HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS
WINTER//EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE THE ELECTION AND ITS POSITIVE EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING IN WINTER Welcome to our Winter 2019 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 JAM-PACKED issue, we have a great article about the positive effect of the election on Real Estate, some of our recent success stories as well as why Winter is a good time to sell your home. We would also like to introduce you to The Hamilton, an exciting upcoming development in Central Albury. We hope you enjoy reading our sixth issue of Home-Grown as much as we enjoyed putting this together for you! Here’s to a great Winter.
THE FUTURE OF GREEN HOMES SOLD BEFORE AUCTION QUARTERLY RESULTS NEW LISTING LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT TENANT OF THE MONTH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PROPERTY MANAGER IS THIS YOUR NEXT MOVE? DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE
P I C T U R E D O N F R O N T - 2 / 5 9 2 A K I E WA S T R E E T, A L B U R Y
SOCIAL SNAPS
THE ELECTION AND ITS POSITIVE EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE
THE ELECTION AND ITS POSITIVE EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE “Over the past few weeks, Stean Nicholls has seen more positive signs pointing to the market moving ahead� The Liberal Party has secured a majority government in a contest that significantly focussed on the importance of the property market to the Australian economy. Over the past few weeks, Stean Nicholls has seen more positive signs pointing to the market moving ahead. Last month the number of off market transactions negotiated was the most we have seen for the last 12 months, and coupled with recently stabilising auction clearance rates, the market is looking to increase. A report this week from Westpac Australia economists also suggests that sentiment towards housing has been boosted since the election now that confidence has been improved.
Unchanged existing policy includes a program where Australians aged over 65 who wish to downsize, can now make a non-concessional contribution of up to $300,000 into their superannuation fund from the proceeds of the sale of their principal home. The First Home Super Scheme also remains in place which allows first home buyers the ability to access up to $30,000 per person from their superannuation funds for a home deposit. This group are also able to make extra salary sacrifice payments into their super funds to make the proceeds build quicker. These facts coupled with another likely interest rate cut, offer the right ingredients for continual growth in the market in the coming 12 months.
In terms of housing policy, the Government will Stean Nicholls looks forward to a buoyant property also roll out its new $500 million First Home Loan market for the remainder of 2019 and beyond. Deposit Scheme for first homebuyers. This gives 10,000 first home buyers the opportunity to buy a home with only a 5 per cent deposit, as opposed the usual 20 per cent.
W H Y YO U S H O U L D CONSIDER SELLING IN WINTER
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING IN WINTER Most home owners, especially those contemplating selling, take more than a passing interest in property sales, especially Auction results. If asked, most property owners would say that Winter is not a good time to sell because it is cold, wet and the garden does not look at its best. Strangely, this opinion is not shared with prospective purchasers. Most purchasers, during the colder months of the year, are very committed and anxious to obtain a property that suits their needs. At Stean Nicholls we monitor all incoming phone calls from whatever source and year after year, we have proved that contrary to popular opinion, the Winter months are an excellent time to sell.
Buyers have less to choose from because a number of home owners hold off selling until Spring. Consequently, the length of time any property is on the market is often less than later in the year because of the relatively small number of properties available for sale. On top of this, availability of finance is better than it has been from the previous 12 months. Interest rates remain at a historically low level (and are likely to drop again this year) and the quality of buyer enquiry is still excellent. Simply put, all these factors mean there is an abundance of well qualified buyers ready to act!
Should you require advice on any aspect of Auction results at this time of year highlight the purchasing or selling, please feel free to contact lack of supply which causes clearance rates to Stean Nicholls on 026021 5233. improve beyond the current level we experienced in the first five months of 2019. Some of the best sale prices are regularly achieved during the months of June, July and August.
THE FUTURE OF GREEN HOMES
THE FUTURE OF GREEN HOMES
There are some incredible green home technologies being developed throughout the world including the following unusual products.
Wind Tree Alongside your feature tree in your front yard, you may want to install a Wind Tree. A French company has developed small vertical wind turbines which act as “leaves” on their Wind Tree. Even in very low wind environments, the Wind Tree can generate power up to 300 days per year.
Solar Tiles Tesla Chief Elon Musk has unveiled solar roof tile technology which looks like normal roof tiles but are essentially a small version of a solar panel. The tiles are made of strong tempered glass and although none have been sent to Australia yet, you can reserve some for when they arrive. Energy Generating Smart-flooring Pavegen coverts the weight of footsteps into energy, turning kinetic energy into renewable electricity. From train stations to airports and shopping centres, Pavegen can be found throughout the world including London’s Heathrow Airport and Nigeria’s Football Pitch.
