House and Land June 2018

2018 Adviser Winter Edition 20 pages of Homes, Design Ideas, Land Releases and Lifestyle Opportunities

Shepparton among

top property hotspots

SHEPPARTON has been named a prime location to live, with sales in property up by 10 percent and selling 21 percent faster when compared with last year’s sales.

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ESTATES BOOMING… Local resident, Stephanie Boyle and sons, Cooper, 4, and Nixon, 1, at the new Kialla Lakes Estate development close to St Anne’s College, which is booming. Photo: David Lee.

Inside this edition of House & Land PAGE 3 Shepparton among top property hotspots PAGE 3 Create room envy PAGE 4 Research shows it’s time to ‘Own Your Banking’ PAGE 4 Building statistics for Greater Shepparton PAGE 5 Recreating the great Australiana dream PAGE 5 Make the most out of an open inspection PAGE 6 Designs to suit your needs PAGE 8 Why the first property you buy is the most important PAGE 8 New home building confounds expectations

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PAGE 13 The perfect balance between rural and town living PAGE 13 Help your lawn beat the winter chill PAGE 14 Combat the winter chill with your own homemade fire pit PAGE 15 Tips for buying the right home PAGE 16 Launching stage eight at Connolly Park Estate PAGE 16 Choose the right block for you PAGE 17 Security and satisfaction PAGE 17 Tips to paint like a pro PAGE 18 Building is booming locally

PAGE 12 Love your pool this winter

PAGE 18 Freshen your indoors for sale

PAGE 12 When homeowners should worry about cracks in the walls

PAGE 19 Perfectly situated for living

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PAGE 19 Clear up your outdoors for sale

Create room envy

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F YOUR home is lacking warmth this season, create room envy by following these simple styling tips.

Layers

Just like adding layers of clothing on our bodies in the cooler season, layering textures and fabrics in your lounge and bedroom will provide that extra bit of warmth and comfort. You can do this by adding cushions, throws and additional pillows.

Layering brings added warmth and creates a stylish haven for you and your family to enjoy for cosy nights in.

Colour Palette Introducing deeper coloured tones to your interior décor can create a warm and inviting space. Add rich tones to living areas, think dark timbers, and mix them up with black or rustic tones. Add soft greys and dark blue tones to bedrooms to create a cosy and relaxed mood. These colours will work beautifully in winter but don’t be afraid to inject some contrasting tones so your room doesn’t look too bland.

DEVELOPMENTS BUILDING ON CITY’S GROWTH… People are being drawn to the city to purchase a home due to being one of the most affordable places to buy and with many developments currently taking shape including St Anne’s College, the Shepparton Law Courts, GV Health stage one and the new Shepparton Villages Maculata Place facility to name a few, this growth is expected to continue. Photos: Alicia Niglia.

Shepparton among top property hotspots continued from front page

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ew research by analytics firm Propertyology has identified 40 locations across Australia where properties have shown a dramatic fall in the amount of days spent on market, revealing incredibly high buyer demand and Shepparton has made the list.

With Shepparton being Australia’s 34th largest city, the latest statistics show that more people are choosing to move to the area and purchase a home, with Greater Shepparton seeing 33 new dwellings at a cost of $11,092,304 in April alone this year compared with 13 new dwellings at a cost of $4,027,732 during the same

period last year.

One of the things that seems to be drawing people to the region is the fact there are currently many developments taking shape including St Anne’s College, the Shepparton Law Courts, GV Health stage one and the new Shepparton Villages Maculata Place facility to name a few.

Head of research at Propertyology, Simon Pressley said, “Victorian markets that are tightening most include strong regional centres such as Ballarat and Shepparton along with Melbourne’s outer-east (Frankston, Dandenong, and Cardinia) and outer-north (Hume, Mitchell and Macedon Ranges).”

Rug up Many people like to rotate their area rugs to suit the season.

Rugs are a great way to provide comfort and insulation, especially if you have tiles or wooden floors. A cosy rug in an interior space is usually the most highly sought after space for its inviting look. Opt for a deep pile shaggy rug, flat weave, thick wool pile or even hide and furs for a touch of opulent style!

