View Property Magazine - Winter edition 2018 by RE/MAX Australia

Winter Edition 2018

Leading by Example

View Property Magazine

Australia & New Zealand

RE/MAX Australia Regional Office P. +61 7 3007 9000 E. remax@remax.com.au 143 Coronation Dr, Milton QLD 4064

Contents.

PO Box 1326, Milton QLD 4064 www.remax.com.au

On Location – Manukau, NZ

Celebrating Offices

RE/MAX events

E. corporate@remax.co.nz

How, when & why of property advertising

Level 1, 70 Stanley Street, Parnell, Auckland 1010

On location – Hoppers Crossing, AU

We all want the best

Salute to first home buyers

Message from a first home buyer

How to sell a home

There’s no second chance

A sale for every season

On location – Flatbush, NZ

Property stars on TV screen

Wearing my other hat

On location – Mackay, AU

Not sure where to invest?

Real estate robot

In search of Mr/Ms Right

On location – Rotorua, NZ

Ahead of the game

Ballooning takes RE/MAX to the skies

Community engagement

The edge

Investing, but maybe not as you know it

Poolside lifestyle comes at a cost

One of a kind

On Location – Southport, AU

You’re global

RE/MAX New Zealand Regional Office P. +64 9 309 8478

PO Box 11331, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542 www. remax.co.nz

VIEW editor: Lyn Cox E. lcox@remax.com.au M. +61 418 793 096 VIEW editorial assn’t: Jennifer Kent VIEW design: Expressway Studio E. traffic@expresswaystudio.com.au VIEW production coordinator: Jasmine Rimmer E. jrimmer@remax.co.nz VIEW advertising enquiries: Jasmine Rimmer P. +64 9 307 8548

Copyright © 2018 RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand. All rights reserved. The materials herein may not be duplicated, copied or reproduced – in whole or in part – in any way without written permission. VIEW magazine is provided to RE/MAX Affiliates as one of many benefits. The opinions of guest contributors and interviewed guests are their own and not necessarily those of RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand, or its affiliates, or any of its owners, officers, employees or agents. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information it contains, neither the publishers, authors nor their employees, can be held liable for inaccuracies, errors or omission. Readers should not rely on this newsletter as a substitute for professional advice.

And featuring RE/MAX property listings from page 20.

Communication and collaboration

Michael Davoren, Managing Director Our Australian and New Zealand real estate industries require stronger leadership than ever before - from within the industry and on behalf of the industry and our consumers - to confront many emerging issues. These include potential dangers to the public through on-liners who take no responsibility for regulation and registration affecting business and consumer rights, as well as franchising matters and barriers to career entry through pressures like excessive award conditions.

Chris Chapman, Finance Director Innovation is about new ideas and methods, while technology means using science for practical purposes. Globally RE/MAX is innovating through technology to train and equip its 120,000 strong agent network to better serve buyers and sellers. It’s not all corporate led though. RE/MAX agents lead the way in adopting simple and effective property marketing and client communication methods to provide our clients with the best possible result.

Joel Davoren, Franchise Director Leadership, especially exceptional leadership, is not something that can nor should be forced. Sometimes leadership, as a skill, takes time to develop; and happens without us even knowing when we focus on doing the right things, with the right people, over a long period of time.

Josh Davoren, Marketing Director A true real estate professional views themselves as an intrinsic part of their communities and therefore has a unique opportunity to provide leadership. A huge part of our job is about connecting people with property but the role of a real estate office can really be so much more. Connecting people with the right local businesses, knowing the ‘ins and outs’ on local development and involvement in local clubs and charities, the list is endless. It is up to us to use that privileged position to positively influence our communities as much as possible.

Corinna Mansell, General Manager, NZ We are privileged to be entrusted with what is often a person’s most valuable financial asset. It’s never just about bricks and mortar. Sellers – and buyers – are often experiencing a range of emotions. Death, divorce, downsizing, relocating, up-sizing, moving for work/school/education, and leaving friends, family and familiar surroundings can all raise stress levels. Relationships built on trust are paramount.

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On Location: Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Where are we?

The Market:

Located in New Zealand’s North Island, in the heart of Auckland’s south is the city of Manukau. Now a thriving and vibrant city, Manukau was once a large rural area on the outskirts of Auckland. Just 23km from Auckland’s CBD, Manukau has grown to become one of the largest centres south of Auckland and, up until the amalgamation of the local governments, was run by its own council. It is a culturally diverse city and home to the world’s largest Polynesian community. As well as major shopping, business and industrial centres, the city offers plenty of excitement, both culturally and otherwise. New Zealand’s largest street market, Otara Markets, is located within Manukau city, as well as the country’s largest theme park, Rainbow’s End. There’s also plenty on offer for those wanting a slower pace, too, with the Botanic Gardens a popular attraction.

While Auckland continues to be the driving force in terms of property prices, Manukau is following suit with the upward trend of prices, experiencing an increase on average over the last several years in line with national data. Affordability and the availability of property appear to be of continuing concern thanks to the population increase in and around Auckland, although the number of Manukau properties sold has increased in recent months. Manukau remains one of Auckland’s least expensive suburbs to buy in and while Auckland house prices have dropped slightly, the median house price in Manukau has remained firm and is currently around $825,000.

The Office: Rasheed Muhammed and Nazia Ali are RE/MAX Pinnacle’s broker owners, who together lead a strong team of dedicated agents. Also successfully running RE/MAX Property in the neighbouring suburb of Papatoetoe for five years, the husband and wife team saw an opportunity to heighten their business in Manukau, earlier this year re-branding their second office as RE/MAX Pinnacle and giving it its own identity. With a highly-skilled team of professional agents, RE/MAX Pinnacle specializes in real estate sales, providing exceptional service with a focus on developing genuine business relationships in the Manukau region.

In Rasheed and Nazia’s View: Through the success of our rental office we have seen an opportunity to extend our services into residential sales, hence the opening of the RE/MAX Pinnacle office in Manukau. Our clients’ trust in us has led them to continue using our service, giving us the opportunity to expand. We don’t see the market cooling in the near future, with loyal investors seeking properties outside of Auckland, with a major focus on the quality of homes available in the market. Both our sales and property management divisions are seeing strong demand and our team continue to strive to meet our clients’ need, ensuring a pleasing result. Enjoying a successful history of buying and selling property, we’re looking forward to continuing to contribute to the successful growth of the region.

Find RE/MAX Pinnacle on Facebook

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RE/MAX Elevate

RE/MAX Revolution

Celebrating. RE/MAX Advanced

New RE/MAX offices, new broker owners, office expansion and relocations in the past six months across Australia and New Zealand. Australia: RE/MAX Hinterland expanded its Sunshine Coast footprint with a second office opening in Montville. RE/MAX Property Specialistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business owners Jason Martin and Nicholas Scarf opened their second Northern Beaches office in the rapidly expanding town centre of Dee Why. Dene Tucker joined RE/MAX Australia as a franchisee and a trainer under RE/MAX Auction Services. Brisbane mother and son team Sue Lewis-Date and Darren Lewis-Date celebrated the launch of RE/MAX Elevate in June. RE/MAX Property Specialists

RE/MAX Pinnacle

Experienced real estate duo and sisters, Eiles and Brittany Hunt, opened RE/MAX Revolution in Shailer Park on Brisbaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south-side. Victoria Nicholson refurbished her office on Bribie Island in Queensland and reimaged as RE/MAX Advanced. The following offices upgraded their office with moves to near-by new premises: RE/MAX Transact, Southport; RE/MAX Colonial, Annerley; RE/MAX Results, Mackay and RE/MAX Xtra, Parramatta. New Zealand: Don Ha, his RE/MAX Revolution team, RE/MAX corporate identities, clients and friends celebrated the Papatoetoe office, with a very special guest, retired businessman and father of Don Ha, Mr N K Ha officiating and on hand to cut the ribbon.

RE/MAX Results

RE/MAX Hinterland

Broker owners Rasheed Muhammed and Nazia Ali celebrated the naming of their RE/MAX Pinnacle office in Manukau.

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wasn’t alone on stage. His pommel horse accompanied him, and his inspirational words were punctuated by amazing performances on the vault.

RE/MAX Events A celebration of success: a theme worthy of memorable rallies. In February, the first round of the RE/MAX rallies for the year got underway both sides of the Tasman. Managing Director Michael Davoren opened the 2018 RE/MAX Australia Rally anticipating an exciting year to coincide with the master franchise’s 21st birthday, and reflecting on what had been a busy 2017. More than 250 attended the very successful day of speakers, special guests and panel sessions at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane. Keynote speaker, and one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, Pauline Nguyen, was first up on the program. Change is the only constant, she said. You must embrace, expect and create change. Her own story is certainly one of survival, of responsiveness and of change. Both her personal story and the way she delivers it to an audience are extraordinary. Brennon Dowrick, one of Australia’s most successful male gymnasts, closed the RE/MAX Rally with an unforgettable gold medal performance. Now an international motivational speaker who is in constant demand, Mr Dowrick

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His message to RE/MAX was to look for success from strong foundations, self-belief and team work. Mr Dowrick was just 18 when he won his first gold. Now 46, he is a man who has never wavered from achieving his dream of success. In New Zealand, well over one hundred attended the successful Rally held at Pullman Auckland, where guest speakers included, from Queensland, Daniel Burrett, the General Manager of RE/MAX Success in Toowoomba, and Justin Miller, Property Management Director of RE/MAX Regency, in Robina. Michael Davoren opened both events with the words: “Today and tonight we celebrate the achievements of our network, our offices and our individuals; but digging deeper, we celebrate what is at the very core of RE/MAX: the fact that this is truly the franchise for independentlyminded agents.” Directors Joel Davoren and Chris Chapman acknowledged that uniqueness is RE/MAX’s greatest creative edge, and something consumers will be sure to experience in 2018 as the RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand digital transformation rolled out this year. Michael had personally visited more than 110 RE/MAX offices in Australia and New Zealand last year, and said “Personal relationships are the most powerful of all, and must continue to be the force in the future. Every agent must see that their success lies in their uniqueness and ability to better the customer’s experience; and time invested in agentclient relationships is never time wasted.”

RE/MAX Australia celebrates 21 years. RE/MAX Australia announced its top performers for 2017 at a gala event held at the Royal ICC in Brisbane in February, also celebrating 21 years since the first RE/MAX office opened in Australia. For the first time in RE/MAX Australia history, celebratory 21-year pins were given out. Three of the four went to RE/MAX Bayside Properties’ Simon Salm, Glen Tregea and Erica Erakare. Deborah Evans from RE/MAX Results, Morningside, was the fourth recipient. More than 550 attended the annual awards. The network’s ultimate individual honour, The Eagle Award, went to Katie Knight, broker owner of RE/MAX Success. The top awards among the many amazing achievements recognized: •

Pinnacle Enterprise Award - RE/MAX Bayside Properties (Cleveland and Alexandra Hills)

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Top sales office - RE/MAX Regency (Robina)

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Top agent (commissions) - Stuart Legg RE/MAX Regency (Robina)

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Top agent (transactions) – Vicki Ford, RE/MAX Victory (Caboolture)

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Top sales team (commissions) – Team Neilson, RE/MAX Bayside Properties (Cleveland)

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Top sales team (transactions) – Simon Au Team, RE/MAX Masters (Coopers Plains)

Pics by Barry Alsop, www.eyeswideopenimages.com

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RE/MAX New Zealand rewarded its best RE/MAX New Zealand announced its top 2017 performers at a gala event held at Pullman Auckland in February, where 140 guests celebrated their own achievements and that of their RE/MAX peers. •

RE/MAX New Zealand’s ultimate individual honour, Broker Owner of the Year, went to Ben and Nola Kloppers from RE/MAX Realty Group, Warkworth.

•

The Pinnacle Enterprise Award, for a second consecutive year, went to RE/MAX Zest, with offices in Remuera, Howick and Pokeno.

•

Top office (commissions) - RE/MAX Team Realty (New Plymouth)

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Top office (transactions) - RE/MAX Go For Sold (Palmerston North)

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Top agent (commissions) - Lisa Walden, RE/MAX Zest (Pokeno)

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Top agent (transactions) - Donna Russell, RE/MAX Central (Rotorua)

•

Top sales team (commissions) –Team Lewis, RE/MAX Go For Sold (Palmerston North)

•

Top sales team (transactions) – Team Lewis, RE/MAX Go For Sold (Palmerston North)

“As much as we were celebrating the achievements of our network, our offices and our individuals, it was a celebration of what is at the very core of RE/MAX: the fact that this is truly the franchise for independentlyminded agents,” Pics by Krista Huls, www.kristahuls.com

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– Michael Davoren

Charity auctions on gala program For the third year, the RE/MAX Australia annual awards gala featured a very special and unique Make-A-Wish Australia fundraiser, a wish auction, a chance to help make a real wish come true. In Auctioneer of the Year Greg Parker’s skillful hands, the spirited bidding raised $14,750. While at the at RE/MAX New Zealand annual awards gala, caring and generous bidders raised more than $10,000 for Variety – the children’s charity through the charity auction with Cameron Hems as auctioneer. A donation from RE/MAX New Zealand rounded the figure to $11,000.

Agents get the big picture in Vegas More than 40 RE/MAX real estate names from Australia and New Zealand rubbed shoulders with another 6,000-plus real estate agents and broker owners at the 45th annual RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas this month. The global real estate network celebrated its 45th birthday, hosted its 45th annual international convention this year at MGM Grand. “The annual R4 Convention is like no other real estate industry gathering. Just the physical numbers of people, the calibre of speakers, the quality of entertainment, and knowing that it represents a truly global real estate brand is extraordinary,” said RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Michael Davoren. “For first-time delegates, it can be quite mind-blowing… as they simply experience the ‘big picture’ that is RE/MAX. In excess of 60 countries were represented with more than 6000 delegates. I wonder how many other real estate names can match those numbers for a single gathering.”

