

Changes to Cooling Off Rules

Filed under News, Research by on February 14, 2012 at 8:58 am {no comments}

PPG_Blog_Feb_Image 3_Cooling offCooling-off rules are set to change at the beginning of next month, for all buyers of residential real estate. On 1 March purchasers will no longer lose their right to cool off just because they sought and obtained advice from a lawyer before they signed a contract.

If buyers intend to use their lawyer to help them with their purchase they will be on the same footing as someone who employs a conveyancer, so far as cooling-off goes.

Previously, if someone sought advice from their lawyer before they signed their contract they lost their right to change their mind and cool off, while someone who consulted a conveyancer with the same purpose in mind did not.

From the start of March, in the majority of residential sales, the only occasion on which a buyer will not be able to change their mind and cool off after signing a contract will be when they sign within three clear business days before, on the day of, or within three clear business days after a publicly advertised auction.

Some rules have not changed, however. Buyers must still exercise their right to cool off within three clear business days of signing their contract. In counting the days, you ignore the day you signed, weekends and public holidays. If they do cool off, the seller will still be entitled to keep $100 or 0.2% of the contract price, whichever is more, as compensation for losing their sale.

Normally, the money will be deducted from the deposit they paid to the selling agent and the difference returned to them.

Real Estate Terms Defined

Filed under News, Research by on January 24, 2012 at 10:18 am {no comments}

PPG_Blog_Jan_image 5_common terms definedImportant real estate terms can sometimes be difficult to interpret. The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIV) provides a comprehensive list of industry vocabulary on their website. Below are some of the more popular terms and their definitions.

APPRAISAL – The term commonly used in America to indicate what is termed in Australia as a Valuation. In Australia, the term means an opinion of the potential saleability of a residential property by a licensed Real Estate Agent.

MEDIAN VALUE is the middle price in a series of sales where half the sales are of lower value and half are of a higher value. For example, if 15 sales are recorded in a suburb and arranged in order from lowest to highest value, the eighth-placed is the median price. Medians are used rather than average prices because they are unaffected by a few unusually high or low prices, making them a more accurate indicator of true market activity.

CHATTELS – Any fixed asset other than freehold land. Items such as machinery, implements, tools, furnishings, fittings, which may be associated with land use, but which are not fixed to the land or premises or, if fixed, may be removed without causing structural damage to a building. Legally known as personality.

EASEMENT – A right to use the land of another (not involving the taking of any part of the natural produce of that land, or any part of its soil) or a right to prevent the owner of that land from using that land in a particular manner. Most commonly used where Government authorities have the right to run, for example, electrical mains or drainage through private property. Some form of compensation may be payable.

OWNERS CORPORATION is a relatively new term in Victoria and replaces the term "body corporate". An owners corporation commonly exists in units, apartments and medium-density housing when there is shared property, such as a driveway, stairs or car park. It can have as few as two members and there are rules governing how owners corporations operate and their roles.

5 More Tips for Going Green at Work

Filed under News, Research by on November 29, 2011 at 9:49 am {no comments}

We’re on a roll with environmentally-friendly work tips and here are five more great ideas if you have the ear of the boss.

1. Cleaning Products
Whether you’re using an independent cleaning person or the building management has staff in place, now is the time to switch cleaning products to greener versions to drastically reduce indoor air pollution and to avoid adding questionable chemical residue to our waterways. Obviously this is easier to do when you don’t have to go through building management. But even if you can get a building to change one product to green, you’ll really be making a difference.

2. Energy Initiatives
Change light bulbs to energy efficient ones and put up signs reminding staff to pull the plug at the end of the day on things like coffee makers and microwaves, and to turn their computers off at the power point. Standby on many computers equals energy guzzler.

3. Paper Products
Set up a digital file sharing system and make an initiative to print as little as possible. Paper should be 100 percent recycled, and either unbleached, or bleached without chlorine. When you do print, set up your printer to automatically print double-sided. Speaking of printing – refill ink cartridges rather than buying new and if that’s not possible there are plenty of places where you can take them for recycling.

Reuse anything that is printed on one side only as scrap paper, reducing the need for new notebooks in the office. New notebooks, toilet paper, paper towels, business cards and more can all be found in eco-friendlier versions. If you send out lots of mailings at work, choose eco packing materials. Reuse boxes, use shredded papers for packing material and look for padded envelopes containing recycled fibre.

Consider cancelling all your newspaper and magazine subscriptions and go online instead.

4. Stock Your Kitchen
Much of the waste that is created during the day in an office is takeout food containers, coffee cups and water bottles. If you have a kitchen, use it. Simple things can make a huge difference. Fill a cupboard with reusable mugs, plates, glasses, and utensils. Stick a bottle of eco dish soap by the sink. Put in an under the sink water filter. Plug a coffee maker into the wall. Take it a step further by filling it with Fair Trade/organic coffee and putting organic milk in the fridge. You don’t need plastic or wooden stirrers when you have spoons in the cupboard. Sugar and tea also come in Fair Trade/organic versions. Bulk sugar has less packaging than individually wrapped paper packets. Coffee filters, like all paper products, now come in unbleached versions. If you have a microwave, put a few microwave safe glass containers in the cupboard (it’s not a good idea to put plastic in the microwave). If you have a bottle of hand soap or sanitizer in the kitchen, make sure it doesn’t contain an antibacterial (like Triclosan).

