NFN February Property Book

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER & BUYERS PROPERTY GUIDE

Property Bookthe

Nerang F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Safe houses for dangerous summersProtect your most valuable asset

Turn to page 2 to fi nd out the winner of last month’s $100 voucher

Living the dream as a LandlordLearn the pros and cons of investing

WIN a $100 Bunnings Voucher!Just answer 3 simple riddles!

RENOVATING FOR REWARDTop Tips and Hints

2

Safe Houses For Dangerous Summers

Summer is all about having fun in the sun, but it is also about safety and making sure your home is protected from the damage that can be caused by sun, bushfi res, storms and other natural disasters.

First National Real Estate Nerang has some great advice to help homeowners and residents prepare their homes for the risks posed by hot weather.

According to Mike Gray, from First National Nerang, all areas of a home should be considered, from the swimming pool, garden and the home itself.

“Whether you want to keep your home safe from the threat of a bushfi re, storms, or even just to make sure the kids can swim in the pool safely, now is the time to get to work on making the home safe,” Mike said.

“Garden hoses should be connected to taps and fi re resistance mesh screens to doors

and windows will help prevent embers from entering the home in the case of a bushfi re.”

Other tips for fi re safety include ensuring all smoke alarms inside the home are in correct working order and any fl ammable items such as wood, boxes and other recycling materials such as newspapers, fl ammable liquids and gas bottles are stored well away from the house.

For swimming pools, it is essential that fences are checked for sagging or shifting, as they represent a safety issue as much as an aesthetic one. Another important safety issue for swimmers is pool water quality.

“Pool owners should make sure they continuously test their pool water quality, vacuum it regularly and keep it clean from debris,” Mike said.

“When a storm, fl ood or bushfi re hits a town, this importance increases tenfold when you

consider the increased risks and health hazards posed by the natural disaster.

“Floodwaters may have brought sewage or muddy waters into your swimming pool, or fallen branches and chemical run-offs may have been introduced as a result of bushfi re fi ghting activities or from roofs covered in bird droppings and other animal matter.

Simple home maintenance will protect your house from the ravages caused by the sun.

• Wash the exterior of your house. Use a professional house-washing service if possible as they will legally use high-pressure washes which use far less water than a regular hose.

• Check all window seals and door frames to keep out hot air. Replace seals where necessary and keep draft stoppers handy for the base of back and front doors.

• Clean ceiling fans and air conditioner fi lters before use to ensure their effi cient operation.

• Check exterior paintwork for signs of wear and tear and apply a fresh coat or touch-ups where necessary including exterior house walls, decking, verandahs and fences.

• Refi ll children’s sandpits with fresh sand and inspect play equipment to ensure the effects of winter have not eroded their safety ratings through rust or weakening.

3

Congratulations to Blair Trainor, our December winner of the $100 voucher. To win, Blair answered 3 riddles to be in the draw. Turn to page 4 to for this months brain teasers - and win!

JANUARY’S $100 WINNER

So what are the real FACTS?Nearly every agency claims to be Number ONE, but they can’t all be right... so, who really is selling the most properti es in our local area?

If you read the newspapers right now the real estate industry has rebounded quite well but the polarisati on between successful performing agencies and the rest has never been greater.

In a changing property market, agents with higher skill levels, greater experience and an ability to change and adapt, will thrive whilst others stumble.

Agents that have invested heavily in eff ecti ve technology, skills training and a rock solid team are able to take advantage of this somewhat fi ckle market place like never before.

A quick check of all local agent websites and you fi nd that most agents claim to be the “Leading”, “No 1” or “Highest Selling” agency in the area. The public expect a certain amount of puff ery from real estate agents, but puff ery is exactly that – “exaggerati on” and most are extreme in that regard.

So what is the truth? What are the Facts? Who really is Number one?

First Nati onal Real Estate Nerang uses a subscriber based product for real estate agents called MarketTracker to monitor the market acti vity of all local real estate agencies. It is the only automated and web based market share monitoring programme of its kind.

MarketTracker collects and reports on informati on which agents themselves provide to the real estate portals. The data itself is as independent as you can get because it’s actually supplied and originati ng directly from each

individual agency. In simple terms, if a property is adverti sed on the internet MarketTracker counts it and will track it unti l the agent declares it is sold or withdrawn from sale.

FACT! According MarketTracker, of approximately 12 local based agencies - First Nati onal Nerang has consistently maintained a dominant market share between 40% and 50% of all property sales in the local area. Each stati sti c is supported in MarketTracker with a full record of exactly which properti es the data represents.

This level of market dominance doesn’t come easily, it’s the result of hard work, determinati on and professionalism.