Great leaders look inside themselves: Platinum + Forum – June, Port Douglas, Queensland

Each year RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand invite their top performers to participate in a forum of shared knowledge and experiences, and this year around 50 RE/MAX members gathered at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Michael Davoren says it is exciting to witness what occurs when the cream of RE/MAX agents come together.

“With our industry searching for strong leadership to guide us through an ever-changing environment, we gave our best the perfect opportunity to tune their leadership skills, and it began with allimportant self-leadership.“ Forum speakers were Matt de Beer, who is ranked #1 in South Africa and #7 for RE/MAX internationally; World Championship and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and fivetimes Australian Champion, track cyclist Jordan Kerby; and entrepreneurship facilitator Tara Diversi. The event included a visit to RE/MAX Real Estate Services where Tony Williamson, hosted delegates at his inspirational and much-talked about ‘office’, Whitfield Chapel, which he repurposed as a specialised auction venue and real estate office early last year. The Platinum + Forum is a ‘by invitation only’ event for RE/MAX high achievers. Denver-based Cheryl Luster, RE/MAX Senior Global Development Consultant, travelled to Australia to attend.

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How, when and why of property advertising WITH HAYLEY VAN DE VEN, RE/MAX RESULTS, AU

It all comes down to one certainty. You cannot sell a secret. It would be like organizing the best party, forgetting to send out invitations, then wondering why nobody comes! Even as little as ten years ago, most homes for sale would be advertised through print media and the window of the local real estate agency. Professional photos weren’t common. Videos were pretty much unheard of. Today, an effective marketing strategy will target the right audience for your property and will include the right mediums to target prospective buyers. This could include online portals, signboards, newspapers, email marketing and social media. An apartment’s target market might be mostly young professional couples, investors and/or first home buyers, who might be targeted through online advertising. But if you’re selling high-end family homes, then you may have downsizers as well as local families looking at your property, and these often source property through print media.

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Print advertising is alive and well, even in today’s high tech-world. It’s still important. Print marketing using professional photography is vital today. Drop cards, market reports and brochures need to reflect quality and a professional brand, no matter the price point. While RE/MAX Results is one of RE/MAX Australia’s most prolific users of print advertising, online portals are a vital component of any successful marketing campaign, and are often the first place buyers will go to. Property portals are the main touch point for buyers because they are instantly accessible, and good for engaging buyers and showing off your home because they can flick through floor plans and extensive photo galleries. Prestige or feature advertising options mean you can opt for your property to appear higher up or be highlighted in advertising lists. While targeting the right audience is key, creating the right perception of your property, making it the best on offer they see, is crucial to the marketing. Drones and stylists have entered the realm of professional property photos to ensure a property stands out to potential buyers regardless of where it is being marketed. In all of about eight seconds, your prospective buyer has seen your photos, taken in the headline and made a decision whether to look further at your property or keep scrolling on to the next. Advertising draws attention to your property. Advertising increases the exposure of your property. More exposure means more buyers

through the door, which drives competition and can ultimately result in a higher price for your home. It’s not about making the sale easier for the agent, but rather benefiting the seller. How do I determine an effective marketing strategy? I look at the service that I am providing the seller and potential buyers, including tools to educate them about the market and the property transaction process. That’s one product – the product the consumer is buying. The other product is the property itself, and I want to list properties that are sought-after, which stand to have lesser time on market and greater outcome for the seller.

online mediums sell faster and for more money than those advertised in online media alone. People are important, because marketing is a team effort. Processes are equally important, and I have processes in place to effectively communicate with my sellers and buyers and strengthen my relationships with them. You could call that my six P’s of property marketing. The difference a comprehensive, well planned strategy can make is often born out in the outcome – length and return.

We, the seller and I, must price a property correctly or it is unlikely to sell, regardless of how much or what kind of marketing occurs.

A professional agent will also value-add through their own website, social media and databases of buyers. It’s a case of putting trust in your agent’s expertise and following their professional advice to achieve the best possible outcome.”

After product and price comes positioning, which generally is a combination of physical and digital presence. This is where our brand presence and reputation as a market leader are critical.

And it doesn’t matter if I am marketing a $300,000 home or a multimillion-dollar home; I give all properties the same professional attention.

It’s now time to promote the property, and research confirms that properties advertised in print and

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On Location: Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, Australia Where are we?

The Market:

Hoppers Crossing is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne, Victoria. Located in the City of Wyndham, Hoppers Crossing is only approximately 20km from Melbourne CBD. The family-friendly suburb is becoming a sought-after address for growing families, with plenty of goodsized and reasonably priced family homes. There are numerous public parks and with good public transport, residents can leave the car at home and explore the nearby coastal suburbs, or take a short trip to Melbourne’s CBD via Werribee, Hoppers Crossing or Tarneit train stations. Hoppers Crossing is also known to have a number of prestige schools and has the largest indoor sporting facilities in Victoria. The federation trail bicycle path runs throughout the suburb. With its proximity to Pacific Werribee Plaza, Melbourne and/or Geelong CBD and the future Werribee CBD precinct, Hoppers Crossing will continue to attract more and more people to the suburb.

Hoppers Crossing is one of the fastest growing markets in Melbourne and possibly even Australia. Falling in the south-west region of Melbourne, the area is leading the nation for house price growth and is in the midst of a very healthy property market, characterised mostly by owner-occupiers, rather than investors. Those looking to buy in Hoppers Crossing should expect to pay between $545,000 – $550,000 for three bedroom house, and $370,000 - $410,000 for a two-bedroom unit. It is anticipated that property interest in Hoppers Crossing will continue to grow with the appeal of larger blocks and healthy listings close to the CBD an advantage in the high demand market.

The Office: RE/MAX West stands by its commitment that nothing is too much trouble. Its dedicated agents and staff, led by its Director Satyam Mendiratta, is a close-knit team that always put its clients’ needs first. The office itself is conveniently located in an area central to Werribee, Truganina and Tarniet, allowing excellent opportunity to market client’s properties to a large group of potential buyers and tenants. RE/MAX West is a multifaceted office, covering all aspects of residential sales, project sales, property management, marketing and settlement support.

In Satyam’s View: Being fortunate to live in Wyndham myself, where Hoppers Crossing is strategically situated, I have personal insight into Hoppers Crossing and its surrounds, and believe the area will continue to experience growth over the next ten years. This growth will be spurred by the major infrastructure investments that are pouring into the whole Wyndham suburb and by the growing rate of population. Annual property growth in Hoppers Crossing should continue at 11% or more despite the property market cooling down. The West will always be the choice for those wanting to live or invest in properties, especially first time home buyers. Rental properties will be in increasing demand as the population grows, making it a good area for those looking to invest.

Find us at remaxwest.com.au

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We all want the best BY GEOFF BAWDEN, PIVOTAL FINANCIAL

We all want the BEST deal – but what do we really mean by that? In the land of the consumer, we are blinded with promises of ‘best deal’. I’m going to suggest to you that generally these promises hold little substance and they are, in fact, what I call ‘window dressing’, and the means by which the seller grabs your attention so you will be more likely to buy from them. You see, we automatically lean towards ‘best’ as being unbeatable – the best price or, in the land of finance, the cheapest interest rate. In my world as a mortgage adviser/broker, I am frequently confronted by customers who, when I ask them what is important, unashamedly tell me they want the best deal. When I probe a little deeper they invariably mean that they want the cheapest interest rate. They seek that often with little or no understanding of what the difference between two interest rates means in actual saving, and with little or no consideration to the other features of a mortgage, which can just as competently define the meaning of best. Let me provide clarity. If, by way of an example, the difference in the interest cost of a mortgage between two lenders’ (let’s call them Lender A and Lender B) is in real terms $250 per annum, and Lender A provides the cheapest interest rate. Does Lender A still provide the best deal if it charges $300 in bank fees per annum if, again by

way of example, Lender B waives its bank fees to mortgage holders? What if Lender A provides a cheaper interest rate but provides less flexibility in the way we make our mortgage payments? You see, the real definition of best refers to something being excellent, or desirable in type or quality; or of it providing a desirable outcome. It doesn’t just relate to price. How can we judge something to be best if we don’t understand what our definition of best might mean. The reality is it means something different to each and every individual. This brings me to the real point of this article. When you are looking for a mortgage, if your mortgage adviser/broker hasn’t taken the time to understand your circumstances and what is important to you, the ability for them to match your needs with an appropriate product that fits within your definition of best is going to be hit and miss. At Pivotal Financial we get that. We understand just how important it is that our financial advisers spend time with you to identify what is important to you, and then to match that with products and a lender that not only meet those needs today but is likely to meet them in the future. It’s called understanding our client and actively seeking the BEST deal to meet circumstance. Worth thinking about isn’t it! ABOUT PIVOTAL FINANCIAL: In 2013, RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand established a clear synergy between real estate and finance for the benefit of consumers. Pivotal Financial is the financial arm, and a dedicated team of finance professionals led by Matthew Andrews, General Manager, Australia, and Geoff Bawden, General Manager, New Zealand.

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Salute to first home buyers WITH KATHY SWEENEY, RE/MAX ADVANCED, AU

First time home buyers are very special people at a very special time in their lives. They are about to do something they have never done before.This is challenging, scary, overwhelming, exciting… any and all of these things. Sometimes first home buyers are so nervous that they don’t even ask questions, or they’ve spent so long asking ‘Dr Google’ that they have become totally confused, or scared themselves even more. The agent’s role is clear. Find a way to ease their stress and confusion enough to get them a property that is as close to their dream home as possible. Helping first-time homebuyers can easily be the most rewarding part of my job some days! Here’s how I go about it. I commit as much time as it takes to really get to know my first home buyers, their needs, what kind of house they’re looking for, their ideal neighborhood, their preferred house styles, and so on. We’ll talk about ‘must-haves’, ‘nice-to-haves’ and even things they’d like to avoid. We talk about the process of buying a home, because knowing what to expect really builds their confidence. That feeling of ‘I don’t know what I’m doing!’ can be terrifying. Fortunately, you don’t need to know all the ins and outs of the home buying process when you work with someone who does. I try and second-guess the questions they may be too scared or embarrassed to ask, and tackle the ‘what ifs’. I don’t avoid talking about their finances. I’ll point them in the right direction if they need to speak with a finance specialist, and I’ll make sure they

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understand any other fees and costs that may be associated with buying a property. ‘I can’t afford to buy a home’ and ‘will I be able to get a loan?’ are common first home buyer fears that a finance specialist can help them overcome, along with any fear of the ongoing monthly repayment. Maintenance is another ongoing cost so I talk home buyers through the pros and cons of the wellmaintained home that has recent upgrades and replacements and the potential doer-upper, for example. I talk about the market not just in terms of the listed properties but about the neighbourhood, its attractions, the people, why prices are doing what they are, and more. Some first home buyers worry whether a property will be worth less than they paid for it. While you can’t completely predict what will happen to home prices, you can glean a lot about where things are likely to move through nearby homes, neighborhood features, surrounding facilities and future plans for the area. The focus should be to buy a solid property that will do well in the long run rather than worry about market blips. Lastly, I am always very respectful of the advice first time home buyers are receiving from their parents, relatives and friends. And, while I am a patient hand-holder, I am never condescending. First home buyers often come to me incredibly researched and very knowledgeable. When they ask ‘Is this the best time to buy?’, my response is ‘the best time to buy is when you are ready’. And if they are, my goal is to help them find their home. This is personally very rewarding.

A message from a first home buyer Buying a house at any time is emotional, let alone your first home.

with no garage. It’s easier knowing what you want and being open about it from the outset.

‘Something else will come along.’ If I had a dollar for every time someone has said that to us, we could almost have a house deposit from that alone.

There are first home buyers, and then there are first home buyers with paying parents! Now that’s a real kick in the pants to go up against, especially in an auction. It has unfortunately steered us away from any property that is being sold via auction.

I really wasn’t quite prepared when the first house we went and saw was perfect. So much so that we made the quick decision to make an offer on it and then lost out in a multi-offer. It was horrible, and the devastation we felt truly unexpected. All you want to know from the agent is whether your offer would get you in the door and all they can legally say is ‘put your best foot forward’. We should have done just that, but we were so green and hadn’t had the chance to speak to a mortgage broker. It all happened so quickly. It is a real learning curve. We are constantly comparing other properties to it as we continue the search, which is frustrating to say the least!

As a first home buyer we have a limit to go to and that’s not just a number we feel comfortable with spending, it’s our top number because we have no more to give. As a buyer, the more information you can give me about the selling process or about the home’s history, the better. My partner, as a typical male, doesn’t like to be told. He works in conveyancing as well. Me, on the other hand, has no idea what I’m getting myself into and what the process is, so tell me as much as you can and I’ll listen.

After looking seriously into several homes, getting our hopes up and considering making offers, we have learnt a lot, not only about the local market and what homes are going for but also knowing what we will and won’t settle for.

‘It is your first home. It doesn’t have to be your dream home.’ People have said these words to me and I have agreed with them, not realising I actually wasn’t agreeing and I was still looking for a long-term home that ticked a lot more boxes than I thought, even though I kept saying out loud that it would only be a five-year plan. It is tricky separating that desire from what you can ‘live with’ for your first home. Buying our first place is the biggest decision of our lives so far and we do want to get it ‘right’. I just might have to ease up on what ‘right’ is… just maybe.

