NEW HOME The Home Buying Helpers Magazine

NEW HOME THE HOME BUYING HELPERS MAGAZINE

GJ Gardner HOMES BAYSIDE BUSHLAND BEACH Doble Homes The Orchard Darryl Bogotto Constructions Cosgrove ESTATE Excellence Property Equity Build Access Legal Rams Sun City Pools Horan And Bird Corporate Estate Maintenance Brookstone ON THE PARK Townsville Home Buyers Expo

PRESENTED BY

Welcome to my very first edition of NEW HOME - The Home Buying Helpers Magazine.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make and it should not be rushed.”

After 15 years in the real estate industry, it’s been my privilege to help hundreds of families achieve their homeownership dreams.

I’m passionate about educating all of my clients, many of whom I now consider close friends.

It’s no secret that people have become more time-poor in this day and age. I have witnessed many singles, couples and families alike become overwhelmed by the home-buying journey when it really doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. I’ve seen people do the entire process backwards, which has caused both confusion and stress (a few of my old clients will laugh at this statement now).

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make and it should not be rushed. I started The Home Buying Helpers because I wanted to share my wealth of knowledge and contacts as a collective. In this first edition of NEW HOME - The Home Buying Helpers Magazine, I share some of these local businesses I can personally vouch for with you.

As your Home Buying Coordinator, I explain all the ins and outs, the terminology and the entire contract process. I will assist you in finding the right finance product for you and your family and then explore the hundreds of homesites available to you to pinpoint the exact block of land best-suited to your lifestyle.

The next step is connecting you with North Queensland’s top builders to bring to life the home design that suits your needs and budget… saving you both time and stress.

Please remember, the only stupid question is the question that’s never asked. I am sure I know zero about your job, so let me help you with what I do best!

In the meantime, enjoy these insights into the home-buying journey and, remember, I’m here to help.

Jess Warmly

Jess Baker

The Home Buying Helpers | 0432 992 332 | thehomebuyinghelpers.com

“I remember how daunting it was when I bought my first home, so I can relate to how green people feel at the start of the process.”

Home Sweet Home

By 19, Jess Baker had bought her first home. By 21, she’d purchased her second and was a fully licensed real estate agent. At 25, Jess travelled the world, and at 26 she bought her third home. Now, at 33, Jess is a mother of two, has invested in five properties, has a double Masters degree in Business and Project Management and is director of Next Level Land Marketing (NLLM) – North Queensland’s only land marketing agency outside Brisbane.

She’s only 33 but Jess Baker has already invested in her fifth home, and now she’s helping others achieve their goals through her businesses Next Level Land Marketing and The Home Buying Helpers.

Born and bred in Charters Towers, Jess’ early interest in construction began as she completed a business traineeship at the local Mitre 10. When she moved to Townsville at 17, Jess did a Cert 3 in Business but soon realised she craved more interaction with people. She found that in real estate.

“When I first started in real estate I noticed there was a gap in the local market for land marketing,” Jess says. “It was done regularly in the metro areas but not in North Queensland. So, over the next 10 years, I learnt everything about the industry and created long-standing industry relationships before launching NLLM in 2015.

LEFT: Jess Baker consults on the latest designs by GJ Gardner Homes with New Home Consultant, Peta Mitchell.

BELOW: Creating communities at Brookstone on the Park by Halcorp Developments

“We are the land marketing agent of eight local land developments, and I’m the only agent who specialises in the buying and selling of re-sale land sales.”

Jess’ business offers a holistic approach to land marketing and she also co-owns Corporate Estate Maintenance, which maintains the presentation of some of NLLM’s developments. Her vision for the company expands beyond Townsville to greater Queensland with the addition of The Home Buying Helpers – a free home-buying service to help beginners get into the market.

“I remember how daunting it was when I bought my first home, so I can relate to how green people feel at the start of the process,” Jess says.

“Given that I’ve been in the industry for a long time, it’s easy for me to coordinate the home-buying journey for clients. I find a lot of people I deal with are around my age and, once they hear my story, I build trust quickly.”

