Make the Move - Seymour. Spring 2022

make the move

Getting your dream kitchen right

We profile some gorgeous homes &

Why

Creating

WARMING INTO SPRING

Welcometo the spring edition of Make the Move.

Cold mornings and grey days are behind us, we’re spending more time outside, the trees have leaves and flowers are blooming.

Overall, the market is cooling as borrowers adjust to stricter lending environments.

However, regional Victoria is holdingup well compared to metro markets.

Driven by affordability and lifestyle considerations as city slickers seek a change of pace, the resilience of regional markets looks set to continue.

We profile some amazing local homes and lifestyle properties that showcase the very best in house design.

When is the best time to sell your home is one of the biggest questions that plagues would-be sellers.

The weather is nicer and homes look their best, so we decided to run you through the pros and cons of going to auction.

In this edition we also look at ways you can balance owning a pet while still

maintaining the garden you want. How do you get the most out of your kitchen design and why are we so in love with outdoor decks.

Hope you enjoy Make the Move.

Regional markets holding-up 3

Beautiful farmland with iconic views 5

Tallarook lots will sell quickly 6

Magnificent residence will inspire 7

Adorable cottage-style living 8–9

Should I auction my home 11

Enjoying your backyard and your pets 13

What goes into the best kitchens 16–17

Why we love outdoor decking 18–19

To advertise in the next Make the Move, please contact Linda Donnison on 5792 2066

Resilient outlook FOR REGIONAL MARKETS

Higher borrowing costs and downward pressure on wages are impacting house prices across Victoria.

However, the fundamentals of regional property markets are sound.

The Australian economy is bubbling along, with unemployment at historically low levels.

Supply chain issues are continuing to impact all levels of new home construction, but the outlook for markets such as Seymour remains positive.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) June Quarterly Median Report showed that Seymour experienced house price growth of 4.7% compared to the previous quarter.

Regional Victoria enjoyed 1.3% growth during the same period.

In the wake of pandemic lockdowns, according to REIV, outer Melbourne has also joined regional Victoria in seeing strong price growth as cityslickers opt for a new beginning, including smaller mortgage repayments, bigger homes and more space.

The total Melbourne metropolitan median house price dipped 2.9% over the June quarter to $1.081 million.

As expected, Mr Simpson said there was a slight decrease in metro Melbourne as the market adapts to rising interest rates.

Overall, regional house prices are still on the up, rising 1.3% in the June

quarter to a median of $625,000, while units and apartments grew 2.8% to $435,500.

Annually, regional Victorian prices jumped by 21.6% from $500,000 to $608,000.

Units peaked at a new record of $418,000 in the June quarter, up 14.5% year on year.

The current median house price in Seymour is $503,000, while median weekly rent is $355.

Recent sales in the area include 170 Delatite Road, Seymour (pictured left) that sold for $1,200,000 in June and 25 O’Sullivan Road, Seymour (pictured right) that sold for $875,000 in June.

REIV president, Richard Simpson, said the market remains strong especially across regional areas.

Breathtaking farmland WITH SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL

Set against a stunning forest vista with unobstructed views that stretch all the way to Mount Disappointment, this awe-inspiring 228.25 acres of exceptional farmland cannot be topped for its natural features and scenic landscapes.

But it gets even better. Unlock the promise of the highly regarded site, with future residential subdivision potentially waiting in the wings (STCA).

Occupying three expansive titles and for sale by expressions of interest, the lush topography is gently undulating and currently running cattle and horses.

The property is anchored by a traditional brick and tile farmhouse that’s in immaculate original condition.

Boasting three dams, there’s a number of small creeks that twist and turn their way across highly productive pastures.

There’s a range of shedding, including heavy machinery storage and workshop space, a livestock assembly yard and the farm’s fencing is in good condition.

Ultimate seclusion without sacrificing town convenience, it’s minutes by car to Heathcote Junction and Wandong, a bit further to Wallan and Kilmore and you’re an hour away from Melbourne.

From these surrounding townships you can access train stations and the Hume Freeway, excellent schools, shopping precincts, major supermarkets, lively cafes and restaurants, sporting facilities, medical services and other everyday services and amenities.

Set in a prominent position overlooking the property, the homestead boasts spacious bedrooms, a neat-andtidy bathroom, user-friendly kitchen as well as lightfilled living areas that are sure to be a treasure once updated with your personal touch.

Unrivalled lifestyle lots in HISTORIC TALLA ROOK

Theseexclusive lifestyle and small farm lots will sell like hot cakes.

Wattlebird Park Estate is the first land development in Tallarook in more than three decades.

Offering six premium parcels ranging from 3862 sqm to 13,350 sqm, you’ll fall in love with this well-connected rural lifestyle.