Communication is the key when you are buying with another person. There’s no point keeping quiet if, when it comes to decision time, you find out one of you is really not interested in renovating, or living in a certain area, up a shared driveway or

A note from the editor: Our first home buyers admit to being a lot wiser than when the search began, but it still continues. We hope to be celebrating their home ownership in our summer edition of VIEW.

Now it may sound like this is going down a dark tunnel but if we’re being realistic here, buying a first home is hard, albeit a great privilege.

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How to sell a home BY DENE TUCKER, RE/MAX AUCTION SERVICES

So, you’re thinking about selling your home? The thought itself is daunting and raises so many questions.

How do I work out the price? What agent do I use? What method should I use? What method creates the most amount of interest? Do I put a price on my home or should I auction it? There is no question about the fact that selling a home can be a very anxious time, and it is vitally important that you get it right the first time. Believe me, there is nothing ‘fun’ about being on the market for an extended period of time. Not only can it be costly, but can you imagine having to keep your home at ‘presentation level’ for two, three or four months – every day? I will suggest the following in terms of setting some parameters for yourself before you make your next move… 1. Identify when you need to be sold by and when your sale needs to settle by. 2. Start working right away on the things that need addressing around the home. Think about what will make your home ‘more saleable’ and what could be done to create a situation where buyers see ‘more

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value’ in your home than what other comparable homes for sale are offering. In doing this, keep in mind that what you decide to sp end may not necessarily add value to your home. It may simply make it more saleable. 3. Talk to friends and family and see if they can introduce you to an agent who they trust and have had a good recent experience with. A word of warning here: the cheapest agent will more often than not deliver you a poor result, a regrettable experience and an unpalatable price. Once you have decided on which agent you are going to hire to sell your home, the next and probably most important thing overall is that you need to make a decision about is how to sell. That is to say, what method will be used to ‘maximise your sale price’ in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of hassle and inconvenience to you and your family. Without any hesitation, taking your home through an auction campaign is universally the most proven way to reach a successful result in the sale of your home. Your agent will discuss the many reasons why this is so. However, the most beneficial attributes of auction include: •

Having a timeline forces buyers into making a decision.

•

The ‘No Price’ approach broadens your buyer market and does not place a ceiling on your price.

•

An auction sale is unconditional, meaning you are ‘SOLD’ and can move on with your plans.

•

You remain in control of the entire process from start to finish.

Your other options include an Open Listing or General Listing, or an Exclusive Listing, sometimes referred to as Private Treaty. Most effective agents will warn you off the open or general listing simply because it involves multiple agents; or, in other words, it’s everyone’s listing and ultimately no one’s responsibility. An exclusive listing brings some accountability back to the table and leaves you free to price your home, or to apply one of many strategies like ‘price by negotiation’ or ‘offers over’ a certain figure.

Of all the attributes, in my last three sales experience as a seller like you, the two key ones for me have been the fact that I remain in control right through the process and that having a ‘date’ forces buyers into making a decision. An experienced agent will be able to guide you through the many other reasons why auction could be of most benefit to you. I wish you all the best with your Sale!

In comparing the attributes of an exclusive listing to an auction campaign, you may want to consider the following:

“auctions have a distinct advantage”

When you look at the two preferred methods of marketing for a successful sale this way, it becomes evident very quickly that auctions have a distinct advantage over a private treaty or exclusive listing.

Exclusive – Private Treaty Option

Auction Marketing Option

Various conditions included

Unconditional agreement

No pressure on buyers to commit

Buyers have to make a decision

Buyers attack price pushing it down

Competition forces price up, not dow

Marginal exposure

Significantly higher exposure and reach

Pricing says ‘Don’t pay more’!

No ceiling on price

Only one opportunity to sell

Three stages of opportunity to sell

Cooling-off period risk exists*

No cooling-off period*

Average days-onmarket higher

Average days-onmarket typically lower

*Australia Only Simple buyer tips: •

Attend auctions to become familiar with process and the auctioneer.

•

Know the property.

•

Know your financial capabilities.

•

Bid confidently at auction.

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There’s no second chance WITH REBECCA TERREY, RE/MAX TEAM REALTY, NZ

Potential home buyers are like invited guests to a special event, where that special event in their life is the purchase of a new home. When you are the seller you are putting on the party with the help of your agent, who’s a bit like the events manager.

Declutter and clean is the next stage. Remove unused or unnecessary belongings that take up valuable space or clutter an area that should be shown off. Hire a professional cleaning crew and take some pressure off yourself! Undertake any repairs that may be necessary to present the home in its best possible condition.

You advertise to invite; you ‘dress’ to impress. And it is the home that needs to make the memorable impression. And quickly!

Finally, part of creating a memorable experience for potential buyers might involve ambient lighting, good music and possibly even refreshments.

So what can sellers do to make a positive and memorable first impression on buyers? What can they do to really inspire buyers to see their future in the home?

Today, sellers might bring in a professional ‘stager’ to assist with pulling the presentation together. Sellers who have worked previously with an interior decorator are often perplexed by the difference between home staging and home decorating.

Firstly, it is not enough just to think of presentation in terms of open homes and property inspections. These days professional photography, drone photography, video and 3D imaging are a great step forward in allowing buyers to experience the home like never before, and every one of those experiences needs to impress. There is a lot to consider, but your agent will work with you in maximising your home’s appeal. The exterior might be your starting point, it is after all the first thing the buyer will see; and if you can’t get them in the door from the outside, it doesn’t matter how much of a ‘wow’ the inside has. Don’t just consider the front view either. Paintwork, landscaping, paths, driveways, fences and front door bells… they all matter! Inside definitely requires a good look through a buyer’s eyes. This is rarely easy for a home owner. Look at floors, walls and ceilings. How does the decor look? Does it make sense of the floor plan? Do you think buyers can relate to the overall style?

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Most simply explained: the decorator’s role is to make a home reflect the taste and lifestyle of the home owners; while a stager’s purpose is to transform a home so it appeals to the greatest number of potential buyers. Stagers will generally work closely with the sales agent, because staging is designed to appeal to the target buyer audience and to draw buyer attention to a property’s best features while minimising any less desirable aspects. Through using properly-scaled furnishings and accessories, stagers are able to demonstrate how rooms can best be used, which is something many buyers can’t imagine (and sellers may have forgotten). They aim to make every room look as good in photographs as in person; and as most buyers today see a property online before they decide to actually set foot inside it, consider this: an oldie but true… ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’.

Whether Australia or New Zealand, it is unlikely that the climate itself brings the buyers out in one month over another. Many people, for example, take their annual holidays in summer to coincide with the longer breaks, and many businesses close over part of this time as well. So if you are in a market where everyone leaves town, perhaps it’s best not to try and sell in summer. So is spring best… when it’s warm but not full-on holiday season? It is a tradition in real estate to say that spring is the best time to sell.

A sale for every season BY LYN COX, VIEW EDITOR

Does weather have an influence on potential buyers and sellers? It’s common belief that fewer people go out looking for properties in winter because the weather is colder and wetter. I’ve read the facts – as confirmed by academic studies, which were conducted in the UK! Do we really want to rely on UK studies, when our seasonal climate is rather different in Australia and New Zealand? Is it time to put the seasonality myth to rest and instead put the facts to good use in choosing the best time to buy or sell? Seasonality – fact or fiction? When you sell, you want to maximise your profit. You don’t want loads of other vendors all compromising on price. You’d rather have lots of buyers competing with each other to secure a property, driving up prices in the process. Does the season itself make a difference?

Sales numbers are a reflection of buyer activity, but with no real evidence seasonal demand, it is more likely other dynamics are at play. Home buyers with young children may prefer to home-hunt before or after the holiday season. Potential retirees may explore a new market with a favourable climate. A family might work around summer holidays while, for the overseas investor, the time of year is irrelevant. Buying and selling a house is a process that can take months from initial offer to exchange of contract and settlement. Looking at sales only gives part of the picture. There has been evidence of seasonal variation in listings, mostly in southern cities where spring and autumn are favoured. Why might fewer potential vendors put their properties on the market in summer and winter? Is it because they think that there will be less buyers during the summer holidays and colder winter months. So, fewer people put their properties on the market even though the buyers are still out there. Fewer properties on the market during winter and summer may put more pressure on prices as potential buyers compete, and prices may tend to rise as a result. Depending on your market, spring may, in fact, prove the best season to buy as the number of properties on the market is at its highest point, summer might be the time to sell when the number of properties for sale is at its lowest.

There are four seasons. FACT. There are hundreds, even thousands of property markets. FACT. Prices are rising and falling – somewhere – in every season. FACT.

But… YOUR market is unique. Maximising your profit depends a great deal more on where your property is and the way your property presents than the seasons of the year. Your marketing agent has the market knowledge and experience to guide you.

Might there be other more significant factors at work than the season?

The best approach is to make the most out of whichever season you choose to sell in.

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FOR SALE

Samarinda Sea Breeze North Stradbroke Island, Queensland 42 Samarinda Drive, POINT LOOKOUT

Dan Elliott 0439 727 441 danelliott@remax.com.au

What a great opportunity to secure this fully furnished, newly renovated holiday home on stunning Stradbroke Island! With two completely separate self-contained levels allowing for multiple holiday letting options or you could live on 1 level and let the other, it's completely up to you. Stradbroke Island is the 3rd largest sand Island in the world and being only 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD this could be the work/life balance you are looking for. When location is everything this property has it all being situated in a quiet cul de sac within easy walking distance to the Point Lookout shops and cafes and only a short walk to beautiful Main Beach. Call Dan today to arrange your private inspection.

RE/MAX Results

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FOR SALE

Ultimate Lifestyle South East Queensland, Australia 523 Wivenhoe Somerset Road, SPLIT YARD CREEK

Dan Elliott Contact: 0439 727 441 danelliott@remax.com.au

Enjoy your own Private Oasis listening to trickling waters of the constantly flowing Split Yard Creek, this truly magnificent architecturally designed home captures stunning views from its extensive verandas and makes the most of its stunning surrounding foliage. • • • • • • • • • • •

5 bedrooms 3 ensuites and walk in robes Designer kitchen Wine cellar Self-contained cottage Formal lounge and sitting area Formal dining Beautiful covered entertaining area 2 Fire places Wood fired pizza oven and BBQ Double carport with lockable storage

RE/MAX Results

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FOR SALE

VIOLA RESIDENCES 11 Berge Street, Mount Gravatt

1&2

www.thedcteambrisbane.com.au David Cotterill CONTACT: 0433 230 680 david.cotterill@remax.com.au Casey Flouch CONTACT: 0415 264 769 casey.flouch@remax.com.au Pro Max Investments Pty Ltd in conjunction with RE/MAX United Vision

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Feel good about coming home to Viola Residences. As the backdrop to your daily life, your home should be part of your inspiration. The convenient location and every detail will reinforce what you already know, you have finally arrived home. Viola Residences brings a low stress lifestyle to one of Brisbane's most convenient and attractive neighbourhoods. Designed for entertaining, your new kitchen is fully appointed with stone bench tops, European appliances and the most on trend colour scheme with feature lighting, these kitchens are set to become the centrepiece of your new home within the development. Adjacent to the kitchen, the lounge and dining areas offer the best in design and use of the abundant space, whilst providing easy access to the outdoor entertaining areas .

FOR SALE!

View from the Top 98 McLennan Street, Wooloowin

2.5

View: David Cotterill CONTACT: 0433 260 680 david.cotterill@remax.com Stacy Candelaria CONTACT: 0434 397 440 stacy.candelaria@remax.com.au Pro Max Investments Pty Ltd in conjunction with RE/MAX United Vision

Just completed, this freehold architectural complex brings together exceptional multi-level space. Entertaining at home is taken to incredible new heights on the huge private sky terrace. Sunsoaked by day and illuminated by night, this is the perfect position to savour never-to-be-builtout panoramic views across the beautiful Brisbane city. Alternatively, enjoy the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultra-convenient location, just a leisurely stroll from great local cafes, shopping precincts, parkland and transport. Designed, constructed and finished to the highest standards, these impressive new homes are a rare find that simply must be experienced. We invite you to inspect now.

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FOR SALE

Come home to Finch Row 19 Nicklin Street, Coorparoo

3.5

Media

www.thedcteambrisbane.com David Cotterill CONTACT: 0433 230 680 david.cotterill@remax.com.au Stacy Candelaria CONTACT: 0434 397 440 stacy.candelaria@remax.com.au Pro Max Investments Pty Ltd in conjunction with RE/MAX United Vision

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Welcome to FINCHROW, an exclusive collection of 19 brand new Hamptons inspired homes with a coveted Coorparoo address all with some of Brisbaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best amenities close by, With three or four bedroom floorplans available, FINCHROW will deliver a timeless and relaxed feeling of elegance that is the essence of the Coastal Hamptons style. FINCHROW will be situated near shopping, parks, top-ranked schools, entertainment and dining. Coorparoo Square and Stones Corner Village, Langlands Pool and extensive local bikeways are just a short distance away for you to enjoy the areas fantastic lifestyle and great outdoors. The Iconic landmarks of the Gabba, Southbank Parklands and Brisbaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD are just 10 minutes away.

FOR SALE

LIVE LIFE GRAND! 41 Kennington Road, Camp Hill

1&2

www.thedcteambrisbane.com David Cotterill CONTACT: 0433 230 680 david.cotterill@remax.com.au Casey Flouch CONTACT: 0415 264 769 casey.flouch@remax.com.au Pro Max Investments Pty Ltd in conjunction with RE/MAX United Vision

Grandis Residences located in thriving Camp Hill, is a limited offering of nine townhomes with the modern luxury of an on-trend design that you can only find with new construction creating a true one-of-a-kind home ownership experience. Grandis Residences is set in a fantastic location with convenient access to urban amenities, shopping, parks and a growing mix of cafes and restaurants. This executive development marks the highest standard of luxury townhome living. Each new home provides a versatile and spacious floorplan with plenty of room for you and your family to grow. With three thoughtfully designed bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a spacious living area that easily combines indoor living with large outdoor areas, you will enjoy a stylish, comfortable, and safe place to call home.

