Winter is Coming … Markets, Politics & Investment Blues…Come in From the Cold
Despite the drop in temperatures outside, it seems to us that there is a glimmer of warmth in the post-election investment property market. With proposed policies to wind back negative gearing & capital gains tax incentives, market instability, plummeting house prices, all central issues in this election cycle, there were some ‘icy road’ policies in play and it appears the Liberal…
My last auction – What actually happens at auctions
I recently attended my first property auction and I hope to God it is also my last. My grandmother has recently downsized and put her home of 40 years up for sale. The property was for sale with us for about 3 months by private treaty where it was listed for $1.2m. We didn’t find…
The End For Purplebricks Australia
As many of us have already heard, The “No Commission” Real Estate Company Purplebricks has announced its inevitable withdrawal from the Australian market. If you recall, we had already begun observing the cracks in the purple wall back in November last year. But now, Vic Darvey, the companies CEO has made the “difficult decision” publicly…
An independent valuer is invaluable!
Particularly when you’re a seller suffering from the endowment effect. If you’re selling your much loved home and expecting an honest assessment from your sales agent, think twice before you take their word as gospel. Just because you’ve been given the answer you want to hear, doesn’t mean it’s accurate, in fact it’s probably anything…
Are you choosing the right agent?
When it comes to selling your property, the rule is: NEVER pay any agent under any circumstances until your home is sold for the price you want. In theory, it’s easy enough to remember, but implementing the idea can be hard, especially if you have a particularly persuasive sales agent on your hands! Follow this…
Are you your own toughest competitor at auction?
We all get nervous and make mistakes under pressure. Auctions are no different but when you’re battling it out with thousands of dollars on the line, it’s best to minimise the slip-ups. Bidding against yourself might not seem like something you could just accidentally do, but believe us it happens more often than you’d think!…
Anzac Day
Every year on April 25th Australians across the globe come together to honour the Anzac legend and celebrate the Anzac ideals of courage, endurance and mateship. As Australians, this is a tradition we have grown up with, however while many are familiar with the day, most people are not aware of its origins. On the…
Flip the Focus, Flip Flip the Focus!
What is the secret to getting the highest price for your property and not just a high price? Well, you have to flip your focus to the fourth price! At this point you might be wondering what we’re even talking about and that’s because most sales agents focus on three prices. They start with…
Sunk Cost Syndrome
From old school newspapers to the internet, not much has changed in the way some sales agents coerce the unsuspecting vendor into becoming financially invested by promoting big budget advertising. Negotiators call this, the Sunk Cost Syndrome! – being able to unwittingly increase a vendors motivation to sell. Let’s be honest, bigger photos doesn’t mean…
What is an Emergency Maintenance and What is a Landlord’s Obligation?
Have you ever been called by your property manager with the news that there’s been an emergency maintenance event at your investment property? We know it can be a stressful time both in terms of ensuring your property and tenant is protected and the cost it may involve. Understanding exactly what constitutes an Emergency Maintenance item, to…