Make the Move - Seymour. Summer 2023

make the move

Bring some colour back into your life

This year’s house trends

Are you a good negotiator?

We profile some stunning local properties

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN

Interest rates are casting a shadow over property markets with more rate rises looming as the Reserve Bank tries to tackle runaway infl ation.

Despite this, regional markets are proving remarkably resilient in the face of stricter lending requirements and reduced borrowing capacities.

In our summer edition of Make the Move we look at which interior house design trends are inspiring us.

With an overwhelming bias today for whites and neutral tones, homeowners are taking a fresh look at more expressive colour palettes to make their private rooms and shared spaces stand out. Making the most of small spaces, mudrooms, vanities and

butler’s pantries, we look at how you can revitalise these sections of your home to enhance your lifestyle.

Plus, are you a good negotiator, moving doesn’t have to be hard and we profile some wonderful local properties. Hope you enjoy Make the Move.

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Market uncertainty to DRIVE HOUSE PRICES IN 2023

According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) December Quarterly

Median Report, the median house price in Seymour is $419,000 which represents a 7.4% reduction in house prices compared to the previous quarter.

After the galloping property market of recent past, homeowners might be feeling a little overwhelmed in 2023. Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.

The Reserve Bank began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to put the brakes on inflation.

The housing market reacted accordingly with both demand and price growth weakening.

This year’s market could become a ‘noones’ market, not friendly to buyers or

sellers with the primary challenge for homebuyers shifting from availability to affordability.

Despite this, property in regional Victoria continues to perform strongly.

REIV’s December report reveals that regional Victorian house prices grew 8.0 per cent across 2022 to $610,000 while the annual median for units and apartments rose 6.5 per cent to $425,000.

The standout regional suburbs for quarterly growth were Kyneton which

added an impressive $100,000 to its median house price (topping out at $1,040,000) and Stawell, growing 8.7 per cent this quarter and 21 per cent annually to $375,000.

REIV president, Andrew Meehan, said the December data demonstrates good buying opportunities for Victorians and a resilient real estate market across the state.

“As we enter 2023 and immigration levels return we will no doubt see continuous demand in the market as

Melbourne’s population grows and investors see strong potential for growth in our state,” he said.

Many economists expect the number of home sales to continue to decline this year, leading to an increase in listing inventory and longer days-on-market.

While some commentators expect house prices to fall this year, many predict prices to remain fairly stable because for most parts of the country available inventory remains low.

VACANT LAND

FOR SALE

Unrivalled Tallarook lifestyle lots

Offering six premium allotments ranging from 3862sqm to 13,350sqm, you’ll fall in love with Wattlebird Park’s well-connected rural lifestyle. Country forever home, weekend getaway, small farm paradise or tree-change escape, your options are endless.

Located moments from the centre of Tallarook, modern country living has no greater setting.

At the foot of the Tallarook Ranges, the township offers a relaxed way of life and vibrant country hospitality including the Tallarook Hotel, lively cafes, farmers’ markets plus an abundance of wildlife and the perfect mix of lifestyle and farming properties.

Tallarook is the starting point for the Great Victorian Rail Trail (renowned walking, cycling and horse-riding trail).

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

Steeped in history and alive with possibility, Wattlebird Park is an unequalled window of opportunity that could change your life.

•6 Kitchener Crescent, Seymour (596sqm) $150,000

•64 Delma Crescent, Seymour (751sqm) $265,000

•27 Hanley Crescent Seymour (561sqm) $139,000

ESTATES

Wattlebird Park,Tallarook

•5 blocks (3,862sqm - 4179sqm) $495,000

Vineyard, Avenel

• Lot 11 (5,111sqm) $365,000

• Lot 12 (6,028sqm) $385,000

• Lot 13 (5,383sqm) $385,000

• Lot 14 (2,105sqm) $280,000

• Lot 17 (2,100sqm) $290,000

• Lot 19 (1,771sqm) $280,000

• Lot 20 (1,750sqm) $280,000

• Lot 22 (2,519sqm) $295,000 • Lot 23 (2,311sqm) $285,000 • Lot 24 (2,093sqm) $285,000