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FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE LUXURY 1/95 Lytton Road, Bulimba

1&2

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Just completed, this multi-level townhouse represents a rare opportunity to enjoy affordable luxury just 500 metres from one of Brisbaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most dynamic lifestyle precincts. Elevated, north-facing and positioned at the rear of a boutique complex, the townhouse has been smartly appointed with Bamboo flooring, Calacatta-inspired Smartstone benchtops in both kitchen and bathrooms, as well as reverse cycle air-conditioning. Promising plenty natural light and river breezes, the spacious open-plan living area flows to an alfresco entertaining balcony with leafy outlooks at the front and ultra-private landscaped courtyard at the rear.

FOR SALE

Find The Perfect Place! 19 Jones Road, Carina

2&3

1&2

View: thedcteambrisbane.com David Cotterill CONTACT: 0433 230 680 david.cotterill@remax.com.au Stacy Candelaria CONTACT: 0434 397 440 stacy.candelaria@remax.com.au Pro Max Investments Pty Ltd in conjunction with RE/MAX United Vision

Montalto is a luxury residential offering for the most discerning buyer with just 23 spacious residences. Architecturally designed, each home exudes functionality and style with open plan living areas, balconies, car parking and European appliances and fixtures. Montalto embraces contemporary urban living with functional and efficient architecturally designed apartments that take advantage of the South East Queensland lifestyle. Each home is full of natural light and well ventilated, allowing residents of Montalto to enjoy a comfortable environment and take in the views across the surrounding area. Quality finishes and European appliances throughout compliment the Contemporary colour palette, with an emphasis on large living zones throughout each residence.

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COUNTRY LIFE

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Stunning Queensland Style Hervey Bay Queensland 329 Condor Drive, Sunshine Acres, QLD 4655

Six

16+

Call agent for a price guide https://rem.ax/2NA5j7i

Stephen Wright 0415 222 333 swright@remax.com.au

RE/MAX PARTNERS

Spa

Buyers in the market for a premium home of the highest caliber that exudes old world class and charm, having been blended seamlessly to offer contemporary comforts and functionality we are pleased to present this flawlessly renovated and extended Queenslander, promising a first class family lifestyle. Set on a private 5 acres this property consists of 2 homes large enough to effortlessly accommodate the needs of a large or extended family, or rental guests. Some features of this stunning residence include: • Library or 7th bedroom • Ducted Air Conditioning • Spa and solar energy and water • Six Water Tanks with large dams • Main Shed with Mezzanine Level • Large Concrete Fire Pit • Energy & Water Efficient Appliances With its soaring ceilings, polished floorboards, traditional VJ walls and molded panels this pristine Queenslander is a beautiful family home within only minutes to all that Hervey Bay offers. VIEW PROPERTY MAGAZINE

LUXURY LIVING

More than just a home Queensland Australia 69 Jacobsen Outlook, Urraween

AUD $895,000 View: rem.ax/2MYUgDF

Stephen Wright 0415 222 333 swright@remax.com.au

RE/MAX PARTNERS

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When a builder of quality homes builds their own family home and somewhere to run a business from you know it is going to be something special. But this is more than just a home as it offers additional options. You could run a private practice or some other form of business where clients visit for meetings or treatment? Perhaps you have a family member that lives with you and needs their own privacy, space and facilities. This property offers two street access with internal garaging on each street, a double lock up garage off Jacobsen Outlook and a massive garage off Christensen Street. Both offer internal access to the separate levels of the home and with the vacant land that is part of the block there is plenty of room for additional parking or building.

LIKE NO OTHER

Wongaburra Residences Greater Western Sydney NSW 43 College Street Cambridge Park NSW 2747

3/4

Completion is late Mar/Apr 2019 https://tinyurl.com/y8d4zlul Litsa Meleti Gizzelle Powell 0466969164 / 0428934618 litsameleti@remax.com.au

WONGABURRA (our home) A superb 5 home complex like no other in this region. With underground parking for 2 cars per home plus storage & by including an inclinator (sloping lift) the property suits wheelchair access from the sub floor. Visually stunning with a contemporary feel. Each home boasts 3 oversized bedrooms with an optional 4th on the ground floor if required. The finishes are to a very high standard with Bamboo flooring to living areas & quality European carpet to the upper floors. Ducted air Down-lights & Video intercom. The kitchen & bathroom specifications will please even the most discerning home owner.

RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing

DUAL KEYS

Fixed Price Land & Home Central Coast NSW FIXED PRICE Land & Home Build

Some registering later this year https://tinyurl.com/yat4x6nb Phil Haley Jason White 0412355020 / 0432919242 shaley@bigpond.net.au

RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing

NO Hidden Surprises. We are able to build dual key homes on some lots STCA. This will enable rental income of better than dollar for dollar so perfect for investors or families that would like a home plus income - Interested please call. With a history dating back at least 4 decades, this builder is noted for quality and after sale service. We have properties throughout the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region, land size varies from 450m2 - 906m2. Enough to have your own veggie patch plus room for the kids to play. Whether investing or securing a lovely 4 bedroom home with 2 bathrooms & double garage we have a variety of facades that ensure long term value for money.

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NEW TO MARKET

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Welcome to 175 Blantyre Road in Blantyre.

Majestic Scenic Rim Home South East Queensland, Australia 175 Blantyre Road, BLANTYRE

3.5

25m

Expressions of Interest View: teamroberto.com.au/175-Blantyre

Team Roberto & Co. CONTACT: +61 406 421679 teamroberto@remax.com.au Team Roberto & Co. RE/MAX Regency

A masterpiece of three captains of industry coming together to create a landmark location that demands respect, yet expresses feelings of calm and serenity as it whispers to the landscape. Offering a majestic industrial design of 120+ squares of hotel-style residence, caretakers residence and commercial grade shed and positioned in perfect harmony to command and absorb the million dollar views of its 18.74ha boundary. This is not just a home, it is a destination! Located just 50 minutes from Brisbane CBD and within a short drive from Ipswich, Boonah and Beadesert and only 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, 175 Blantyre is surrounded by some of the country's most treasured heritage listed national parks providing an abundance of nature based experiences as well as many properties renowned for Equine breeding. VIEW PROPERTY MAGAZINE

FOR SALE

Queensland, Australia 70 CARL STREET, WOOLLOONGABBA

Chris Warren CONTACT: 0414 786 777 chris@remaxcolonial.com.au Colin Jeffery CONTACT: 0418 882 631 colin@remaxcolonial.com.au

RE/MAX Colonial

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Developer clears stock. Superbly positioned on an elevated corner allotment adjoining the Buranda shopping centre “Palazzo” is just a few minutes walk to the PA Hospital and just up the road from the SE motorway access. Apartments currently available range in price from $490,000 – $499,000 and some qualify for the first home owners grant. Just some of the features of these beautiful apartments are: • 104m2 of living area • Some with city views • Stone bench top kitchens with a gas cook top • Pet friendly • Pool and residents room • Body corporate $3815 a year • 1 car space and storage cage Please note one apartment has 2 car spaces.

FOR SALE

Buy off plans

BRAND NEW HOMES

Auckland, New Zealand

Buy off plan and save $$$.

40-44 Marr Road, Manurewa

Offers over $800,000 View: www.rickyali.co.nz View: By Appointment

Ricky Ali CONTACT: +64 21 277 0858 ricky.ali@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Associates Nova Realty Associates Limited Licensed under the REAA (2008)

8 brand new, 5 bedroom homes to start building soon: brick, weatherboard and shingle roof construction. 3 fully tiled bathrooms with 3 toilets. Open plan kitchen-dining, some with 2 lounge's. Ceiling height kitchen with granite benchtop and stainless steel appliances. Double Internal garage and road frontage. High quality fittings, LED light fittings, digital door locks, alarm, blinds and quality carpet. Close to Manurewa High School, train station and all other amenities.

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FOR SALE

SPACIOUS & PRIVATE 3 Wanganui Road, Marton Rangitikei, New Zealand

Enquiries over $390,000 NZD View: www.remax.co.nz/RNG1260 Carol Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 carollewis@remax.net.nz Mike Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 mikelewis@remax.net.nz RE/MAX Go For Sold AlRose Limited Licensed under the REAA (2008)

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Irresistable retreat & a delight to behold with its gigantic (52 m2) & sunny separate living room able to showcase all your beautiful, big comfortable furniture. It's apparent that the home build was substantially thought out to provide roominess. The family/dining/kitchen area (53 m2) with its big windows attracts the light & draws in the sunshine making you feel you could be on holiday. Massive heat pump makes the house nice & warm. 220 m2 of house on 677 m2 easy care section seems a sound choice. Double IA garage, house alarm, wide hallways, wide doorways & big rooms means peace of mind for security & ease of operation. Main bedroom (28 m2) features a walk-in wardrobe & sep. toilet. Easy walk down town to the library, medical centre, Sugar Plum Cafe or Countdown supermarket. Proudly marketed by teamlewis.co.nz

FOR SALE

INVESTOR ALERT 34 Ahuru Street, Marton Rangitikei, New Zealand

$198,000 NZD View: www.remax.co.nz/RNG1258 Carol Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 carollewis@remax.net.nz Mike Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 mikelewis@remax.net.nz RE/MAX Go For Sold AlRose Limited Licensed under the REAA (2008)

4 bedroom 1950s home has been refurbished with modern, neutral decor & refreshing use of the grey tones. New carpet, new vinyl, new drapes & interior paint provides a comprehensive check list of expenditure spent so you can simply move in and enjoy. Separate living room has a purpose-built centre for you to display & operate your TV & associated gear incl. dedicated power points. Very light & sunny room heated by a heat pump, with access to the front porch area. The house has insulation in the ceiling and underfloor. Kitchen/dining combined & sep. laundry give you the feeling of extra space. Sep. toilet & shower over bath are conveniently accessed. Fresh exterior paint means no more painting for quite some time. Spacious backyard compacted ready to drive at least 4 cars round the back of the house. Proudly marketed by teamlewis.co.nz

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FOR SALE

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ICONIC RESIDENCE 27 High Street, Bulls Rangitikei, New Zealand

By Negotiation View: www.remax.co.nz/RNG1255 Carol Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 carollewis@remax.net.nz Mike Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 mikelewis@remax.net.nz RE/MAX Go For Sold AlRose Limited Licensed under the REAA (2008)

View the video on www.teamlewis.co.nz Experience the earthy tones of the magnificent polished floors, the celebration of the Tudorstyle, and the functionally fashionable beauty of a bygone era. It's a dramatic home, sensational and fun to be around. Central gas heating, the free-standing woodburner in the kitchen/dining, the roaring open fire place in the living room, and insulation top and bottom provides you with warmed-to-the-bone comfort. Huge loft in the attic space (ladder access) opens up more possibilities for the home. English, Edwardian, Tudor, character, charming, nostalgic, romantic, timeless, elegant, are words that come to mind when you experience your unforgettable first impression of this distinctive and iconic 240 m2 residence set on 1323 m2 in Bulls, in the Rangitikei of New Zealand. Landscaped grounds with its established trees, a beautiful mix of gardens, an impressive front lawn area and bold fencing offers privacy from the world outside. Proudly marketed by teamlewis.co.nz

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FOR SALE

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STYLISH & SERENE 114 Tutaenui Road, Marton Rangitikei, New Zealand

By Negotiation View: www.remax.co.nz/RNG1267 Carol Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 carollewis@remax.net.nz Mike Lewis CONTACT: +64 27 444 4845 mikelewis@remax.net.nz RE/MAX Go For Sold AlRose Limited Licensed under the REAA (2008)

View the video on www.teamlewis.co.nz On-trend scenes have been created to enliven your senses with the recent refurbishment of this stunning 1926, 4 bedroom character home on 3306 m2 elevated site in the Rangitikei of New Zealand. Brilliant choice of serene colours in the bedrooms provides a calming & restful feel. Kitchen/casual dining area allows lots of light & sunshine in to complement the warmth of the native timber. The home has been transformed for you to continue living the dream. 3 living areas, incl. space in the sunroom, provides choice aplenty to sit where you want to be, & what mood you want to create & enjoy. New underground services: gas, power & water lines now provide efficiency. Central gas heating in the home, ceiling & underfloor insulation makes you feel especially warm. At the end of the day, coming home to convenience, warmth & style does make you feel good. You could be the King or Queen of the castle on the hill. Proudly marketed by teamlewis.co.nz

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WATERFRONT

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Tuscan Style Villa Mapua, Tasman, New Zealand 112 Bronte Road East

NZD $2,798,000 www.remaxelite.co.nz/RE9122

Fritz Horlemann CONTACT: +64) 0274 338 208 fritz.horlemann@remax-elite.co.nz RE/MAX Elite Fifeshire Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA (2008)

Homes of this quality and style where you can enjoy the sunrise across Tasman Bay, on Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desirable Bronte Peninsula are seldom available. A captivating setting for this exceptionally wellconstructed superior 390sqm residence is seriously impressive in many different ways. Starting with the hand-forged galvanized steel gated entrance to the high quality fittings and meticulous standard of workmanship displayed throughout house. Most rooms in the house have a 2.7 metre high stud and under floor heating as well as a flued gas heater and heat pump providing comfort throughout. This house has received a Master Builder Gold Award plus a Kitchen of the Year New Zealand Gold Award. This tranquil 1.055ha property with Estuary frontage has impressive views of the ever changing Waimea Inlet. The permitted jetty makes access easy to the water to launch a small boat where you can enjoy all the activities the location has to offer. It takes about 20min to drive to Nelson Airport and 30min to Nelson City and it is only a short drive to Mapua. VIEW PROPERTY MAGAZINE

FOR SALE

EXCLUSIVE WHITFORD Auckland, New Zealand 44 Pearson Road, Whitford

$5,900,000

Don Ha mob: 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz Zarn Ha mob: 021 892500 zarn.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD Licensed under the REAA (2008)

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Strikingly nestled on a north facing meadow is this fantastic example of the best of design and style when land and building size have been no barrier to creativity for executive lifestylers. A wide and welcoming sweep draws the Queenslander houseline to the eye. Be struck by the stunning Denarau feel of the adjoining Cabana, Pool and Spa. For entertainers there is no better way to celebrate with friends and family than in a weather proof setting with your own bar and pool table area available. For the deserving owners they may take advantage of the pool, spa, their own wine cellar, fully specified home theatre or the expansive and beautific dining and formal lounge. Taken all together this is an offering few can match in the Auckland isthmus and we look forward to your confidential call

FOR SALE

BELLA VISTA ESTATE Auckland, New Zealand 43 Rowles Road, Pukekohe

Sections $459,000 H&L Pack $995,000

Don Ha Steve Starke mob: 027 5413061 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution

Viewing by Appointment • Overall Floor Area: 200sqm plus • Section size: 1000m2 • 3 bedroom + 1 master bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe • 2 bathrooms • Modern kitchen • 2 decent sized living rooms • Patios to enhance your living • Double garage Take action now, call the RE/MAX Revolution Don Ha Projects Team for a no obligation chat about how we can help you on your path to your dream home.

Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

FOR SALE

8 KIRKBRIDE ROAD Auckland 8 Kirkbride Road, Mangere Bridge

From $895,000

Don Ha Joe Fealoai mob: 021 858431 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

Now Completed and ready to move in 5 brand new town houses architecturally designed with trendy interior fit outs and excellent quality finishes Super Features are: This home is available up to 90% finance available to approved purchasers Separate bedroom downstairs with own access potential for home stay or flatmate, Internal garage Fully fenced and landscaped Pre-wired for supreme sound and theatre systems Heat pump installed 10 years Master Builders Guarantee Invest now for tomorrow's growth

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FOR SALE

ASHTON VILLAS Auckland, New Zealand Makamaka Lane, Albany Heights

From $735,000

Don Ha Mala Maharaj mob: 021 858325 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution

Excellent value 3 bedroom on 3 level of living, 2 car tandem garaging and 2 bathrooms Excellent surrounding and only 5 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive to Albany Shopping Centre. Super handy to North Harbour Stadium and Massey University These Terrace homes are the best value purchase in Albany Now selling from $735,000 for 140sqm with two car garage Deposit from 10% T.A.P Buy your first home now or investment Agent on site Sat-Sun 12:00-2:00pm

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FOR SALE

SPENCER LANE Auckland 111-117 St Lukes Road, St Lukes

3&4

From $1,280,000

Don Ha Zarn Ha mob: 021 892 500 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

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A Golden investment opportunity Only 10 minutes to Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD Now selling off plans. 16 architecturally high quality designed townhouses Layout: Type 1A and 2A are a luxury designs with Lofty open -plan living, kitchen and dining areas Dual access available, great rental reward Single garage or tandem, along with a private covered terrace Timber floors and seamless indoor/outdoor flow to your private terrace. 10 years master-built guarantee Buy now with initial 10% deposit and a further 5% upon completion

FOR SALE

POINT VIEW ESTATE Auckland, New Zealand 67 Griggs Road, Whitford

$3,495,000

Don Ha Edward Baker mob: 021 685 685 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

* House and land package on a substantial 4.15 acre site * Close to Botany Town Centre & high decile schools * Create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of in this tranquil retreat * Bring your own vision or use G.J.Gardner’s Stafford plan Embrace the freedom of this flat 4.15 acre lifestyle block, one of just a few left in the luxury Point View Estate. Nestled at the edge of this subdivision, you’re in an enviable spot above the Mangemangeroa Stream, and almost surrounded by bush. Use this substantial land area to create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

FOR SALE

RAMADA MANUKAU Auckland, New Zealand 770 Great South Road, Manukau

1&2

Dual key Apartments from $756,325

Don Ha Edward Baker mob: 021 685 685 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

HOME AND INCOME IN THE SKY Presenting Dual Keys- 2 apartments for the price of 1 Excellent Rental Return: Potential 6.5% Gross Return Live in one, Rent out to the other, Easy to secure finance, banks lend out to 90% to approved purchasers. See above for the Dual Key floorplan example The best buys of the year: Units 304, 506, 507, 806 Priced from only $756,325 with up to 6.5% Gross Return (including Car Park) Available also: 1 bedroom apartments from $459,000 & 2 Deluxe bedroom apartments from $691,000 Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity,

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FOR SALE

RAMADA KAWARAU RIVER Queenstown, New Zealand Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park

1&2

From $499,300

Don Ha Steve Starke mob: 027 5413061 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

On the doorstep of Ramada Residences Kawarau River is The Remarkables Park Town Centre - which houses a wide range of shops, hotels, businesses and restaurants. Located on Mountain Ash Road, the residences are within walking distance to several stores and amenities. All the inspiring recreational or business activities that Queenstown has to offer are only a short distance away. A purchase at Ramada Residences Kawarau River gives you an opportunity to make the most of New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourable economic factors and to maximise the benefits of a forward thinking and rewarding commercial environment. Limited stock project is 90% sold contact the Don Ha Projects team for more information

FOR SALE

RAMADA NEWMARKET Auckland, New Zealand 41-43 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket

1-3

From $644,000

Don Ha Joe Fealoai mob: 021 858431 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

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An initial $5,000 deposit can secure you one of these luxury resident apartments pay nothing more until completion date which is late 2020 Auckland population is projected a further 700,000 residents by 2050. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40,000 p.a. increase Buy now and secure a piece of Auckland City for your future capital growth, double grammar zone and City front living. Investment = Capital Growth = Location Contact the DON HA Projects Team for more information

COMMERCIAL

FRANK'S EATERY Queenstown, New Zealand Shop 7, RAMADA REMARKABLES

PBN

Don Ha Steve Starke mob: 027 5413061 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution

Full Personal guarantee on rental Lease Term 7 Years Rent $128,400 pa +GST Tenant to pay outgoing costs This ethical, family-run cafe in Frankton is a hidden gem. Nestled under the Ramada hotel on Hawthorne Drive, Frank's Eatery offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, made from free-range produce and locally-sourced ingredients. Contact us for more information

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COMMERCIAL

FRANK's PANTRY Queenstown, New Zealand Shop 3 RAMADA REMARKABLES

PBN

Don Ha Joe Fealoai mob: 021 858431 | 021 968309 don.ha@remax.co.nz RE/MAX Revolution

Personal Guarantee on Rental Lease Term 8 Years Rent $109,350 pa +GST Tenant to pay outgoing costs With cosy, cushioned-corners and a range of grab-and-go options, Frank's covers all bases and will be your go-to for takeaway coffee, a catch up with friends or a bright space to work from. Frank's is all you need Contact the DON HA Projects Team for more information

Top One Real Estate 2015 LTD

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On Location: Flat Bush, North Island, New Zealand. Where are we?

The Market:

Flat Bush, is a suburb of South-East Auckland in New Zealand’s North Island. Approximately 24km south-east from Auckland’s city centre, it is one of New Zealand’s largest new planned towns and is spread over 1700 hectares. There has been substantial development in the area to allow for population growth and it is anticipated the suburb will reach at least 40,000 residents by 2025.

With a number of developers in south-east Auckland, Flat Bush is gaining a lot of interest due to its proximity to major city centres and planned infrastructure. With high demand for housing to accommodate the large population growth, buyers are looking outside of central Auckland to purchase property, with Flat Bush an attractive option for first home buyers and investors. Homes in Flat Bush are relatively affordable in comparison to Auckland, with property prices currently around $800,000, upwards to around $1million. While the market has slowed slightly in comparison to 12 months ago, the demand for property is still there and it is anticipated that the market will continue to grow in line with the need for housing.

Designed and developed to ensure that people, places and the environment are given emphasis, it includes one of New Zealand’s largest parks, Barry Curtis Park, a 94-hectare green zone running directly through the suburb, which features the county’s first ever cable-drawn bridge. Expertly planned infrastructure has allowed for residents to enjoy modern, urban living, surrounded by natural waterways.

The Office: RE/MAX Partners was established in 2016 by broker owner Frank Cui, and has grown to become a high performing office in the Auckland region. RE/MAX Partners is a three-dimensional office, which includes a mix of teams, individual agents, property management team and administration/ support. Together the office provide a wide range of services including residential sales and leasing, business sales, development and land release sales, with the team priding themselves on providing excellence in service.

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In Frank’s View: Flat Bush, and indeed the larger south-east Auckland region are experiencing extensive growth in terms of population, with the need for sustainable housing and infrastructure a key factor for local government. Logistically, Flat Bush is in an ideal location, central to the larger well-established areas of Manukau and Botany Downs, and just a short distance to Auckland city this is a particularly attractive feature of the region, with buyers able to work in close proximity to home. Flat Bush has a long-term strategic plan, with pre-planned infrastructure in place to help with the cost of affordability, which remains a key driver for sales in the area.

she needed to be. Tiffany was the best. Knew the moves and the spots (for continuity) better than the adults! Why did House Hunters International decide to include Tiffany in the series? Americans love dog stories. So, as soon as I saw Tracey and Tiffany on Facebook, I knew I had to get them on an episode. Are you scouting for Australian and New Zealand talent at present? I’m always looking for new shows especially in new places. I’ve done a lot in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and I would love to showcase more of Australia as well as New Zealand!

Property stars on TV screen VIEW TALKS WITH ANITA POTERI FROM ITCHY FEET MEDIA

What can you tell us about your role with House Hunters International? I cast, produce and direct most of the Australian episodes. I also have filmed in Asia, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand over the years. I have been working with Leopard Films USA for nearly eight years and I hit my 200th episode with them in recent weeks. I love my job as I get to showcase my country to the world. House Hunters International is currently shown in 100 countries. In America alone they get over 10 million views per episodes so it is brilliant for Australian tourism. How do you source content for the show – home hunters, real estate agents, the properties themselves? Most of the time agents contact me and tell me that they have just rented to, or sold to, an international couple or family, and then I start the audition process with them. Also people find me on Facebook and then I find a local real estate agent to present the episode.

If anyone is interested in appearing on House Hunters International, what can they do? They can email me their details on anita@ itchyfeetmedia.com. No camera-shy people please!

About Anita Poteri and Itchy Feet Media: Itchy Feet Media is a Sunshine Coast-based production house specialising in producing and directing local and international TV shows. Anita Poteri began in television in 1995 as a runner and rapidly worked her way up the ladder, zigzagging from production to the creative side, giving her vast experience in all facets of the media industry. House Hunters International is a real estate/travel show where home hunters and their real estate agents check out all sorts of architectural styles and work through the idiosyncrasies of buying real estate in other countries. The long-running reality TV series is aired on the House & Garden TV network and Lifestyle channels around the world.

About Tiffany: Tiffany lives in Brisbane, Queensland, works in real estate and became the darling of American television when she appeared in an episode of House Hunters International, filmed in Brisbane’s western suburbs mid-February this year. She has been an integral part of RE/MAX United Vision agent Tracey Ashley’s business since 2013.

What are you looking for when you choose your subjects? I’m always looking for fun, vibrant and enthusiastic people who are keen to tell their story on TV as well as showcase their town to the world. W.C. Fields famously said ‘Never work with animals or children.’ However, we saw Tiffany, the Shih Tzu x Cavalier, who partners with RE/MAX United Vision agent Tracey Ashley, on the show earlier this year. How did that go? We had a lot of fun with the Tracey and Tiffany. Tiffany was a super star and knew exactly where

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Wearing my other hat When RE/MAX Coast and Country broker owner Chris Ryan describes ‘who he is’ on the office web site, along with surfer, gardener, dad, employer, learner and other stuff is this: farmer. Yes, wearing his other hat, the real estate business owner and sales and property management specialist works a property on the Sunshine Coast where he has 250 specialist fruit trees and runs a small herd of Droughtmaster cattle. Chris supplies native produce to markets all over Australia as well as restaurants, cafes and selected food retail outlets in his local region. Given your strong corporate and business background, how did you get into primary production? It’s funny how you often get back to follow what interested you when you were young. I studied horticulture at university in New Zealand. I worked in orchards and grew summer annuals to afford the OE (overseas experience), which is something we all wanted to do at the time. Mine became a five-year experience. My desire to earn a living from growing things rescinded as other career opportunities came up. And then the opportunity arose – and the desire returned.

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Finger limes are your star performers, I’ve heard. What is involved in growing them? How many trees do you have? When’s harvest and what’s the yield? Finger limes are a native citrus of South East Queensland. That said, you have to have the pHperfect, the right balance of nutrients, and you can’t over or under-water. The bulk of my trees are finger limes but I also grow figs and tamarillos. I grow the pink ones – a hybrid, Rainforest Pearl – because these are favoured by restaurants. Unusually for citrus, finger limes are harvested January to April, and we harvest about a ton per year. We pick, wash, sort and pack. They are hand-picked by a small team of family and friends. There’s a two-day window of opportunity for each fruit, and a degree of skill involved, as they are picked with a ‘light tickle’ to tell you it is the right time. And we have to avoid the three S’s. That’s snakes, spiders and spikes. Do you have a favourite way to use finger limes? I love them in a cheesecake, and with seafood. How do you fit everything into a working day? The only way is to make lists and prioritise. During the season, my day starts at 4am. We work before and after the office – and somehow I just have to fit it all in.