5. Try carbon offsetting your business

Whether you’re a unique boutique, a mobile business or a large company – or something in between, you’re impacting the environment and if you want to do more about carbon emissions and the boss thinks it’s a good idea, try offsetting.  Carbon offsetting is a way for businesses (and individuals) to invest in projects that prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere. 

Check out the various options and pricing at Yonderr.com.au

If you have any other tips to help create greener workplaces we would love to hear from you – drop us a line today.

For more information on this article, click here.

Story source: www.yonderr.com.au

Lifestyle Properties

Filed under News, Research by on November 4, 2011 at 12:12 pm {no comments}

PPG_Blog_Nov_Image 1_Lifestyle propertiesHoliday homes are rather notorious for being a poor investment choice with lower rental returns and limited tax benefits. However, with a good deal of research and consideration buyers can make a purchase that not only provides them with priceless family memories, they can also enjoy substantial capital growth.

Many of the usual property rules apply when looking for a lifestyle property. If you can’t afford to purchase a house with the town’s best views, buying within walking distance of the beach or shops is the next-best option. And for the most lucrative holiday letting or resale market, it’s advisable to look no further than 90 minutes drive from Melbourne.

Other considerations for buyers include:

  • Suburban style homes don’t usually resell as well as homes with period details or that extra beach/country charm
  • Allow a reasonable budget for furnishings if the property you buy is unfurnished ($10,000 – $20,000)
  • Expect a land tax bill: a holiday house is viewed as an investment property for tax purposes if you already receive an exemption for a principal place of residence in the city
  • Regular expenses will include rates, electricity and water, insurance and commission to a letting agent
  • Maintenance jobs are ongoing and can sometimes be more than at the family home

Financial considerations are important and should always be weighed up when looking at buying a holiday home. They aren’t always the deciding factor though, especially as some buyers don’t intend to rent out their property very often anyway. Sometimes the satisfaction and enjoyment of weekends and extended holidays at the beach house far outweigh the price tag.

Choosing the Right Tradies

Filed under Investment, News, Research, Uncategorized by on September 20, 2011 at 11:02 am {no comments}

Disaster stories involving trades people are legend. From botchy work to loutish behaviour, the nightmares abound. Therefore the single most important decision you will make when building a home or renovating is choosing the builder.

There is no fool proof way to pick the perfect tradie but there are numerous steps you can take to try and eliminate the shonky ones.

1. Ask friends and family for references. Certain builders will have a reputation for excellence and professionalism. It should help to narrow down the field.
2. Make sure you get a builder who specialises in your type of renovation. For example, some specialise in period buildings and have passion and experience in sensitive renovations.
3. Ask for examples of their work. Knock on the doors of these houses to gain a reference and clear understanding of how the builder conducts himself.
4. Ask for a written quote. This should list materials and their price as well as labour estimates. That way, the builder can’t suddenly change his or her mind and use the old flooring instead of replacing it.
5. Make sure the builders or trade contractors you are considering are licensed — ask to see their licences or, better still, check with Builders Licensing Australia’s website, which will direct you to online licence searching facilities.
6. Make sure they have home warranty insurance and again, ask to see proof.
7. Ask the builder what other jobs he has on, to get a feel for his workload. If he is juggling too many balls, you might be the one that gets dropped.
Will the builder be supervising the job? If not, who will be? Again, get reference checks.
8. Ask for start and completion times and try and get a contract schedule in place.

Timber flooring – the options

Filed under News, Research by on August 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm {no comments}

PPG_July_Blog_image 7_flooring

When it comes to selecting the right type of timber flooring for your home, there are plenty of choices. Climate, architecture and budget can all influence your decision. Whatever you decide, timber offers a cost-effective, durable and appealing finish, especially in main living areas.

Here is a rundown on each of the most popular options:

HARDWOOD – SOLID TONGUE & GROOVE

· Traditional flooring system that cannot be matched for its lasting beauty and durability.

· Solid hardwood tongue and groove strip flooring is designed to be laid directly onto joists, battens, over concrete or can be nailed to old timber flooring. 

· The boards are designed for a tight plank to plank fit to ensure a continuous and stable surface.

Hardwood floors come in Select, Natural and Standard grades.

Species – Australian Beech, Blackbutt, Sydney Blue Gum, Brushbox, Rose Gum, Forest Reds, Ironbark, Jarrah, Karri, Red Mahogany, Spotted Gum and many more species are available.

PRE-FINISHED ENGINEERED FLOORING

A very popular flooring giving all the benefits of tongue and groove flooring, but without the need for sanding and polishing.  The boards are all pre-finished with coating already applied, so it can be installed in half the time of traditional flooring.

· Pre-finished engineered flooring also comes in Raw, so you can choose the level of gloss as required.

