The Property Book

Nerang

SEPTEMBER

the

Property Book YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER & BUYERS PROPERTY GUIDE

SPRING IS THE PRIME SELLING SEASON...

But is it the Best Time to Sell?

Are You Planning To Invest In Property?

The best tips!

Does ‘green’ add value?

The Property Council of Australia’s response

WIN

a $100 fuel voucher!

Just answer 3 simple riddles!

Who won last month’s $100 voucher?

See page 3.

2010

Spring is the Prime Selling Season!

One of the most common questions we get from potential sellers is when is the best time of the year to sell their property and it is also one of the most complex questions to answer. There are actually “pluses and minuses” to consider when selling at any time of the year.

Whether it has something to do with the birds chirping while the flowers are blooming or extra cash from tax time, spring is the number one time to sell a house. The only drawback to selling in Spring can occur if large numbers of people decide to do the very same thing!

get the asking price right from the very start. With so many new properties coming on to the market and over priced property quickly becomes stale and is replaced by fresh listings.

Re-assessing the list price can be too late and the missed opportunities can be expensive.

Often making this decision will usually come down to your own personal plans and circumstances.

Quite often the law of supply and demand can become very evident during spring if a large number of homes come onto the market all at the same time.

The simple fact is that the best time to sell your property is when it suits YOU best.

For many that perfect time of the year is Spring. The secret to ensure you obtain the best selling opportunity in Spring is to get in early before the typical Spring stampede gains momentum and because of the increased competition ensure your price is right from day one.

When you look at it closely, there and “pro’s and con’s” to selling at any time of the year, but there is no absolutely right or wrong time.

Spring is the Prime Selling Season For many people, Spring is viewed as the “Prime Selling Season” for real estate.

And why not?

Our landscaping and gardens tend to be looking at their best, pools and outdoor entertaining area look at their best, the weather is normally neither too hot nor too cold, and many families like to buy at a time that will allow them to move and settle during a comfortable time of year.

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If the set number of buyers suddenly have a vast number of more options to choose from, this can lead to a drop in the number of buyers per property, and therefore diminished competition.

Because a property’s highest period of activity during the sales process is in the first few weeks it is absolutely essential to

If you are ready to sell at a particular time, then that is the time you should sell. With a little helpful advice from Nerang First National Real Estate, you can achieve an outstanding result at any time of year.

Elect For A New Lease On Property Regardless of all the federal politics and election outcome, now is the ideal time for those interested in investing in property to get on the bandwagon, according to Mike Gray, Principal, First National Real Estate Nerang.

“Strong rental yields coupled with good buying conditions are creating a perfect market for would-be investors to build their wealth through property,” Mike said.

“There are many advantages to investing in property and at the start of a new financial year, when people’s minds are on tax, investors should look at capitalizing on the tax advantages in particular.

“Property as an investment is also an excellent vehicle for generating income and capital gains and it is relativelyy low risk.”

Mike said there are a lot of ways for people to take the first step on the property investment ladder, such as buying with family, friends or work colleagues – it’s just a matter of being a little more creative and strategic in their thinking.

“Investors are once again claiming the market space being vacated by first home buyers whose numbers are beginning to level out,” Mike said.

“So, now is the time to capitalize on market conditions before investor activity returns to normal levels and competition begins to heat up again.

“Existing home owners could consider using equity they have in their own home, or other investment properties.”

Over the last 12 months, rental O yields have strengthened, vacancy yi rates have remained tight and ra

there is an ongoing supply shortage in the face of strong and growing demand, especially as increasing interest rates erode housing affordability.

“This general trend in the rental market is expected to continue for some time, and certainly for as long as neither party plans to do anything to effectively manage the supply versus demand equation,” Mike said.

“Regardless of the political outcome, property will remain a strong contender for the investment dollar.”

Pssssst... here’s a good tip for buyers, sellers and investors...

REBECCA CHAMBERS from Nerang $100 WINNER Congratulations To Win Our $100 Fuel Voucher Rebecca answered 3 riddles to be in the draw.

Turn to page 4 to for this months brain teasers !

An easy way to stay “in tune” with the value of your home and the local property market is the Weekly Property Bulletin and - it’s FREE. It’s an easy to read email detailing everything that’s just listed, just sold, price changes, open homes, for rental and news articles all with quality photos and descriptions.

