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PUBLISHER Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd
CONTRIBUTORS Chelsea Tromans Tim Lawless Maddison Urquhart On The Move
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
WELCOME TO THE
APRIL 2020 ISSUE OF
C21 MARKET PULSE
DISCLAIMER We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained therein is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, inaccuracies or misstatements contained herein. Prospective buyers and sellers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein. All information contained in the CENTURY 21 Australia Pty Ltd website is provided as a convenience to clients. All links to property prices displayed on the website are current at the time of issue, but may change at any time and are subject to availability. For more information on our Privacy Policy please refer to: www.century21.com.au/privacy
C O N T E N T S A P R I L
ONLINE BIDDING
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ENHANCE YOUR SPACE
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How to get the home you want at auction.
Easy ways to revamp your home if you're self-isolating.
Home Beautiful Magazine Editor, Chelsea Tromans
Contributor, Maddison Urquhart
COVID-19 UPDATE
04
WINTER IS COMING
Cautionary procedures in place.
Energy-saving tips for the cooler months.
Century 21 Australia
On The Move
PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE
05
HOME HUB
Values continued to rise in March with expected
Future-proof the heart of your home.
slowdown ahead.
As featured in the latest edition of
Corelogic Head of Research, Tim Lawless
Home Beautiful Magazine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
06-07
Buying property during COVID-19. Century 21 Australia
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ONLINE BIDDING
How to get the home you want at auction C L I C K H E R E TO FIND OUT HOW
CENTURY 21 ARE SELLING PROPERTY D U R I N G T H E COV I D - 1 9 C R I S I S .
BY CHELSEA TROMANS, EDITOR, HOME BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE
With bidding now taking place online, the strategies to winning an auction remain the same.
home when that hammer drops,
during private sales there’s always
without overpaying.
a risk that the vendor may change
While an auction may not be your first choice when it comes to buying a house, there are a lot of benefits
Auctions are daunting, and it can be hard to not get caught up in the thrill of outbidding the competition. But with a good auction strategy at the ready, you’ll be well placed to be the proud owner of your dream
to you as the buyer. “Auctions can work for a buyer who is willing to
their mind or accept another offer without giving you the chance to negotiate. Auctions allow you to see your competition and know exactly where you stand.
pay market value,” says Charles
Every auction is different, however
Tarbey, Chairman of Century 21
there are some strategies that can
Australasia. “It’s definite and on
help you go in strong and hopefully
the fall of the hammer it’s yours,”
come out on top. Here, we share
adds Mr Tarbey, who notes that
expert tips for winning an auction.
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MAKE YOUR FIRST BID A STRONG FIGURE THAT REFLECTS THE MARKET VALUE
serious bidder. “Agents will always
In today’s transparent world where
says Mr Tarbey. “I have seen many
property values and estimates can
instances where buyers were upset
be found on bank apps and the
at missing out, making comments
like, there’s little point starting off
such as ‘I would have paid more if
too low. Everyone at the auction
I knew it was going to sell for that
will have a clear idea of what the
amount’ and blaming the agent,
property is worth and will have come
but were coy when the agent was
prepared to pay that price, just like
seeking information.”
be available to guide you through the process, so you need to keep them updated on your position, without giving everything away,”
you. It’s advisable to start near where you want to end and that way you knock out a lot of the low bidders immediately.
SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT One of the biggest mistakes buyers
BID WITH ROUNDED FIGURES
make at an auction is not setting a
It is best not to place bids of odd
the day, as much as you may fall in
numbers, such as $649,500, as
love with a property and as close as
someone will always go the extra
you might think you are to winning,
$500. Instead, go in with an even
you should never exceed your
number – and if your opponent
predetermined budget.
maximum price they can afford to pay... and sticking to it. At the end of
tries to slow down the bidding with small increments, go in above them with that extra $500 or so, to immediately put yourself back into first place.
GO IN WITH A COUNTER BID QUICKLY AND CONFIDENTLY WAIT TO PLACE YOUR FIRST BID
Bidding quickly after another bid
“Often it is best to let the bidding
identify who your competition is.
is received lets people know you are serious and will also help you
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
start and move in at a later stage
Home Beautiful is Australia’s fastest
with a strong bid,” advises
growing homemaker brand. With beautiful
Mr Tarbey. This gives you a chance to size up the competition, figure out when the property is on the market (once the reserve price has been reached), and it also weeds out those who are just looking for a bargain.