· Pre-finished engineered flooring is comprised of 4 or 5 layers of timbers fused together into long planks then pre-finished ready to lay.

· Even though pre-finished, the boards can be sanded many times giving them the same lifespan as traditional timber flooring.

Species – Pre-finished Engineered flooring is available in an extensive range of hues and colours to match and enhance any home, office or commercial premises.

PARQUETRY

Parquetry floors add a unique and stunning feature to any premises.  Parquetry is hardwearing and is available in two styles, mosaic and block.

· Mosaic parquetry is made up of small fingers of timber in tile form and block parquetry comes in single blocks which can be arranged in any pattern or feature you desire.

· Parquetry comes in Select Grade and Standard Grade

Some Species – Alpine Ash, Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt, Sydney Blue Gum, Brush Box, Ironbark, Jarrah and many more.

BAMBOO FLOORING

Bamboo flooring is extremely hard wearing, lightweight and stable in all weather conditions, as it has an innate moisture resistance.

· An environmentally friendly flooring resource adding quality and warmth to any home.

Species – Bamboo flooring comes in many textures and is available in colours of natural or coffee.

Winter window dressing

Filed under News, Research by on July 13, 2011 at 7:48 am {one comment}

french doors

Winter may be all about adding accessories to create a sense of comfort and warmth, but there is an exception: windows. While a thick curtain or drape can insulate against plunging temperatures, heavy fabric also prohibits precious daylight from entering your home, potentially making rooms seem dark, or worse, dingy.

When it comes to dressing your mullion windows or French doors for the cooler months, a good principle is to use only what you need for privacy. If you have glass doors at the front of the home, for example, you will want something to stop passers-by watching as you prepare dinner. Consider a semi-sheer curtain that can be tied back, or reflective blinds, which appear opaque from outside, but are near invisible from inside.

Plantation shutters – a slightly more expensive option – look great from both inside and outside the house. Perhaps one of the most popular trends at the moment is to create layers around your windows. Think about using a sheer curtain for privacy while “framing” the window with more luxurious curtains made from silk or organza in rich colours that gently drape to the floor.

If the back or side windows are hidden behind the fence, however, consider leaving them bare. Not only will your home capture the winter light, you will be able to admire the changing colours of the season as you go about your business.

The good news is that many custom-made window furnishing suppliers offer great discounts at this time of year. You will always save more if you can buy curtains “off the rack”, but these are usually restricted to certain dimensions.

Safety in embers

Filed under News, Research by on June 17, 2011 at 9:20 am {no comments}

PPG_image 6_June 2011Nothing negates the winter chill quite like an open fireplace. Not only are they practical and provide warmth on cool winter nights, but open fires also act as a centerpiece in a living area. In particular, many older, period-style homes often have an open fire in each room complete with iron surrounds and pretty, decorative tiles.

Regardless of your open fire’s style, homeowners with a yen for fireside thawing are being urged not to put safety on the backburner. According to industry body Archicentre, many of Australia’s 11,000 yearly house fires are preventable – and protecting your bricks, mortar and loved ones starts with changing your smoke detector.

The safest detectors are those electrically wired into mains power. Home owners annoyed by false alarms and flat battery beep warnings often disconnect the battery operated alarms or simply do not replace the batteries, warns Archicentre. Smoke detectors also need to be located to suit the design and layout of your home and, ideally, be fitted by an expert.

Similarly, all chimneys and flues require maintenance and if purchasing a period home, it pays to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney before lighting a fire. A build up of creosote can not only hinder the efficiency of your open fire, but also create a fire hazard. Old bird’s nests and other animal activity in your chimney can also cause problems – the least of which is a room full of smoke!

Regular maintenance of your chimney or flue will increase the safety and efficiency of your unit.

Is there a right time to sell?

Filed under News, Research by on June 16, 2011 at 8:51 am {no comments}

right time to sellReal estate agents have long debated and even advocated that there is a “right” season to sell property.

Some argue that summer time is simply too busy while others will suggest that homes don’t look their best in winter, or even that buyers are distracted by the football season. While many agents advise potential sellers to defer selling until the Spring – typically the peak property sales period – it’s important to realise that there will always be buyers ready to act.

Sure, seasons may influence those who are just window shopping at a property with no serious intention of buying, but there are always people out there who need to buy a new home regardless of the season. Not everyone can wait until Spring! It’s these people we need to focus on.

Selling a home is not about the weather, it is about the craft – creating a marketing campaign that engages buyers regardless of the season.  It’s all about going into sell a home with the right strategy, the right focus and the right attitude – attributes that a PPG agent always brings to the table. If someone believes it’s not the right season to sell then things are automatically off to a weak start.

Property sales data for the past few months in Melbourne shows both a steady supply of homes and apartments hitting the market matched with a steady clearance rate. Median values have also remained fairly stable indicating that there is no mythical “drop off” point in the market where things stop altogether, just because of the time of year.

Regardless of whether there is an ‘ideal season’ to sell or not, there will always be people ready to buy property and agents just need to connect with them for their sellers and get the job done.

 
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