When it comes to selling your property, knowledge of the current market will certainly help you plan for the future and put you on the road to selling success!
Before you decide to sell your property, you should first do some research to find out what other comparable homes are selling for in your immediate area, and how long they are taking to sell. This will greatly aid you in many future decisions, such as finance and planning. Having this knowledge should also reduce your anxiety throughout the whole selling process.
So how to you acquire this knowledge? The easiest and most efficient way is through gaining a formal Market Appraisal Report from a reputable and local real estate agency. A Market Appraisal Report should not have any strings attached – it should be “obligation free” with the information extracted from a reputable property database company that gains the information from government records. Ask questions if you are not completely sure of any information. Be wary of taking verbal property pricing opinions and comparables as fact!
Pricing information can also be gained by keeping a close eye on the market, attending auctions, and speaking to others who have recently bought and sold in the area.
Once you are comfortable with price, it’s important that you choose an agent that will market your property in front of the highest amount of relevant buyers. Ask the agent to explain in detail what they will do for you when marketing your property – again ask questions to fully understand how these marketing activities will bring the maximum amount of ready buyers to your door.
When choosing an agent, you’ll find that the agent with the cheapest commission is probably not the best – that’s why they discount their fee! Focus on the agents’ communication skills, negotiation skills, and their track record - as it is these attributes that will determine your final sale price. Choosing a proven agent that has superior negotiation skills and effectively works with all buyers will gain you a higher final sale price that will positively impact your bottom line!
Office shot
Dougmal Harcourts - The Property People
Friday, 7 February 2014
Friday, 31 January 2014
Investment Property Success
Taking the first step towards purchasing an investment property is often the hardest...
First there is what you can borrow to fund the investment.
Then there are other considerations such as rental yield versus capital growth, unit/townhouse versus freestanding home, new versus old...and then there are the income and deduction implications.
Add to this your property will have to be efficiently managed so that it is well-maintained, has quality tenants, is achieving maximum income, and all is running smoothly.
Before you jump in, it’s important that you spend time to understand the pros and cons of investing in property. A good first step is speaking to a financial advisor who is experienced in the area and people who are actually property investors! It is also a good idea to speak to a professional real estate agent who has knowledge and experience in this area to help you in the information gathering process.
When it comes to buying an investment property, each buyer’s situation is different and you need to purchase with your own investment needs and goals in mind.
Here are a few things you should consider when purchasing a property to gain you maximum rental return:
• Number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas.
• Location including proximity to transport, shops and schools.
• Storage areas.
• Air conditioning.
• Car garaging.
• General presentation inside and out.
• Outdoor entertaining area.
At Dougmal Harcourts we have industry leading professionals who are qualified and able to assist you in purchasing an investment property.
We also have an industry-leading and multi-award winning Property Management division that is able to maintain and manage your property to achieve your investment goals.
First there is what you can borrow to fund the investment.
Then there are other considerations such as rental yield versus capital growth, unit/townhouse versus freestanding home, new versus old...and then there are the income and deduction implications.
Add to this your property will have to be efficiently managed so that it is well-maintained, has quality tenants, is achieving maximum income, and all is running smoothly.
Before you jump in, it’s important that you spend time to understand the pros and cons of investing in property. A good first step is speaking to a financial advisor who is experienced in the area and people who are actually property investors! It is also a good idea to speak to a professional real estate agent who has knowledge and experience in this area to help you in the information gathering process.
When it comes to buying an investment property, each buyer’s situation is different and you need to purchase with your own investment needs and goals in mind.
Here are a few things you should consider when purchasing a property to gain you maximum rental return:
• Number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas.
• Location including proximity to transport, shops and schools.
• Storage areas.
• Air conditioning.
• Car garaging.
• General presentation inside and out.
• Outdoor entertaining area.
At Dougmal Harcourts we have industry leading professionals who are qualified and able to assist you in purchasing an investment property.