LEFT: Live Differently at Cosgrove Estate by Parkside Group

After 15 years in the industry, Jess has helped hundreds of families achieve their homeownership dreams.

“I’m fortunate to have the knowledge and experience to be able to help clients move past the initial anxiety and into their first home,” she says.

“Educating first home buyers is a passion of mine, and I’ve had amazing mentors like Laurence Lancini along the way. Laurence has been a wealth of information, and I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with him and his team on various projects throughout Townsville.”

A great way to learn all the ins and outs of the homeownership journey is to go along to the Townsville Home Buyers Expo, an annual event that will take place on June 15 and 16 at The Ville this year.

The exhibition showcases all things home buying under the one roof, with lots of prizes up for grabs as well.

“Whether you’re looking to buy, build, secure finance or you just want to get up to speed on the latest in home technology, this event is not to be missed,” Jess says.

“See you there!”

LEFT: Bayside Bushland Beach

by Sunland Group .

LEFT: Sunsets at the park in Greater Ascot by Parkside Group

NEXT LEVEL LAND MARKETING 0432 992 332 www.nextlevellandmarketing.com

Australia’s No.1 Rated National Home Builder.

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As #MostTrusted by you.

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Bridgewater 186

Visit Our Displays 10 - 12 Wrasse Street, Burdell 14 Crystalbrook Place, Harris Crossing 45 Vista Place, Elliot Springs

Opening Hours Weekdays 9am - 5pm Weekends 10am - 5pm

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2

Design Centre Shop 18 Hyde Park Shopping Centre 36 Kings Rd, Hyde Park

2 Contact Us Call (07) 4775 5656 or visit gjgardner.com.au

DISCLAIMER: *Conditions Apply. Images and photographs may depict fixtures, finishes and features either not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes or not included in any price stated. For detailed home pricing or to discuss our building time program please talk to a New Homes Consultant. QBCC 1124158.

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Your Design or Ours

Local resident Karly Rubins at Halifax Bay

A SEASIDE ADDRESS WITH INVESTMENT CREDENTIALS

The creation of multi award-winning developer Sunland Group, Bayside is now home to more than 1,300 families located on the doorstep of Halifax Bay and its stunning views of Magnetic Island.

The relaxed seaside lifestyle of the Bayside master planned community in Bushland Beach is fast becoming the investment centre of Townsville’s growing Northern Beaches precinct.

Sunland Group Managing Director, Sahba Abedian, said Bayside is a vibrant, familyfriendly community with parkfront and beachfront amenity, at a price point that makes home ownership possible to a broader spectrum of the market.

Bayside has officially launched a new land release this month, keeping pace with the strong demand from first home buyers and downsizers alike.

This latest land release offers a collection of 19 premium lots, ranging in size from 480sqm to 709sqm, only a short walk to the newly-opened Coles at Bushland Plaza and the new children’s playground at Peggy Banfield Park. Land prices start from $148,000.

“Bayside is truly unique because it is the only master planned community on Townsville’s Northern Beaches which adjoins the beachfront, giving residents an unparalleled lifestyle,” Sahba said.

“From their unique vantage point, residents can access the shores of Halifax Bay within minutes, with its walking trails and stunning views of Magnetic Island.

“On the weekends, local beachfront markets offer a mix of local produce and crafts.

Local dining options include the Bushland Beach Tavern, located just metres from the waterfront.”

In addition to its natural beauty and lifestyle opportunities, Sahba said Bushland Beach now offers a host of investment credentials as well.

Earlier this year the new Coles shopping centre opened at Bushland Beach Plaza, alongside new specialty retailers. This follows the completion of the first stage of the Peggy Banfield Park upgrade, which has delivered a new children’s playground, off leash dog areas, BBQ shelters and open play spaces.

Last year, the $200 million Townsville Ring Road extension was completed, cutting travel time to Bushland Beach and placing the city’s major retail and employment hubs only a short drive away.

For more information visit www.bushlandbeach.com.au or phone 1300 816 989.