Mailrun, Kilmore

• Lot 1 (1,029sqm) $500,000

• Lot 2 (600sqm) $350,000

• Lot 3 (630sqm) $350,000

• Lot 5 (706sqm) $425,000

Cooee Park, Seymour

• Lot 7 (2,170sqm) $295,000

• Lot 12 (2,810sqm) $310,000

The Village, Seymour

• Lot 26 (642sqm) $250,000

Addelston, Seymour

• Lot 65 (720sqm) $200,000 Rowan

8c Emily Street, Seymour VIC 3660

Give us a chirp! (03) 5799 1330

alittlebirdietoldme.com.au

Expansive LIFESTYLE PROPERTY

This magnificent six-acre property is ready for the astute buyer with all the hard work done. The four-bedroom, two-storey home is well presented and takes-in all the natural views of the property, including vistas of the Trawool Valley and Goulburn River.

The lower level consists of a well-appointed kitchen connecting to a living area with a wood fire. This area opens onto the undercover veranda and alfresco.

Two of the bedrooms are situated on the lower level and include a family bathroom, laundry and extensive sunroom.

The upper level has a generous master bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in robe.

The property is connected to town water and mains power and is supplemented by a 6kW solar system and rainwater tanks.

The main living areas and bedrooms have split-system air conditioners for heating and cooling.

The property has good connections to 4G wireless internet and is connected to a monitored security system. A self-contained, semi-detached two-bedroom guest room/teenage retreat with ensuite is positioned next to the house.

Take a stroll around the property and you’ll find manicured lawns with established trees, raised vegetable beds and a fruit orchid.

The lawns will take care of themselves with a five-zone irrigation system.

There’s plenty of parking and a sealed driveway that runs from the bottom shed to the house.

Ample shedding is a mix of a 12m x 12m American barn and a four-bay farm shed.

The barn is lined, concreted and has power that makes it ideal for a workshop.

A 7m x 10m shed with veranda is the ideal mancave or could be converted into a bed and breakfast with services available.

There’s also a dog run, woodsheds, extra undercover shedding for storage, cattle yards and two fenced paddocks.

Inspiring farmland WITH SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL

Unlock the promise of this inspiring 92.37 ha property that covers three titles with future residential subdivision potentially waiting in the wings (STCA). Set against a stunning forest vista with unobstructed views that stretch all the way to Mount Disappointment, the pristine country boasts dams, small creeks and highly productive pastures.

There’s a range of shedding including heavy machinery storage and workshop

space, livestock assembly yard and the farm’s fencing is in good condition. Running cattle and horses the property is anchored by a traditional brick veneer and tile farmhouse in immaculate original condition. Set in a prominent position overlooking the property, the dwelling includes three bedrooms, neat and tidy bathroom and a user-friendly kitchen. Seclusion without sacrificing town convenience, it’s minutes by car to Heathcote Junction and Wandong plus a short commute to Wallan and Kilmore.

Price:

92.37ha 1 3

Rare CONSERVATION BLOCKS

The Australian bush is a unique ecological wonder and a globally significant landscape that is teeming with iconic plants and animals that are found nowhere else on the planet. And you can help protect a precious swathe of it for current and future generations.

A Little Birdie Told Me is privileged to offer Lots A & B, 356 Delaney Road for sale.

The sites are home to rare orchids, grass trees as well as stunning native birds plus distinctive reptiles and marsupials. This unparalleled opportunity to become the custodian of one or two very special tracts of pristine bushland is a unique undertaking for someone that is passionate about conservation.

Lot A (40.13ha) and Lot B (52.69ha) are part of the Victorian Government’s Trust for Nature program. Within the approved development zone of each lot, the owner is allowed to build comfortable modern accommodation including shedding and other permitted structures (STCA). Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation that works with private landholders to protect native plants and animals.

See agent for an extensive breakdown of native flora and fauna and ecological features.

The purchaser enters into a conservation covenant with Trust for Nature as a condition of sale to ensure that irreplaceable native plants and animals are protected forever.

Lot A, 356 Delaney Road, Mitchellstown (Nagambie)

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME

Steve Taylor 0477 223 380

Price: $565,000

Block: 40.13ha

Enjoy your MOVING EXPERIENCE

After the excitement of buying your home, thoughts turn quickly to moving into it.

A significant amount of planning and patience is required and for some people this process can be overwhelming, with a number of things that need to be taken care of in a short period of time.

