Burbank Views Issue 14

Issue 14 - April 09

BURBANK VIEWS

In this issue...

• First home owners grant ending soon • What drives sustainable design?

• Denton Mills from above • Home tech tips • The display experience [Part I] • Product review Technika • Wine review • In search of greener pastures • A ‘Victory’ for first home buyers • 10 years of service • Recipe - tastebud tantalisers

Burbank Group Newsletter

first home owners grant ending soon

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It can be quite hard for first time buyers to get a foothold on the home ownership ladder. Thankfully, various government grants and concessions (up to $29,000) have been helping thousands offset some of the start-up expenses when entering the property market. However, all good things must come to an end and unless an extension is announced by the government soon, the assistance to first home owners will finish on June 30, 2009.

If you are in the process of purchasing your new home there are a number of things to take into consideration. With the first home owners grant ending purchasers must:

• Have their contract executed by June 30, 2009 • Ensure construction commences within 26 weeks of June 30, 2009 • Have their certificate of occupancy issued by the end of 2010 Failure to fulfil the above criteria will deem purchasers ineligible to receive the grant.

Burbank however, is pleased to be able to offer a guaranteed contract within 5 weeks.

So if you are in the market, make sure you take full advantage of the grant whilst it lasts.

Call 13 BURBANK (13 2872) www.burbank.com.au

what drives innovation in sustainable design?

The renewable energy industry is a good example of how government financial incentives can complement regulation and stimulate industry growth. Rebates for solar hot water systems and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems resulted in a significant increase in the uptake of these products, which provide triple bottom line benefits (social, economic and environmental). Moreover, the rebates have stimulated industry innovation with many new technologies and products becoming commercially available.

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Sustainability has become a high priority in Australian households as our changing climate and rising cost of commodities take hold. Add to this the current global financial crisis and the need for a solution is intensified. But what are the real drivers of sustainability and what stimulates progress and innovation in this critical field? Government regulation is one approach, financial incentives and education all play a significant role in actioning change.

The 5-Star Standard, introduced in July 2005, is clearly an example of where well-researched, proportional regulation has led to a flourishing sustainable housing industry. It helped stimulate growth and innovation in sustainability, as evidenced by the development of numerous new sustainable building products and the fact several large volume builders are now voluntarily offering 6-Star homes as standard. Burbank Australia has gone one step further and is now offering a range of leading 7-Star homes. The Standard has also led to the creation of many successful industry programs and partnerships, such as the HIA’s GreenSmart program.

Darwin - Chelsea facade

A customer can choose the basic 5-Star level, or they can upgrade their home to 7-Stars and beyond – the choice is theirs.

The renewable energy industry is a good example of how government financial incentives can complement regulation and stimulate industry growth. Rebates for solar hot water systems and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems resulted in a significant increase in the uptake of these products, which provide triple bottom line benefits (social, economic and environmental). Moreover, the rebates have stimulated industry innovation with many new technologies and products becoming commercially available.

Burbank’s aim is to provide a sound platform which helps bridge the gap between regulatory standards, more ambitious voluntary programs (e.g. HIA GreenSmart) and the highest levels of sustainability.

By offering home buyers informed choice, clients can select the level of sustainability they would like to incorporate into their new home. Burbank’s ‘Edge’ Colour Selection Studio showcases the latest building products, allows clients to select sustainable products for their home based on their needs, philosophies and budget. Items such as renewable energy systems, recycled materials and high efficiency products are on display with the information needed to educate clients on their environmental credentials, to help them make a more informed decision. A customer can choose the basic 5-Star level, or they can upgrade their home to 7-Stars and beyond – the choice is theirs.

The current global crisis, both financial and environmental, demands more sustainable buildings which provide lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. In achieving this, the drivers, as well as the barriers and obstacles, are many. Sustainability is fundamentally about people wanting to make better and informed choices. A coordinated approach where government, industry and the community work together and where consumer choice is preserved, is likely to provide the most desirable outcomes.

7-Star

energy rating

Burbank’sFutureCollection Burbank’s Fern Leaf logo represents sustainable product

BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2009

denton mills from above

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We all know Melburnians have many choices when it comes to apartment developments, but Denton Mills, situated in a leafy street in Abbotsford, is THE choice made by 57 buyers so far!

In a superb location, just off Victoria Street and only a short stroll from the Yarra River, Denton Mills features 61 apartments and terraces surrounding a central courtyard and will have a café/restaurant, offices at street level and secure undercover parking for all.

The central courtyard will be reminiscent of an enclosed European laneway, linking the heritage building to a row of contemporary two-storey terraces facing the courtyard.

57 of the 61 apartments and terraces were sold relatively quickly when released in mid-2007; now we are pleased to release the three modern apartments at the southern end of the development facing onto Nicholson Street. Offering fabulous city skyline outlooks from the upper floors, these apartments are sure to please even the most discerning buyers!