Patterns From contemporary to classic patterns, the choice is endless. Adding patterns to interior spaces will provide personalised style and add drama and interest to the furnishings in a room. Patterns on cushions look great and are a quick way to jazz up any room. Choosing warm patterns with pops of on-trend winter colours will create visually appealing spaces and serious room envy.

Light up Take the chill off this winter by adding some extra lighting to create warmth and atmosphere in a room. Lighting sets the mood in a room and can be used as a simple fix to instantly transform your space. Floor and table lamps can be less expensive options than ceiling lights and you can move them around the room to suit your space. For an intimate feel, add a side table with a small table lamp next to your favourite lounge to project a stunning setting and add a cosy feel.

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 3

Research shows it’s time to ‘Own Your Banking’

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MCU recently welcomed new research that has found the Banking Royal Commission has made Australians more receptive to switching their banking.

An essential media poll, commissioned by the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), found one in three people are more likely to consider switching their banking institution.

The poll found that eight percent say they have already changed their provider, 17 percent say the Royal Commission has led them to consider changing, but they haven’t yet, and an additional 18 percent are not sure if they will consider changing.

GMCU Shepparton chief executive officer, René Deen said “As a customer owned institution, these findings on switching are encouraging because we are solely focused

Building Department

Summary of Building Permits issued from July 2017 to April 2018 within the Greater Shepparton City Council

on customers. What we are seeing is more enquiries from customers who are interested in finding out more about a banking model that uses 100 percent of profits to benefit our customers.”

Talk to the team at GMCU about switching your banking to own your own banking.

GMCU has branches throughout central Victoria, including branches in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Kyabram, Benalla, Echuca, Numurkah, Euroa, Seymour and Kilmore.

GMCU can be contacted in Shepparton on 5821 9033 or at www.gmcu.com.au A BANK FOR YOU… GMCU Shepparton chief executive officer, René Deen can help you switch your banking to own your own banking. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

286

Dwelling Additions/Outbuildings/Swimming Pools/Restumps/Demolitions Permits issued

$84,641,903

$13,739,420

estimated cost

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New Dwellings Building Permits issued

estimated cost

Make the most out of an

open inspection IF YOU were given an hour to decide whether a property could become your future home, do you think you would make the right decision?

So how do you make the most of the limited time you have in a property?

A TRULY AUSSIE HOME… Check out Harkaway Homes’ Fair Dinkum range and get set to live the great Australiana dream. Photo: Supplied.

Recreating the great Australiana dream

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ARKAWAY Homes proudly assist clients in recreating the great Australiana dream and here is just another example of that.

From the Fair Dinkum Federation series, this elegant Harkaway Home captures the charm of the Federation era with its the distinctive steep, angled bell roofline; front-return and side verandah. Box-bay casement windows, timber friezes and leadlight windows also feature, adding more character and appeal to the classic home.

Sitting proudly on the 40-acre property, our clients utilised their own plan to accommodate their needs.

Inside, the wide, central hallway creates a welcoming feel showcasing a traditional archway complimented by a carved timber frieze. High ceilings and ornate cornices are throughout the home including the formal lounge, master

bedroom (with walk-in-robe and ensuite), two additional bedrooms and a generous study.

As the hallway flows into the large open living room, meals area, and kitchen with a butlers pantry, you are drawn to the ‘Coolgardie’ at the rear of the home - a fantastic glass-encased indoor/outdoor living space, built under the verandah roofline that can be used all year around by opening the windows to enjoy the fresh air or closing it up to enjoy a cosy atmosphere with a doublesided gas fireplace burning in the background.

The residence is just another fine example of how truly impressive our homes are and we are proud to be the suppliers of this iconic Australian home.

For further information, drop into Harkaway Homes’ display home at 57 National Avenue, Pakenham, phone 5943 2388 or visit harkawayhomes.com.au

MAKE A CHECKLIST House hunters should create a shopping list of musthave features.

A checklist prevents buyers from inspecting unsuitable homes and settling because of fatigue.

Before inspecting a property in person, look through the listing and make note of what you don’t know. These are the details to focus on at the open home.

GIVE YOURSELF MORE TIME Visiting the property that could become your forever home just once before the auction simply isn’t enough.

Viewing the home during the day and in the evening, as well as mid week, will give a better feel for different light levels, traffic in the street and who the neighbours might be.