Shower Coach Another French company, Hydrao, has invented a shower head that includes a light which changes colour as you use more water. While the light is green you’re using a modest amount of water, but then the light turns to blue, pink and finally red. There’s even an app so the whole family can view who is saving water best. AI and Home Automation The smart connected home will have settings that allow energy to be used in the most efficient way for your family. Your home will know when you’re there and what appliances you use so can make suggestions on how to best use your power. Lights will automatically turn off and devices turned off at the powerpoint when they’re charged.
SOLD BEFORE AUCTION
Over the past quarter we have experienced a growing number of sales before auction. This is a direct result of buyers having consistent communication with the agent and being supplied with ample time to make a decision, obtain finance and arrange pest and build reports through our unique two stage approach. Recent results include: SOLD BEFORE AUCTION 23 Cassinia Court, Thurgoona 628 Kiewa Street, Albury 842 Miller Street, Albury 471 Jamieson Street, East Albury 8 Doongan Place, West Albury 754 Hunter Court, Glenroy SOLD BEFORE MARKET 496 Wodonga Place, Albury 67 Whitehall Avenue, Ettamogah Rise
ARE YOU ON OUR BUYERS LIST? Our unique two stage approach towards marketing enables registered buyers to discover new homes before they are released to the open market. This extra time can be critical when it comes to approval of finance and decision making. With the number of homes sold prior to official marketing and auction increasing, have you made sure you are on our buyers list?
Nicholas Clark
nicholas@steannicholls.com.au
Lachlan Hutchins lachlan@steannicholls.com.au Jack Stean
jack@steannicholls.com.au
Geoff Stean
geoff@steannicholls.com.au
QUARTERLY RESULTS
QUARTERLY RESULTS
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AUCTION Saturday 22nd June at 1:00pm LACHLAN HUTCHINS 0457 888 212 JACK STEAN 0434 588 664
NEW LISTING 483 Hovell Street, South Albury
LUXURIOUS MODERN TOWNHOUSE
TENANT OF THE MONTH
MILKSHAKE CANDLE COMPANY Shop 13/14 AMP Lane, Albury NSW, Australia Phone: 02 6047 3144 www.milkshakecandlecompany.com Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 2:30pm Sundays: Closed
“All of our products are hand made on site and you can even watch us while we work, allowing our customers to see first hand how a candle is made. We specialise in quality soy candles using high end ingredients and can provide corporate gifting, the perfect range to suit any salon, business or client, tailored just for you, or that perfect present for a loved one”.
“Nothing brings to life again, a forgotten From everyone’s favourite fragrances such as French Pear, Wild Lemongrass and Coconut memory like fragrance”
Lime, to the out of the ordinary Red Skin Lollies, Australian Bush and everyone’s favourite and A boutique candle store specialising in soy wax Milkshake Candle Company’s top seller, Caramel candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, bath and body Vanilla, there’s sure to be something that you love. products, essential oils and all things fragrance. Let the fragrance entice you in store, you won’t be Kim Leerentveld is the ‘Chandler’ at Milkshake disappointed. Candle Company and has been pouring exquisite soy candles since 2011. She first started her business from her garage at home as a hobby while her children were young. Fast forward 8 years, numerous markets, stockists, website orders and countless kilo’s of soy wax, it was time to open up the first ‘Milkshake Candle Company’ store. - Christopher Poindexter
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PROPERTY MANAGER
KAIJIA MARSHALL BALL - PROPERTY MANAGER
“You’ve got to be a great listener to be an effective property manager, and you need to be empathetic to your clients. If you don’t like working with people, this isn’t the job for you”
emails and telephone calls, to conducting routine/ ingoing/outgoing inspections and viewings with prospective tenants, as well as meetings with tradespeople and clients.
‘We process a lot of emails daily, including A property manager does much more than simply maintenance requests for repairs, arranging quotes, collect rent payments. In this dynamic and fast rent reviews and lease renewals,’ says Kaija. paced environment, a property manager must be an agile, quick thinker who enjoys dealing with a The skills of a property managers are in high demand. The phones generally start ringing at nine wide range of people on a daily basis. in the morning and continue well past close of Long time Stean Nicholls’ property manager, Kaija business. Marshall, celebrates 5 years at Stean Nicholls’ this year and says these days, property managers are ‘I put my phone onto flight mode after six in the evening. At Stean Nicholls, we have an after complete service agents. hours urgent repairs list available for our clients. ‘You’ve got to be a great listener to be an effective It means we aren’t expected to work late at night property manager, and you need to be empathetic and can have our time at home with our families,’ to your clients. If you don’t like working with says Kaija. people, this isn’t the job for you,’ says Kaija.
