HOME-GROWN Summer Edition 2022

HOME-GROWN

ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

Welcome to our summer 2022 issue of HOMEGROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-to-date with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this summer edition, we have some great outdoor entertaining tips as well as some outstanding local businesses on our community page. We also have our most recent results and a superb article about smart home innovation. We hope you enjoy reading our fifteenth issue of Home-Grown as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you! Here’s to a fantastic summer - Happy Holidays!

HOW ART CAN TAKE YOUR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Beautiful artwork can elevate a room’s aesthetic, create a certain ambience and even help the home achieve a higher sale price. Here are some great tips about how to use bespoke pieces, even by local artists, to help style your home for sale.

1. Artwork is important when it comes to styling

When styling a space for sale or permanently, artwork is incredibly important as it sets or reinforces a room’s tone, energy and colour palette. When selecting art works, it’s essential to select with those elements in mind.

2. Buy local

Be a supporter of local artists and creators. Some of our favourite local artists include Kim Passalaqua and Alison Percy. You can find lots of local artists online or through local galleries such as Art Partners Australia. Art Partners works with you to create a unique Australian collection for your home or business, one with lasting value and memories. All you need to do is call Jacinta Mirams on 0417 229 658. They say “once we understand what you need, we do everything else.”

3. What to think about when selecting pieces

When selecting pieces, first evaluate the size of the wall it will be hanging on and the particular room’s use. For example, in a master bedroom, a ‘calm’ piece would be ideal, and in a family room, opt for something more dynamic. Using ‘original’ artwork in main rooms and framed prints in subsequent rooms is an excellent way to approach art placement in your own home too.

4. Beautiful artwork can make a huge difference

Art makes an enormous difference to a space, creating mood and ambience. The right piece will elevate a room, giving it a sense of luxury. It’s aspirational. Landscape photography prints can work really well in an enclosed or small space adding an element of nature and openness.

5. Art makes a home more human

Amongst all of the machine-made items in our homes, it’s nice to have something that can effortlessly bring life back into a room.

With a work of art, you can sense the time, effort, and skill that went into its creation. You may have even gotten the chance to meet the artist in person or hear the story behind the work. Even if you haven’t met the artist in person, seeing the fingerprints, brush strokes or marks on the work serves as a reminder of the person behind the work of art.

382 SMITH STREET, NORTH ALBURY

HOW ART CAN TAKE YOUR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

6. Art lets you express yourself and encourages dialogue

Without needing words, art can be the perfect way to express who you are to both yourself and others.

Why? Art tells a story. And, when you love a piece enough to hang it on your wall, that story speaks volumes about you.

Whether it’s your personality or what you value in life, art can be the perfect translator. This lets you forge deeper connections with those who come into your home.

7. Art breathes life into a home

Your home is “your place,” and that’s why decorating it to your liking is so important. You need to feel comfortable in your space! And, surrounding yourself with art you love will help you enjoy where you spend the majority of your time.

Plus, from a functional design standpoint, art acts as a focal point, makes a room appear finished, and immediately shows off your interests and ideals to visitors. By choosing to live with art, you are choosing to bring more life into your home.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING THIS SUMMER

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

THIS SUMMER

With the weather warming up and outdoor entertaining high on many people’s minds, it is time to be inspired to create the perfect outdoor space. And if you are in the market to buy or sell a house, a well-designed, functional, and beautiful alfresco area is always a value-add, no matter what the season.

Light & shade

The perfect outdoor area should have a northerly facing aspect to make the most of the sun’s warming rays, however there is nothing worse than being uncomfortably hot at the outdoor dining table in the height of summer. It is also not much fun getting drenched by a sudden downpour. The best solution is to have a covered or semi-covered alfresco area, or strategically positioned shade cloth and awnings or umbrellas which can be moved around to adapt to the conditions.

Cooking & eating

Integrated BBQs, whether gas, wood, or charcoal fuelled, or part of a full outdoor kitchen complete with sink, fridge and plenty of food-prep space are becoming increasingly popular. Just as with interior kitchen design, it’s important that the cooking zone is safe and everything is in easy reach. The dining area should be in close serving distance, but with enough space to provide separation between the cooking and eating areas.

Sitting & relaxing

Zone your sitting/lounging areas, depending on the sun or shade available, so that there are different options for enjoying your outdoor living space. There are so many outdoor furniture styles to choose; from the humble hammock to a full modular lounge. Perhaps opt for built-in bench seating with incorporated cushion storage or select maintenance-free wickerlook outdoor sofas, daybeds and hanging chairs.

Warmth & ambience

When the sun goes down and there is a mild chill in the air, it is lovely to have outdoor heating to be able to extend the time spent outdoors. A wood fireplace, chiminea, fire-pit, or even a pizza oven, adds warmth and atmosphere, but a simple gas patio heater can also do the trick. For added ambiance, the integration of sound with outdoor speakers helps create the perfect vibe when entertaining or relaxing.

382 SMITH STREET, NORTH ALBURY

617 AFFLECK STREET, ALBURY

Flourish Creative Studio is a space to learn a new skill, build new and meaningful relationships, or simply to take time out for yourself. Based in Albury, the studio provides a calm environment where you can relax and learn from an experienced tutor.

We offer 5-week sewing courses and small group one-off sewing sessions, the popular polymer clay jewellery making classes as well as workshops including macrame, knitting and macraweaving. We have scheduled classes and offer private class bookings to celebrate special events or corporate bookings for team bonding.

We are very excited to be expanding our workshop spaces with a second location opening soon along with extra courses.