The key is identifying potential properties early in the campaign and attending the very first open home to allow the biggest window of time to revisit the property if it ticks the right boxes.

Registering interest early in the campaign makes buyers more likely to be able to organise a private viewing, removing the stress of inspecting a property while other buyers are there.

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 5

Designs to suit your needs P

ERSONAL styles vary, which is obvious when it comes to designing and decorating homes, especially kitchens!

Liberty Kitchens senior sales consultant, Dawn Rayner said, “While we have access to materials to suit the latest styles and current trends, we are also very conscious that when our customers come to us, they are seeking to express their own taste and style. It’s really important that we listen to what our customer’s needs are in relation to design and to budget, and that requires great communication.

“With so many years in the industry, we have really clever ways of meeting client’s budgets without skimping on quality and we’re also able to offer continuity with cabinetry throughout the home, providing functionality and often completes the look.”

Call into Liberty Kitchens at 60 William Road, Shepparton or give them a call on 5831 2620 to arrange an in house consultation.

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STYLE, CONTINUITY AND FUNCTIONALITY… At Liberty Kitchens every kitchen is a creation, designed to meet client’s needs. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 7

Why the first property you buy is the most important

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OUSE hunting can be emotionally exhausting, especially when time, effort and money is invested into trying to buy a property, only for it to unfortunately not work out. a dangerous move.

Exasperated buyers can be tempted to The first purchase comes when buyers make rash, emotional decisions, especially when encouraged by parents to get a foot in are least experienced in real estate, and most impressionable. What’s important the door. to remember is that a first property is a Buying the wrong property because of stepping stone to achieving the eventual desperation and pressure can, however, be goal, which means buyers may need to realign expectations in the short term.

Arguably, however, it’s also the most important decision because it can significantly affect one’s financial position further down the track.

WHY LONG-TERM PLANNING IS CRITICAL It’s easy to base property decisions on immediate wants and needs, without considering how circumstances might change.

Buyers who fail to plan their journey up the property ladder in the beginning risk hitting a roadblock several years down the track, as without a clear strategy, upgrading can become challenging.

A large family home isn’t an option for most new buyers, but if that’s the end goal, working backwards to determine the steps to get there is the key to making forwardthinking property decisions from the outset.

THINKING LIKE AN INVESTOR PAYS OFF Although their strategies may be different, first-home buyers and investors have a lot in common. Whether it’s to get on the ladder or an investment property, it is important to ensure those properties grow and deliver.

Experienced investors know how to cut through sales hype and use facts to select an asset that outperforms the market.

But analysing fundamentals and understanding supply and demand should apply to any property purchase.

Location is arguably the most important fundamental, as desirable features such as proximity to employment, transport and lifestyle amenities create demand in an area.

New home building confounds expectations

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CCORDING to HIA senior economist, Shane Garrett the short term outlook for new home building in Australia has improved significantly as a result of very healthy conditions in the jobs market and robust population growth.

The HIA’s latest forecasts for residential building are revealed in its updated set of State and National Outlook reports. The flagship reports include updated forecasts for new home building and renovations activity for each of the eight states and territories.

“The big story of recent months is the resilience shown by the detached house building side of the market. Detached house starts touched very elevated levels during the back end of 2017, and latest building approvals data indicate that things are set to remain strong here for a few more months,” Garrett said.

“The demand for new house building continues to be supported by very robust gains in population, as well as the pace at which new

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jobs are currently being delivered by the labour market.

“New home starts reached record levels during 2016 with latest ABS data indicating that there was a fall of 7.9 percent in new home commencements during 2017.

“The overall reduction in new home building activity last year was caused by the imposition of additional taxes on foreign buyers looking to acquire newly-built homes. The tightening up of regulations and financing conditions has also placed pressure on new home building activity – particularly apartments.

“Despite the strength of population growth, we expect that these regulatory factors will place a drag on new home building activity over the next few years and that the bottoming out point will be reached in 2020.

“By then, it is expected that a considerable well of pent-up demand for housing will emerge and fuel renewed expansion in new home building activity,” Garrett said.

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LOOK AFTER YOUR POOL ALL YEAR ROUND… Servicing and maintaining pool health, Poolwerx business owner, Craig Henry can lead you in the right direction. Photo: Nicholise Garner.