The amount of time spent in the office during the There’s not really a typical day in property day varies, but often a property manager will find management, there’s something different themselves out and about on the road. happening every day. Kaija says the usual tasks a property manager performs will range from
‘It’s not so much a desk based job, you are out at the needs of both owners and tenants can be properties a lot, which is a good thing. Some days complicated at times. we’re back to back with appointments,’ says Kaija. For Kaija, it’s the clients and people involved who To be successful, a property manager needs a make the job so enjoyable. variety of skills. They need to be strong negotiators as well as effective mediators and must be ‘We have really good tenants and owners. I’ve had supremely organised. They also must undertake clients who have moved from one of our properties formal training to attain the relevant qualifications to another and seeing how their lives evolve is and keep abreast of amendments and changes. really rewarding. It’s important to match the right clients to the home. Referrals from long standing ‘As a property manager, you need to be flexible as clients is also very fulfilling.’ says Kaija. the job can be reactive. As much as you can plan, things come up that can’t be predicted, it’s the Property managers are there to make life easier nature of the business,’ says Kaija. for the owner, ensuring their investment is well maintained and the rental income is steady. Stean ‘We’re fortunate at Stean Nicholls that we get to Nicholls property managers remain up to date with work with some of Albury’s best real estate. We’re current legislation and also have great relationships up to date with current technology, which a lot of with quality suppliers who offer quick service and smaller agencies wouldn’t have access to. It’s also competitive pricing. an incredibly supportive environment to work in. There’s a real family vibe.’ If you need any assistance or have any questions, please contact our Stean Nicholls Property The role of a property manager isn’t without Management Team on (02) 6021 5233. challenges and Kaija admits managing client expectations is not always easy, balancing
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
RITA’S KITCHEN
Nestled on the corner of Schubach and Rau Street you will find Rita’s Kitchen. A Stean Nicholls staff go-to, EVERY morning. Not only will you find the most delicious slices and bisuits but also Albury’s fastest coffee! Rita’s Kitchen serves up Breakfast and Lunch, and has a new menu coming soon (including some old favourites). One of the most popular menu items would have to be the breakfast toastie - we’ve heard it’s also an excellent hangover cure. If you haven’t been to Rita’s Kitchen yet, the staff at Stean Nicholls highly recommend you do. Try the carrot cake - seriously, it’s AMAZING! 1/342 Rau Street, East Albury (Cnr Rau Street & Schubach Street)
@ritaskitchen
IS THIS YOUR NEXT MOVE? Elevated views of the Albury CBD. Options of 3, 2 or 1 bedroom, low maintenance apartments, only 200m from Dean Street. Construction is expected to commence in October, 2019. Want to find out more? Contact: Jack Stean 0434 588 664
Geoff Stean 0413 888 788
www.thehamiltonalbury.com.au
DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE
As we enter the first month of winter, Stean Nicholls enters the busiest winter month of auctions on record for the company. With many auctions scheduled for the month of June alone, it is an exciting time to be a part of the team.
we have enjoyed over the past few or so years, we are now operating in a familiar landscape. The recent result of the May 18th Federal Election looks set to maintain the status quo, injecting momentum into already existing buyer confidence, as the Coalition win has removed uncertainty around changes to key policies around Buyer confidence has been at its strongest for the negative gearing and capital gains tax. first half of 2019, compared with the last 12-month period and we are seeing many upgraders, families and downsizers making the most of the quality real estate on offer. In the March quarter, Albury again experienced higher population growth, a position underscored by NSW’s 3.9% unemployment rate, the lowest since monthly records began in February 1978. As we reflect Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 on the first quarter of the year, we reached a point at geoff@steannicholls.com.au nicholas@steannicholls.com.au which the cash rate had not changed in a 34-month period. This looks set to change however, with one if not two rate cuts being predicted later this year. This month, the smallest price adjustment in the Albury region was reported, marking only a 0.4 per cent modification this quarter, with other areas dropping anything up to 4.4 per Jack Stean 0434 588 664 Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 jack@steannicholls.com.au lachlan@steannicholls.com.au cent, thus demonstrating the strength of the market in the area in which we operate. Although we are no longer experiencing the massive upward growth in values that
SOCIAL SNAPS
SOLD - another successful Auction, selling 561 Fielder Court for a great price!
Happy new home owners - 771 Park Avenue SOLD at Auction.
The Easter Bunny handing out Eggs at our first annual Easter Family Fun Day.
Geoff and Jack Stean working the Barbeque at our Easter Family Fun Day - All hands on deck for a busy day!
Jess, Chantelle, Michelle and Madeleine met Janine Allis at Miss Amelie.
The Sales and Commercial Teams enjoyed a morning of photoshoots at MAMA.
Home-Grown is a Stean Nicholls publication. All opinions are our own. Compilation of statistical data relies on information from a number of external sources.
Copyright Š
Unit 1, Suite 19, 669 Dean Street, Albury 02 6021 5233 chantelle@steannicholls.com.au www.steannicholls.com.au
/steannicholls @steannicholls