For example, you may still need to sell your existing house as well as boxingup your life, enrolling children into new schools, organising movers and changing your address.

The timing of any move is important to ensure that you complete all tasks accurately, transition smoothly and avoid any costly mistakes.

Be flexible

Moving house should be an exhilarating time and you and your family should try to remain positive and enjoy the experience.

First, lock-in a moving day and time with the removal company that considers factors such as settlement of your current home as well as your new address, working around job requirements and the children’s school.

Pack with care

Don’t rush and take your time. Ensure you have a good supply of packing material (boxes and filling) and create lists about what needs to go in what storage containers.

If you’re comfortable having professionals do the packing for you that can take the pressure off, but don’t leave packing until the day of moving because that’s how things get broken.

Constantly review lists and assign a person responsible to each task no matter how insignificant.

Weekday or weekend

Naturally, there will be greater demand to move on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The best days for you might be during the week when everyone else is at work and the kids are in school. Also, the removalist might be more accessible and you won’t have to complete your move in a rush over the weekend with kids’ sport.

School holidays

Moving during the holidays means that children won’t have to miss school, but

it could also mean greater demand for removalists and other services. Another factor to consider is that moving house is something your children may want to experience because they will have to do it themselves at some point in the future.

What time

Morning is the best time to move because there are less cars on the road and fewer obstacles.

You will also have a clearer mind at the start of the day before your stress levels increase.

Which season

This could be unavoidable but it goes without saying that the best time to

move is during the warmer months because the days are longer and you’re more positive about things generally. Again, removalists will be in high demand during these months so you need to plan accordingly.

All at once

Depending on your individual circumstances and settlement arrangements, you might not have to move in one go.

You might get access to your new home before your current home settles which means you can take your time and move in stages.

Remember, flexibility is the key and moving doesn’t have to be a negative experience.

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Exciting house trends TO

ENHANCE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Australians love real estate, it’s a national obsession and if we’re not changing homes, we’re changing what they look like.

Our homes give us a lot of joy and we want them to look their best including how we use spaces, colours, patterns and textures.

House design trends are a moving feast with tastes and fashions ever-changing. Influenced by practical concerns such as interest rates, budgets and time, this year’s leading trends include maximising small spaces, feature walls, butler’s pantries, upscaled mudrooms, exposed wood and a focus on aesthetics.

Maximise tiny spaces

Under the stairs, alcoves, nooks and blind spots can all be visually reimagined by creating small spaces for reading, working and storage. Add a table and chair or a small couch, shelving and personalise the space with artwork.

Tiny spaces can also become hardworking family hubs for mail, keys and other day-to-day items.

The idea of a private space in your home is appealing to most homeowners.

An escape where you can relax and de-stress in total comfort and privacy.

Renovating a small space will have a meaningful impact on your life and it won’t break the household budget.

Accent walls

Feature walls have been around for a long time but the range of options and creative energy these refurbishments generate while expressing your personality ensures they’re here to stay.

And don’t be limited by just paint as well.

Materials such as brick, tile, wood, wallpaper and stone can make an ordinary wall really pop and make a bold statement.

Floating vanities

Bathrooms are one of the first rooms that buyers scrutinise and nothing makes a bathroom come alive more than a floating vanity.

Unlike the traditional vanity, floating varieties don’t touch the floor.

They are wall-mounted, providing easier access for cleaning and they look amazing in a range of shapes, styles and colours.

They also give the illusion that the room is larger which is ideal for smaller bathrooms and ensuites.

Wood is good

We all love wood.

For its natural beauty, versatility and it complements other materials.

Whether homeowners are using it for interiors or exteriors, wood can be designed to fit any style or budget.

Wood can be architecturally striking and elevate a home’s facade and interiors including exposed beams, feature walls, door and window frames and flooring.

Butler’s pantry

Butler’s pantries are no longer storage areas for dirty pots and pans and keeping other items out of sight.

Today, they are elegant spaces that serve as highly functional food preparation areas.

With cooking/entertaining a prime focus of modern house design, homeowners are adding butler’s pantries to enhance their kitchen experience.

The pantry doesn’t need to be enormous and it doesn’t need to include all the amenities of a kitchen.