Join thousands of property owners, investors, buyers and sellers that use the Property Bulletin to keep their “finger on the pulse” of the local market. Simply call us on 0755960055 or email sales@nfn.com.au and ask to receive the Weekly Property Bulletin.

SPRING AWAKENING: With the election and winter behind us, the property market is once again set to spring into action.

Increased buyer activity, improved market conditions and stronger competition means those seeking a top price for their property have to work extra hard to catch buyers’ attention.

According to Mike Gray, Principal, First National Real Estate Nerang, money can be made with plants, shrubs and trees, especially with Spring in the air. So, now is the time for seeds to be sown and money to take root.

“Home owners should never underestimate the importance of landscaping a property to maximise the value of their home,” Mike said.

“Street appeal, especially landscaping, has the potential to add up to 10%, or more, to an achievable sale price of a property.

“Make first impressions count starting from the letterbox. Make sure fences, gutters, paths and gardens are well maintained and make the right type of statement about your property.

“Then, stand at the front of your

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MONEY GROWS ON TREES

yard where a potential buyer will first set eyes on your property and cast a critical eye over it to see what improvements can be made.”

Mike says a rule to remember is to keep things simple, allowing buyers to feel they can add their own touch to a garden.

“Remove any personal aspects such as fairy lights which, while helping to create an ambience at night time for outside gatherings, can interfere with a buyer’s perception of what they may wish to design,” Mike said.

According to Mike, more and more buyers are seeking native drought tolerant gardens, which are best planted in springtime. But, he cautions, make sure you know your product.

“Design the garden for the market you are selling to. If it’s a family home, make sure there is plenty of room and grass, for the kids to run around.”

Cottage gardens with flowering shrubs and long blooming perennials are great for country style homes, while desert type plants finished with pebbles or

river rocks are an excellent way to finish a Mediterranean style property.

Another tip, Mike said is to add colour, which can be added with the use of flowers and foliage plants, and tend to suit more contemporary homes.

“Your local garden centre is the best place to go for advice on the types of plants that will suit the positioning and soil type in the local area,” Mike said.

An effective, yet inexpensive, way of sprucing up a garden is weeding, trimming and edging, applying a layer of mulch to finish it off and clearing away unsightly eyesores and toys.

“Mulch immediately neatens up the garden and is especially useful on sites that have not been particularly well prepared or where the ground is a little uneven,” Mike said.

“For an immediate tidy up, mow the lawn, pressure-clean paths and the outside of the house and put away belongings or children’s toys.”

FUEL VOUCHER WITH THIS MONTH’S BRAIN TEASERS

To o be in with a chance just answer any one of the following Brain Teasers correctly. For every correct answer you will have one chance in the draw.

Submit your answers at www.nfn.com.au/brainteasers Question 1: Question 3: There was an airplane crash, every Johnny’s mother had four children.The single person died, but two people first was April, the second was May, and survived. How is this possible? the third was June. What was the name of her fourth child?

Question 2: That lawyer is my brother, testified Last months answers: 1. A stamp the accountant. But the lawyer 2. Fire testified he didn’t have a brother.

Who is lying?

3. An Onion

School kids learn their rights and responsibilities as future tenants YOUNG people leaving home and moving into shared accommodation with friends could end up being designated as a bad credit risk without their knowledge.

This is one of the many pitfalls facing most young people, but some students at Nerang High are now better armed to cope with any problems they may encounter.

The students were attentive listeners when First National Principal Mike Gray and expert Property Manager Dot Hamilton agreed to speak with teacher Pam Clare’s class about their “Rights and Responsibilities of Renting a Property”.

The students are given an insight in to what to expect in the future when they ultimately do decide to leave home for the first time.

In fact, the session is now a structured course provided by First National to graduating year 12 students from some 15 Gold Coast schools each year.

“We teach young people how to drive a car responsibly. Our aim is to educate them to as to how and why they need to rent and care for someone else’s investment responsibly and the

opportunity it offers them to establish a solid credit history from the outset” said Mr Gray He said with the introduction of the computer age and extensive data bases, much more information on tenants was available to property owners, letting agents, banks and other financial institutions. “If for example the young people don’t pay the rent or are always late, it could drastically affect their credit rating” said Mr Gray.

“This could mean they won’t get a credit card, won’t get a car loan, won’t get another rental property, won’t get a home loan and will get a court record.”

Mr Gray said this scenario sounds drastic but was a reality for many unwary youngsters.