Located minutes from the centre of town, modern country living has no greater setting.

Nestled amongst historic pubs, eateries and gift stores that provide that ‘township’ feel, your weekends will be spent discovering all of the hidden gems that Tallarook has to offer.

Surrounded by natural beauty and scenic bushland, living here is sure to feel like a holiday every day.

At the foot of the Tallarook Ranges, the town offers vibrant country hospitality including the Tallarook Hotel, delicious cafes, farmers’ markets, an abundance of wildlife as well as a mix of lifestyle and farming properties.

Tallarook is also the starting point for the Great Victorian Rail Trail (renowned walking, cycling and horseriding trail).

You can reach Seymour by car in eight minutes, Broadford in 12 minutes and Kilmore in 20 minutes, including access to excellent health and education services plus other modern amenities.

With a train line on your doorstep and the Hume Freeway, Melbourne is just over an hour away.

Steeped in history and alive with possibility, Tallarook means cry of the wattlebird in Taungurung language.

Stunning regional living combined with convenience and close connections.

Generous family 1001SQM

Giveme one good reason why not.

You won’t find one.

Set on a beautifully maintained 1001sqm in a quiet residential neighbourhood, this family favourite has everything you need and more.

A stunning timber kitchen is complemented by a dining and family area.

The separate formal loungeroom boasts an open fireplace and bar.

The master suite comprises a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the additional bedrooms come with built-in robes.

There’s an undercover outdoor entertaining area plus a two-car garage, with a workshop and storage room as well as two-car carport.

Don’t delay, this one won’t last long.

Gorgeous cottage home in CENTRAL LOCATION

Theblock alone is priceless and the quaint, three-bedroom cottage makes this sale a prime piece of local real estate.

Located a stone’s throw from major supermarkets and the centre of town, the charming period-style home retains plenty of its original charm.

There’s a kitchen/meals area and a spacious living room as well as three bedrooms (two with built-in robes).

The combined bathroom/laundry is user-friendly and there’s a large undercover outdoor entertaining area.

All of this on a substantial 924 sq m.

Janelle Puppa Real Estate focus on all aspects of Real Estate and pride themselves on the service provided. We run a very efficient property management department and keep the importance of rental income for our rental providers and the need for a roof over our renters head in mind. Balancing both can be very easy providing good communication is provided, efficient and precise documentation is in order and your property manager has good time management skills. All of the above are traits that our property manager has.

A little bit about Ella

"Ella is a self motivated, organised person who likes to get the job done. Ella entered the real estate industry in 2021 by chance as a fill in support person. Ella has found her feet in property management and enjoys the time spent with rental providers and renters forming a close working relationship offering good communication, prompt service and above all a real respect for those around her.

Ella has proven that she is a real asset to the team and has a strong, prompt work ethic which is exactly what is needed in her role.

Outside of work Ella has many hobbies which include netball, water sports and enjoying valuable time with her friends and family”

See some of our recent reviews which back up and support why Janelle Puppa Real Estate have won awards for their Property Management Services.

Rental Provider review

"EXCELLENT SERVICE

Janelle and her team make my job as the rental provider very easy, nothing is too much trouble, all inquiries are handled without any fuss"

It’s a pleasure to have them manage my property.

Verified by RateMyAgent

Rental Provider review

"ALWAYS AMAZING

As usual, Ella and the team at Janelle’s have been amazing. So patient with me while we had some work done on the house and kept me in the loop at every stage of the tenanting process. Couldn’t ask for better property managers!"

Verified by RateMyAgent

Renter review

"Like all applications I made the typical mistakes and typos but each was met and corrected in a timely and professional manner. Staff communication was excellent and always courteous.

Correspondence was clear and concise. Overall a very good experience"

Verified by RateMyAgent

Renter review

"PERFECT MATCH

Janelle Puppa Real Estate were understanding of my housing needs and went above and beyond to assist me with finding the perfect rental property to suit my family"

quality and well maintained mini excavator, compact roller and tipper are available for wet hire. Backed by our industry knowledge we can recommend the perfect excavation, compaction, and tipping machine to suit your needs. We service Central Victoria from Bendigo to Shepparton.

To auction or NOT TO AUCTION

Setting

a time limit on the sale of your home is a tactic to create urgency from prospective buyers. This energy leads to competition, which ensures you’re achieving the best possible result for your sale. But if interest in your property is low then the auction might not ‘take off ’.

Advantages of auction

• If more than one person wants to buy your property, the competitive conditions of an auction and the fear of missing out can drive the price above your reserve.

• It’s harder for buyers to put an accurate price on the home when they’re not aware of the vendor’s price

expectations, which can have a positive effect on the sale price.

• The seller controls the terms of sale such as the size of the deposit and time of settlement.