TALK WITH THE REAL ESTATE AGENT It can be tempting to hide away behind the screen or phone and fly under the radar, but it’s important that the real estate agent and auctioneer know that you’re a
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original photography, gorgeous styled stories and signature inspirational how-tos, Home Beautiful is simply one of the most loved, most recognised and commercially successful brands in Australia. Article Link: https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/theexpert-secrets-to-winning-an-auction
C OV I D - 1 9 U P DAT E
CAUTIONARY PROCEDURES IN PLACE Century 21 has your health and safety, as well as that of our people, as our top priority. We've changed some of our procedures for the current COVID-19 situation in order to allow us to continue, with caution, to help you buy, sell and rent property.
Reduced face-to-face interaction In addition to phone calls, Century 21 is well equipped technologically to service you and your property through video conferencing, online apps and a variety of industry tools.
Stringent vetting of inspection attendees and distancing measures
As you are no doubt aware, all
to anyone who
Australians are currently facing
has recently
the recent challenge presented
returned from
by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
overseas
outbreak. While we do not yet have
travel within
all the answers, it is important to
14 days,
understand how these changes
or who
might affect you and your property.
may be
implemented cautionary procedures to ensure the safety of not only our staff, but that of our vendors and buyer community. Please rest assured that it is business as usual and we will dedicate the same level of care, expertise and professionalism that you have come to know. Here are some of the alterations we have made to accommodate the wellbeing of all:
they are well and have not recently travelled before agreeing to meet them in person.
Best practices to ensure great personal hygiene Our staff have all been briefed
displaying flu-like
about best practices for personal hygiene and are diligently following instructions from Health Organisations as well as state and
We may refuse entry
Here at Century 21 we have
tenants and buyers confirming that
national government. We are regularly washing
“...it is business as usual and we will dedicate the same level of care, expertise and professionalism that you have come to know.�
providing sanitiser where possible. We are facing unprecedented times and our priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy, and up-
symptoms
to-date on property
common to that
matters to ensure your
of Coronavirus
goals are achieved.
(COVID-19). We will not be conducting open homes, but where possible limiting inspections to virtual/digital formats in the first instance, and then individual inspections while maintaining safe social distances. We may also ask that a declaration be signed by
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Our team is across all the required health practices and will always act in the best interests of your property.
Click here to search for a local Century 21 agent
P R O P E R T Y M A R K E T U P DAT E
VALUES CONTINUED TO RISE IN MARCH WITH EXPECTED SLOWDOWN AHEAD The trend in housing values remained positive throughout March, with the CoreLogic national hedonic index rising 0.7% over the month. Although housing values continued to rise, the second half of the month experienced a weakening in the growth trend as confidence slumped and social distancing policies took effect. The national March reading emerged as the
BY T I M L AW L E S S , CO R E LO G I C H E A D O F R E S E A R C H
Adelaide, each increasing 0.6%;
slowdown in buyer activity, as
a similar story occurred across the
would any future policy
regional areas of each state with
announcements related to
values higher over the month
peripheral services such as building
and quarter.
and pest inspections, conveyancing
However, Tim Lawless noted that
and furniture removals.”
recent trends in the market have
“Considering the temporary
become less relevant as we move
nature of this crisis, along
into a period of unprecedented
with unprecedented levels of
uncertainty which is likely to impact
government stimulus, leniency
further on household confidence
from lenders for distressed
and drag Australia’s economy into
borrowers and record low interest
a recession for the first time in
rates, housing values are likely
almost 30 years.
to more be insulated than sales activity,” said Mr Lawless.
lowest monthly gain since the
“The housing market won’t be
market lifted in July last year.
immune to a drop in sentiment
He said, “The extent of any fall in
and weaker economy, however the
housing values is impossible to
extent of the impact on dwelling
fathom without first understanding
values remains highly uncertain.
the length of time this health and
Capital growth trends will be
economic crisis persists. Arguably,
contingent on how long it takes
the longer it takes to contain
to contain the virus, and whether
the virus and bring economic
additional constraints on business
operations back to normal, the
or personal activity are introduced.”