Did you know...?

Australia wide, there are close t o 500 First National Offices and that First National Nerang is officially the 2010 Number

ONE office in Queensland

Danger in friends sharing accommodation “We advise them strongly to make sure they see all of the receipts for bills paid in shared accommodation” he said.

“A common sharing danger is where; one person will be given the

responsibility to pay the rent and bills.

Everyone else sharing the home pays that person their share of the share every week - usually in cash, only to find out later that the rent bills haven’t been paid or they’ve been late.” Mr Gray said the teenagers were also surprised to learn that most owners of rental accommodation were ordinary Australians just like their parents.

Mr Gray said most students were unaware that they could get an interest-free loan for a rental bond and could still receive a $7000 grant for the purchase of their first home.

“Most students were concerned when they realised that being a bad tenant could prevent them from getting a car loan or credit card” said Mr Gray.

“Getting a car of their own is the number one priority for most teenagers and they had not considered that this could be a problem for them.”

He said it was important for such young people to be aware of their rights and responsibilities under law and how to deal with real estate agents effectively.

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2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

NERANG Neat As A Pin • Two bedrooms • Large open plan living • LU garage • Private paved courtyard • Reasonable body corp • Pool in the complex

HIGHLAND PARK

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Medium Residential Agency

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• Close to rail link, buses and the M1, perfect the busy commuter!

Price: $249,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25001 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

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NERANG

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VACANT LAND

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Private,Trendy Townhouse and tennis court • Three bedrooms • Potential rent return of $300-$350pw • Spacious open plan living area Price: $285,000 • Timber laminate flooring www.nfn.com.au/25073 • Covered & enclosed patio area ID: • Lockup garage plus parking bay Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350 • Friendly, quiet complex with pool

Various Building Blocks Build the home of your dreams on one of our many vacant lots for sale.

Lots vary from residential sites, Price: From $268,000 prestige lots with coastal views to Contact: The sales team private acreage lots.

07 5596 0055 What are you waiting for? Call now!

NERANG

HIGHLAND PARK

Super Neat Lowset Villa • Three bedroom villa • Open plan living • New floors & lighting • Modern kitchen • Single garage plus parking bay • Well maintained complex with

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pool and BBQ area • Close to parkland, station and bus transit centre.

Price: $299,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25070 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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4 Bedroom Unit!

• Complex includes pool and tennis courts • Four bedrooms - 4th bedroom • CBD location close to everything! has external entry • Open plan design Price: $267,000 • Air conditioning ID: www.nfn.com.au/25080 • Covered patio area Contact: Shawn Barber • Extra large grassed courtyard 0404 257 243

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Sweeping Executive Views • Magnificent 689m2 prestige vacant land site • Enjoy dazzling panoramic views of the Gold Coast & Ocean • Ideal quiet cul de sac position to capture uninterrupted views

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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• Surrounded by prestige homes • Located only 15 minutes to beaches and entertainment Auction: 9th October, 2010 ID: www.nfn.com.au/26205 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

MUDGEERABA

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Medium Residential Agency

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QUICK SALE Wanted!!

• Very tidy & well maintained complex with plenty of off street parking and • Three bedrooms, ensuite • Open plan living with timber look pool flooring Price: $295-310,000 • Large private courtyard with ID: www.nfn.com.au/25064 entertaining deck Contact: Shawn Barber • Lockup garage 0404 257 243

CARRARA Pick Of The Bunch!

• Three bedrooms, ensuite • Tiled open plan living and dining • Terrific modern kitchen • Air conditioning • Private fenced courtyard • Well managed secure complex

NERANG Tropical Retreat • Three bedrooms • Open plan living and dining • Large covered entertaining area • Glorious garden with rock pools and vegie and herb garden • Lockup garage

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• Lockup garage plus plenty of visitor parking Price: $319,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25060 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

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• Short walk huge park & local shop • Located at the end of a quiet cul-de sac Price: $379,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25003 Contact: Steven Hayes 0421 643 871

LOWER BEECHMONT Cottage Charm • Two bedrooms • Open plan living with raked pitched ceilings • Rear covered deck looking over the large yard • Carport plus side access to

NERANG

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Family Starter or Investor • Three bedrooms • Open plan design with separate lounge and dining areas • Separate double lockup garage • Covered outdoor area • Great yard with plenty of room

WORONGARY

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• Terrific location set back from the road • Close to all town amenities Price: $359,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25121 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

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Smart Starter!