Love your pool this winter N

OW is the time to think about how to care for your pool and spa in the cooler months. For a healthy pool or spa it’s important to ensure your equipment is still functioning properly and think about addressing any maintenance issues such as sand filter sand changes, solar repairs and gas heater servicing.

Poolwerx business owner, Craig Henry said, “Keeping your water healthy over the cooler period will help to save time and money when it comes to having the pool ‘swim ready’ for summer.

“Often if people neglect their pools, when the warmer weather arrives, they are faced with real water health issues

that require a lot of costly treatment to resolve.”

Drop into Poolwerx at 53 Archer Street, Shepparton or call 5822 4291 and speak to their friendly staff about all your pool and spa servicing, maintenance and heating requirements for winter

When homeowners should worry about cracks in the walls WALL cracks are common in Australian houses and though some are nothing to worry about, others can indicate a sinking or damaged foundation.

Turning a blind eye to wall cracks may also result in the homeowner missing the warning signs for serious and ongoing structural damage.

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If the root cause of wall cracks is not identified and addressed, the damaged foundations can quickly devalue a property.

WHEN DO WALL CRACKS INDICATE A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM? Generally, smaller hairline cracks are not cause for concern. These are usually the result of seasonal expansion and

contraction of clay soils beneath the house resulting in minor foundation movement.

These types of cracks can be easily patched and re-painted.

However, larger cracks that display the following characteristics may indicate a weakness in the property’s foundation:

• One side of the wall is higher than the other • Doors and windows no longer close in their frame • Cracks are wider than about 5mm (half a centimetre) Problematic wall cracks will typically start at windows, doorways or house corners.

TATURA WATERS ESTATE… A unique opportunity for rural living in town.

Youngs & Co Real Estate director Glenn Young. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

The perfect balance between rural and town living A NYONE who’s ever visited Tatura knows what a lovely town it is. On Tatura’s doorstep is a sleeping giant! Tatura Waters is set to be one of the Goulburn Valleys’ most sought after residential estates entering from Ferguson Road and located on the eastern town boundary of Tatura and boasting huge blocks ranging from 2,004m2 to 2,449m2. offering half-acre blocks that actually form Youngs & Co Real Estate director, part of the town boundary.”

Glenn Young said, “The blocks at Tatura If you would like further information visit Waters estate have already created strong interest! They are fully serviced with power, Young & Co Real Estate at 123 Wyndham Street, Shepparton or 62 McLennan town gas, town sewer, town water and Street, Mooroopna. Or call Glenn directly a raw water supply for your lawns and on 0438 579 993. gardens. This is a wonderful subdivision

Help your lawn beat the winter chill WITH the winter chill already seeming to set in and the cold season on the horizon it is important to adjust your lawn care regime to suit the shorter and colder days. Your lawn will slow its growth but regular lawn maintenance can ensure it doesn’t lose its vitality.

Here are our top two winter lawn care tips: a garden fork into the soil about 7-10cm, rocking it back and forth and repeating at 1) AERATE 20cm intervals. For larger lawns you may With the lawn in less use during winter, wish to hire an aerating machine. you have a good chance to aerate it, relieving it of any compacting that occurred 2) SLOW THE MOW over summer and autumn. Aerating the Remember to continue mowing your lawn lawn allows oxygen to flow freely to the lawn throughout winter so that the thatch layer roots and water to penetrate the soil. After doesn’t build up. However, as cool weather you aerate, fill the holes with gypsum, which stunts grass growth, you can raise your opens the soil to allow faster drainage. cutting height to 2.5cm and reduce mowing Unsure if you need to aerate? Try to push frequency. a screwdriver into the soil. If it doesn’t go in easily you need to aerate. Do this by pushing The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 13

Combat the winter chill with your own homemade fire pit W

ITH the winter chill setting in, there is one sure fire way to ensure you are kept nice and warm this cold season, by making your own outdoor fire pit.