We also have an industry-leading and multi-award winning Property Management division that is able to maintain and manage your property to achieve your investment goals.
Friday, 24 January 2014
Top Home Improvement Projects
If you're thinking of selling your home in 2014, or you just want to improve your home’s value, it's important to spend your time and money on projects that will bring you the most return on your investment.
Here are 8 home improvement projects you should consider:
1. External spruce up!
The first impression your home makes on buyers is its external appearance. If your home's exterior is looking tired, a paint job and/or fixing any issues should be a priority. Also pay attention to gardens and landscaping, as a little bit of money and effort can greatly improve the street appeal of your home.
2. Replace your front door
A new front door makes a great first impression on buyers! If your front door doesn't need replacing, a coat of paint can do wonders. Also look at your garage door and give it some attention if needed.
3. Add a deck or patio
No matter where you live, buyers are looking for outdoor living space. If you already have outdoor space, consider making it more attractive with a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, BBQ area or improved landscaping.
4. Add space
Depending on your budget and your goals for your home, an extra bedroom, extra bathroom, a finished attic or an expanded living space can increase the value of your home.
5. Improve your kitchen
It is true that buyers look carefully at kitchens and bathrooms. Be careful not to overspend on improving your kitchen. You may be able to do one or two things, such as replacing the appliances and painting the cabinets, or just replacing the bench tops with Caesarstone or granite to improve its value.
6. Work on your lighting
Today's buyers like brightly lit rooms. Change any window treatments to maximise the natural light into your home. Also look around your home and see if you need to upgrade or add more lighting.
7. Update your bathroom
Consider cost-effective minor upgrades to update your bathroom. Perhaps replace the fixtures, the mirror, repaint, and jazz it up with some flowers, candles or other low cost accessories.
8. Organise your storage spaces
High on the list of priorities for today's buyers is adequate storage. If your home lacks storage, you can increase its efficiency and appeal with closet organisers.
Most importantly, when improving your home be careful not to over-spend!
Here are 8 home improvement projects you should consider:
1. External spruce up!
The first impression your home makes on buyers is its external appearance. If your home's exterior is looking tired, a paint job and/or fixing any issues should be a priority. Also pay attention to gardens and landscaping, as a little bit of money and effort can greatly improve the street appeal of your home.
2. Replace your front door
A new front door makes a great first impression on buyers! If your front door doesn't need replacing, a coat of paint can do wonders. Also look at your garage door and give it some attention if needed.
3. Add a deck or patio
No matter where you live, buyers are looking for outdoor living space. If you already have outdoor space, consider making it more attractive with a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, BBQ area or improved landscaping.
4. Add space
Depending on your budget and your goals for your home, an extra bedroom, extra bathroom, a finished attic or an expanded living space can increase the value of your home.
5. Improve your kitchen
It is true that buyers look carefully at kitchens and bathrooms. Be careful not to overspend on improving your kitchen. You may be able to do one or two things, such as replacing the appliances and painting the cabinets, or just replacing the bench tops with Caesarstone or granite to improve its value.
6. Work on your lighting
Today's buyers like brightly lit rooms. Change any window treatments to maximise the natural light into your home. Also look around your home and see if you need to upgrade or add more lighting.
7. Update your bathroom
Consider cost-effective minor upgrades to update your bathroom. Perhaps replace the fixtures, the mirror, repaint, and jazz it up with some flowers, candles or other low cost accessories.
8. Organise your storage spaces
High on the list of priorities for today's buyers is adequate storage. If your home lacks storage, you can increase its efficiency and appeal with closet organisers.
Most importantly, when improving your home be careful not to over-spend!
Friday, 17 January 2014
Savvy Property Searching
With interest rates remaining low and steady and house prices affordable, more buyers are looking to either get into the property market, upgrade or invest.
However, before you take the plunge, you should be diligent, do your homework, and be a savvy property searcher.