higher the downside risk to
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said, “Although Australia’s housing markets have begun to enter a period of disruption, they are coming from strong foundations.” Over the month, housing values rose across every capital city apart from Hobart (which declined -0.2%), while over the March quarter, every capital city recorded a rise in housing values. Sydney had the highest growth over the quarter with values up 3.9%, followed by Melbourne at 2.9% and Canberra at 1.7%. The lowest quarterly gain was in Darwin and
From a transactional perspective, Tim Lawless said, “we are expecting the number of residential property sales to fall dramatically over the coming months – a consequence of tanking consumer confidence, a rising jobless rate, and more cautious lending practices. Restrictions on open homes and on-site auctions will compound the
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housing values.”
Click here to read the full article
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Buying property during
COVID-19
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The current COVID-19 situation has changed the way we can help you buy property. Therefore, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you during this time.
• Advising attendees to refrain
property where possible.
How is paperwork signed remotely?
We also request buyers refrain
We already use digital contracts
from attending an inspection
to facilitate sales in a seamless
appointment if they have:
manner and will continue to do so
from touching surfaces within the
• Tested positive to, or have
symptoms associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Rest assured, at Century 21 it is business as usual, and we have already begun implementing greater technology to continue to help you with all of your property needs.
throughout this time.
• Recently been in contact
with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19) • Recently been overseas or agreed
to any self-isolation condition.
How does the current circumstances affect buying a property? We have implemented a number of measures to ensure buyers and sellers can still transact throughout this period.
What should l do if I want to buy a property during this time? If you are considering buying, we are very well prepared to assist you throughout this period and will continue to focus on matching you with the right property. Virtual and controlled safe physical inspections are still available.
Can I still inspect a property?
All auctions have been adapted in
Yes. We are still able to show
an online auction platform, while
line with the current situation, you
you properties privately and we welcome you to contact us to arrange an appointment. However, we request that you limit the number of people attending the inspection where possible. We are exercising the utmost care when it comes to hygiene and social
What are you doing to mitigate the risk of exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)? All of our offices and their teams are showing the utmost care when it comes to hygiene, social distancing practices and Government regulations when hosting private inspections. We have put the following procedures in place: • Maintaining healthy social
distancing (at least 1.5m) • Keeping attendees at the
distancing practices when hosting
will find that some listings will utilise others have been converted to an Expression of Interest sale, Express sale or Private Treaty sale campaign. Further, all sale contracts can be produced digitally which means you can purchase the property without needing to come into close contact with others.
private inspections.
Are there other ways to view a property other than physically attending an inspection? If you would like to know more bout a property without having to physically attend an inspection, you will find more content online to further showcase property features including, additional photography, property videos and 3D Virtual Tours.
appointment to a minimum
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BUYING PROPERTY? We can help you, talk to us today or CLICK HERE to start your search.
ENHANCE YOUR SPACE
EASY WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR HOME IF YOU'RE SELF-ISOLATING With millions around the world already adjusting to life in lockdown, it begs the question of what does one do when stuck at home with nothing but time to spare?
BY MADDISON URQUHART
DE-CLUTTER YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS
is overwhelming but with all of this
They say that the kitchen is the
stressful mess once and for all?
spare time on your hands, who's to say you can't free yourself from the
heart of the home which is why it's the first place in the house that collects dust and gathers clutter. Eliminate the chaos and organise your cabinets so that your utensils and appliances belong in their
Whether it be as simple as that
rightful place. While you're at it, be
closet cull you've been avoiding
sure to dispose of any unnecessary
for months years on end or getting
bits and pieces that don't have a
your hands dirty in the garden,
place in your cabinets anymore.
you'll quickly find that there's no shortage of home improvement projects you can sink your teeth into. Better yet, they're simple, easy and won't break the bank.
HANG A MIRROR If you're looking to infuse warmth and texture to your personal space, or simply decorate a blank wall, a mirror is one of the oldest decorating tricks in the book. Functional yet versatile, mirrors come in all shapes and sizes and can help spaces feel larger than life.
SET UP YOUR HOME OFFICE It's more than likely that you'll be working from home for the foreseeable future. While this can
FRESHEN UP YOUR TRIMMINGS WITH PAINT
be quite advantageous at times, the
Painting is often time-consuming.