DISCOVER TOWNSVILLE’S BEST KEPT SECRET. NEW LAND RELEASE NOW SELLING, HOME SITES PRICED FROM $148,000.

SUNLANDGROUP.COM.AU/BUSHLAND PHONE 1300 816 989

FROM DREAMS TO KEYS WE CAN DO IT ALL With our new in house finance brokerage service you can keep all your enquiries in one place. Design, borrow and build with one person handling the process for you!

At Doble Homes, we do things a little differently than other builders.

It has never been our goal to be the biggest, but we are committed to being the best. It’s our unwavering commitment and dedication to personal service that allows us to build homes of exceptional quality for each and every customer.

I’m proud to be part of a team of people who share my passion for delivering exceptional results for our customers every day.

From the way we guide, support and inspire you through a build process that is totally transparent, to the way we ensure your home exceeds your expectations when we hand over the keys, we always go the extra mile and that makes all the difference.

We look forward to building your new home – Greg Doble.

DOBLE HOMES PTY LTD 3/1–3 Civil Road, Garbutt 4774 5734 Mobile 0499 261 277 Email sales@doblehomes.com

ST AR $ 2 TING 09 F ,00 RO 0 M

Your dream family home awaits Buying your first home is a big step, but with Doble Homes you’ll find the process easy-to-understand, enjoyable and a journey to remember. From start to finish you will be expertly guided through the process with full transparency.



WE CAN HELP SOURCE YOUR LAND

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4 PROMOTIONAL DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW Call 0499 261 277 or email sales@doblehomes.com *Prices correct as of 1st April 2019. Prices are subject to change without notice. QBCC 1332802

developing townsville for over 30 years Set in a hidden pocket surrounded by rolling hills, The Orchard is Townsville’s newest large-lot master planned community from long-term developer Elements North Queensland.

Growing a lifestyle at the orchard Boasting close to 400 lots, all a minimum of 1,000sq m, the quality of this development is evident the moment you enter the estate.

Located at 28 Darling Road, just minutes from the Townsville Ring Road, The Orchard enjoys a private entry peppered by lush landscaping, established gardens and wide roads.

The enviable lifestyle on offer at The Orchard is attracting people who are seeking space, privacy and easy connections to major employment hubs like JCU, Lavarack and the Townsville Hospital.

Elements North Queensland Sales Director, Paul Fotinos, said that over 20 families had already chosen The Orchard and as the word was spreading, enquiries had grown.

“More and more people are discovering The Orchard and we are receiving a steady increase in enquiry and people coming out to see for themselves what’s on offer,” Mr Fotinos said.

“Once they come through, they can see the quality of the houses being built and the size of the home sites and instantly feel at home.

Our main buyers are families who want enough land to build their dream house and incorporate a pool, large shed and even enough room to have some chickens or large garden”.

“The private entrance and wide roads are perfect for kids to ride their bikes and skateboards and the whole

development is set amongst natural surrounds so there are plenty of places to explore for both kids and adults alike.

“Our residents love the lifestyle at The Orchard and have become our best sales people, often telling friends and family how good it is to live here. One of the biggest points of feedback we have received from our residents is just how close they are to everything. With the New Ring Road extension everything is truly on your doorstep without compromising space.”

The Orchard is being developed by Elements North Queensland who are also the developers behind the iconic Greenwood and Greenview estates.

Elements North Queensland have been developing in Townsville for over 30 years and have built a reputation of creating safe and connected communities.

The Orchard offer lots from 1,000 to 6,400 square metres from $179,000.

Also on offer are ready built homes for those who want to move into this great community straight away.

For more information contact Paul:

theorchardnq.com.au 07 4731 1425

FREE FUEL

FOR A YEAR* T’S & C’S APPLY.

Experience

OPEN 7 DAYS

The new Darryl Bogotto Constructions display home is now open at 27 Vista Place, Elliot Springs!

