Issue 21 - Autumn 2011
BURBANK VIEWS
In this issue...
Burbank Group Newsletter
• Burbank’s eastern office opens with a bang
BURBANK GUARANTEES BEST PRICED HOMES
• Buying your home: head or heart?
Everybody likes to be assured they’re getting the biggest bang
• New Leopold display
for their buck when it comes to making a purchase.
• Burbank guarantees best priced homes
• Unlock your dream home loan • Storage solutions for everyone • Take the pressure down
Now you can be certain you’re getting the best deal around when making the biggest purchase of your life – a brand new home.
• Big and Small success stories
Burbank is proving its commitment to building affordable homes by
• Smarter energy usage
this week announcing it will beat the price of its competitors’ homes
• Supplier spotlight - Brewers
with the launch of its ‘Best Price Guarantee’.
• How will you live in your new home?
The guarantee, offered on homes where a competitor’s comparable
• Risk plus research equals return
product is available at a cheaper price, demonstrates Burbank’s passion
• Product spotlight: the Lincoln Group
for providing homes for all homebuyers, regardless of budget.
• Burbank triathletes • Creme brulee receipe
You can
of affordability with Burbank.
n call 13 BURBANK (13 2872) n visit burbank.com.au BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
BURBANK’S EASTERN OFFICE
BUYING YOUR HOME: WITH HEA While the rule of thumb might be to purchase your investment property with your head and your home with your heart, National Pacific Properties’ Sandra Spencer believes you should rely on a bit of both. “There’s a different story for every individual,” the sales and marketing manager said. “You’ll find some homebuyers are familiar with an area, its schools and amenities, while others are looking for different lifestyle options on offer. “Our Reflections Estate in Tarneit has something for everybody. It’s centrally located, affordable and within reasonable distance to shopping, transport and lots of other facilities. “The Reflections wetlands span almost one kilometre in length, providing homeowners with a series of fitness stations, walking tracks and a viewing platform within easy
walking distance of all homes.” National Pacific Properties general manager Stephen Copland says a lot of thought goes into the planning and urban design features of new developments in growth areas, providing a high level of amenity and convenience for future residents. Stephen’s hot tips for both homebuyers and investors are: • Make enquiries - read state and local government websites. Visit the area and pick up the local newspapers • Ask questions about future transport availability, and look at proximity to parks and recreation spaces and at the quality of these spaces
OPENS WITH A BANG Burbank’s eastern sales and information office has opened in Dandenong with a bang, expanding Burbank into the eastern market after operating predominantly in Melbourne’s west for the past thirty years. The weekend of free family fun was hosted at Burbank’s eastern sales and information office – located in the Metro Village 3175 development, for which Burbank won the UDIA Award for Excellence in Affordable Development. Fifteen times the enquiries usually made over a normal weekend were made at the new office – which was launched with a jumping castle, balloonists, children’s farm and giveaways – and also provided Burbank an opportunity to support the Dandenong Football Club who put on a BBQ over the weekend. Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said Burbank’s expansion into the east is an exciting step for the company. “We are thrilled to have expanded into the east after existing predominantly in the west for so long,” Jarrod said.
“But this is just the first step for Burbank in our geographical growth – later this year we will be operating out of Queensland. “It’s a really exciting time for us to be taking the Burbank brand into eastern Melbourne and interstate. “We’ve recently introduced some market-leading initiatives into Burbank, including a thirty year structural guarantee on all of our homes, and an eighteen week build time for singlestorey homes. “We’ve also announced our ‘Best Price Guarantee’, which assures homebuyers they are getting the best possible price when they purchase their brand new Burbank home – instilling peace of mind into homebuyers when making one of their biggest purchase decisions.”
“My father Eddie started Burbank thirty years ago in the west, and it’s particularly exciting for him to see his company now branch out into the east.
AD OR HEART? A series
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• If you have a young family, try to be reasonably close to existing or proposed schools and look at how the open spaces connect to provide safe and convenient access to schools, shops and other community facilities • Picture your chosen estate five years from now. Good design guidelines can make a real difference to the visual appeal of a neighbourhood and improve its overall appearance. Even small things can make a real difference.