• Proper safety gear for working with This version is cast of affordable, concrete: weather-resistant concrete that creates a sleek, modern look. It’s portable but sturdy, • Dust mask for sanding and grinding • Safety glasses or goggles and uses gel fuel, making it possible to • Refinishing or work gloves have a quick 30-minute post grill session • Plastic or reusable drop cloth fire. It takes a bit of care and proper prep, • Heavy objects such as exercise weights but this could be made in just a few hours • Sandpaper or sanding pad in coarse and and cheaply. fine grits • Gel fireplace fuel canisters TOOLS AND MATERIALS: • Replacement grill grate • Concrete mix • Fire safe decorative stones • One extra-large bowl for exterior mould.

You could also use a large shallow METHOD: planter Casting the Bowl: • One large bowl for interior mould Creating this project is all about two • Non-stick cooking spray, or vegetable oil components: finding the right materials and and paint brush working safely. For the main fire bowl, we • Large bucket for mixing used the largest mixing bowls we could • Medium-duty masonry trowel

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OUTDOOR WINTER WARMER IDEA… Make your own outdoor fire pit to help warm up those old winter nights. Photo: Supplied.

find. Check your local restaurant or party supply store for extra-large options.

Working with concrete isn’t difficult, but it does require some finesse. First, it’s fairly heavy and can be difficult to mix in large batches by hand. Secondly, it’s extra important to use the proper safety gear to prep and execute your project. Work outside or in a well-ventilated area, and cover your work surface with plastic.

Also, be sure to wear proper safety gear to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Once you’re all prepped, spray your moulds with non-stick spray. This will help release the concrete once it’s dry. A thin, even layer over the inside of the outer mould/outside of the inner mould will do.

Then, mix up your concrete. It’s hard to determine how much you’ll need, but it’s better to mix up more as you start than to rush to create more in the middle. Add water a little at a time until the mix formed a thick, cookie batter-like consistency.

Then, use the trowel to add the concrete mix to the outer mould. Fill it about half full, then check the inner mould to see how high the concrete comes up to the side. It’s okay to take the inner mould in and out a few times, just make sure you don’t lose all your non-stick spray. (You can wipe it clean

and reapply). Then, use weights or rocks to keep it in place. Some things to watch out for: • As you place the inner mould, make sure that it’s centred so your bowl will have an even thickness all the way around • Keep the lips of the bowls coplanar for an even, symmetrical finished product • Adjust the weights so that you have the biggest inner bowl as possible while keeping the structure thick enough to be strong. You’ll want to be sure that there’s enough space on the inside to place your gel canisters beneath the lip of the bowl • One it’s settled and things are no longer moving, allow the concrete to cure according to the package directions. (48 hours-ish) When your concrete has cured, carefully remove it from the mould.

Use a coarse sanding pad (60-80 grit) to clean up the top lip, and give everything a nice rounded profile. Wipe away the debris, then give the whole thing a round of fine grit (220) sandpaper.

Lastly place the gel fuel canisters inside.

Place the grill grate in the bowl. Then, cover the grate with a layer of rocks. Just be sure that whatever rocks you’re using are appropriate for the purpose. Now light it up.

SOURCE: diyprojects.com

Tips for buying the right home W

HEN you’re buying a home there’s a lot to think about, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. These tips can help you steer in the right direction if you’re considering a move in the near future.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE (GOOD OR BAD) Do your own research to find out if your target suburb is hot or not.

There’s several tools available to help you discover a suburbs potential.

To give you a hand, you can visit realestate. com.au where you will find: • median property prices; • data showing the impact of interest rates; • and the average number of people looking for property in that suburb versus the number of properties for sale.

All this gives you a great insight into the suburbs you’re considering for your next move or investment so you can leap with confidence into the adventure.

A particularly useful insight is supply to demand ratios and trends over time. These give you the bigger picture of a location, and

can help you consider the property/suburb’s potential.

What matters is whether it’s your right time to buy, for your needs and circumstances.

Knowing the state of play is useful to help you calibrate that decision, but shouldn’t be the only thing that motivates.

LOCATION AND FIELDWORK The old property maxim still holds true. But that doesn’t mean inner city rules.

You want a property that delivers what you need now, or enough of what you need that you’re happy to compromise for longer term capital growth.

Be very clear about what matters to you • access to major roads; • public transport; • shopping or entertainment hubs; • schools; • cultural diversity.

Shortlist suburbs that deliver on those needs.