The First Nati onal Nerang team is also the number ONE First Nati onal offi ce in Queensland and since 2000; it has won the REIQ Award for Excellence 6 ti mes as Agency of the Year. Last year the team were fi nalists for Australian Agency of the year and are once again REIQ fi nalists for this year’s up and coming awards.

So, it’ hard to argue with the stati sti cal FACTS... now you know who really can claim to be Number ONE!

Nerang

First National Nerang is delighted to welcome Steve Snow to the team.

Steve has been a highly successful and very popular local sales person for several years as a top 10 salesperson on the Gold Coast with LJ Hooker. After a short absence interstate, Steve has decided to join Queensland’s Number ONE First National offi ce for residential sales.

To all of Steve’s past and future clients, he looks forward to helping you and can be contacted on 0414 982 034.

Top local agent joins Queensland’s Number ONE Agency

Market Share Report of Properti es Under Contract - Average of the past 8 weeks from MarketTracker on Carrara, Highland Park, Nerang, Worongary

Question 1:

Jack is standing behind Jill but Jill is standing behind Jack. How?

Question 2:

The ages of a father and son add up to 66. The father’s age is the son’s age reversed.

How old could they be? (NB there are 3 possible solutions).

To be in with a chance just answer any one of the following Brain Teasers correctly. For every correct answer you will have one chance in the draw. Submit your answers at http://blog.nfn.com.au

Question 3: There is a common English word that is nine letters long. Each time you remove a letter from it, it still remains an English word – from nine letters right down to a single letter. What is the original word, and what are the words that it becomes after removing one letter at a time?

$100 BUNNINGS VOUCHER WITH THIS MONTH’S BRAIN TEASERS

4

Renovating For Reward

Queensland is a renovator’s paradise, with a good mix of housing styles for home improvers to choose from, according to the State’s peak real estate industry organisation.

We all like to look at a property and see ways to increase its value or improve it in ways to suit our lifestyles.

However, the biggest risk with renovations is overcapitalisation. That is, when you go to sell the property you may not recoup the money spent on the renovations..

The following examples of what you can do to increase the value of your property:

Refurbish the kitchen and / or • bathroomAdd a second bathroom• Polish fl oorboards or replace • existing carpetRedesign or de-clutter gardens• Add off street car parking• Update light fi ttings• Update door & cupboard handles• Reinstate period fi xtures & fi ttings• Add built in robes or partition a • new walk in robe

Potential buyers tend to look very carefully at the kitchen and bathroom areas. These tend to be the most expensive to replace or refurbish and consequently rate highly on a buyers ‘wish list’.

The number or ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms is also important, as is the orderly presentation of gardens and outdoor living areas.

Neutral paint schemes may not make a bold statement of your creativity - but generally they won’t offend or possibly turn away some

potential purchasers.

Furnish the fi nished project using colour and individual items to highlight the new look.

Hiring items of furniture during the marketing period can work well.

Often the smartest and most effective renovations are the ‘simplest’ ones.

A Few More Tips:

Talk to your real estate agent 1. about your ideas. They will help you to determine whether the renovation will make a difference to the bottom line.Invest your time attend open for 2. inspections in the area. See what works in other similar houses.Budget, then shop around for the 3. best quotes. Don’t be too emotional about 4. individual items. Aim to please the majority.For a family style home, an open 5. grassy area is great to play on, incorporate a paved outdoor area or deck - always great value for entertaining.

$WIN!

5

Living The Dream As A Landlord It may sound easy, but becoming a landlord is not a one-way ticket to riches. Becoming a landlord is the aim of many, but you need to know what you’re doing.

Property investing is the subject of countless books and seminars in which so-called experts talk about the easy millions to be made.

It sounds easy but becoming a landlord is not an instant one-way street to riches.

It’s to be approached with your eyes open and your wallet shut until you are sure about what you are doing. Here are some key questions to ask.

Have I got a big enough deposit?Requirements for deposits have increased.

While landlords could get 100 per cent deposits this time last year, the maximum loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) have been cut gradually from 100 per cent to 95 per cent and now to 90 per cent.

In other words, you will need a deposit of at least 10 per cent.

How much rent do I need to earn?There is no set level of rental income that is relative to the mortgage interest but banks will look at your income and outgoings, including repayments on other mortgages, and assess whether you can afford to cover the interest in the event there is no rent income.

“Most banks will assume four weeks a year when the property is empty,” says Mortgage Choice broker John Manciameli.

How long should I invest for?Investing in property is a long-term game. You can’t rely on prices holding up or rising in the very short term and the longer you can afford to commit for the better.