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BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
NEW LEOPOLD DISPLAY If you are looking for a new address and your heart longs for the coast, why not consider Estuary Leopold Estate? On display at Estuary Estate in Leopold are the Ascent 2700 and the Lukin 2800, both designed for families. The fitness-friendly masterplan at Estuary includes five hectares of parkland, including an oval and soccer pitch, with hike and bike trails threaded throughout the estate. Shopping and amenities at the new Gateway Plaza are within easy reach, with Geelong’s CBD only 10 minutes away, while 10 minutes in the opposite direction will take you to the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula coastline. Visit Burbank’s Estuary Leopold’s display office located at Paraffin Drive, Leopold, Melway Ref. 468 C5. Opening 12th March, 2011, Burbank’s display office is open 12 pm – 5pm from Monday to Friday and 11am to 5pm on weekends.
Ascent 2700 The four bedroom Ascent 2700, one of Burbank’s most popular homes, fits on a 14 metre wide block, and is available in a 26 and 30 square floorplan. Part of Burbank’s Future Collection, the Accent achieves a higher level of sustainability (7-Stars minimum energy efficiency), with double-glazed windows throughout, a gas-boosted solar hot water system, rainwater tank and low energy fluorescent lighting, meaning you save money on your energy bills. The centrally placed kitchen in the Accent caters to each of the two separated living spaces, while the minor sleeping wing is positioned away from the street. The master bedroom is situated at the front of the home. Access from the garage through to the walk-through pantry makes coming home with shopping bags a breeze.
Lukin 2800 The Lukin 2800 offers a floorplan for families who love to live life to its fullest.
There is a distinct coastal feel in this home, accentuated by the light, space and air flow created throughout the home.
Entertaining from home is a delight in the Lukin, with the standard alfresco positioned at the centre of the home adjoining the formal living area, perfectly protected from the weather. A second optional alfresco (as displayed at Estuary) extends the home’s indoor/outdoor entertaining area. The entire left side of the home is devoted to leisure: open out this space at dinner parties or close the optional bifold doors adding privacy between living areas.
Dual access to the first minor bedroom allows extra security for younger children to be close to mum and dad, while older siblings’ bedrooms are located at the rear of the home. The light-filled study lies midway between the two separated sleeping wings and has a line of supervision from the central kitchen area, handy when food preparation time coincides with homework. The Lukin design is available in two sizes the 2500 and the 2800 displayed. Both are suited to a 16m wide block.
BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
UNLOCK YOUR DREAM HOME Lenders have become more hesitant in 2011 as banks have tightened their lending criteria. National Pacific Finance services manager Aldo Rigo has these 7 hot tips for you to unlock a home loan that suits you.
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Making a long range financial plan is a good start. Firstly, assess your income and commitments. Watch your credit rating. Pay your bills on time and if you are having trouble paying them, make an arrangement with your creditor. The same advice applies when you have a loan. If you ever need to refinance, it’s easy if you’ve made your loan repayments on time. Your first consideration in buying a home is your deposit. Vendors are generally looking for a 5-10% deposit on the price of your home - the higher the deposit figure the better - so there’s no time like the present to set yourself a goal and timeframe to save.
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Consider your life plans for the future and whether any changes ahead might affect your ability to pay back your loan. The new National Credit Code requires brokers to complete a “Client Needs Analysis” application to ensure you are not overcommitted. Do your homework. If you like the home, find comparative home sales in the area. If you are going to an auction, check the Metropolitan newspapers for results in the area and surrounding suburbs.
If you’re an investor, you can use the equity from your existing property as a buffer to get the full loan amount. Speak to your accountant or financial planner to optimise your tax benefits. Getting pre-approval for a loan is a great idea as it saves you a great deal of stress from ‘buying blindly’ and possibly being disappointed. All Burbank homes are preapproved for this reason.
To find out how National Pacific Finance can help you unlock your dream home – or to arrange a free consultation – give them a call on 1300 367 721.