The internet has certainly changed the way we search for properties. It is an invaluable resource to efficiently find properties and gain detailed information. Real estate websites allow you to call up properties for sale in specific price ranges and locations, zoom-in on floor plans and maps and much more...all with just a few clicks of a mouse!
Google's Street View is also regularly used to virtually venture up and down streets of interest, viewing properties from different angles.
Given all this, the internet is still no replacement for physically inspecting a property, the surrounding area, and the suburb. The internet is a limited experience, and some visuals and information can a year or more old!
Seeing a house for yourself can tell you all sorts of things the internet can't. By inspecting the property and its immediate surrounding area you gain an understanding of its vibe, the quality of shopping and dining, neighbours, infrastructure (current and upcoming), the people who live there, and the best and worst streets. None of this can be fully appreciated from the internet.
Also, be wary of relying on data gained from the internet - it is possibly out-of-date or even inaccurate!
Speaking to a highly experienced real estate agent in the area and gaining accurate and current information is highly important before making property decisions. In addition you can give the agent your specific property requirements that should then be utilised to inform you about relevant properties as they hit the market.
However, before you take the plunge, you should be diligent, do your homework, and be a savvy property searcher.
The internet has certainly changed the way we search for properties. It is an invaluable resource to efficiently find properties and gain detailed information. Real estate websites allow you to call up properties for sale in specific price ranges and locations, zoom-in on floor plans and maps and much more...all with just a few clicks of a mouse!
Google's Street View is also regularly used to virtually venture up and down streets of interest, viewing properties from different angles.
Given all this, the internet is still no replacement for physically inspecting a property, the surrounding area, and the suburb. The internet is a limited experience, and some visuals and information can a year or more old!
Seeing a house for yourself can tell you all sorts of things the internet can't. By inspecting the property and its immediate surrounding area you gain an understanding of its vibe, the quality of shopping and dining, neighbours, infrastructure (current and upcoming), the people who live there, and the best and worst streets. None of this can be fully appreciated from the internet.
Also, be wary of relying on data gained from the internet - it is possibly out-of-date or even inaccurate!
Speaking to a highly experienced real estate agent in the area and gaining accurate and current information is highly important before making property decisions. In addition you can give the agent your specific property requirements that should then be utilised to inform you about relevant properties as they hit the market.
Friday, 10 January 2014
Real Estate In 2014
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you’ve had a wonderful break over the holidays and are recharged for an outstanding and successful 2014.
At Dougmal Harcourts Campbelltown we too are excited about the year ahead. We have many initiatives and projects planned over the next few months to enhance communication with our customers and deliver even better real estate service.
2013 was a highly successful year for both our Sales and Property Management divisions. We worked hard to deliver strong sales results and outstanding property management services for our clients. Throughout the year we also won many industry awards for our expertise and superior achievements.
Similar to last year, we have another schedule of in-room Auction events planned, with the first one for 2014 on Wednesday 12th February. We plan to run these Auction events at least once a month throughout 2014.
If you are like me, the holiday break was a great time to reflect on the year past, and make goals for the coming year.
If your goals over the next 12 months include real estate selling, buying, investing or property management, please give us a call and speak to one of our professionals in these areas as to your intentions. Working together, we can help you attain your real estate goals in your chosen timeframe. As always, our advice is obligation free!
So far the property market is showing early signs of a strong year, continuing on from its strong performance in 2013. Buyers are outnumbering sellers, competing against each other for every property that comes on the market. Well-priced homes are selling quickly and for premium prices.
At Dougmal Harcourts Campbelltown we too are excited about the year ahead. We have many initiatives and projects planned over the next few months to enhance communication with our customers and deliver even better real estate service.
2013 was a highly successful year for both our Sales and Property Management divisions. We worked hard to deliver strong sales results and outstanding property management services for our clients. Throughout the year we also won many industry awards for our expertise and superior achievements.
Similar to last year, we have another schedule of in-room Auction events planned, with the first one for 2014 on Wednesday 12th February. We plan to run these Auction events at least once a month throughout 2014.