What if I have tenant problems?Many issues can arise with tenants, from late payment of rent to treating the property badly or malicious damage.

Residential tenancies authorities in each state offer plenty of information.

You should take out landlord insurance. It is available from most of the major insurers and covers risks such as arrears and damage.

Where are the best areas to buy?Location, as any landlord will tell you, is key. But in a country with such a shortage of properties on the market, vacancy rates are historically low.

The old tips about buying within half-an-hour or so of the city centre, near shops, public transport and other local amenities hold true.

How shall I decorate?Try not to impose your own taste on the property. Make it as neutral as possible, with white tiles and neutral colours rather than wacky reds. Avoid swirly patterns on curtains; simple blinds are popular.

What are the tax advantages?Negative gearing, the most famous tax break on Australian property investment, is widely misunderstood.

It works like this: if your rent falls short of covering your mortgage interest, you can claim the losses against your taxable income.

However, you don’t get refunded all of the losses, only a proportion equal to your marginal tax rate. If you pay 46 per cent tax and you have a $100

shortfall every month, you get back $46 a month against your mortgage interest.

If you pay tax at 30 per cent, you can reclaim $30. Higher earners benefi t from negative gearing the most.

Should I get a property manager?Hiring a property manager to look after your investment is a wise move. A good property manager will make sure the rent is always up to date, will carry out routine inspections and fi nd reliable tenants for your property.

Insurance companies will offer cost effective landlord protection insurance providing your property if it is managed by a real estate agency.

If you are looking to start a property portfolio, have an existing portfolio or simply have questions about investing in property, call First National Nerang on 07 55960055.

Office 55 960055quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

Nerang

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

First in local real estate.

Price: $289,000Web ID: 1216319 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

Great Townhouse, Great Views2 bedrooms• Spacious open plan design• Well sized modern kitchen• Downstairs powder room• Covered entertaining deck with • Surfers skyline views

LU garage• Pool and tennis court in • complex

HIGHLAND PARK 2 1 1

Price: $295,000Web ID: 1264625 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

Character, Charm and Space2 double bedrooms• Good size open plan living• Tall raked pitched ceilings• Separate dining area• Functional kitchen• Private front and rear courtyards•

LU garage with mezzanine • storageLow body corp of $13.85pw•

NERANG 2 1 1

Price: $300,000Web ID: 1270542 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Sensational Complex3 Bedroom townhouse• Ensuite to master• Two separate living areas• Air conditioning• Small entertaining area• Fenced yard•

Double lock up garage• Close to shops and schools•

NERANG 3 2 1


Bargain In High Class Complex3 bedrooms plus ensuite• Spacious tiled living area• Open modern kitchen• Air conditioning and insulated• Covered entertaining area• Auto LU garage•

Pets up to 10kg welcome• Security gated complex with • pool and BBQ area

HELENSVALE 3 2 1

Price: $320,000 - $595,000Contact: 07 5596 0055

Various Building BlocksBuild the home of your dreams on one of our many vacant lots for sale.Lots vary from residential sites, prestige lots with coastal views to private acreage lots. What are you waiting for? Call now!

VACANT LAND 0 0 0

Price: $245,000Web ID: 1183421 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

Terrifi c Townhouse!3 bedrooms• Open plan living• Freshly painted and new blinds• Enclosed and covered pergola• Security gated complex with • pool, BBQ area & tennis courts

Carport with LU storage• Great investment•

NERANG 3 1 1


Nerang




Prestige Location810m2 vacant building block• Gently sloping• Build up and enjoy views over • the river to the mountainsSurrounded by million dollar • properties

Exclusive street in Ashmore• Only minutes to all major • amenities

ASHMORE 0 0 0

Price: $370,000Web ID: 1259018 Contact: Steven Hayes 0421 643 871

Sweet & Stylish!Two large bedrooms (3rd bed-• room converted to enlarge 2nd bedroom)Open plan design• Ultra modern kitchen• Air conditioning•

Shady covered entertaining area• Great size yard for kids and pets• Short walk to school and shops•

NERANG 2 1 1


Urgent Sale Required!3 bedrooms• Tiled open plan living & dining• Terrifi c modern kitchen with • timber benchtops and stainless steel appliancesAir conditioning•

Long covered entertaining area• Double carport plus loads of off • road parking

HIGHLAND PARK 3 1 2


Sensational DuplexThree bedrooms, ensuite• Tiled open plan living• Lovely modern kitchen• Air conditioning• Covered entertaining area plus • spa

Low maintenance yard• Close to schools and transport• Lockup garage•

NERANG 3 2 1


Resort Style Living12 months body corp fees PAID!• Three bedrooms plus ensuite • Spacious open plan living• Modern kitchen with granite • benchtops and dishwasherAir conditioned living area•