611 Dean Street, Suite 8 Albury NSW | Email: hello@flourishcreativestudio.com.au Web: flourishcreativestudio.com.au | Socials: @flourishcreativestudio_

MARKET TRENDS: SMART HOME

INNOVATION

Lights. Cameras. Awnings. With the latest in smart home technology, it is possible to control a range of domestic functions at the touch of a screen, or via a simple voice command, from anywhere, anytime.

Clean the pool, heat the spa, open the blinds, vacuum the floor, dim the lights, turn up the music, see who’s at the door, or water the garden. With a combination of integrated home technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, basically any household task or appliance can be operated via a user-friendly touch panel, or an app on your phone.

The list of which functions you can automate is endless, and growing by the day with all the major tech brands offering Wi-Fi devices that link to cloud-based systems to control things such as security cameras and sensors, keyless entry, digital sound systems, plus modern ‘indulgences’ like ‘pet cams’ and robotic vacuums and cleaners.

An integrated ‘hub’ system, such as C-Bus, unites electrical functions such as lighting, temperature control, and automated blinds and awnings. Smart ‘hub’ usage can enhance liveability and energy efficiency, saving money on powers bills, and will add value to your investment in the future.

617 AFFLECK STREET, ALBURY

CHRISTMAS RECIPE

Ingredients

2 x 200g pkts Ferrero Rocher

2 litres vanilla ice-cream, softened

2 tbsp Frangelico

1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread

1/4 cup milk

Method

Step 1

Line a 10 x 20cm loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing the sides to overhang.

Step 2

Coarsely chop half the Ferrero Rocher . Reserve remaining Ferrero Rocher. Combine the ice-cream and Frangelico in a large bowl. Add the chopped Ferrero Rocher and gently fold to combine. Spoon ice-cream mixture into the lined pan. Smooth the surface with the back of spoon. Cover with foil. Place in the freezer for 6 hours or until completely set.

Step 3

Combine the chocolate spread and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until spread melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Turn ice-cream out onto a serving plate. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and decorate with remaining Ferrero Rocher. Return to the freezer until ready to serve.

Ferrero Rocher Ice-Cream Cake

We are committed to providing quality financial services to our local community. We combine personal service with access to market leading rates from a panel of lenders including the big banks, to help you find a better deal on finance. Our goal is to be there when and where you need us to deliver finance solutions that are right for you. By spending time getting to know your circumstances and what’s important to you – we will be in the best position to advocate your needs.

Level 1/ 579 Dean Street, Albury connect@movestudios.com.au 0432 610 688

Mve Studios is a health and wellbeing studio located in the heart of Albury, recently under new ownership with Crystal and Jason.

After both working in the fitness industry for over 10 years we know how important it is to look after our bodies as well as our minds.

We have created a space at Mve where everyone can feel welcome, not feel judged, and feel like the best versions of themselves.

It’s a place where you can push yourself and really sweat it out, or just enjoy some time to unwind and reconnect with yourself.

Our timetable has you covered with a variety of different training options to suit all capabilities and fitness levels. All our classes and offerings compliment each other well so that you can find a perfect balance in your fitness regime.

From a dedicated reformer studio, mat pilates, yoga, to hiit, plus much more, we have something to suit everyone.

We have highly qualified, passionate and dedicated trainers who will be there to welcome, guide and support you through your fitness journey, whatever that may be.

The value of people’s health and fitness is important to us at Mve, and we aim to provide the services which will only enhance the quality of your life. With a relaxed, friendly and inviting experience of uncompromising quality that meets your health and fitness needs, we want you to always walk away feeling amazing!

You will immediately feel part of our Mve community when you enter our warm inviting space, where you are welcome to sit and enjoy some tea and enjoy a chat with your new friends before or after your classes.

On site we also have a remedial masseuse, a lash and brow studio, and a tanning studio for some added self-care benefits.

We can also provide corporate, school communities and private lessons and look forward to welcoming you to the studio x

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

In the last two years, we have seen a wild amount of growth in the Australian-wide real estate market, only surpassed by the increase in the years 2000-2003, and closely tied to the boost from 2008-2010. As always, the data predicts a cooling over the next 12-18 months, following the surge, with the capital cities showing a decrease of about 6-8%. Whilst Albury is showing signs more towards a plateau than a drop, in the worst-case scenario a 6% drop equates to about $46,800 on the median sale price in Albury (currently at $780,000). This would still be considered a small price to pay considering the approximate 26% growth we have experienced in the past two years. Even with the decrease, the average home in Albury has still experienced almost $200,000 in growth in that time.

Following the upswing of recent years, buyers are now presented with ideal purchasing conditions, as sale results become a little more predictable, and the average days on market become more balanced. As data shows, now is the best time to purchase a property, before the market then balances and begins to show growth again in the next 12-18 months.

With recent changes to interest rates, it is crucial that buyers who have obtained finance approval in the past, re-establish their approval, as their borrowing capacity may have changed. Sellers are also still presented with great conditions as they can capitalize on the growth over the past two years, coupled with the low average days on the market, currently sitting at around 44.

Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 nicholas@steannicholls.com.au

Jack Stean 0434 588 664 jack@steannicholls.com.au

Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 lachlan@steannicholls.com.au

Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 geoff@steannicholls.com.au

SOCIAL SNAPS

Some of the gorgeous ladies from our office attended the Business Women Albury Wodonga Gala Dinner.

Kristian and Emma go for a classic catch during our annual Christmas photoshoot.

Lisa’s Hockey team - Wodong Hockey Club - Division 3 White - won their grand final!

Stean Nicholls auctions have still had strong performance even with rising interest rates.

SOLD AT AUCTION - 1/590 Hovell Street, South Albury. We love it when furry friends visit our open homes.