In addition, we have one of the 3 bedroom terraces available – offering a townhouse lifestyle with the added security afforded by an apartment development.

Under construction now and due for completion later this year, these apartments and terraces represent an opportunity which doesn’t come along often – to enjoy a brand new home in one of Melbourne’s boutique suburbs.

The offices on the ground floor are also to be released shortly.

www.dentonmills.com.au

“I’m on top of the world, looking down on creation...”

Or at least that’s how the song goes... Have a look at this amazing view from the top of the chimney at Denton Mills, looking down on the site and across the city skyline.

home tech tips

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There was a time where wiring a new home meant allowing for a power point in every room, one phone socket and perhaps two TV aerial sockets.

However in today’s world we should consider home networking, video distribution and audio wiring. Now whilst it is not possible to predict every potential room layout well into the future, having the cable infrastructure pre-installed can save you money, time and hassle down the track.

Home Telephone Wiring

There was a time where nobody considered telephone wiring, not even the electrician wiring your house. You would call your telephone provider, and they would come out and install your line with one socket only, any more were additional. These days having the flexibility to plug in a phone, fax or modem into any room allows for the needs of today’s families. For your new home we recommend having a phone outlet in each room, wired back to a central distribution panel.

• Disable SSID broadcasting.

Home Data Wiring

• Use MAC filtering for access control.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is an absolute necessity in a modern home.

A wired home network is more secure, reliable and faster than a wireless solution. Phone cabling and data cabling should be considered together.

In almost all cases, the exact same type of cable is used to carry voice and network signals. Burbank Electrical can run two of these cables into each room, making one for phone and one for data, all which lead back to a central distribution or ‘patch’ panel.

Video Distribution

Your video source could be a digital signal from an antenna, pay TV, or even from a security camera. Having a flat screen TV on the wall is all the rage at the moment, so even if you don’t yet own one or more flat screen TV’s, consider where you may want them in the future.

Home Network - Wired

If you have followed the suggestions above, you can have your modem/ router/network switch (usually all in the one box these days) sitting in the same central location where all your wiring meets – usually a laundry cupboard, wardrobe or shed. Your modem/router takes the broadband from your phone line and shares it out to all the network points, allowing all the computers in your household to browse at the same time.

If you plan on having wireless available in your house, we recommend the following:

• Use the highest encryption available. WPA encryption provides much better protection than WEP. • Reduce your wireless transmitter power.

You only need wireless to work in or around your home, not half way down the street.

The bottom line is that with the right tools, dedication and time, an experienced user could compromise your wireless network. However by taking the steps above, chances are anybody attempting to break into your network will move on to an easier target.

This article was kindly provided by Daniel Church, Managing Director of DJC Systems. For all your computer support, I.T. consulting, web design and hosting requirements, contact DJC Systems on (03) 9001 5385 or visit www.djc.com.au

Home Network – Wireless

The popularity of wireless networks has snowballed over the last couple of years. Quite often a wireless network is the easiest solution for people in established homes who do not have the cabling infrastructure in place to suit their needs. And even if you do have the appropriate cabling in each room, sometimes laying on the couch (or bed!) with the notebook can be a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2009

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happy home buyer Caroline Burge, a very happy Burbank homebuyer, recently sent Niki Rookledge this glowing report after her visit to the Edge Colour Selection Studio.

“Hey it was fantastic!!!! I had an absolute ball and had a great time. There was so much to choose from and it was really good as they had the exact colour bricks I wanted!”

“I am SOOOOO excited - it all seems to be falling into place. I was very impressed that I think I chose standard inclusions in almost everything, although went all out on the power points and in the end went for air conditioning as well.” “... Didn’t get a good photo of the kitchen trim, but have chosen the ‘wavy white’ tiles with a dark brown marble finish trim.

The dark brown will match the kitchen cupboards. The kitchen benches and the bathroom tops look white in the photo below, but it is a creamy, speckled colour with the speckles bringing out the dark brown cupboards and the grey/beige carpet.”

We’ll follow the progress of Caroline’s experience in a future issue.

product review

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600mm Bellissimo Stainless Steel Oven

The new Bellissimo TB60FSS-2 from Technika brings the latest in cooking technology and state of the art European looks to your kitchen. Cool touch door, fan forced, energy efficient are all features of this brand new Bellissimo electric oven. The TB60FSS-2 can be installed in a wall oven tower or as an under bench to accommodate space as well as looks and practicality.