Darryl’s latest display home has the features you’ll love in your new home. A butler’s pantry with a built-in wine rack, glass kitchen splashback, stone kitchen benchtops with breakfast bar. The main bathroom is a personal sanctuary where practicality meets soothing comfort.

This particular design features a central theatre room as well as spacious bedrooms for all the family.

Darryl can custom design your home to suit your tastes and desires or simply choose from the extensive range of home plans. Call Darryl today on 4728 9440.

TOWNSVILLE BUILDERS FOR OVER 38 YEARS | SPECIALISING IN CUSTOM HOME DESIGNS

Darryl Bogotto Constructions With over 38 years of building experience why go anywhere else?

QBCC 726062

508/518 Woolcock Street Garbutt Phone 4728 9440 Find us on Facebook

www.bogottoconstructions.com.au

VIEW LIFE DIFFERENTLY Display Homes Open Elevated Land Now Selling Affordable House & Land Packages

4774 6767 cosgroveestate.com.au

Intersection of Woolcock St & Ingham Rd

EXCELLENCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

THE TOP 8 FEATURES THAT TENANTS LOOK FOR IN RENTAL PROPERTIES Whether you’re purchasing an investment property or a property to live in with the view to rent it out later, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 8 Features that tenants are looking for. By meeting these needs your property will attract better tenants, rent faster and you’ll also receive more rent.

1. MODERN & CONVENIENT APPLIANCES

4. A WELL MAINTAINED EXTERIOR

A property that has modern and convenient appliances will be more appealing because in this day and age we all want luxury!

Stainless steel appliances look more modern and luxurious than white goods, and only cost a fraction more.

Having a dishwasher, gas cooking, dryer and an undercover clothesline will also provide the convenience factor.

Many tenants don’t want to live in a home if it looks aged – even if it’s lovely inside. Ensure your home is attractive to prospective tenants by maintaining the way it looks from the street. The first thing prospective tenants will see is your home’s exterior, and if they like what they see, they will take a closer look.

2. SPLIT SYSTEM OR DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING? Due to Townsville’s hot tropical weather, potential tenants are looking for places they can keep cool. Old box air conditioners are unappealing because they cost a small fortune to run.

More cost effective split system and ducted air conditioning are preferable.

Ceiling fans are also sought after as your tenant doesn’t want to be running their air conditioner 24/7.

3. A FRESH COAT OF PAINT Rental property improvements should be at the top of your list. Paint the inside of your home first, and the exterior if it needs freshening up. Painting will make your house look far more appealing and will attract tenants who are looking for a neat and fresh home to live in long term.

Stick with neutral colours that have wider appeal. Tenants want to ‘match’ their furniture to your property. A neutral yet versatile colour palette includes beige, greys and slates.

To keep your investment property looking spick and span, you’ll want to pay attention to: • Outdoor lighting • Clean and clear gutters • A neat and tidy front garden with curb appeal • Anything outside that needs updating, such as old fences, letter boxes and other outdoor structures If your property is in an apartment block or a strata managed building, speak to the strata about the state of the building’s exterior.

5. A LOW MAINTENANCE PROPERTY Tenants are often time poor, so the responsibility of looking after front and back gardens can be a turnoff. If you have a small lawn think about replacing it with a deck or patio and look for native plants for the garden.

Mow the lawn and make sure it looks tidy for prospective tenants. Plants native to the area are also much easier to maintain and require less watering than others.

6. SAFETY AND SECURITY Renters are looking for homes that are safe and secure. Add a secure fence, a security front door and possibly security screens for the windows. These are important. If the entry is dimly lit, add lighting or speak to strata about brightening up the area.

7. PARKING A dedicated spot for tenants to park their car will definitely have instant appeal – especially if your property is in a location where parking is scarce.

If you don’t have a garage or car space, check with your council about the right to apply for an on-street residential parking permit. Be sure that this is mentioned in the ad copy of the listing as well!

8. UNDERCOVER OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING AREA We all love outdoor living. Having a dedicated undercover outdoor entertaining space will make your property more desirable to potential tenants.