LOAN
STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE
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Not everything in your home is perfect for every moment in your life.
Do you fit the bill as the ‘classic hoarder’? If you find you can’t throw anything away, storing sentimental belongings can free up space – something Storage Box Self Storage’s Paul Franze knows all about. “De-cluttering homes is a good portion of our local customer base,” Paul said. “We also have clients who archive their files here and customers who store belongings while they travel overseas. The reasons are as individual as the clients themselves. “One thing each of these scenarios has in common is the faith in Storage Box to offer a safe, secure place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we ensure this by keeping up with the latest electronic security systems.”
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Storage Box recently upgraded to Storeman Storage Management System, a space management package which communicates with the facility’s gate software. Regular and outside of business hours payments can be made at the gate by swiping your credit card. You can also settle accounts online with a ‘greener’ online invoice system. “Another advantage,” Paul added, “is our new selfservice booking system, allowing you to book and pay for your storage spaces online and simply move in.” Storage Box Self Storage has just added 35 new storage units. For more information, call 9315 9888 or visit www.storagebox.com.au.
BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
TAKE THE PRESSURE DOWN
BIG AND SMALL SUCCESS STORIES Whether you’re a small business or big corporation, Big and Small Productions can help spread your message to the masses.
Big and Small’s Matt Hendley said the expectations of today’s business market are changing rapidly.
“The thrill is in creating something that suits our client’s needs, regardless of the size of the company.
“Companies aim to be seen everywhere – in the press, on television, on the web and through social media,“ Matt said.
“There is nothing better than hearing a client’s success story.”
“The web is an interesting addition to business marketing. An important lesson for any size company is to understand that people know quality when they see it, so your best bet is to provide a polished finish whether your video will be seen on a cinema screen or a potential customer’s home PC.” Big and Small has a wealth of experience helping companies such as Australia Post, Fox Sports, Delfin and Priceline present their visions across a number of levels. “Our initial creative brief explores the client’s purpose and goals,” Matt added.
No job is too big or small for Big and Small productions. Give them a call on 1300 787 585 or visit bigandsmallproductions.com.au
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Noticed a drop in your water pressure since moving?
You’ve waved goodbye to your retro rental and moved into your new home. It’s not until you start washing the dishes you notice the water isn’t as hot as it was in your old home. In fact, you don’t even need to use the cold tap. Is something wrong? “If you are moving from an older house to a new one it’s a change you’ll notice,” said Troy Campbell, managing director of Burbank Plumbing.
“An established home tap in inner Melbourne would have run at a flow rate of 25 litres per minute. A new home’s tap runs around 18 litres per minute. The temperature has decreased from a scalding 80°C to around 48-49°C.” On the bright side, modern kitchen and bathroom fittings have become more water efficient and designed to make the most of the reduced pressure.
Digital Print / Offset without Silver “Over the past few years the maximum water pressure and temperature has reduced to ensure the performance of restrictors on tapware.
Burbank Plumbing are experts in high quality plumbing services to domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. For more information, contact 1300 734 652 or visit burbankplumbing.com.au.
BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
SMARTER ENERGY USAGE STARTS HERE
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As technology accelerates into a new decade, you can choose cinema-quality audio visual solutions for your home good enough for the MCG. But how much will it cost to run?
Dynamic Technological Solutions managing director Mark Bisby says if you are considering the electrical needs in your new home, the first critical step to take is to take a good look at your current energy usage. “Consider the balance between what you need and what you want, both for the environment’s sake and your pocket,” Mark said. “Lighting, for example takes up half of your power bill - the more light you want, the more wattage you use. “Choosing more energy efficient sources of light is the way to go if you want to bring your energy cost down. You can supplement your overall lighting with task lighting options such as separate lights above the kitchen island bench or lamps positioned beside reading areas.” Solar power will also help bring your usage cost down. “Photovoltaic grid connect systems are a great way to harvest ‘clean’ energy while having the security of being connected to your existing power supply. But, to make the most of your PV system, take that first step to audit and reduce your current usage,” Mark added. Dynamic Technology Solutions are experts in electrical, solar, security, data and telephone systems for new homes and commercial industry. For more information contact Dynamic Technology Solutions on 03 9315 0887 or visit www.dynamicts. com.au.