Do some field work to make sure the suburb’s right for you. Walk around the area you’re thinking of buying in. Grab a coffee, or a meal at the local pub. Pretend you’re already

living there and see if distances are what they seem, and atmosphere is living up to expectations.

Of course it will be a little different once you’re moved in, but experiencing it first hand gives you a critically useful taste for the reality of that location.

Look closely at what developments or infrastructure is planned around the area in case your quiet corner is about to become a developer’s haven.

CONSIDER SURROUNDING SUBURBS If your target suburb is out of budget, consider more affordable neighbouring suburbs.

Before you buy, talk to locals to get residents views on the suburb and its best streets. Reading local publications and connecting with local websites, bloggers or personalities can also give you helpful insight.

If you’re attracted to an area because of its rising value, remember that may spill over into next door suburbs.

LOOK FOR THE UPSIDE Cooler periods in the housing market can

be windows of opportunity, so it’s worth keeping an eye on interest rate and market trends.

Some locations are hitting the bottom of a pricing cycle, so there are bargains to be had.

(Hint: use the search filters on realestate. com.au to look for oldest listed first to see which properties may have struggled to get up, and may be amenable to negotiation).

If you’re not ready yet, use spring to prepare to buy in the quieter months of the year, when there may be less competition for the house of your dreams.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS Talk to local agents to find out what’s happening in the market.

You may not get your dream home right away. It’s ok. Consider apartments instead of houses in the location you are wanting to purchase, they are often more affordable and put you in your desired location. Or you may choose a property that needs a little TLC, but ticks other boxes.

Work closely with your agent to develop an action plan and strategy that meets your goals and needs.

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 15

Launching stage eight at Connolly Park Estate F

INDING the best place to build your future home is incredibly important. Everything has to be taken into consideration. The block size, proximity to quality schools, location to services and amenities, and walkability.

Gagliardi Scott Real Estate director, Rocky Gagliardi said, “Stage eight is being launched at Connolly Park Estate and presents a limited opportunity to purchase land

ANSWERING GROWTH IN THE THE AREA… Gagliardi Scott Real Estate director, Rocky Gagliardi is thrilled to be lanching stage eight of Connolly Park Estate. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

in highly sought after north Shepparton area. Located only a short walk to the Shepparton Sports City and Fairleys SUPA IGA supermarket and nearby to the Goulburn Valley Grammar School and GV Health.

“I’d encourage people to move quickly as the last of blocks from stage seven are being snapped up and stage eight, which offers both privacy and accessibility is about

to be launched. Stage eight will include a park for families to enjoy.”

Take a look at this well placed development but be quick as these blocks won’t last. For further information or to express interest in the property, contact Gagliardi Scott Real Estate on 5831 1800 or drop into 182 High Street, Shepparton.

Choose the right block for you BUYING a block of land and building a new home is one of the great Australian dreams.

But selecting the best block of land to accommodate a new house isn’t always as clear-cut as it might seem.

The right block for one person might not be the right block for someone else, so it’s very important to be mindful of a few key considerations as you search for your perfect patch of land.

Here are the key things you need to know before you buy a block.

Get the right advice The first question you to ask yourself when thinking about buying a block of land in a certain area is, ‘what kind of the house do you want to build?’.

If you want a large family home with room

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for a study, a media room and an outdoor living space, you will require a larger block.

You should seek out a sale consultant who can talk you through the options available for different block sizes and what will best meet your individual needs.

Consider the fall There’s no point buying a block simply because it’s cheap.

Sometimes a cheaper block might have a few secrets waiting for you.

If it has too much fall, or fill, you’ll need to pay a lot more money in site costs in order to get the land level and ready to put a house on.

You should allow additional budget for costs including site preparation, demolition, council fees and traffic management expenses.

Suss out your setback It would be great if home builders could use every inch of their available land, but it’s important to remember that you need to allow for setbacks from the edge of your property.

Commonly, in Victoria, a single-storey homes require a setback of 1.2m, while for double-storey homes it’s 2m.

That said, garages are usually able to be built right up to the edge of a property, so these are all things to consider when selecting land for the type of house you want.

Research your area People who have kids should obviously look for schools nearby, while those who need public transport should look for the closest train station.

How far is it? How is the traffic? Is this road very busy?