Fully fenced yard backing• Security estate with resort style • pool, BBQ area and more

NERANG 3 2 1


Acreage Block, Prestige Estate4060m2 building block• Elevated with lovely bush outlook• Corner block with great frontage• Surrounded by prestige acreage • homesTown water•

Located in Lakeview Downs • EstateOnly minutes to CBD•

MAUDSLAND 0 0 0


Nerang



Price: $399,000 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

Potential Plus!Three bedrooms, ensuite• Split level lounge and dining• Good sized kitchen with extra • large pantrySeparate tiled family room• Large fl at backyard•

Double garage and side access• Freshly repainted and carpeted• Walk to all amenities•

HIGHLAND PARK 3 2 2


Park, Plunge and Play3 bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master• European galley style kitchen • with all new appliancesOpen plan lounge and dining• Separate family room•

Paved covered entertaining area• Inground pool with shade sail• Short walk to riverside parkland •

NERANG 3 2 1


Top Home, Top Value!3 bedrooms plus ensuite • Large lounge with timber fl oors• Separate big family room• Good sized galley style kitchen• Full insulation with air con• Terrifi c covered entertaining area•

Extensive landscaping and • private backyardDouble lock up garage•

NERANG 3 2 2


Warm & WelcomingThree bedrooms• Open plan lounge & dining• Hardwood timber fl ooring• Large backyard with covered • entertaining areasFront deck with mountain views•

LU garage with storage • Side access for additional parking• Room for a pool•

NERANG 3 1 1


Summer Fun...tastic!Three Bedrooms• Open plan living dining• Air conditioning• Covered entertaining area with • hinterland viewsLU garage•

Inground pool with private • deckingLocation Plus!•

HIGHLAND PARK 3 1 1


Everyone Will Love This!3 bedrooms• Renovated bathroom with spa• Open plan design• Timber fl ooring• Views to Burleigh Hill and the • Hinterland

Massive 6x9m shed with room • for 4 cars plus carportLocated close to children’s park•

WORONGARY 3 1 2


Nerang




Great Family Home!3 bedrooms plus ensuite• Formal lounge and dining• Ducted air conditioning• Separate family room• Galley style kitchen with Blanco • appliances

Huge covered entertaining area• Great fl at yard for the kids• Double garage plus side access •

CARRARA 3 2 2


Boonooroo Park Beauty4 Bedrooms plus• Modern galley style kitchen• Open plan living with pot belly • fi replaceSeparate tiled family room• Air conditioning•

Wide covered entertaining area• Great fl at backyard• Double carport•

CARRARA 4 2 2


Brilliant Entertainer!3 bedrooms; ensuite to master• Spacious lounge and dining area • Modern timber kitchen• Pitched raked timber ceilings• Awesome covered entertaining • area with bar & built in BBQ

Terrifi c kids play area• 2 bay shed, carport, off road parking• 1095m2 fully fenced lot•

NERANG 3 2 3


Easy Living3 bedrooms, ensuite to master• Large tiled open plan living • Stunning modern kitchen • Ducted air conditioning• Private front courtyard• Double LU garage•

Secure estate with resort style • pool and BBQ areaPet friendly, low body corp•

NERANG 3 2 2


Surprise PackageThree bedrooms• Generous lounge and dining• with skyline viewsGalley style kitchen with walk in • pantryCovered entertaining area•

Large shed• Double carport plus off road • parking on a 983m2 block

WORONGARY 3 1 2


When Quality Matters3 bedrooms, ensuite to master• Large tiled open plan living • Stunning modern kitchen • Air conditioning• Private front courtyard• Double LU garage•

Secure estate with resort style • pool and BBQ areaPet friendly, low body corp•

NERANG 3 2 2


Nerang




Rainforest RetreatCharacter fi lled pole home with • split level fl oor plan3 bedrooms; Ensuite to master• Open plan design with distinct • living, dining and kitchen areasAir conditioning•

4 bay carport plus workshed• 9034m2 rainforest lot with • spring creek and ponds

CANUNGRA 3 2 5


Location, Location!Four bedrooms plus ensuite• Open plan lounge & dining area• Good sized modern kitchen• Separate media room• Air conditioning• Covered entertaining area •

Fully fenced inground pool• Double shade sail parking• 621m2 lot in Tee Trees Estate•

ARUNDEL 4 2 2


Panoramic Views & Blue Chip Address

860m2 vacant building block• Flat building area• Fantastic Eagle view position at • the top of The Outlook estateCul-de sac location•