Features

• 600mm Multifunction electric oven • 5 Cooking functions • Mechanical control • Removeable door • Easy clean removable side racks

www.technika.com.au

• Automatic cut off timer • Cavity cooling system • Auto safety cut off switch • Triple glazed door • Closed door grilling

Technika, brings tomorrow’s technology to the kitchen today...

what it’s all about... the display experience [part i] Functions • Oven light (for cleaning purposes) • Defrost • Fan forced element • Grill element

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Glenda Rumble, Sales Consultant at Reflections, sees many display home visitors unsure of what to expect as “it is important to gauge how they feel immediately and make them feel welcome,” she says. “Offering brochures, asking is there anything in particular they would like to see… ideally, and depending on how busy it is, I like to walk through and offer some information as we go.”

Niki Rookledge, at the Wallan Valley Estate, finds buyers are often initially reluctant to approach sales staff.

“I do enjoy meeting people and if they indicate they have a genuine need or interest I pour my energy into them, listening hearing and asking questions…

I need them to feel heard.“ As Roy Mangos, Sales Consultant at Taylors Park, Burnside explains, “I don’t sell houses, I give them (prospective homeowners) options.”

Glenda Rumble adds the importance of presenting our homes at their best is also high priority.

“It takes about 6 hours a week preparing and shutting the displays each day, opening windows, switching on and off evaporative coolers and lighting,” she said.

BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2009

The nose is full of black cherry, coffee, Satsuma plums and star anise... which keeps you reaching for more.

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wine review Richmond Shop 1, 198-200 Swan Street South Yarra 91 Toorak Road St Kilda 80B Acland Street Collingwood 290 Smith Street Abbotsford 68 Mollison Street

Burbank is pleased to announce the Australian Cleanskin Group have joined us to provide regular wine reviews and specials. ACG offers Australia’s best priced cleanskin (unlabelled) wines from the world’s best wine regions. These wines are purchased unlabelled directly from boutique wineries in plain outer packaging, enabling ACG to consistently purchase and sell the product at pricing well below that of equal quality labelled wines. Their focus is to strictly purchase wines from premier boutique wineries that will be consistent vintage to vintage in supply and quality as well as being extremely price competitive. All their wines are graded by a panel of experts whose knowledge and years of experience within the industry ensure their cleanskin range is the most diverse and boutique range in Australia.

For more information visit www.acgwine.com.au Barossa Valley 2008 Shiraz

$6.67*

Barossa Valley 2008 Shiraz per bottle

Marlborough 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

*CASE BUYS ONLY

Sourced from mature vines Pale straw colour with from Barossa Valley, this Shiraz green hues. Intense aromas has been seasoned in French of passionfruit, grapefruit Save $51.88 per case Oak barrels. The nose is full of and gooseberry. A crisp black cherry, coffee, Satsuma Marlborough - NZ wine showing flavours of Sauvignon Blanc plums and star 2008 anise, backed passionfruit with underlying up by a rich, full bodied palate gooseberry tones. This wine with soft tannins, which keeps has mouth watering acidity per bottle you reaching for more. Lucky and an intense minerality. it’s so affordable! On special At only $80, you would be now for only $80 per case. crazy to only buy 1 case.

Normally $131. Save $41.88 per Normally case $121.

Sourced from mature vines from Barossa Valley, this Shiraz Has Been seasoned French Oak barrels. The nose is full of black cherry, coffee, Satsuma plums and star anise, backed up by a rich, full bodied palate with soft tannins.

$6.67* *CASE BUYS ONLY

Pale straw Colour with green hues.

Intense aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit and gooseberry. A crisp wine showing flavours of passionfruit with underlying gooseberry tones. This wine has mouth watering acidity and an intense minerality.

AUSTRALIAN CLEANSKIN GROUP r e g i o n a l

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Richmond Shop 1 198 - 200 Swan Street Richmond 3121 South Yarra 91 Toorak Road South Yarra 3141 St Kilda 80B Acland Street St Kilda 3182 Collingwood 290 Smith Street Collingwood 3066 Abbotsford Wine Warehouse

in search of greener pastures

The hunt is on for a better deal as interest rates finally come down.

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With interest rates having fallen dramatically over the past few months no borrower would be alone in wondering whether their home loan still offered the best rate.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has now lopped three per cent off the official cash rate in just four months - which equals around $600-650 off the repayment due each month on a $300,000 mortgage.

However the amount each bank and mortgage lender has passed back to the borrower has varied so there is no guarantee your lender still offers the best rate on the market.

While there is more to the right mortgage than simply the interest rate, there’s every chance you can still find a cheaper loan that still has all the features you need. But before you start searching for a better deal, consider the following points:

Read the fine print If you decide to switch lenders you may face some hefty break costs if your loan is only a few years old.

Before making any decisions call your broker to find out what costs you’re likely to be hit with should you decide to go elsewhere. It’s essential to ensure any saving you make on a cheaper monthly rate is not cancelled out by excessive fees or charges.