Size matters The dimensions of your block of land will dramatically affect the type of house that you’re able to build.

If you have certain ‘must-haves’, you might need to consider a slightly larger block.

Different house designs fit different blocks. If you have a larger block, you will likely have more choices of houses that will fit on the block.

Before you buy a block it’s important to understand what you want from your home and what will suit the land. Speak to a sales consultant to help ensure you’re able to build the home you want, where you want to.

Tips to paint like a pro To avoid lap marks, roll the full height of the wall and keep a wet edge

KEEPING YOU SAFE AND SECURE… Standby Security managing director, Angelo Kakouros can help ensure you’ll have proactive and reactive security measures in place for the time when you need it most. Photo: Supplied.

Security and satisfaction H

AVING been protecting families and businesses for nearly three decades, Standby Security ensures the highest level of satisfaction and takes it upon themselves to provide the best possible security services offered anywhere say’s managing director, Angelo Kakouros. points and deters thieves, loud siren to warn off intruders, With alarm systems and monitoring, Standby Security remote arming and disarming, pet friendly detection, ensures you’ll have proactive and reactive security NBN ready, tailored solutions for renters and home measures in place for the time when you need it most. owners, 24/7, Grade A1 professional monitoring service, Integrating your alarm system with monitoring ensures immediate response to triggered alarm systems or panic that an operator will respond immediately with emergency button and continuous coverage of your home even on services or professionally trained patrol officers if your unexpected situations (loss of power). alarm system is triggered or if you request assistance.

Seven days a week, phone 1800 809 579 or visit www.

Standby Security Superior Technology and Service offers camera and video verification with free smart phone standbysecurity.com.au for rapid response. app, high quality equipment, securing vulnerable entry

Lap marks are those ugly stripes caused by uneven layers of paint build-up. They occur when you roll over paint that’s already partly dry. The key to avoiding lap marks is to maintain a ‘wet edge,’ so each stroke of your roller overlaps the previous stroke before the paint can begin to dry.

To maintain a wet edge, start near a corner and run the roller up and down the full height of the wall, moving over slightly with each stroke.

Mix several cans of paint in a large bucket for a consistent colour throughout the room Paint colour may vary slightly from one can to the next.

If you have to open a new can in the middle of a wall, the difference may be noticeable. Mixing the paints together eliminates the problem. It’s best to estimate the amount of paint you’ll need and mix it in a 5-gallon bucket (a process called ‘boxing’).

Let the paint dry, then cut the tape loose for a perfect edge Once the paint is dry, you can’t just pull the tape off the trim. Paint forms a film between the wall and the tape, and removing the tape tears pieces of dried paint off the wall. So before pulling off the tape, cut it loose.

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 17

SHEPPARTON’S STRONG RESIDENTIAL GROWTH… With plenty of years in the industry, Kevin Hicks sales agents, Julie Ryan and Terry Shiels talk about Shepparton’s booming building industry. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Freshen your indoors for sale IF you’re toying with the idea of putting your home on the market, the next logical question is ‘what do I need to do to it?’ How do you get it ready to reap maximum reward when it comes to auction day? Here are some tips to do just that for your indoors.

De-de-de-clutter We’re all guilty of just a little bit of hoarding, but crammed cupboards are a bad look when you’re trying to highlight storage space. Pack things away in boxes and store in your garage or, better yet, an off-site storage unit.

Beware too much ‘pop’ Keep in mind that if you have too many bold colour choices in your surfaces and furniture, this tends to become the focus when people walk in the room.

Building is booming locally B LOCK sales are soaring and building is booming according to Kevin Hicks Real Estate subdivision manager, Terry Sheils. There words are echoed by one of the Kialla Lakes developers board member, Graham Hofmeyer who said, “In my 40 years of involvement with land development and new home building, I have never seen activity and sales as strong as it is now in the region.” quality finish and construction on display. Choose your Terry added that Kialla Lakes Estate in the south and perfect block, talk to your preferred builder and get Grammar Park Gardens in the north give buyers an started today! excellent choice of location, and the varying block sizes Contact Terry Shiels at Kevin Hicks Real Estate, 228 – available provides choice in these two appealing, well 232 Wyndham Street, Shepparton or call Terry on 0448 planned estates.

523 820 for information about land available locally.