Sealed driveway• Views from Surfers Paradise to • Coolangatta

HIGHLAND PARK 0 0 0


Hidden ParadiseThree bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master• 3 Separate living areas• Lovely functional kitchen• Wide timber entertaining decks• Inground pool with gazebo•

Landscaped with native gardens• Huge 1199m2 block backing • onto Nerang pony club

NERANG 3 2 0


Privacy Plus Pool3 bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master• Separate living areas• Air con and fully insulated• Water tank• Inground salt pool •

Large covered outdoor living areas• Double LU garage•

HIGHLAND PARK 3 2 2


Family Home, Secure Estate4 bedrooms; ensuite to master• Open plan living• Spacious modern kitchen• Separate family room• Double garage plus side access• Your own private plunge pool•

Big, fully fenced level backyard• Complex includes 2 pools, gym • and riverside parkland

NERANG 4 2 2


Nerang



Price: Contact for detailsWeb ID: 1247656 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Modern Family HomeFour bedrooms plus ensuite • Large downstairs study• Formal lounge and dining rooms• Separate family/tv room• Stunning modern kitchen• Expansive covered entertaining•

Very private inground pool• Double garage plus LU carport• Large 1020m2 corner lot•

MOLENDINAR 4 2 3


Beautiful AcreageThree bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master• Expansive and spacious open • plan design with 9ft ceilingsDucted air conditioning• Double LU garage•

2747m2 lot with amazing gardens• 2 street access• Room for shed or pool•

MT NATHAN 3 2 2


Country CharmFour bedrooms plus study• Ensuite with spa bath to master • plus 2 main bathrooms3 living areas plus media room• Beautiful country style kitchen• Alarm system plus video-com•

Tropical inground pool• Double LU garage• 2000m2 lot backing to reserve•

MT NATHAN 4 3 2


A Class ApartFour bedrooms plus ensuite• Formal lounge and dining area • Stunning timber kitchen• Family room with expansive views• Air conditioning• Storage and workshop area•

Long rear entertaining deck plus • sun deck with panoramic viewsDouble auto LU garage •

HIGHLAND PARK 4 2 2


Space, Location and Views!5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms• Big formal lounge/media room, • digital ready with awesome viewsStunning modern gas kitchen• Extra long family room• Private tropical inground pool •

with gazebo area & viewsDouble auto garage plus shade • sail parking

HIGHLAND PARK 5 2 2

Price: $597,000Web ID: 1270511 Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350

Riverside Retreat3 double bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master• Beautiful country style kitchen• Formal lounge plus sunroom• Massive rumpus room • Ducted air conditioning•

Huge covered entertaining area• Inground pool and spa• Property backs to river•

NERANG 3 2 0


Nerang



Price: $799,000Web ID: 1187291 Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871 Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

Acreage HideawayVery private 8.12 acre lot• 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms• Beautiful open plan living• Stunning new kitchen • Additional living area downstairs • with dual living potential

Sparkling inground salt pool• Large dam with irrigation system• Double 6x9m shed with power•

CLAGIRABA 5 3 2


Acreage Oasis2.56 acre lot with sub division • potential 4 bedrooms; ensuite to master• Spacious lounge and dining• Separate TV or games room • Modern timber kitchen •

Large covered entertaining area• Inground pool with shade sail• 2 bay shed & 3 car carport•

ACREAGE OASIS 4 2 5


Stylish Executive Acreage45 square home on 4000m2 lot• Five bedrooms, 3 bathrooms• 3 Separate living areas plus • parents retreat with study alcoveLarge quality kitchen• Ducted air con and vacumaid•

Inground pool with bali hut• Triple garage plus side access to • 9x6m 2 bay work shed

NERANG 5 3 5

Price: $1,200,000Web ID: 1246345 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

State of The Art50 squares with 270 degree views• Smart wired with central control • centre5 bedrooms plus study• Ensuite to master • Huge open plan main living•

Massive entertaining deck• Inground pool plus spa area• Double LU garage•

CARRARA 5 2 2


Acreage With Family Feel4 Bedrooms plus offi ce• 2 ensuites plus main bathroom• Formal lounge and dining areas• Family room with timber fl oors• Great big modern kitchen• Rear covered entertaining deck•

Sparkling inground pool• 4169m2 lot minutes to amenities• Double carport plus huge shed•

GAVEN 4 3 4

Auction: 13th February 2010Web ID: ID Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Southern Belle Acreage5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms• Formal lounge with open • fi replace plus formal diningModern timber kitchen • Extra large open plan family and • dining area

Inground salt water pool• Triple LU garage plus carport• Fully fenced 6474m2 lot •

NERANG 5 3. 4

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NFN February Property Book

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