If you are like me, the holiday break was a great time to reflect on the year past, and make goals for the coming year.
If your goals over the next 12 months include real estate selling, buying, investing or property management, please give us a call and speak to one of our professionals in these areas as to your intentions. Working together, we can help you attain your real estate goals in your chosen timeframe. As always, our advice is obligation free!
So far the property market is showing early signs of a strong year, continuing on from its strong performance in 2013. Buyers are outnumbering sellers, competing against each other for every property that comes on the market. Well-priced homes are selling quickly and for premium prices.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Thank you and Merry Christmas
As Christmas is just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued clients for your tremendous support throughout 2013.
This year has been big one for our office, with the office rebranding from Dougmal to Harcourts earlier in the year.
This year has also been the year of the “Auction”! Since March this year, we have run ten in-room Auction events, with one more event to finish off 2013.
From March to November, we have submitted 59 properties to auction. We’ve sold 63% of these properties at the auction event, with the remaining properties selling on average 14 days after the auction.
This year alone we have successfully auctioned over 16 million dollars worth of local property. From the properties sold above reserve, our sellers have received an average of $24,000 over their expectations.
Looking to next year we will conduct our next Auction event on 12th February 2014.
Next year we also have many exciting things planned in both our sales and property management divisions that will greatly benefit our clients. Our focus will continue to be on delivering exceptional results in the dynamic and ever-changing real estate market. We will continue to stay ahead of our competitors through the effective use of technology and improving our award-winning systems and service.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2014.
This year has been big one for our office, with the office rebranding from Dougmal to Harcourts earlier in the year.
This year has also been the year of the “Auction”! Since March this year, we have run ten in-room Auction events, with one more event to finish off 2013.
From March to November, we have submitted 59 properties to auction. We’ve sold 63% of these properties at the auction event, with the remaining properties selling on average 14 days after the auction.
This year alone we have successfully auctioned over 16 million dollars worth of local property. From the properties sold above reserve, our sellers have received an average of $24,000 over their expectations.
Looking to next year we will conduct our next Auction event on 12th February 2014.
Next year we also have many exciting things planned in both our sales and property management divisions that will greatly benefit our clients. Our focus will continue to be on delivering exceptional results in the dynamic and ever-changing real estate market. We will continue to stay ahead of our competitors through the effective use of technology and improving our award-winning systems and service.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2014.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Protecting your home over the holiday season
We are fast approaching the holiday season when many of us travel to see our families or head to our favourite holiday spots, leaving our homes unattended.
Statistics show that home burglaries are highest over the holiday season.
If you are planning to go away, you should start thinking now about how to best protect your home and contents while you’re away. An unoccupied house advertises itself to potential thieves without you even realising it!
Here are some great ideas to give your house a “lived-in” look that’ll leave no clue to thieves that you’re away. Before you go away you should:-
Cancel any newspaper deliveries.
Statistics show that home burglaries are highest over the holiday season.
If you are planning to go away, you should start thinking now about how to best protect your home and contents while you’re away. An unoccupied house advertises itself to potential thieves without you even realising it!
Here are some great ideas to give your house a “lived-in” look that’ll leave no clue to thieves that you’re away. Before you go away you should:-
Cancel any newspaper deliveries.
- Ask the post office to hold your mail, or get a neighbour to collect and hold it for you.
- Let a neighbour know you’re going away and ask them to keep an eye out for anyone around your home. Also ask them to collect your junk mail.
- Give your neighbour your car keys and ask them to move your car out of the garage and leave in the driveway every couple of days. Alternatively you could ask them to park their car in the driveway.
- If you are away for an extended period of time, perhaps organise for a teenager or lawn mowing service to do your lawns and tidy the gardens.
- The garbage bin. If you don’t want to ask a neighbour to wheel it in and out every week, put it away altogether.
- Install some electrical timers inside your home to turn selected lights on and off for a period every night.
- Turn the volume of your phone down and don’t leave a message telling people you’re away.
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