• Three bedrooms • Walk in robe and open ensuite to master • Open plan living and dining • Modern kitchen with dishwasher • Timber laminate flooring

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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additional double carport • Minutes to village shops and cafes Price: $305 - 315,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25078 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

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• Air conditioning • Covered outdoor living area • Loads of off road parking Price: $379,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25067 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

NERANG

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Medium Residential Agency

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NERANG

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Touch Up and Save!

• Double garage with big workshop • Three bedrooms • Close to shops, schools and bus stop • Separate lounge and dining areas Price: $385,000 • Air conditioning ID: www.nfn.com.au/25072 • Timber flooring Contact: Shawn Barber • Rear deck with shade sail 0404 257 243 • Large fully fenced backyard

Investor’s Delight!

• Four bedrooms • Open plan design • Modern kitchen • Air conditioning • Second living area or study • Large covered entertaining area

PACIFIC PINES

HIGHLAND PARK

Almost Brand Spanking..!

• As new presentation • Three bedrooms, ensuite • Stylish modern kitchen • Open plan, tiled design • Double auto lockup garage • 3,000L water tank

HIGHLAND PARK Privacy, Position and Pool!

• Three bedrooms • Tiled open plan living • Air conditioning • Modern kitchen with plenty of storage space • Large covered entertaining area

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• Located opposite picturesque lake and state forest • Short drive to essential amenities Auction: 6th October Web: www.nfn.com.au/25376 Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350

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• Inground pebblecrete pool • 902m2 private fenced lot backing to park reserve Price: $399,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25079 Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350

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• Double carport • Handy to schools, shops & transport Price: $379,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25124 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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HOT Property, Cool Price!

• Long covered outdoor living area • Three good sized bedrooms • Open plan lounge & dining area • Extra large auto lockup garage with bay window Price: $389,000 • Air conditioning ID: www.nfn.com.au/25071 • Big open yard with a great cubby Contact: Shawn Barber house for the kids 0404 257 243

NERANG

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Riverside BARGAIN! • Four bedrooms • Semi ensuite to master • Stylish ultra modern kitchen • Large spacious lounge room • Separate family and meals area • Large covered entertaining area

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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• Fully fenced backyard backing to Nerang River Price: $425,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25074 Contact: Steven Hayes 0421 643 871

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

UPPER COOMERA As New, NOTHING To Do! • Three bedrooms, ensuite • Modern galley kitchen • Open plan living and dining with split system air conditioning • Beautiful inground plunge pool • Garage with gated side access

WORONGARY Two Separate Homes!

• 1x 3 bedroom residence • 1x2 bedroom residence • Both with large living areas • Both with good kitchens • Air conditioning to main home • Inviting inground pool

NERANG Big on Style and Size • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Big multi user office/study • Three separate living areas • Beautiful modern kitchen • Wide covered entertaining area • Inground pool and poolside bar

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Medium Residential Agency

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• ”Highland Reserve” development includes sport facilities, lakeside walking trails, BBQ areas & more Price: $429,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25495 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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• Long covered outdoor area • Massive workshed plus garage • Huge 1252m2 lot Auction: 16th October 2010 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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• Double shadesail carport plus gated off road parking • Workshop with power Price: $495-519,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/25491 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

CARRARA

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Instructions to SELL! • Three bedrooms, ensuite • Large open plan living with separate living & dining areas • Air conditioning • Modern kitchen with gas cooking • Private fenced courtyard

HIGHLAND PARK

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So Classy & Great Value!

• Three bedrooms, ensuite • Formal & informal living areas • Fully ducted air-conditioning • Spacious & modern kitchen • Covered outdoor living & entertaining area

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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• Double lockup garage • Side access for trailer or boat Price: $469,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25123 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

LOWER BEECHMONT Deceased Estate!

• 2.15 acre premier hilltop position in the heart of the village • Level to gently sloping • Panoramic views to the Gold Coast and the Great Dividing Ranges - can never be built out

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• Double auto lockup garage • Community pool & heated spa • 10 minutes to Broadbeach Price: $439,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25069 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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• 100% usable and cleared • Deep rich soil and fully fenced Price Slashed for Quick Sale!