RE/MAX Realty Group sales associate Debbie Aldred could probably open a hat shop with what she’s amassed through careers including transport business owner, fashion designer, landscaper and dive instructor. She’s fished for barramundi, was one of the youngest females in Australian history to become a Grade 1A Marine Captain on a multimillion dollar prawn vessel and is a passionate yachtie. An elite-level agent in Australia for some 16 years, Debbie returned home to New Zealand permanently around two and a half years ago. She too wears a farmer’s hat when she’s not selling property around the Matakana Coast, north of Auckland. When did you first become involved in real estate? I always wanted to become a real estate agent. While I was a kid, my parents developed farms in New Zealand; but my passion for the adventures of the ocean was stronger in my youth, so I ran off to sea. In 2000, after four sons, I did a full Principal’s license before joining a major real estate group in Cairns, Australia. I started up two of my own offices, sold out in 2012, parked my license at RE/MAX in Cairns with Tony Williamson, and worked my team there until I moved to New Zealand in December 2014. How did you fall into farming? I am New Zealand born and bred, and brought up farming. My father unfortunately passed away leaving Mum on Tongue Farm. The eldest of three girls, I wanted Mum to be able to stay on the farm without bringing in an outside manager. She is very hands-on, and I simply could not see her anywhere but on the farm. When my youngest son turned 18, my partner, Les Marsh, and I packed up our big lives in Australia, and moved to New Zealand.

What can you tell us about Tongue Farm? It’s the most beautiful farm you can imagine! It was Mum and Dad’s ‘retirement farm’, small in the scheme of things at only 78 hectares. We are a fattening farm and usually run around 600 sheep and 150 cattle. Lambing season usually involves the birth of 300+ lambs; we had 30 orphans last year to hand feed.

How do you fit it all in? We get up early each morning to do the rounds around the animals, especially during winter when lambs are arriving and hay needs to be fed out to cattle. Working in real estate gives us flexibility. If we are shearing sheep, docking lambs, dealing with burst water pipes or a ewe in trouble, we can work around it. My phone is always in my hand. I am always texting, calling, emailing from the middle of paddocks, mud, hay barns, wool sheds…We came to New Zealand for a healthy work balance. If we’re not working, we might be off fishing or sailing in our yacht. My clients all know I’m high-energy and run a farm; and no vendor ever complains about fresh mushrooms or snapper fillets being dropped off at their front door!

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On Location: Mackay, Queensland, Australia Where are we?

The Market:

Nicknamed the sugar capital of Australia, Mackay is a city located 970km north of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, and is situated almost exactly halfway along the state’s east coast. As its nickname suggests it is a large producer of sugarcane, but it is also a major mining centre for Central Queensland.

Like many other regional centres which are heavily industry based, Mackay has had its fair share of fluctuations. After a quite dramatic and unexpected mining downturn, Mackay’s real estate market took a big hit, but for those able to hold on to their property they are beginning to see a gradual upturn. There has been a slight increase in sales, driven mainly by owner occupiers. Property prices are currently sitting around $325,000 for a three-bedroom house. Unit prices, which are currently in high supply/low demand, are sitting around $200,000.

Mackay has undergone a revival in more recent times with the city being re-invigorated and welcoming a new trendy culture of vibrant eateries and nightlife, as well as becoming a popular location for cultural festivals in the region. Moving away from the mining town it has come to be known as in the past, Mackay is very much a community-minded and family friendly city. With the Pioneer River flowing through the city and the Great Barrier Reef a short trip away, Mackay is very much a water lover’s playground.

The Office: Broker owner Hayley Van de Ven saw an opportunity to re-establish the RE/MAX brand in Mackay over a year ago and, with her small team of dedicated agents, runs RE/MAX Results Mackay office. The close nit team specialise in residential sales and leasing, as well as holiday letting. Hayley and her team saw a need to cater to expectant parents visiting from regional towns throughout Central Queensland, linking up with the Mackay Base Hospital to provide suitable accommodation to families.

Although property prices remain low, they are slowly on the rise thanks to an increase in sales and less time on the market. Overall, Mackay’s market is looking positive heading into the future.

In Hayley’s View: Mackay has been recognised as a mining town for a long time and is very much, in a way, an undervalued city which has so much to offer. After the market’s downturn several years ago, there has been significant investment put into the city and it is definitely experiencing a revival at the moment - both in terms of lifestyle and real estate. Mackay has a great community feel and is making a comeback as a family orientated city. As the city continues its growth and appeal, interest from investors will no doubt drive up prices, but for now we’re seeing an influx of younger buyers entering the market, particularly first home buyers purchasing homes while prices are low.

remaxresults.com.au

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Not sure where to invest? Take a look around... WITH TEAM TANG AND KIDD, RE/MAX ZEST, NZ

Team Tang and Kidd, Lily Tang and Graeme Kidd of RE/MAX Zest, have earned themselves a strong reputation for sourcing new ventures quickly. When it comes to expanding an investment portfolio, investors may steer away from new developments and upcoming suburbs because they worry about lack of historical information. Detail such as past figures and data on what kind of return can be expected is not at hand. However, taking a closer look at what is on offer surrounding the property may provide a very sound indication. Of course, a property’s physical characteristics impact its success in the rental marketplace, but equally as influential is the property’s location and accessibility to facilities surrounding the property. Looking away from physical characteristics, considering what type of infrastructure is being put into a particular area will lead to the knowledge of how potential owners will benefit from living there. As the population grows, so too does the need for housing and subsequent infrastructure to accommodate this. More and more urban developments are in the works throughout the country, with an ongoing view to future planning. Particular locations are identified as growth corridors, for example, and whole new suburbs or even cities planned to the need needs of growing populations. Not only is this growth critical to maintain the future of the growing population, but money being spent in any particular area can indicate a growing opportunity for investors. When it comes to the type of infrastructure and development, as well as anticipated completion times, information is usually available on local council websites and on other websites such a government transport departments. As for private developers, information can usually be found

on their websites, which often showcase the overall planning for the future of these upcoming communities. Upgrades to current infrastructure and, indeed, creation of new developments are likely to make an area more desirable. Schools, public transport, roads, hospitals and health centres, shopping centres, and even parks and walkways are all valuable and necessary infrastructure, and maintain a strong indication for future growth. With many people feeling they lead hectic and time-poor lives, having everything they need close by is a particularly attractive feature, which the majority of prospective owners strongly consider when looking for a property to buy. Whether you are considering purchasing property in a new development, or an established area, it pays to research what kind of money is being spent on local infrastructure and it can be said that there is no insurance for investors like solid infrastructure. Some points to consider: •

Most new developments will have a building/ construction standard to adhere to.

•

Costs to meet infrastructure standards may be covered by developers or passed on once building permits are granted.

•

Most urban developments are on a council water supply and/or sewage system, but not all are.

•

Retaining walls, if required, may add considerable cost to a build.

Some issues can cost heavily and therefore influence your purchase decision. The marketing agents should be able to help you understand such matters.

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Will there soon be a real estate robot in your life? BY CARRIE LAW, JUWAI.COM | RE/MAX PARTNER

Carrie Law is CEO of Juwai.com, the No. 1 Chinese international property platform She has over 20 years of experience in providing effective total solutions for customers in real estate and media, including digital, social media, outdoor, print and television. Her prior roles include senior Greater China executive with the REA Group (ASX:REA) and General Manager of iProperty Group, Asia’s No. 1 online property group. There might soon be a robot helping your local RE/MAX office work with buyers. The robots will come from the Chinese real estate website, Juwai.com. The first ones should arrive in Australia by the end of the year. Some of the robots will work in real estate offices and developer showrooms. Because they speak perfect Mandarin, their job will be to help local RE/MAX real estate agents communicate with Chinese-speaking buyers, landlords, and vendors. In some parts of Australia, there are more and more Chinese-speaking citizens, students, investors, and permanent residents. The RE/MAX offices in these areas are the ones that might get Juwai real estate robots first. Other Juwai robots will be available for families to use as home service robots. Unfortunately, this model won’t wash your windows or your laundry. They won’t even wash your dishes. But if you have trouble getting around, are at home alone, and are at risk of falling or other health emergencies, they could be a lifesaver. Family members can use the robot’s screen and ability to move around indoors to check up and say hello to loved ones, such as elderly parents. I hate to imagine a situation in which my Grannie has an accident and falls to the floor but can’t get back up.

“If she had a Juwai robot, she would just have to say ‘Call for help’.” robot’s speakers and camera to talk to my Grannie, reassure her, and visually evaluate how serious the emergency is. An earlier model of the Juwai robot already provides security and access control at the premises of large facilities, such as convention centers, universities, and transit centers. The robots won an award last year at the Shanghai International Service Robot Show.

If she had a Juwai robot, she would just have to say ‘Call for help’, and the robot would immediately call for assistance.

What are the key features of the Juwai robot? Each one has built-in facial recognition. It can converse in fluent Mandarin. And it is protected from being hacked by blockchain technology.

Within moments, I, a neighbor, or even a paramedic would be notified. Not only would we learn of the emergency, but we would also be able to use the

The Juwai robot will cost only about AU$2,600 (NZ$2,800) and stands a friendly 1.4 meters tall.

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In search of Mr/Ms Right WITH JEREMY CROSLAND, RE/MAX GO FOR SOLD, NZ

Once you have come to the decision to sell your home, the next ‘biggie’ is deciding who will list and market it for you. This is when you become more than ‘property owner’. You are now ‘vendor’ or ‘seller’. And you have the power! Choosing the right local agent can help to achieve the best sale price, and sell your home faster rather than watch it linger on the market. I say ‘local’ because an agent with strong ties to the local community will have the greatest knowledge of what’s going on in the local property market, a solid database of potential buyers they’ve established relationships with and a strong network through other agents. This is the person who will help you get the most out of your sale. A RE/MAX agent also enjoys greater access to a global marketplace than many other agents. My guide to finding the right agent includes assessing the following: •

•

Do they seem passionate about their role as agent, and about selling YOUR home? Agents with genuine heart and passion are often seen to help out with property presentation, organise tradies, and more. Can they demonstrate market knowledge, including buyer activity and previous sales of properties like yours? How well does the agent know and understand the immediate neighbourhood and the suburb, more than what a quick Google will tell? Can they talk about shops and entertainment facilities, the schools and parks, and about planned developments in the area, for example?

•

What can they tell you about surrounding suburbs, and about new housing developments and land estates? What are the market trends?

•

Are they associated with a reputable agency?

•

Can they demonstrate a proven track record, experience and enthusiasm; and most importantly, are they someone you feel comfortable with, who you can respect and trust?

•

Do you hear and read recommendations from past clients, your family, friends and acquaintances?

•

Can they speak logically and tangibly about their suggested strategy for success, even if it doesn’t completely align with your thoughts on the sales process?

•

Do they have a very good understanding of what local buyers want and how to attract them?

•

Can they talk openly and honestly about your home, even suggesting any repairs or upgrades you might consider?

A good local agent will also be able to help you visualise what your ideal buyer wants and lead you in a positive direction in selling your home. My top five reasons for using an agent are that the agent: •

Knows how to make better sense of market data and the entire selling process;

•

Can commit dedicated time to the marketing and sale process;

•

Can see your home through a buyer’s eyes;

•

Negotiates without being personally involved; and

•

Can better react to the unexpected.

And while some choose to do it, selling your home without a real estate agent can simply be risky.

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On Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand Where are we?

The Market:

Rotorua is located on New Zealand’s North Island, approximately 450km north of the country’s capital, Wellington. Its central location makes it an accessible and evolving town. It is a city for adventurers and lovers of the outdoors, with almost endless activities showcasing the country’s beauty, and is a major destination for domestic and international tourists. Steeped in tradition Rotorua is known for its rich Maori history, with many visitors coming to experience it for themselves and admiring the town’s natural beauty.

Rotorua is this year seeing a more stable and sustainable property market after fluctuating cycles over the last few years. While this is not uncommon, property prices have been steadily rising. After a period of playing catch up to larger, more populous cities, Rotorua is seeing a stronger market in terms of property value, but there is still somewhat of a shortage of stock on offer for buyers. The median sale price in Rotorua is around $385,000 making it an affordable option in comparison to larger cities. Being driven primarily by investors and first-home-buyers, it is expected that house prices will continue to rise and supply and demand will improve over the coming months.

Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is a located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua. The town’s beauty is showcased largely by its geothermal activity with bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and crystal clear streams, as well as large forestry surrounding the town.

The Office: RE/MAX Central is based in the Rotorua district of the Bay of Plenty and was opened in 2016 by broker owners AJ and Donna Russell. With a strong background in property management, AJ and Donna continue to provide a fresh approach and energy which has been paramount in growing the success of the office. With a dedicated and passionate close-knit team of agents, RE/MAX Central prides itself on providing outstanding service to its clients. Concentrating on the Rotorua region, the team provides exceptional service across the board in residential sales and leasing.

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In Donna’s View: Rotorua is a pretty town which is very central and is rich in history – it is one of the many things that attract people to the area, myself included. It is a beautiful place to live and particularly attractive to those who love to get outside and explore. Rotorua is a large investment town with both local and out-of-town investors showing interest in the area thanks to the high yields that can be achieved. With affordable real estate opportunities we are seeing a lot of people relocate to Rotorua who are consolidating and taking advantage of all the city has to offer. Currently experiencing a hot property market, spring will no doubt bring an influx of property available and it’s anticipated that Rotorua will continue to experience excellent growth into the future.