Fixed versus variable Plenty of lenders now offer some very attractive fixed rates. However it’s worth considering that we are in a downward rate cycle and there may well be more rate cuts to come.

The big plus for a fixed rate loan is the security of knowing exactly what your repayments are each month during the fixed period. If you do pick a fixed interest loan remember you will have to stick with it even if rates fall further.

More to your loan than rate alone Not every home loan is the same and so it’s important to look beyond the interest rate when thinking about moving to another lender.

The rule of thumb is the more bells and whistles a loan has the higher the interest rate. While features like redraw facilities and offset accounts can be powerful tools for some borrowers, they may not suit everyone. On the flip side it’s important to keep in mind a low rate loan may offer little or no features.

To quickly identify whether there’s a better loan package available call National Pacific Finance on 1300 367 721 or email enquiries@npfs.com.au.

We will be able to tell you if you still have the most appropriate product on the market and if not, whether it makes sound financial sense to swap.

BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2009

The success of Burbank’s latest product, the Victory, is the result of meeting the current market demands with common sense. As part of the Genesis Collection, these 15 or 18 square homes are designed to suit a minimum 12.5 lot width. The great news is, the Victory range was designed as a practical, affordable solution for first home buyers, investors and empty nesters from less than $100,000*.

*Terms and conditions apply. Pricing subject to FHOG. For more information please contact a sales consultant.

Victory - Modern facade

a ‘victory’ for first home buyers

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The First Home Owners Grant has provided new possibilities for first home buyers across Victoria.

Mr David Borg, Burbank’s Director of Sales is delighted with the success of the Victory since its launch.

“The definition of a ‘first home buyer’ is very broad when you include established families who have seen the increased First Home Owner’s Grant as the deciding factor between renting and buying a home,” he said.

“The Victory is a practical, contemporary design which can be tailored to suit the many different family units now looking for a first home with options of up to 4 bedrooms and a plethora of choice including no less than 8 façade designs.”

Its sleeping wing is located at the front of the home. Across the entry, your fourth bedroom could easily become a study or home office for work-from-home professionals.

A walk-in robe services the master bedroom and should a larger parents’ retreat be on your high priority list, there is an option to add an ensuite. The floating vanity unit and porcelain round basin in the bathroom and ensuite offer a fresh, spacious feel with a hint of luxury you’ll enjoy.

The light-filled, open-plan living and meals area offers ample room for the numerous activities of a busy family. The Victory 1800 includes the addition of a separate lounge, catering for the break-away crowd.

Entertaining from home could never be more enjoyable with a number of alfresco options available.

Quality of workmanship is also the highest priority in every home built by Burbank and the Victory is no exception. The Advantage range of fittings include stainless steel appliances and chrome tapware, complementing the sleek, linear kitchen design and contemporary laminate finishes.

The Genesis Collection is one of Burbank’s four Collections of Homes, designed to suit every lifestyle.

The Complete Collection offers a streamlined building experience, the Future Collection demonstrates how sustainability and style won’t cost the earth, the Ideal Collection gives you an experience of opulence at its best and the Genesis Collection, designed as the perfect solution for first home buyers, empty nesters and investors.

BURBANK VIEWS AUTUMN 2009

10 years OF service mark bisby

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Congratulations to Mark Bisby, Managing Director, Burbank Electrical & Maintenance Pty Ltd, who has recently completed 10 years with Burbank.

“My first Burbank job was out at ‘the Pavillions’ @ Waterford Green Maribyrnong, I started out there the same day Troy Campbell from Burbank Plumbing did,” said Mark.

“That week I saw one fella drive up to site in a flash, green BMW, jump out and throw some work boots on and started to sweep down the road. I thought to myself “how good is this place, look how much they are paying the labourers!!

“I quickly learned it was actually Eddie Puhar, and from that day on my education started about how things are done at Burbank – there are no free lunches and if something needs doing, get it done.

“Burbank Electrical started up 3 years later, with the 2 Eddies and myself at the reins, and time has absolutely flown. We are currently employing around 20 staff, completing over 1000 projects a year and certainly do not look like slowing down.”

recipe

Barbecued Garlic Prawns Serving size: Serves 4 Cooking time: Less than 15 minutes Ingredients 1kg large green prawns, peeled, deveined with tails left on 2 tbs olive oil sea salt 100g butter 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn mixed leaves, to serve crusty bread, to serve Method Place prawns into a large bowl with olive oil and sea salt.

Toss to combine.

Cook prawns on preheated barbecue plate for 2-3 minutes, turning over half way.

Meanwhile, spoon butter and garlic over prawns and toss to mix. Scatter over basil.

Serve immediately with lots of fresh crusty bread.

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

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 www.burbank.com.au

For all your plumbing needs 1300 734 652

For all your electrical needs (03) 9315 0887