Seasons Greetings!

Merry Christmas Everyone. I just wanted to pass on Christmas wishes to all. This time of year all the business's close down over the holiday period and we agents operate on call. If you see a property that you like all you have to do is call the agent directly to organise an inspection, please do take into account the major public holidays are not suitable. We have to remember that Christmas is about family and our vendors will be enjoying the feastive season, just like you.

Enjoy the good food and company and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year. May 2010 be a wonderful year for us all!

Listings Your Property For Sale

What you need to Know about Auctions!

Well Hello Property Shoppers,

We have noticed that our Market is moving back into an Auction phase where you have more purchasers than properties in certain categories of properties, when this occurs the best thing for an agency to do is Auction. The things that you need to know before going to an auction are as follows:-

• You need to register with an Agent prior to the Auction in order to bid, if you are acting on behalf of another person you need to have a letter of authority with drivers license number or passport number for verification, or if it is a company their ABN number on a letterhead.
• You can register anytime prior to the auction with the selling agent, when you pre-register you need proof of identity (which could be passport, drivers licence, seniors card, council rates notice, centrelink card or vehicles registration papers)and you will be given a bidders number.
• If you do not have any of the above you can provide 2 documents like Birth Certificate, ATM card, medicare card, credit card and an electricity bill or phone bill that states your address for proof of identity.
• Note that when you register to bid you do not have to bid! It is your choice on the day, but you have to register if you wish to bid.
• If you are late to the Auction do not panic just find a selling agent and register to bid, if you wish to make a bid raise your hand. This lets the Auctioneer know that after you have registered you would like to bid
• Your personal information given to the agent in the Bidders Records is confidential and not shown or used by anyone, it is held securely and only used for the day of the Auction.
• At an Auction the highest bidder is the purchaser, this is subject to the reserve
• The Vendor is entitled to one bid only, this must be announced prior to auction
• You cannot bid after the fall of the hammer, if thier is a dispute the Auctioneer is the sole arbitrator with the final say
• It is illegal to collude or make dummy bids at an auction
• If you are successful in your bidding at an auction you must sign contracts and pay a 10% deposit of the purchase price. No cooling off period at an auction!
• The Exchange of contracts occurs and your solicitor or conveyancer will do the relevant searches and arrange settlement within the set period on the contract this could be 28 days, you are required to pay the balance of the purchase price on settlement and the property is finally yours!
• You can look up the Office of Fair Trading on www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au for more information if you wish to do more homework before attending your next auction. Good Luck to you all, Happy Bidding!

Do we Consider House & Land Package?

Good Afternoon All,

Well I hope that you enjoyed your weekend, it was warm and sunny here on the Coast. I have been asked frequently by my customers recently about the option of building a new home in lieu of trying to find something they like in the existing market.
The question has been what are the benefits. Obviously being able to design exactly what you want to fit into a budget, in an area that you like is the main one, however you are only required to pay for the stamp duty on the land not the improvements that you make which is a saving, especially in the current market with the State Government reducing this a further 50%.
Not to mention an option for new home owners warranty that covers you for 7 years. Building may not be for everyone as you still have to live somewhere until the home is constructed. You do have some options with your financial institutions as to how much of your loan you can repay prior to completion, worth a look into if this sounds like an option for you. Please call me if you have any questions. Have a great week and happy shopping!

How do I get Finance for my First Home?

Good Morning to All,

It is always best to be organised with wage slips, of whatever income statements that illustrates your ability to pay off a loan, we are lucky to have Elders Home Loans and they do all the legwork for us, by tracking down the best options. Trevor Hageman of Elders Home Loans has let us know that thier are some 90% loan options with minimal savings required if you are having trouble saving a deposit. You can speak with Trevor on 1300721526 and get started. It is best to look at your finance options before you get out there and start looking at properties, as you may see the one and are not ready to go, so be proactive and get financial approval first. Happy Shopping!

Property of the Week

Hello to All,

I have this fantastic 3 bedroom home that just has everything in it, nothing more to do. Ducted Air Conditioning, new oven, everything has been rennovated in a great location. Great to live in or just to rent out for a decent return. If you would like to know more just let me know it is listed at offers over $320,000. Located at 5A Rippon Close, Coffs Harbour.

Open For Inspection

Afternoon to All,

Saturday's are all about Open for Inspections, and today it is a beautiful 25 degree day, with people out and about enjoying the sunshine. The great thing about the opportunity of an open house is that anyone can inspect and get an idea of what is expected when you list your home for sale, you can compare your home to the property that you are viewing. It is an informal way to discuss your ideas with an agent if you are thinking of selling, or just a great way to find your new home. We recieve great feedback from an Open house and we get to meet alot of new faces, a great way to spend the day. I hope that you are all enjoying a lovely weekend.

Welcome To Coffs Harbour!

Well Hello Everyone,

This is my very first blog and I am happy to be able to communicate with anyone that shares my passion for Real Estate and Chocolate. I live in the most beautiful place in Australia, Coffs Harbour. So if you love the ocean, watching whales & dolphins whilst eating your lunch, then you need to visit Coffs Harbour!

I work with Elders Coffs Harbour and will be talking real estate and what is happening in our little part of the world. I look forward to chatting with you on a regular basis. Making buying and selling real estate a straightforward process that anyone can do.

So if you are wanting to know more about how you can get your self into the property market and where to start then hopefully my blog can give you the tools and knowledge that you need.