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SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Brewers, a family philosophy Sharing the history of Brewers - suppliers of an exclusive range of tapware, shower and bathroom accessories - is a topic close to the heart of Nicole Pearson, the company’s National Trade/Projects Account Manager. Brewers began in 1962 when Eddy Brewer, Nicole’s grandfather, commenced operations from a premise in St Kilda Road, Melbourne as an agent selling “behind the wall” plumbing fittings. “After my grandfather’s death in early 1985, the Pearson family took over the plumbing side of the business developing and manufacturing ‘Brewer’ branded products for the plumbing industry in Australia,” Nicole said. In 2005, ‘Brewer Design Plus’ was born as a result of newly commenced relationships with factories in Europe producing high end products. Flagship brand Newform, from Italy, leads this group. In October 2007, new equity partners joined the business with new management, directors and shareholders to allow wider strategies to be developed. Two family members are still actively involved as the third generation.
Brewer Designs ranges are designed in house, and reflect the latest European styles suitable for our Australian market. The Australian manufacturing ‘Watermark’ standard and Australian water efficiency labelling standard ‘WELS’ ensure Brewer tapware and showers are of the highest quality and save both water and energy. Brewers also provides extended warranties to their clients. “Brewers is proud of the partnership recently formed with Burbank,” Nicole added. “Both companies have evolved from family businesses, and both still hold family members in integral decision making positions extending the passion to run their companies by servicing clients with the ‘family philosophy’.” Check Brewers out on www.brewers.com.au and www.newform.com.au for more information.
BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
o tudi on s lecti e se Edg ining rd w awa The
How will you live in your new home?
Fitting out your new abode can be made much easier if you consider how you live in your current home. Carol Rubidoux, manager of Burbank’s award-winning Edge Selection Studio, says this is a fundamental starting point for what is often considered the best part of the building process. “Think about where furniture goes - where you might need power points for reading lamps or your vacuum cleaner,” Carol said. “Secondly, have a look at the design guidelines from the developer of your estate. This is part of the land contract you receive at the point of sale. There may be some restrictions on the choices you make, such as the colour and material specification of your roof tiles for instance. “Lastly, have an idea of your budget for your colour and finish selection. You have some great choices available to customise your home to suit your individual taste and budget.”
To help you with these decisions, the new preview sessions at Edge were initiated this year to allow home buyers to be more informed before they set their choices in stone. Home buyers can book one or more hourly one-on-one walk-throughs to familiarise themselves with the process and products available before their formal selection appointment. “The introduction of our ‘preview’ sessions has helped settle home buyers’ apprehension as they come to understand what is expected of them and what we can do to assist their selections,” Carol added. Edge Selection Studio can be contacted on 03 9328 0333.
RISK + RESEARCH = RETURN
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Big risks can result in big returns.
When it comes to investing money, Freehold Investment Management joint managing director Grant Atchison believes great ideas should be exploited to their potential. “Investment is all about being appropriately rewarded for the risk,” said Grant. “The greater the risk your investment capital is exposed to, the higher the required return. “For our AREIT (Australian Real Estate Investment Trust) and Listed Infrastructure portfolio, our philosophy is to manage risk through the design of the overall portfolio characteristics and through research of individual securities. “In the current investment environment, we have been able to construct a tailored portfolio of lower risk securities that has delivered a higher return than the broader market. “Fundamental research that generates true insight and enables exposure to emerging trends and cycles in real estate markets is the core of our investment process. “Our market knowledge gained from directly acquiring property assets is supplemented via a number of sources including interviews with industry CEOs, physical domestic and offshore asset tours, research from stockbrokers and third party independent sources.” Freehold Investment Management was established to provide a suite of low cost and transparent property investment portfolios that are structured to have the best interests of investors as the number one priority. “Our investment team is experienced in listed property and infrastructure securities, direct property, risk analysis, asset allocation and portfolio construction,” Grant said. For more information about Freehold Investment Management, call 03 9328 0500 or visit freeholdim.com.au.