Diffuse any future meltdowns by
And yes, while it might be a slow
creating a dedicated space in your
process that requires a considerable
home where you can set aside and
amount of time and patience (oh,
focus on the job at hand.
home can easily become a breeding ground for stress and anxiety.
PLANT A BACKYARD VEGETABLE GARDEN Many herbs and veggies (lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes included) thrive on windowsills, in vertical gardens, and on balconies. They can be small and portable so you can take them with you wherever and whenever you go.
and not to mention a steady hand too), never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint – it can instantly brighten up a space and make a world of a difference to your interior.
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET Getting rid of your clothes, even if you haven't worn them in years isn't easy. There's no denying that a bursting-at-the-seams wardrobe
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CLASSIFY YOUR BOOKCASE Transform your shelves into a beautifully curated masterpiece that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides functionality and organisation.
WINTER IS COMING
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR THE COOLER MONTHS The days are getting shorter and the leaves have fallen, which could only mean one thing – winter is nearly upon us. With increased use of heating and lighting also comes the concern about high winter energy bills. Here are some practical tips you can use throughout the colder months to bring those bills down:
TIMING IS EVERYTHING Sometimes an hour makes all the difference. If you already have your heating on a timer, switching it off an hour earlier will reduce your usage. If your home is well insulated the heat should still be retained.
BY ON THE MOVE
ENERGY CULPRITS
it in your bed early in the evening.
We are all familiar with how much
everything will be toasty and warm
By the time you’re ready to get in
energy our large appliances use, but what about the others? A digital photo frame that is permanently connected to power, or the gaming consoles on standby power - does your wifi router need to be on when you are out? Everything adds up and in winter, when we know our energy bills will be high, it helps to be just that little bit more diligent.
SLOW COOKERS Did you know that a slow cooker only uses as much energy as a light bulb? A great little gadget for winter dishes, you can put all the ingredients in the morning, it will take a long slow cook while you are at work, and you’ll be greeted by warming stews or soups when you get home.
HOT WATER BOTTLES Do you remember the scene in Gosford Park where all the maids were heating up warming pans to place in their ladies’ beds? Well you
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AS SEEN IN THE L AT E S T E D I T I O N O F
GET VISUAL
A DV E RT I S E M E N T
HOME HUB
or break. It might be the same for a pool. Interior features could also fall into this category – think hardwood flooring We’re not suggesting that manifestation is the answer and stone countertops, as well as central air conditioning to all your property aspirations, but visualisation is a or a fireplace. Check in with your above-mentioned savvy starting point. Envision your perfect home in all FUTURE-PROOF THE HEART OF YOUR visualisation notesHOME as you go,AND picking ADD out the elements its glory – the size, the style, the suburb… Keep it semiare enticing,RENOVATION but also attainable. VALUE WITH A ST YLISH that KITCHEN realistic (shelve your Tuscan villa pipedreams for now), but still think freely. This will help tap intoIN yourASSOCIATION desires WITH and get you thinking about how you want to live. Sure, CONSULT THE EXPERTS ocean views may fall outside your budget, but perhaps Finally, round out your list with a little expert intel. The you’d settle instead for easy access to a beach or bay. agents at real estate organisation Century 21 will share Scrawl down all your ideas to refer back to later. modern kitchen can breathe new life and personalitysome into “value” your home. one is onto no small itemsBut torenovating consider tacking your list.
A
task and you need to think long-term. Not only do you wantname a kitchen that these won’t are date, you also As the suggests, features thatwant will to add make sure it adds value to your home. Even if you’re not planning on selling any time soon, you should always value to your property over time. Think a great bathroom, ADD THE NICE-TO-HAVES consider your buyers maximise value. We asked a property experttofor view dual-pane windows, or close proximity tophisschools. Below your must-haves, startfuture noting downtothe featuresyour home’s potential on the key to add to Ayour kitchen renovation list, for maximum returnshouldn’t on your investment. While these items take over your wants and you deem appealing, butitems not essential. walk-in wishes, they’re nevertheless worth keeping in mind as you wardrobe? You wouldn’t turn it down, but it’s not make navigate the inspection circuit (now armed with a handy priority list, so you never swerve off course again!)