If you would like more information about how we can help you get the best return on your investment property, please contact us on the details below!

EXCELLENCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 467 Flinders Street Townsville City 4408 8062 www.excellencepm.com.au info@excellencepm.com.au

VIEW LIFE DIFFERENTLY Display Homes Open Elevated Land Now Selling Affordable House & Land Packages

4774 6767 cosgroveestate.com.au

Intersection of Woolcock St & Ingham Rd

Ross Feather

With a shared passion for providing excellent client service, Ross Feather and Bradley Wilde joined forces to form Access Legal, solicitors, in 1999.

Bradley practices in Family Law, Property Law and Wills & Estates, and is a member of Rotary, while Ross practices in Conveyancing, Leasing, Wills & Estates and may be remembered for running his busy conveyancing practice, Real Estate Legal Services, at Aitkenvale during the 1990s.

Bradley Wilde

“The staid and remote atmosphere traditionally promoted by the legal profession is not what you’ll find at Access Legal,” Bradley says.

“We offer a full range of high-quality legal services, delivered by friendly and understanding lawyers with minimum fuss and ceremony.”

Clients Come First Priding themselves on their outstanding client service, Access Legal, solicitors, abide by the sentiment ‘treat clients as you would like to be treated yourself’.

The Access Legal team has grown to include Junior Solicitor Hayley Simpson, paralegal Jenny Ansell, who has 30 years of experience in law firms handling commercial matters and estate administration, Townsville’s most vibrant receptionist Stephanie Christensen and ‘The Keeper of Accounts’, Suzi Woods.

Access Legal assesses its clients’ circumstances and needs in a considered and empathetical way, which produces the best result for their client. For instance, recently, following a couple’s separation after 52 years of marriage (aged 75 and 72 years), one of them sought Access Legal’s assistance to transfer the former matrimonial home into one name. As no Family Court Order was contemplated, Government tax (stamp duty) would be payable.

However, after patiently persisting with a full discussion of circumstances, it came to light that the couple lived in a relative’s home for many years after they were married before buying their own property. It transpired that the house now being transferred was, in fact, their ‘first home’. This is significant because first home buyers are exempt from stamp duty.

“Other law firms that operate on a ‘file velocity’ basis would likely not have spent enough time with these clients to pick-up this latent and important fact,” Bradley says.

“Our approach saved these clients a considerable sum in stamp duty.”

Follow Access Legal’s journey on Facebook (www.facebook.com/accesslegaltownsville), where you’ll find content that’s interesting, informative and sometimes humorous.

ACCESS LEGAL

Jennifer Ansell, Stephanie Christensen, Hayley Simpson

ACCESS LEGAL Level 1, 135 Sturt Street, Townsville 4724 1152 enquiries@accesslegal.com.au www.accesslegal.com.au

Walk like a Ram with your own home loan specialist by your side.

Wherever you are on the home buying journey, there’s nothing like the assurance of having your own dedicated RAMS Home Loan Specialist. You’ll get their mobile number – not a call centre, local market knowledge, a range of flexible deposit options and tailored, expert advice every step of the way.

Plus, if you’ve been renting for 12 months or more1 and are eligible for and receive the QLD Government $15,000 First Home Owners’ Grant2, we’ve estimated the funds you may need upfront. The estimated upfront figure amounts have been calculated on borrowing 95% of the purchase price.

Indicative of purchase prices of brand new homes available in the Cairns area. * Figures have been calculated as follows: The sum of the estimated total upfront costs of purchasing a brand new home including the 5% deposit of the purchase price, mortgage registration, transfer fee, lender’s mortgage insurance, application fee, settlement fee and estimated legal fees of $1,500 and then deducted the First Home Owner Grant (if applicable). The figures do not include other costs associated with purchasing a new home such as moving costs. The figures are current as at 8 January 2019 and have been calculated using the RAMS upfront cost calculator located at RAMS.com.au. The calculations apply to an owner occupied first home buyer, full doc home loan with principal and interest payments and should be used as a guide only. #

Purchase Price#

Estimated Funds Required Upfront in QLD*

$350,000

$14,563

$375,000

$16,540

$400,000

$18,483

$450,000

$22,403

$475,000

$24,380

$500,000

$26,322

$550,000

$46,625

$600,000

$53,320

Call Colleen today to help you with easy to understand home loan advice.