Ahead of the game WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE A SOFTWARE ENGINEER WITH A PASSIONATE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT? HENRY WONG

80 per cent of his listings are initiated by the vendor.

More time-effective = more time to build relationships = greater profitability. He is serious about his data base; he issues super-detailed quarterly updates; and his team door-knocks a minimum of 200 houses in the vicinity of any property he’s listed. You were a software engineer, with a Bachelor of Information Technology. What turned your head to real estate? My father was in real estate. I actually tried every career other than real estate. Finally I’d exhausted all options and I realized there was no other career for me where I could earn such money doing what I was good at. And I went into it with no Plan B. I’ve worked in both commercial and residential real estate sectors. The two professions seem so far removed; or do you find there are transferrable skills and attitudes? I am very analytical, a strategic thinker and problem solver. I seek the most efficient solutions. I have always been a disciplined person, both financially and emotionally. You need that to be a successful real estate agent. My key habits, in business and in life: consistency; surpassing my goals; and doing things when I don’t feel like doing them. I believe your mantra is ‘opening doors to greater markets’. Can you explain? Yes, it’s my trademark. It means thinking about all the different ways buyers can find a property I’m marketing, how I can lead them to a property that may be nowhere, or nothing like, they were thinking of. I market with maps, videos, comments from neighbours, and other elements that introduce them to suburban livability factors as well as the home itself. Buyers come from Sydney, Melbourne and overseas. And people with money have choices

– they don’t need to be in a particular school catchment, for example, because they are driving their kids to private schools. You conduct many more private inspections than you hold open homes. What is the reason for this? I am building relationships with buyers and sellers. That’s harder to do at opens. Also, being able to accommodate a buyer’s request for a viewing speeds up the process. Agents don’t value buyers enough, I think. There’s no sale without a buyer! Also, I think some agents unwisely spend money on things that don’t or won’t work to make them money. They should focus on relationships. You launched a new web site in recent months, Henrywong.com.au. Tell us about it. It is mobile phone friendly, bilingual, has a currency converter and professional videos of the home, the immediate neighbourhood and the suburb, just to name a few features. By bringing your technological skills into the real estate profession, you have created points-ofdifference to other agents in the market. Which of these are most appreciated by your customers? 1. Communication, especially responsiveness. If I buyer has a question, I get them an answer immediately. No question goes unanswered! 2.

Highly efficient and productivity. My team is totally prepared.

Lateral strategic thinking.

4. And they love the videos with neighbourhood information. If you were an inventor, what would you most like to invent to benefit the real estate world? Artificial intelligence to gather up all the information from the buyer and link them with their perfect property. Or a hologram, where all the senses are evoked when they do a ‘walk through’ of a home. Actually anything that would give me more time to spend on human relationships.

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Ballooning takes RE/MAX® to the skies Balloon Promoters Ltd is New Zealand’s leading supplier of specialist promotional balloons. Chris and Wendy Bransgrove have been operating since 1989 when inflatable advertising was a fairly new concept in New Zealand. Chris gives us an insight into his business…and his passion. How did your interest in ballooning come about? We owned a caravan yard in Palmerston North. At the time there was an advertisement on the TV which featured a balloon, and we would see that same balloon flying right over us. After a couple of months of this, I decided to look into it as I was keen to go up for a ride. I tracked down someone who knew something about who was behind the balloons and it turned out to be the owner, Andy Nicholson, who only lived five kilometres away. It seemed the way to get a ride was to buy my own balloon. There were only four hot air balloons in New Zealand at the time.

One was for sale in Christchurch; so I bought it and Andy taught me to fly from his farm. It wouldn’t happen like that today! This was about 35 years ago. How did your interest develop into a business venture? I had many people – both home owners and agents – asking me to fly over properties they were selling. They were really keen to advertise in this way. I began looking into advertising blimps, which led to a trip to the United States to find out more about helium balloons and cold air balloons for use in advertising. I have an artistic background, so I started making my own balloons. And the advertising business just grew and grew. You are widely known as the ‘balloon specialists of New Zealand’. How great is your presence? For example, National Agricultural Field Days at Mystery Creek, is the largest agribusiness exhibition in New Zealand and said to be the biggest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere. We do 99 per cent of the advertising balloons at the event – and there’s usually around seven to ten helium-filled and a mix of cold air-filled balloons in all. As well, we do the cold air inflatables in any shape – from a cow to a piece of pipe. How often does the RE/MAX balloon inflate? There is only one RE/MAX balloon in New Zealand and we own it. It flies at many events across any given year, including hot air balloon fiestas. The main events are in Hamilton (Balloons over

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Waikato); in Masterton, Carterton & Martinborough; and in Horarata just out of Christchurch where there were about ten balloons last event. How many hot air balloons do you own? Four is the maximum number of balloons I’ve owned but only have the one now. We’ve owned the RE/MAX balloon for the past 15 years. It attracts a lot of attention. The media love is because of its huge and striking signage. Do you think of ballooning as a business first and foremost? Hot air ballooning is a family sport and passion. Both our sons have learned to fly the balloon, and one is also a pilot flying for Air New Zealand. Wendy handles the ‘retrieve’ which is quite a difficult role. You need to be a special person to do this. Normally there are three people in the basket. We don’t do paid flights though, just family and friends. We love the events because we get to meet all the other balloonists, and we compete. There are only about 40 hot air balloons in New Zealand, with only about 20 of these in regular use. What’s a memorable ballooning event? In 2002, we went to New Mexico. We borrowed a balloon and went to a Kentucky event where there were 100 hot air balloons. Only 15 lifted that day because of weather conditions – and we were one of them. We then drove across New Mexico to another festival with 800 balloons. There was a competition there called ‘Flight of the nations’ where two balloons from each nation around the globe went up then had to touch down and put a marker on a target… and back up again. We won!

And watch out for Chris Bransgrove in another business venture. He has invented a D-shackle, and is about to launch ‘Nu-D’ through New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, USA and Europe. Look for the big blue pin!

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RE/MAX First Easter Hunt

RE/MAX Advantage gala event

RE/MAX in the community. RE/MAX is committed to community support, an attitude that runs wholeheartedly through the networks in both countries. Team served up morning tea fundraiser. RE/MAX Living in Burpengary, north of Brisbane, hosted an ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ event in May. Broker owner Kathy Sweeney said the team was behind the event, with proceeds going to Cancer Council Queensland. Gala event for local charity. More than 200 attended ‘Charity Begins @ Home – Our Home & Community’ the event at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, Queensland. RE/MAX Advantage raised $52,300, plus was gifted two brand new bicycles, for the Branches Lifestyle Support (BLS) charity. RE/MAX First cocktail party

RE/MAX Zest Easter Hunt

RE/MAX First has high community profile. Around 200 adults and children turned out for the team’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. All donations went to Make-A-Wish® Australia. In June, Sunshine Coast radio, 92.7 Mix FM broadcast its morning show live from RE/MAX First in Caloundra as part of the station’s Give Me 5 for Kids annual appeal, and had breakfast for the first 300 there. RE/MAX First’s Karl Rademeyer scored the show by winning it with a $5000 charity auction bid. The office also became Gold Sponsor for the inaugural fundraiser cocktail party for Currimundi Special School in Caloundra. RE/MAX represented at Commonwealth Games. In March, RE/MAX A1’s Pushpa Ajay Bakshi led the Queen’s Baton Relay in a community celebration in Ipswich. Her involvement in the 2018 Commonwealth Games continued when she and husband Ajay, RE/MAX A1 broker owner, were volunteers. Finance specialist took top billing as charity event organiser. Pivotal Financial’s Ash Chandra’s Gala for a Wish, was a huge success in June with approximately 140 guests in attendance at Moda Events Portside in Hamilton, Brisbane. Ash fully expected to hit the $5000 mark for Make-A-Wish® Australia. RE/MAX Regency runs a great race. The 7 News Gold Coast Running Festival presented by RE/MAX attracted 1568 participants across five different distances. RE/MAX Regency sponsored the Festival in 2016 and 2017, when it was called the Gold Coast Fun Run, and again this year.

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RE/MAX Go For Sold Pink Ribbon Breakfast

RE/MAX A1 in relay

RE/MAX Realty Group Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Pivotal Financial Gala for a Wish

RE/MAX women with a purpose. In May, women of RE/MAX came together to promote entrepreneurship. Wine, Women and Wishes, the special evening in support of Make-A-Wish® Australia, raised more than $1000. Fundraiser has personal meaning for RE/MAX team. RE/MAX Go For Sold hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at its Palmerston North office in May. This year’s event, the fourth for the office, attracted about 150 people. Pamela Lee Burge and her team raised more than $8,000 for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

RE/MAX First breakfast radio

Fundraiser auction was sell-out success. More than 100 attended a sell-out fundraiser hosted by RE/MAX Realty Group in March, raising more than $17,000 for the Mahurangi Rugby Club in New Zealand. It’s the third such event for broker owners, Ben and Nola Kloppers. The office was also involved in two other fundraisers in the same week, with Ben Kloppers the auctioneer for The Long White Dinner and an event for the New Zealand Fire Brigade.

RE/MAX Regency fun run

Warkworth real estate team hosts another successful breakfast. Then in May, RE/MAX Realty Group hosted an event on the back of last year’s inaugural Pink Ribbon Breakfast, inviting more than 100 guests to The Bridgehouse Lodge and raising around $3450 for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. Busy time in Pokeno, New Zealand. RE/MAX Zest hosted its annual Easter egg hunt at the Pokeno cottage in April. In May, RE/MAX Zest sales associate Lisa Walden sponsored what has become an unmissable local community event, the Pokeno School Quiz Night. Time for some mega networking. New Zealand broker owner Don Ha and RE/MAX Revolution hosted a Mega Network Event in June at the Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre. The no-charge event was sponsored by Safari Group, New Zealand’s largest hotel developer.

RE/MAX Realty Group rugby fundraiser

RE/MAX Living morning tea

RE/MAX Revolution

Knitting some warmth into needy families. If you spot RE/MAX New Zealand General Manager Corinna Mansell with balls of yarn in her arms, it means there’s a warm blanket on the way to a family! She is working with Variety - The Children’s Charity to provide blankets and clothing for families in need. Warm-hearted New Zealanders who can join her are welcome to contact her any time of the year. Email cmansell@remax.co.nz.

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The Edge: How social media is playing an important role in the changing nature of real estate. Technology has given us the gift of connecting with people instantaneously all over the world, and in addition to that, social media - in its various forms - has given us the means to connect with people we would otherwise never come across. And from a real estate perspective, connecting, indeed engaging, with a larger audience opens up a world of opportunity. VIEW writer Jennifer Kent spoke with RE/MAX Result’s agent Leonardo Di Pinto who is pushing the envelope on the way in which he markets his properties, and it is attracting major attention. With a creative background behind him, Leo is determined to blend the old with the new, using new platforms to enhance the way in which properties are being marketed. How is social media fitting into the real estate industry? Being able to engage with people is a very powerful tool, particularly in our industry. Thinking in terms of ‘seven points of contact’, which is a marketing theory suggesting people need to be exposed to something seven times before purchasing, being able to utilise as many platforms as possible to engage with potential buyers will be of greater benefit. Social media is essentially creating another level of marketing, giving agents the advantage of sharing with not only our immediate network,

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but also their networks, thereby connecting with a larger audience of potential buyers almost instantaneously. What social media platforms do you use? There is such a variety of media platforms now, which is fantastic as we’re given the opportunity to utilise multiple tools in various forms to promote the same property. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter are the main platforms I use and all to differing extents. What is great about them is that you’re able to share the same message in different ways, engaging with different audiences, all the while connecting them together and bringing the content back to the brand - in my case, ‘Leo, the real estate agent’.