• The vendor is protected by the reserve price, which they set with their agent based on feedback from home opens.

• The seller gets to determine the amount of marketing they wish to spend on their campaign.

• You haven’t failed if the property doesn’t sell at auction because your agent will be in direct contact with buyers post-auction as well as any other buyers who couldn’t bid under auction conditions.

• An auction property is usually advertised without a price to generate high levels of interest and to ensure buyers don’t reject your home on price alone.

• A sale prior to auction can be achieved and a premium price attained because a buyer may not be able to bid under auction conditions, or they don’t want to.

• An auction contract is deemed ’unconditional’, which means the sale is not subject to finance or other conditions.

Disadvantages of auction

• A property that is ‘passed in’ can deter and eliminate potential buyers who no

longer see value in the home and move on to other properties in the market.

• People are unpredictable and if bidding is slow or there are no bids, this can send the wrong signal to the market about the true value of the property.

• Again, buyers are fickle and in an uncertain market they will hold off bidding because in their minds they believe the market is continuing to fall, so they’ll wait.

• Some buyers don’t like the regulated nature of auctions, including formally registering to bid (different states have different rules).

• Advertising campaigns and marketing budgets for auctions can be intense and sometimes cost more.

Before considering auction as your preferred method of sale, talk to your agent about the pros and cons.

You need to consider several factors such as the type of property you own, where the property is located, are you in a rising or falling market and what does this mean for your sale, are other homes being auctioned in your area, what is the timeframe in which you want to sell and what is your personal preference.

If you’re sitting on the fence about auctioning, talk to your agent.

We all make the best decisions when we have the best information available.

Creating a PET-FRIENDLY BACKYARD

Turning your backyard into a place both you and your pets can enjoy can be a dilemma.

There’s no reason why you can’t be the owner of animals and have an attractive yard.

If your dogs and cats are going to be allowed to run around outside, you may need to put some thought into what you have on your property and how you intend to maintain it.

Not all grasses are the same

Some grasses hold up much better to pets and other forms of traffic. Bermuda grass is one of the toughest varieties and stands up to a lot of punishment. If you’re landscaping and you require a cooler season variety, try fescue grass.

Grass substitute

Unsightly yellow stains or ‘burns’ on grass caused by nitrogen and salts in dog urine can be unsightly. Try using a bed of hard-wearing clover that doesn’t discolour when exposed to urine. But if clover is not an option, there’s always vigilance and a hose to quickly wash away where your dog has urinated.

Some pets, with a lot of dedicated hard work, can be trained to go to the bathroom in a designated area.

Plant toxicity awareness

If your garden contains a high level of plant diversity, you may be growing plants that are poisonous to animals. Even common landscape plants and native vegetation can

contain leaves and berries that can be harmful to pets.

Dog fencing

Keep curious dogs away from fragile plants and flowers by building fences around them. Fenced-in gardens can look super-cool, highly arranged and create a wonderful courtyard feel. You can also use fencing to create a specific area for your pet to roam, which is away from the rest of the garden.

Wire cages

Again, use wire cages around trees and plants you want to prevent your dog from digging up or urinating on. However, cages can look unsightly, so be very selective about what type of wiring you use and how prevalent.

Location of pathways

If you can, avoid plating vegetation alongside boundary fences. Dogs are territorial animals and will walk up and down a fence line, which can very quickly ruin expensive garden beds. Install dog pathways such as stone walkways, while simultaneously creating a more sophisticated and desirable yard.

Take the heat off

Animals are just like us and need shade and protection when it gets hot. If staying indoors is not an option during the day when everyone is at work, consider a range of broadleaf shade trees for animals to find relief.

The beating heart

Designing

a kitchen starts with inspiration. But a modern layout must provide the basics such as adequate storage, sufficient bench space and fit all the necessary appliances, while making food preparation enjoyable and uncomplicated. A successfully executed kitchen will balance what looks good with what works well.

Beauty is subjective

How your kitchen presents visually is important. Kitchen walls heavy with cabinetry can appear uninteresting, but they can be broken-up with display shelving, wine racks or windows.

Light and bright colour schemes

Dark colours can be imposing and make a small kitchen look and feel even smaller, but this can be balanced using abundant natural light. Today, people are going for lighter shades to visually open-up a kitchen space. Whatever you decide, it has to appeal to your tastes, but you also need to consider resale value. When it comes time to sell your home, the kitchen will be scrutinised by buyers.

What catches your eye

Choose a dramatic focal point for your dream kitchen. Something that makes a bold statement such as a daring splashback, oversized rangehood, patterned tiling or striking tapware. Once you’ve chosen your attentiongrabbing showpiece complement it with other smaller quality items.