RAMS Home Loans North Queensland Colleen Sloane 0437 252 876

More Information: Credit criteria, fees and charges apply. 1 Depending on the Loan to Valuation Ratio (LVR) of your application, you need to demonstrate either 6 or 12 months’ satisfactory rental history through receipts for private rentals or a letter from the licensed property manager / agent and your weekly rental payment must exceed 40% of your new weekly loan repayment. 2 The total value of a new home must not exceed the cap amount to qualify for the Queensland Government’s First Home Owners’ Grant. For more conditions of the QLD First Home Owner Grant, visit firsthomeowners.initiatives.qld.gov.au. Borrrowing 95% of the purchase price include lenders mortgage insurance. RAMS Home Loans North Queensland is operated by Riches Meier 2 Pty Ltd ACN 617 559 458 ATF The Riches Meier 2 Unit Trust ABN 98 118 530 756. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.19106/0119

Your Local Pool Expert With over 30 years of local experience in the swimming pool and landscaping industry, Sun City Pools is the one-stop shop for all your swimming pool requirements in design, construction and maintenance.

Owner of Sun City Pools, Tony Hartigan, is a Townsville local and has raised his two sons here, who are part of the construction team. Tony is involved in all areas of his business and prides himself on personally working with clients from quotation to construction completion.

“I feel privileged to have built thousands of local families their dream swimming pool and proud to have many clients who’ve contacted us again to build their second or third pool when they’ve moved house,” Tony says.

As choosing a pool is a lifestyle choice and a very personal decision for you and your family, the team of industry specialists at Sun City Pools can help you find the pool that suits your budget, backyard and lifestyle including the complete package of pool, fencing, landscaping and after-sale service needs.

The Sun City Pools showroom in Hyde Park displays the many options available in pool finishes, feature tiles, coping, water features, pool slides and much more. This is also the location of the Sun City Pools retail store, offering a complete range of pool equipment and chemical supplies, with free water testing and a workshop for all equipment repairs.

SUN CITY POOLS 22 Dillane Street, Hyde Park 4724 1011 swim@suncitypools.com.au www.suncitypools.com.au

“As Master Builder award winners, we’re the only Townsville pool builder that can honestly advise you on both concrete and fibreglass swimming pool construction and maintenance,” Tony says.

“We also offer professional mobile pool servicing and maintenance allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your pool year-round without any hassle.”

Weekly, fortnightly and monthly options are available with four utes dedicated to servicing customers from the Burdekin to Ingham and west to Charters Towers.

“Our service department consists of professionally trained team members, each specialising in all areas of the industry so clients can be assured we can answer all manner of swimming pool questions at Sun City,” Tony says.

Commercial work is also a large part of both Sun City Pools’ service and construction departments. The team services many local resort, hotel and apartment pools and has built many custom commercial swimming pools including the pools at Rambutan, Springbank Urban Village, Paddington Apartments and Central Hotel.

“Whatever your swimming pool requirements are, my team and I at Sun City Pools can help you,” Tony says.

Go Solar without paying for the system with Solar Flex!*

With Solar Flex, Origin will fund a solar system for your home or business and you pay for the electricity that the system generates but at rates that are up to 60% less than what you pay directly to the grid.

Join the thousands of Australians saving on their power bills without having to purchase a solar system!

Contact Horan & Bird today for your FREE quote!

Phone 1300 467 262 or visit horanandbird.com.au

*You may incur other costs in order for your property to be solar ready (such as electrical works, cabling or roof repairs) and for meter upgrade or changeover. ^Solar energy rate is subject to change for CPI annually and change in law.

Specialising In

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Contact Jess Baker 0432 992 332 askus@thehomebuyinghelpers.com