Take a drive out to both estates and check out the

A fresh complexion A fresh lick of paint is a quick and easy lift to any room. Over time, walls become dirty and marked. It’s all part of wear and tear, but potential owners don’t want to feel like they are walking into a total DIY project.

Lay it out Less is more. Make sure you have pieces that show the function of the room and then stop! Then add your accessories.

Don’t trip up on the trimmings Accessorising is often the most difficult task for owners to master. It’s the final touches that take up 20 percent of the room but can have 80 percent impact, so don’t overdo it. Keep most pieces at eye level for the purpose of an easy scan of the room.

CONSIDERING A LOAN?

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME! Deal directly with business owners Gary Eckel and Bob Bishop and make your experience easier and stress free.

Commrural Lending Services hold an Australian Credit Licence No. 382764 and are full members of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and take pride in adhering to their strict ethical standards.

They can arrange all types of loans including: • Residential Loans • Commercial Loans • Farm Loans • Plant & Equipment • Personal Loans • Motor Vehicle Loans

Ph: 1300 559 974 | Fax 5831 8043 Gary Eckel 0400 377 447 Robert Bishop 0400 377 450 80 Wyndham St Shepparton PO Box 6756 Shepparton VIC 3632

Page 18 – The Adviser, House & Land – June 2018

TRANQUEL, SPACIOUS OUTLOOKS DESIGNED FOR PLEASURE… Kialla Lakes Estate Stage 38 blocks are selling fast. For all enquiries, contact Kevin Hicks Real Estate estate consultant, Terry Shiels (left) and Youngs & Co Real Estate director, Glenn Young (right). Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Perfectly situated for living

By Nicholise Garner HEN I think about the most beautiful areas I’ve lived, water has been a big feature.

For me, the perfect home setting is nearby waterways and walking paths providing a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Kavant Nominees have proven themselves over and over with their beautiful, family friendly and forward thinking estate developments. I can say this from my own

W

experience and anyone who has enjoyed walking around the Kialla Lakes Estate as its developed over the years will no doubt see what a fantastic investment any one of these homes has been. Now with the expansion to Kialla Lakes Estate, there are more opportunities to have the house of your dreams.

Get in from the ground up and make your forever home by the water, close to amenities, in a beautiful neighbourhood and with excellent schooling options. Yours

to personalise as you wish while its value grows, just as the value of all of those homes in Kialla Lakes Estate have grown from when they were first built.

Stage 38 is now open at the Kialla Lakes Estate, and with the development of nearby St. Anne’s school along with the parklands, wetlands and well thought out pathways, blocks are selling fast. Selling agents at Kialla Lakes Estate are Youngs & Co Real Estate, 0438 579 993, and Kevin Hicks Real Estate, 0448 573 820.

Clear up your outdoors for sale IF you’re toying with the idea of putting your home on the market, the next logical question is ‘what do I need to do to it?’ How do you get it ready to reap maximum reward when it comes to auction day? Here are some tips to do just that for your outdoors.

Keep it simple While an intricate garden can be appealing, the truth is, most people are completely daunted by the thought of maintaining a garden. A wellbalanced, low-maintenance and water-friendly

garden is a great base to start with for the new potential owner.

Impact on a budget If you’re working to a tight budget you’d be surprised the impact a little tidy up can have on your property’s street appeal. Hiring a team of gardeners to weed, reshape the hedges and define the edges will make the world of difference.

Freshen your base

Rough patches

A well-laid turf area can work wonders to freshen for any drab-looking areas of your property’s surrounds. Re-laying a turf area adds definition to the garden and delivers a healthy, fresh pop of colour.

Sometimes there is just that pesky area where plant nor turf can thrive, but there are loads of ways to rectify a tricky area. The solution will vary depending on the location, but in most situations the solution can also add important emotional value to your property. Whether it be by creating an entertainment area by paving it or laying artificial grass, or creating a sand and fire pit the options are as vast as your imagination.

Adding structure It’s important that your garden has a set structure. Garden edging, levels within the garden beds, defined pathway and lawn edges are key to having a property that presents well.

Trades and Services PAINTING

TILING

The Adviser, New House & Land – March 2018 – Page 19

Page 20 – The Adviser, House & Land – June 2018