Colourful spaces

With a preference for crisp white walls and neutral tones, today’s interiors are incorporating bold splashes of colour to bring life to shared living spaces and private retreats.

We love the outdoors and homeowners are bringing shades of green, brown and blue into their homes.

Subtle shades of red and mustard can also make a statement when paired with soft furnishings and other decorations.

Mudroom makeover

Mudrooms are often overlooked as part of a home’s layout but they’re getting bigger and serving a greater purpose, which means they’re starting to look more dignified and stylish.

What originally started out as a common dumping ground for dirty boots, muddy clothing and other items, these spaces are now being transformed into another living space with trendy design, chic décor, clever shelving, striking light fixtures and wall art.

Focus on aesthetics

What are aesthetics? This can be interpreted as ‘what’s my home decorating style’.

Do I have one theme running through the entire house or is the layout a collection of different styles.

Whatever it is, aesthetics is about a design style were you can make a personal statement that reflects your personality.

You can do this on your own or in consultation with an interior designer. The options are endless including rustic, coastal, minimalist, bohemian, modern or industrial.

Perfectly positioned FAMILY HOME

Positioned in a quiet, wellestablished neighbourhood that’s close to services and amenities with lovely shady surrounds, you’re buying more than just a home at 25 Butler Street.

Built in one of Seymour’s most soughtafter locations, the spacious open-plan layout boasts a streamlined kitchen that’s complemented by dining and

living areas with bifold doors that lead out to an undercover entertaining area. Three spacious bedrooms comprise built-in robes.

There’s also heating and cooling, ceiling fans, solar panels and a heat pump hot water unit.

Stunning block with shade to the front and green lawn to the rear. Make the move today.

25 Butler Street, Seymour

JANELLE PUPPA

REAL ESTATE

Janelle Puppa 0436 007 497

Price: $629,000 3

931sqm 2 3

Luxurious residence WILL WIN YOUR HEART

Aquality Dennis Family home big enough for the whole family.

Built approximately two years ago, this outstanding residence has been well-appointed with quality fixtures and fittings. Features include a master bedroom at

the front with a large walk-in robe and ensuite including a double basin and separate toilet.

The additional bedrooms come with built-in robes.

A spacious and stylish open-plan living area offers a gourmet kitchen with quality stainless steel appliances plus a

butler’s pantry with a sink and built-in microwave.

The second and third living areas are for everyone to enjoy, while the familysized laundry comes with plenty of cupboard space.

There’s storage in abundance throughout the home as well as reverse-

cycle ducted heating and cooling, quality window furnishings and plenty of natural light.

Outside is just as impressive with a double lock-up garage, outdoor entertaining area and well-established gardens and lawn. Great size, great location and a great opportunity.

SERIOUS BUSINESS Negotiating is a N

egotiation is an important skill that is usually developed over time and via experience.

Homeowners have enjoyed a seller’s market for the past few years, but as the market starts to shift and the pendulum swings towards a buyer’s market, both sellers and purchasers need to hone their negotiation skills.

Do your due diligence

Know your goals and your numbers and stick to them.

Ask the agent’s permission and take plenty of interior photos at the inspection, while surveying the neighbourhood for noise and other distractions.

Find out why the vendor is selling and what’s important to them including price or settlement terms.

Research recent sales in the area and find out how many buyers are interested in the property including any other offers.

You also need to know how many days the home has been on the market and ask the agent about council rates, building permits, caveats and easements. You can’t afford to enter into negotiations underprepared.

Stick to a plan

During boom times competition drives up the price because buyers are worried about missing out, but now the opposite is true.

Be patient, stick to your gameplan and don’t exceed your ‘walk away’ price. It’s also important to keep in regular contact with the agent about your due diligence.

Be nice

The days of intimidation and loud communication are gone.

The most successful negotiators are softly spoken with clear instructions. If you remain polite and relaxed, you’re more likely to be treated the same way which will lead to a positive result.

Also, until contracts are signed and initialled by both parties and all terms and conditions have been met including paying the deposit, the negotiation is not over. People can change their minds so be aware of this and stay calm and focussed until the property is unconditional.

What are you prepared to pay

Ask yourself a series of questions including ‘can I afford to buy this property’, ‘what price am I prepared to pay’ and ‘what settlement terms do I want’.