Ease of movement

Ensure your kitchen floorplan includes plenty of room between the island counter, cabinetry and sinks. Pathways should allow the occupants to move freely from station to station and permit multiple persons at one time to use the kitchen without bumping into each other. An island bench is a must-have and a great way to separate the working area of a kitchen from its social function. Also, ensure the refrigerator is accessible for everyone, but its location doesn’t interfere with those people doing the cooking.

Determine the island’s function

Think carefully about how you will use the island countertop. If you want to cook and eat on your island bench, ensure there’s enough space so the cooktop is separated from the dining space. The island can also include other features such as a sink or dishwasher.

Clever cabinetry

To ensure cabinet and appliance doors function correctly, plan space for door clearance and swing direction. You don’t won’t doors opening into each other or banging together. And don’t choose handles and knobs that stick out too far and grab the clothes and limbs of occupants walking by.

Find the right microwave height

Often overlooked, the correct height and location for a microwave will depend on personal preference, including child safety. Above the countertop level is a good height. If young children are using the appliance, a below-countertop arrangement might be more practical.

You can never have enough bench space

Adequate bench space next to appliances is important because it provides locations to place hot items coming off cooktops or out of the oven and microwave. It’s also helpful when preparing meals.

Pots/pans and utensils

Don’t get caught short with your design and forget to adequately plan for cookware storage as well as easy access to cooking oils and other everyday condiments. Include deep drawers close to the oven and cooktop, but not next to the sink or refrigerator. You might also want to consider S-hooks to hang pots and pans that can also look incredibly chic.

Be smart when storing knives

Knife blocks are practical, but they can be reached by little hands. If you’re a keen chef and have a range of sharp blades, consider hanging them from a magnetic strip. Place it over that section of countertop you typically use for food preparation. Storage this way can also look aesthetically pleasing and keep dangerous items away from curious children.

Make recycling easy

Kitchens get messy very quickly, so ensure you have designated waste and recycling locations to make rubbish removal and sorting as efficient as possible.

Everyday items in easy reach

What are you going to store in your kitchen? When building your pantry and other cabinetry you need to determine what everyday products will go where because this will determine cupboard size and location and shelf heights. If you’re going to install small appliances in the pantry or selected cupboards, don’t forget to dedicate the required space.

Power up

Sometimes it can come down to the smallest details that ruin a good kitchen design. Ensure your kitchen has plenty of electrical outlets in locations where you plan to use a coffee machine, toaster, microwave and other appliances. And every kitchen should have a charging station for today’s electronic devices.

An outdoor deck is a modern must-have. If you like to entertain and hang out on the weekends, a sumptuous decking area provides an instant connection between the outdoors and indoors, while adding capital value to your home.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods such as blackbutt, jarrah, merbau and spotted gum are durable, resilient and traditional looking. Blackbutt is light brown in colour, jarrah a deep brown, merbau redbrown, while spotted gum can vary from light browns through to redbrown. Today, you can change the colour of your deck by staining or oiling it which will also protect it from sun damage.

Composite decking

Composite decking is environmentally friendly and normally made from a mix of wood fi bres, fi bre cement and recycled plastic. It comes in a range of contemporary colours and has anti-slip properties that makes it perfect for pool areas, or high rainfall climates.

Treated pine

A cost-effective option, treated pine is lightweight, easy to install and usually treated to withstand termites and fungus. People will generally leave it to turn grey from weathering or stain it to suit a specific look.

Get to work

A deck consists of a frame of posts as well as bearers and joists that support the boards. Treated pine, hardwood or steel can be used for the frame. Plan your deck design carefully, including what the space is going to be used for. Building incorrectly or erecting something too small or too large for the space required can compromise your lifestyle.

You should also check with your local council about what restrictions there are regarding the size and height of your decked area.

Consider the following before starting construction:

• Do you have privacy concerns from the neighbours, which means you might need to invest in privacy screens or certain types of vegetation that act as a natural barrier to prying eyes.

• Where is your furniture going to go and is there a barbecue being installed as well as the position of lighting.

• Do you want free-standing furniture, built-in seating or a combination of both.

• If you’re contemplating an outdoor kitchen where will the plumbing and gas lines go.

• You generally have two options when it comes to the look and feel of your deck, including oilbased or water-based. Oil-based provides greater durability and a more classic look, while waterbased coverings are simple to clean and dry quickly. Oiled decks will need recoating every couple of years.

• It’s important to take note of where the sun hits the deck throughout the day to determine cool and hot sections.

How much will my deck cost?

With all decks, you will need to consider the cost of decking materials and the cost of labour if you are having it constructed professionally.

Privacy Mesh

Security Doors

Galvanised Mesh Security Doors

Cast Grill

Grill

Security Doors