Price: $569,000 now $495,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/ Contact: The Sales Team 07 5596 0055

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

NERANG

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Medium Residential Agency

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WORONGARY

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Looking for New in Nerang? • Side access to a 4.5 x 7.5m shed • Landscaped lot backing to reserve • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Hinterland views • Separate big living areas $529,000 • Gorgeous kitchen with European Price: appliances ID: www.nfn.com.au/25055 • 45m2 covered outdoor living area Contact: Susie Gale • Double auto lockup garage 0406 901 350

The BEST of Everything!

• Four bedrooms, ensuite with spa • Separate office with bathroom, or granny flat potential • Quality modern kitchen • Covered entertainment area • 12x6m workshed with power

MOUNT NATHAN

NERANG

Acreage - Needs Urgent Sale!

• Expansive 4 bedroom home • Ensuite with spa bath to master • Spacious separate living areas • Air conditioning & fireplace • Large kitchen with gas cooking • Massive covered entertaining area

MOUNT NATHAN Private Acreage Hideaway • Four large bedrooms, ensuite • Ultra modern kitchen • Polished timber flooring • Massive open plan living • Air conditioning • Wide poolside timber deck

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• Very private inground pool • Elevated 2005m2 lot • Double garage Price: $570,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25043 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

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• Double garage PLUS 2 bay shed • 4000m2 landscaped and super private lot Price: $629,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25039 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

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One with Nature • 3 bedrooms, ensuite to master • Open plan design with tall raked timber ceilings • Stunning ultra modern kitchen • Timber flooring to living areas • Bi-fold doors to the covered

ADVACNETOWN

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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outdoor living area • Off road parking for 10 cars • 8588m2 lot with native gardens Price: $589,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25056 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

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Affordable Country Living • 7.5 acre lot with 2 street access • Three bedrooms, ensuite • Spacious lounge, separate rumpus • Modern open plan kitchen • Recycled hardwood floors • Ducted air conditioning

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• Commercial grade driveway and huge double carport • Views to the Coast Price: $549-569,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/25112 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

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• Short ride to horse arena and various trails • 9 x 6m two bay shed with power Price: $650,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25065 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang

MAUDSLAND Acreage - Hot To Sell!

• Owner wants all offers • 4010m2 landscaped lot • 4 bedrooms, office & ensuite • Separate living areas • Huge covered entertaining area • Inground pool with decking

HIGHLAND PARK Must Be Sold...Yesterday!

• 280 degree breathtaking Gold Coast and Hinterland views • Four queen bedrooms, ensuite • Expansive open living & balcony areas over 2 levels • Huge modern kitchen

MAUDSLAND Family Acreage Residence • 4000m2 lot with 2 street access • 5 bedrooms plus study • Ensuites to 2 bedrooms • Huge modern kitchen • 3 large living areas • Giant covered outdoor area

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• Double garage plus side access to a 2 bay shed • 5 mins to Nerang & Oxenford Price: offers over $679,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25022 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

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• Salt water pool with Fijian shellstone surrounds • Double garage plus parking bay Price: $749,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25049 Contact: Julie 0409 870 301 Paul 0423 589 958

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• Inground salt pool with Bali hut • 9x7m shed, carport, double garage • Many more features!

Price: $825 - 879,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25020 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

Medium Residential Agency

MOUNT NATHAN Huge Country Home!

• Five big bedrooms plus study • Massive open floorplan with 3 distinct living areas • Separate kids rumpus room • Huge gourmet kitchen • Ducted air conditioning

GILSTON

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Quality Acreage Lifestyle • 4 double bedrooms, ensuite • Formal lounge opening out to a expansive outdoor living area • Separate family and meals area • Modern country kitchen • Double auto garage, 2 bay shed

HIGHLAND PARK

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• Shady wrap around verandahs • Town and tank water • 4331m2 lot, fully fenced Price: $720,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25068 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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Seller Liquidates Below Cost • Six bedrooms, two with ensuites • Parents retreat/study • Spacious modern kitchen • Expansive open living areas • Large office plus media room • View filled roof top terrace

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

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• Covered outdoor living area • Big 2 bay shed, carport, double garage • 3072m2 lawned and landscaped lot Price: $680,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25036 Contact: Steven Hayes 0421 643 871

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• Double lockup garage • 13 metre inground tiled pool • So many more features!

Price: $990,000 ID: www.nfn.com.au/25058 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

Nerang

www.nfn.com.au/25000-giveaway