Determine your price range in consultation with your mortgage broker and bank and don’t go higher than your finance pre-approval.

Knowing what you are comfortable spending and being prepared to walk away if the price is too high will give you confidence when shopping for a home.

However, you also need to be a little flexible because the last thing you want is to miss out on your dream home to another buyer over a few thousand dollars.

Is your offer compelling

Low balling a property with a really low offer doesn’t work.

You need to ask yourself ‘will the vendor see value in my offer’ and if I was selling my home ‘would I sell it under the conditions I’m offering’.

Getting carried away trying to win hard-nosed negotiations rarely paysoff and quibbling over minor items is nowhere near as important as potentially owning the home.

Negotiation is not a winner takes all contest and the most effective way to negotiate is to create a win/win situation where both you and the seller feel like you are getting a good deal.

Head versus heart

Negotiate with your head, not your heart and be prepared to walk away. Sometimes this is easier said than done when we see a home that we really like or you’ve been in the market a long time and missed out on other homes.

You can fall in love with a property and let your emotions get in the way and it’s easy to lose control of negotiations.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment but once you start negotiating, try not to let your emotions get in the way or cloud your judgement.

If you want something from the negotiations including a lower price, try giving the seller something in return such as a shorter settlement, paying a larger deposit, waiving your cooling off period or finance clause.

Remember, if your offer isn’t compelling there’s a chance it won’t get you far with the seller and the agent might think that you’re not serious about the property and pursue other leads.

This can be a significant problem if other buyers are making more compelling offers.

Summary

We are entering a market where the buyer can truly leverage their power and exert their influence at the negotiating table. However, it’s important to recognize that if something is priced correctly it will move quickly and the more competitive a property, the more likely it will achieve a premium.

Colourful ideas TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

The modern preference for white and neutral tones is a safe option when building or renovating a home because it presents a neutral canvas for buyers. But there are a range of colours that can enhance a home or a selection of rooms that can create genuine wow factor and excite buyers.

Paint is so much more than background.

Colours can affect your energy levels, emotional state, sense of wellbeing and have a positive impact on your lifestyle.

And who doesn’t love the opportunity to embark on a small-scale home makeover to keep things interesting.

Earthy browns

Anything from pale beiges through to deep soil hues can be incorporated into your home to great effect.

Brown is an enrichening colour that is often overlooked but it’s the kind of colour that can help anchor a room and

deepen its appreciation. Brown is an earth tone that makes you feel warm and more connected to a space.

Racy reds

Red is a strong colour that evokes powerful emotions and it can be a controversial choice for some people. Those who want to play around with richer, more energetic reds will be rewarded with dynamic spaces bursting with vigour and vitality that make a strong statement.

Gorgeous greens

Green is a very popular colour and remains so thanks to its soothing qualities and range of shades from olive to aqua through to stronger greens we see in nature.

Green works with everything which means it’s an incredibly versatile colour in any home.

Its neutrality evokes nature and it has a calming and reassuring presence.

Bold splashes

Moving away from layers of white and off-white and going for eye-catching combinations with more adventurous palettes and colour schemes is in fashion right now.

Think outside the square and include coloured trim, patterned or two colours side-by-side on walls as well as gloss ceilings.

Even if just used in small amounts these techniques can have a powerful effect.

Marvellous mustards

It’s hard not to love a warm mustard tone in any room without feeling optimism.

This colour is so easy to work with and brings a room to life when paired with complementary furnishings.

If you’re conservative by nature, a versatile shade of mustard could be just what you’re looking for to enhance your home’s look and feel.

Clever combinations

Some colours go together and if you’re not confident to paint a whole room one colour, trying a combination of warm and cool tones within the same room could be a safer approach.

Your goal should be to incorporate household items you already own onto an updated palette.

You don’t have to throw everything out and start again.

Instead, look at what’s going to fill the room and practice with a range of different colours until you get what you want.

Try to avoid picking a colour you like only to realise that it clashes with other physical elements in the room.

Grey hues

Grey doesn’t sound inspiring but its range of popular shades remain incredibly practical for any home and any space.

The perfect colour for living spaces, hallways and bedrooms, greys can establish a welcoming tone and promote feelings of calm and rest while creating that ideal sanctuary.

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