FIM’s Grant Atchison
BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Global Design The Wilsonart Global Design Collection from the Lincoln Group will transform your perception of surface design. The Global Spirit and Global Inspiration ranges feature authentic interpretations of natural and man made elements expressed in unique textures, metallics, an expansive colour range and intriguing designs. These flexible, high performance ranges, with stunning vertical panels (manufactured in Australia with co-ordinating Wilsonart International designs) and benchtop surfaces, provide all the inspiration you need to design with confidence and individual style. To create the Wilsonart Global Design Collection, the LIncoln Group was drawn on the international strength of Wilsonart, a world leader in surface design. Encompassing world leading technology and innovation from Germany, Thailand and the United States, the Lincoln Group’s collection brings the best of the world to you.
Global Inspiration The Global Inspiration Benchtops collection inspires creativity with an expansive range of sumptuous colours and designs in a sophisticated palette. The range sets the benchmark with brilliant interpretations of natural stones, concrete, composite quartz, timbers, metallics, and patterns. The Global Inspiration Vertical range offers stylish choices for various vertical applications such as panels, doors, drawers and other joinery. Choose from an expansive collection of solid colours, metallics, pearls and timbers in a true design focussed range.
Global Spirit The Global Spirit range celebrates the senses with an emphasis on touch and visual value. Authentic interpretations of warm natural stone, smooth concrete, timbers and innovative sleek metal surfaces deliver a new range of easy care, high performance options. The Wilsonart Global Design Collection is only available from the Lincoln Group in Australia.
The Lincoln Group The Lincoln Group is a leading trade distributor of products into the specification, building, renovation, furniture making and shop fitting markets. Their dedicated specification team supports their range of unique architectural hardware and decorative surfaces.
For more information contact the Lincoln Group at W: www.lincolngroup.com.au Decorative Surfaces T: 1300 361 313 Cabinet Hardware and Window, Door & Glazing
Burbank Triathletes
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Congratulations to Burbank’s five triathlon teams who recently participated in the Nissan|BRW Corporate Triathlon National Series.
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BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2011
RECIPE e e l u r B e m e r C If you’ve embraced the latest backyard fad and have become the proud owner of chickens, you might have suddenly found yourself with eggs laid on. Here’s a classic French recipe to use up some excess eggs, win friends and influence people all at the same time.
Ingredients
Directions
8 egg yolks
1.
Mix yolks and sugar together.
50g sugar
2.
Bring cream and vanilla pod to boil. Remove the pod and scrape the insides into the cream.
1 vanilla pod
3.
Mix the cream into the yolks and sugar.
Caster sugar
4.
Transfer back into the saucepan and cook until the moisture coats the back of the spoon.
5.
Divide the mixture into 6 ramekins. Sit these in a rosting tin and add warm ater until it comes three-quarters up thye sides of the ramekins. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
6.
Refrigerate until ready
7.
Before serving, sprinkle the brulees liberally with caster sugar. Use a blow torch to brown the sugar, or simply brown under a pre-heated grill, having the ramekins as close as possible to the heat. The top should be hard when cracked with a spoon.
600ml cream
For all new home and apartment enquiries 13 BURBANK (13 2872)
For all your finance and mortgage requirements 1300 367 721
For all your self storage needs (03) 9315 9888
For all your plumbing needs 1300 734 652
For all your electrical needs (03) 9315 0887
For tv and online video production 1300 787 585 Web / Digital Print / Offset without Silver
Pantone Metallic Silver /
2-Colour Pantone Metallic Silver on Black
Burbank Business Park Aberdeen Road Altona Vic 3018 Australia Burbank Australia Pty Ltd ABN 91 007 099 872 t +613 9328 0333 f +613 9328 0222 e build@burbank.com.au w burbank.com.au 2-Colour on Black
2-Colour on White