What this means is that before I get a chance to introduce myself face-to-face, in person, they know me as the ‘you got this’ guy from the video. Already we’ve developed this connection. How are you staying up to date with social media? I think of it as an extension of myself as an agent, therefore it has become a part of my work. These different platforms are easy to navigate, making it easy to connect with the public quickly. Keeping content up to date and current is important, whether it be a short blurb, a photo, a snippet of a video, even just a personal message gives an opportunity to get in front of an audience and connect them with the property. A Facebook post, or an Instagram photo are not always used as direct marketing of a property, but rather a subconscious engagement which peaks their interest and directs them to explore the property themselves. What are your clients expecting by way of social media from you? They come to expect it now, in fact for a lot of them it is one of reasons they have approached me to sell their property in the first place. Being the public platform that it is, it also gives them an opportunity to engage with buyers and become involved in the process themselves. I have had clients calling to see when next I’ll be posting something about their property, because they know it will engage with potential buyers. They follow and have seen what I’ve previously done marketing other properties and want something similar for their property, but of course no two properties are the same, therefore they’ll be marketed differently. How do more traditional forms of marketing, such as print, work with social media? Many people still want to use print, which is great as it is proven to be effective in selling property, but by using social media as well, the properties can potentially reach a much larger buying public. The different platforms can work inversely, for example, you can put a link to your Facebook or twitter account within a newspaper advertisement or share a print advertisement through your social media. By complimenting each other, they’re giving buyers additional sources to explore the property. You created a video for one of your recent properties on the market, how did this process come about? There are a few people, actually more and more now, that are doing really creative and exciting things in terms of marketing properties. Coming from a creative background myself, I have a strong interest in film and music, and I wanted to do be able to do something fun and really stand out. I was able to connect with a number of social media influencers to get them involved in the project and this has helped it to reach a much larger audience. The actual production was a massive process, but

one in which the seller had full faith in and I think we were able to highlight really well not only the property itself, but what the purchaser is buying into. When I first spoke with you, that particular video had reached 12,000 views - it’s now over 20,000. It’s had great exposure which is largely due to the platforms we used to share it on. I have a large following on both my Facebook account and Instagram account. The video was originally shared on Facebook, with snippets through Instagram as well, and it was naturally liked and shared. Those involved with the project also have a large audience on their own social media, so their involvement enhanced the audience we were marketing the property too. What would be your advice to sellers about the use of social media? Social media is a free tool, regardless of the way in which it is being used (photos of the property, information on open homes etc.) it plays a significant role in people’s lives these days, and those people could be potential buyers. Essentially, the more people your property is exposed to, the better. You can follow Leo’s social media on: Instagram - @leopintorealtor Facebook – Leonardo Di Pinto Realtor

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Investing, but maybe not as you know it WITH SCOTT MACKEY, RE/MAX PRECISION, AU

‘Rent-vesting’ is a reasonably common term these days in many circles. Basically, ‘rent-vesting’ allows you to rent a property and live in the area you want, while owning an investment property in another area, potentially off-setting your cost of living. Ideally you will be renting out your investment for more money than the property that you are renting. This can give you an opportunity to live in area that you may not be able to afford as an owner occupier, but as a tenant or in an alternative style of property. By not needing to live in the area in which you’ve invested, you can spread the risk of your capital by investing in several suburbs or even states with high returns on rentals. The difference in property prices means you may also be able to buy several properties in an alternative location with higher rental returns, than the property you are renting in your ideal location. For example, you could potentially rent a $750,000 property paying out $600 a week. With that capital, you could purchase three $250,000 houses, from which you might earn $300 per week each. Rent-vesting ticks include possible tax deductions, a positive weekly cash flow and usually the ability to change up your lifestyle more quickly. Negatives may be that you are on a lease and the landlord controls if that is renewed; the rent can increase, and the property could be sold while you’re living there. Rent-vesting may help buyers enter the market sooner, and it may be especially attractive to first home buyers to live in a unit close to work while they invest in an older property in a higher growth area. They may even choose to upgrade and build equity in that property while much of the cost is tax deductible.

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A lesser-used term is ‘board-vesting’. In this model, first-time buyers are most often moving back into their parents’ home or another family member’s home. Living with family while contributing to the household allows ‘board-vesters’ to put savings, along with the rent from their investment property, towards servicing their loan and also help with repair and maintenance costs that may be needed before tax time, when they can claim the tax deductions that they are entitled to. The big difference between ‘rent-vesters’ and ‘board-vesters’ is that the latter are paying board, generally to parents. When you board and look to invest in a rental property, the lenders might allow $400 to $1200 a month as a living cost for you. If you were paying rent or paying off a home loan, this sort of cost would more likely be per week than per month. Not only that, living with family means you probably reduce some of those basic household expenses like toilet paper and laundry detergent! Board-investing is something families might encourage with young adult children, but it’s not only young people who are evident in this group. Housing needs may be different as a result of separation, for example, so living with family and putting your share of a settlement into an investment property may be a smart move, combining the rental income with a now reduced household income to build on. The savings that can result from staying at home, generally with parents, while helping out with the work load and household expenses is a great leg-up and should be capitalised on if you have that opportunity. This may be a win-win for families as a whole.

Poolside lifestyle comes at a cost BY JENNIFER KENT

Think back to when you were purchasing your existing home, the one before or your very first. There were bound to be certain ‘must-have’ features you were looking for. You know the ones - openplan kitchen, parents retreat, ‘X’ number of bedrooms, helipad? Okay, maybe not that last one. But what about a pool? Did it make the list? There aren’t many people who sit on the fence when it comes to owning a home with a pool – some love it, others would rather do without it. This could be due to reasons such as climate, property size or simply a lack of interest. What owning a property with a pool really comes down to is the lifestyle of the people living there, and whether having a pool is integral to this lifestyle. The desire for a pool-side lifestyle affects the overall appeal of a property; and, as you will see often in property marketing, the pool becomes one of, if not the greatest, feature to attract buyers. Maybe you have purchased a property sans pool and are considering whether or not to have one installed. Pools aren’t a simple or inexpensive project, easily costing upwards of $20,000 for something fairly basic. It is a significant investment, and a big decision, for property owners. If having a pool as part of your lifestyle is important then there’s no doubt having one will be worth the cost; but, if you’re on the fence, consider that future buyers may not necessarily be interested in having one as part of their lifestyle. Perhaps you’ve spent $20,000 to $30,000 having a pool installed with greatest of the confidence that it will increase your property’s value. You’re sure you’ll get that money back when you sell, right? Well, perhaps not…

While most modifications will add value to a property to a certain extent, it may not always outweigh the cost of the renovation or addition in the first place. While the pool will no doubt appeal to a buyer who desires one, it may not necessarily increase the value of the property overall. Something else to consider is the lifestyle of the area you are living and whether a pool is particularly sought-after in that particular area. Neighbouring property’s features, climate and landscape are all good indicators of whether adding a pool will make a positive impact on re-sale value. It is a good idea to chat with your local real estate agent about the demand that they may have encountered for pools, which is another good reason for maintaining an ongoing relationship with an agent. A pool’s expenses don’t stop when the installation is complete, either. The upkeep in ensuring the water level is topped up, quality of water, general maintenance and safety standards are all ongoing. And for some buyers, this may actually turn them away from purchasing a property with a pool. Potential buyers are either invested in owning a home with a pool or owning a home without a pool. In saying this, a pool still tops the list of additional features that property buyers look for when searching online, so it must have a significant appeal to home buyers. But my last word, as a first home owner without a pool, is that regardless of whether potential future buyers of your property fall into the pool-positive or pool-negative category, if living poolside is important to you, why not enjoy it!

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One of a kind To an agent, every property they market, and every seller, deserves the same degree of attention and service. That said, every now and then something very special comes along that will stay in their mind long after the listing is over, the marketing campaign finished and the sale process come to an end. And being special may have nothing to do with sale price or the value of the marketing campaign. Here are three such properties.

Georgian mansion In the beautiful Hawkesbury region in New South Wales is ‘Fairfield House’, a property being marketed, at the time of VIEW going to print, by Morris Short, broker owner of RE/MAX Xtra in Parramatta.

Built in 1833, by the celebrated William Cox, an English explorer, this Georgian mansion on a 7825 sqm parcel of land along with an external bathroom and detached servants’ quarters, is on the market for the first time in close on 30 years. The two-storey residence along Fairfield Ave, Windsor dominates the western approach to Windsor from its high position. Morris said words were not enough to bring Fairfield House to life. “From the vast portico with tessellated tiles, through the grand cedar front door with a semicircular glass panel overhead reading ‘Fairfield’ and the tiled vestibule that opens into the reception room with its own elevated central skylight and yesteryear proportions, you just know this room was designed for entertaining on a grand scale. It was here that Henry McQuade, Manager of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Sydney, lavishly entertained his theatrical celebrities from 1866.” He said the property had just ten owners in its long history, and it was offered to the market by a family who bought it in 1989 and lived there since. Fairfield House in its heyday sported a cricket oval with a pavilion and a racetrack. A test match between a Hawkesbury 11 and an all-England Eleven was played on that very oval.

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Morris thinks the property cries out for a commercial operator to step in refurbish, restore and re-purpose a truly magnificent piece of Sydney history. Or if you are ‘to the manor born’, then Fairfield House could be the manor where your family can make its mark in history.

Extraordinary home and views In New Zealand, just 35 minutes drive from Nelson, on the top north-west coast of the South Island is a home that stays in the heart of agents Janice Emery and Di Connolly from RE/MAX Elite.

The stunning residence must surely have one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain and sea views. Located in the heart of Whangamoa, the home’s unique design gives a 360 degree view of Delaware Bay and out to the Tasman Sea. Janice and Di said the home had been a labour of love by the sellers and built over many years. It had been crafted from native timbers taken from the land and milled on site. Striking externally, it was internally a contemporary stunner. “It was an extraordinary home, and a truly private retreat The property sold in recent months.

‘Wild west’ dream cabin For Hayley Van de Ven, broker owner of RE/MAX Results, there is a ‘cute as a button’ cabin she sold at auction in Mackay, North Queensland, which she will continue to dream about for a long while. The remarkable timber cabin was set on five acres, and according to Hayley, was a cabin straight out of ‘Dr Quinn Medicine Woman’, the American Western drama series set in Colorado Springs in the late 1860s, which went to air in the 1990s. Looking at the photos, it is easy to imagine Jane Seymour as Dr. Quinn, a physician who leaves Boston in search of adventure, knocking on the cabin door to visit a patient! Hazledean, which is both the name of a small township just outside Mackay and the cabin itself, is an exceptionally well set up one-bedroom house. It has electricity, hot and cold running water, a fire place, and a fully-functioning kitchen and bathroom. The property is fully fenced, with a dam only a stone’s throw away from the front door. The new owner plans to make further improvements for the benefit of Hazledean guests; with RE/MAX Results managing it as an Airbnbstyle getaway.

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On Location: Southport, Queensland, Australia Where are we?

The Market:

Southport is a balance of city spice and natural beauty along the glistening coastal stretch of the Gold Coast. Once known as the Gold Coast’s hub for entertainment, Southport is now home to the buzzing CBD with a mix of office space and residential property as well as the many restaurants and retailers which all bring the city to life. Covering approximately 14 km2, Southport is home to one of the city’s largest populations, with people drawn to the relaxed beachside lifestyle with all the conveniences of city living close by. Behind the sprawling towers of the CBD, Southport is still home to quiet streets of large homes and multi-dwelling blocks. Central to a number of schools, excellent transport, Griffith University and the hospital, Southport is a suburb which has everything. Southport is located on the mouth of the Nerang River and overlooks the picturesque Broadwater Parklands. The Southport Spit is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is surrounded by water.

Over the last 12 months, interest in Southport property has remained consistent, with a steady increase in residential property prices experienced over the period. The Commonwealth Games earlier this year put a slight hold on the market, but infrastructure projects from the games positively affected the market with house prices jumping $35,000 over the last 12 months, with the median currently at $640,000. Unit prices have seen slightly lower growth annually, with prices sitting around $385,000. Growing employment opportunities on the coast are attracting homebuyers to the region, though interstate buyers and investors are continuing to crowd the market thanks to a record low vacancy rate.

The Office: Under the leadership of Kristoffer and Charlotte Sonter, RE/MAX Transact have recently celebrated its one year anniversary in the Southport office, and are quickly becoming one of the premier real estate agencies covering the region. With a combined 15 years of experience, Kris and Charlotte lead a small team of dedicated agents who work together and share a solid database in both commercial and residential sales and leasing. Being home to the Gold Coast’s CBD, a large proportion of RE/MAX Transact’s clientele have a vested interest in both commercial and residential property, with the team ensuring exceptional service in both sectors and across the board.

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In Kris & Charlotte’s View: Moving forward the cycle is looking positive for the Gold Coast. The investor sector is looking particularly strong, with the banks looking to increase investor loans after 1 July, 2018 after restrictions from APRA are lifted. Traditionally when Sydney and Melbourne markets cool down and slow, the money shifts north to the Gold Coast. Record low vacancy rates and higher rental yields combined with great value property means ‘more bang for your buck’. Therefore it makes commercial sense for southern investors to head north and cash out of Sydney and Melbourne where capital gains and rental yields are low.

Find us at: remax-transact.com.au

When you’re with RE/MAX, you’re global 2018 has already proved a year of significance for RE/MAX®, and every real estate customer reaps the rewards delivered through what the global brand achieves. The idea of RE/MAX came to Dave Liniger in Denver 45 years ago and what followed was a collaborative effort of spirited entrepreneurs who believed in the vision of what RE/MAX could become. This year, as the global brand celebrated its 45th birthday, and 45th international R4 Convention in Denver in February, the founders of RE/MAX, CEO Dave Liniger and wife Gail Liniger retired. Both remain actively involved however, including Dave’s role as non-executive Chairman of the Board and Gail’s as Vice Chair. Both will always be ambassadors for RE/MAX. In May, the new CEO, Adam Contos, announced that RE/MAX had topped 120,000 agents by the end of the 2018 first quarter. “That’s 120,000 RE/MAX professionals getting results for buyers and sellers. 120,000 potential referral partners for you to connect with. And 120,000 entrepreneurs pushing each other to even greater heights,” he said. In fact, worldwide, RE/MAX has added an additional 30,000-plus productive agents in the past five years. One of the fastest growing regions for RE/MAX is the Asia Pacific Region.

Managing Director, Michael Davoren, one of six regional owners on RE/MAX’s Global Advisory Council, said that for the first time ever, the greatest growth in RE/MAX globally in terms of agent and office count had come from outside the United States and Canada. The 2018 RE/MAX Asia Pacific Convention will be in Seoul, South Korea, from 27 to 29 August. Around 25 countries were represented at last year’s event held on the Gold Coast – agents representing real estate buyers and sellers in the Asia/Pacific Region as well as the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. As an extension to the Convention, Australian and New Zealand delegates can join an Asia Pacific study tour to the rapidly developing RE/MAX regions of Mongolia and Beijing. “Internationally, and particularly through our inter-regional relationships in the Asia Pacific, the volume of referrals and the sharing of business is growing. In fact it’s snowballing as these relationships are maturing. “And the scope of this – the opportunities it affords – is unique to RE/MAX.” When you combine an iconic brand, a global mindset, a winning culture and the world’s most productive agents, you create something special. And others are drawn to it. It is a reminder that RE/MAX is the right choice for productive, experienced professionals – and for customers and clients looking for an agent with those qualities.

RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand

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