GO BACK TO BASICS Important considerations are the minimum number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and their minimum size. Other must-haves might include a garden or deck, off-street parking or an internal laundry. Location may be paramount – perhaps you want to be within walking distance of your children’s school – or maybe you have your heart set on a certain cluster of suburbs. Also consider liveability: is renovating an option, or are you keen to find a home and move straight in?
FOR HELP WITH BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY VISIT C21.com.au
A DV E RT I S E M E N T A DV E RT I S E M E N T
GET VISUAL We’re not suggesting that manifestation is the answer to all your property aspirations, but visualisation is a savvy starting point. Envision your perfect home in all experienced its“Over glory –thetheyears size,I have the style, the suburb… Keep it semisituations whereyour people buyvilla thepipedreams kitchen for now), realistic (shelve Tuscan and the rest of the home comes withinto your desires but still think freely. This will help tap it!”get saysyou Charles Tarbey, and thinking aboutChairman how you of want to live. Sure, Century 21 Australia. “This the budget, heart but perhaps ocean views may fall outsideisyour of a home as such, theaccess better to thea beach or bay. you’d settle and instead for easy kitchen, the better the opportunity for a Scrawl down all your ideas to refer back to later. quick sale and a better price.”
1. ADD ANNICE-TO-HAVES ISLAND ADD THE BENCH Below your must-haves, start noting down the features Thedeem number one thing you appealing, butonnotbuyers’ essential. A walk-in kitchen wish lists is ample bench space, wardrobe? You wouldn’t turn it down, but it’s not make notes Charles. An island is a great way to achieve extra bench, storage space and seating, while also optimising your existing floor plan. “A kitchen that allows GO BACK TO BASICS a family the space to move around together, and is set up in such a way considerations that a familyImportant can all casually eat in it atare the minimum number of bedrooms, the same time will always be attractive,” number of bathrooms their says Charles. When choosing anand island, minimum size. look for a storage-savvy design that has an overhanging countertop formight stoolsinclude to a Other must-haves slide underneath. powerpoints garden or Built-in deck, off-street parking or are a must. an internal laundry.
or break. It might be the same for a pool. Interior features could also fall into this category – think hardwood flooring and stone countertops, as well as central air conditioning or a fireplace. Check in with your above-mentioned visualisation notes as you go, picking out the elements that are enticing, but also attainable.
CONSULT THE EXPERTS Finally, round out your list with a little expert intel. The agents at real estate organisation Century 21 will share some “value” items to consider tacking onto your list. As the name suggests, these are features that will add value to your property over time. Think a great bathroom, dual-pane windows, or close proximity to top schools. While these items shouldn’t take over your wants and wishes, they’re nevertheless worth keeping in mind as you navigate the inspection circuit (now armed with a handy priority list, so you never swerve off course again!)
2. UPGRADE YOUR Location may be paramount – 3. SPLURGE ON HIGH COUNTERTOP perhaps you want to be within walkingEND APPLIANCES
A tired countertop down school the – orGood appliances anchor a kitchen distance ofcan yourbring children’s whole vibe of your kitchen. While it mayon a and enhance its functionality. Stainless maybe you have your heart set be tempting to look to of what’s trending, steel is a failsafe option that always certain cluster suburbs. Charles recommends going for a feels luxe. Matching your appliances Also consider liveability: is timeless option. “Kitchens are personal. from the same collection or brand renovating an option, or are you keengives a cohesive look. Built-in One that’s neutral can be decorated to find atouch, homewhich and move straight with a personal is ideal,” he in? appliances are appealing and room for advises. It’s not just the buyers who will a double fridge is a must. If you can appreciate it – a classic look gives you only splurge on one item, make it a gas more flexibility to update your styling cooktop, as it’s one of the most-used regularly, too. Using engineered stone, appliances in the kitchen. Finally, don’t marble and porcelain benchtops is forget the dishwasher. It can be a dealmoney well spent. breaker for some buyers. FOR HELP WITH BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY FOR HELP WITH BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY VISIT C21.com.au VISIT C21.com.au
CROWD PLEASER A KITCHEN WITH ENOUGH ROOM FOR A FAMILY TO MOVE AROUND AND SHARE A MEAL TOGETHER HAS TIMELESS APPEAL