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Like all things in life, regardless of the situation, there is always an upside, and that upside for all of us lucky enough to call Western Australia home has been our that our hands have been forced to discover the magnificence of our beautiful state. So with school holidays all but done I thought I’d share what my family discovered as we all packed into the camper van and hit the high road to wild wild west.

Whilst we thought the long roads would be ours to own, it seems as though so did plenty of other West Aussies, caravan parks we’re overflowing, restaurants, bars and tours all on fire, however regardless how busy everything is the owners and operators of everywhere we went, made you feel welcome and we all had a great experience.

This high demand and need to maintain high service levels has got me thinking about the current real estate market and the need for excellent service despite the demand we are currently seeing. 

A good real estate transaction will leave you feeling (hopefully) excited and satisfied that the agent you worked with delivered you an excellent outcome with at all stages a premium level of service with communication throughout the sale process and of course a premium price for your home!

Therefore, when deciding to sell your property (with me of course!), there are some important criteria to address when selecting the right fit for you, which include:

• Premium service – this includes a dedicated agent who will focus on your property, plus one who will be at the home opens EVERY time themselves
• Focused – totally focused on achieving the goal discussed at the outset. This commitment is paramount.
• Experienced – ensure your agent is experienced and can provide testimonials & phone numbers from past sellers who can talk you through how they sold their home
• Target market – choose an agent who really understands your target market of buyers and has sound knowledge of the area they are selling in.

All of the above will help you to achieve your best outcome when selling your home – and let’s be honest, just like my holiday, the selling your home should deliver you EXCELLENT RESULTS, BE REWARDING and be a GOOD EXPERIENCE ALL ROUND!

That old saying buy the worst house in the best street is great in theory.. ..BUT what we have found out almost 18 months after doing this is that it is EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

Like many people we bought an older house on a biggish block in our dream location. It is definitely a great investment plus the lifestyle our location affords us is worth every cent.

However, 5 people living in a postage stamp has quickly worn thin and throw in COVID and we have a tsumani of disasters on the home front. Hence we have moved swiftly to the renovation phase and I thought it would be worth sharing with you my Draftsman s advice when it came to designing our family home as I am sure there are many of you considering doing what we have done.

Michael from Sandtracks Design s top 5 tips to consider are as follows:

Tip 1: Light / Natural Light Access
Consider your house s orientation, and how you may look to gain natural light into your spaces, and especially direct natural light access for Passive Solar Heat Gains. This may be in the form of a combination of raking ceilings and high level windows.

Tip 2: Natural Ventilation
Consider where your prevailing cooling breezes will come (obviously here in Perth, the South-West) and where you can place some windows to capture this breeze, but also, almost more importantly having windows on the leeward side of these windows, to help draw the fresh and cooling air into your house, flushing the hot air out at the same time.

Tip 3: Practicality / Functionality
Consider how you or your family like to use the various spaces in your house, so your designer can take that on board to develop the space to be the most practical and functional for you.

Tip 4: Resale / Future Value
Semi-related to the point above, also consider future potential resale there will be a fine line between something that suits how you want your spaces in form, function, and aesthetic and something that would attract a future potential buyer. If unsure, speak to a good local real-estate agent about what kind of features tend to sell well or attract the most buyers, as a guide.

Tip 5: Builder Selection
When selecting your builder from a handful of tenderers, aside from considering prices, also consider which builder which builder you feel like you get on with, or are on the same wavelength and would be able to have a smooth working relationship with. This will eliminate a large chunk of risk of a stressful building process.

As always, I have a vast network of trusted and skilled trades at competitive prices, so if you are interested in doing something on your house feel free to reach out to me on 0422 406 199.

 

Recently I have been helping mum with the search to find a new puppy, which is proving to be more difficult than originally thought. It seems COVID has induced a buying frenzy making waitlists for puppies as long as two years. Breeders are telling me “buyers are EVERYWHERE but we don’t have enough puppies to keep up with demand!!”

It’s got me thinking about the similarity between Perth’s property market and Perth’s puppy market.

It’s no secret that demand and supply in Perth’s property market has been out of kilter for some time. Stock is crazily low and buyers are absolutely everywhere.

In terms of puppies and the lack of availability we have upped the ante and spent countless hours researching breeders, their availability, quality of dogs and costs.

Added to this mum has come up with an extensive “must have list” which includes: small enough to carry, easy to train, doesn’t yap, loyal, intelligent and must enjoy long walks.

It seems anything with an ‘oodle’ would be A OK, with the perfect match being a ‘cavoodle’.

This in demand oodle situation and the time I have taken to research the ‘perfect pooch’ has got me wondering why people are investing more time and research into their choice of pet than who will help them to sell their most important investment – their homes! To be honest as a dog lover, I really think equal thought and consideration should go into BOTH.

When you’re searching for the perfect real estate agent, there’s a few things to take into consideration:

1. Accurate Appraisals? Is the agent telling you what you want to hear or are they giving you sound, accurate and achievable expectations of your homes worth in the current market as well as a realistic sales timeline. Getting it right the first time can save you both the time and money that can be wasted when relying on overinflated appraisals.

2. Do they know the area? Have they got enough local knowledge and a track record of selling in your area. Your agent MUST have knowledge of the schools, sporting clubs and other amenities, as well as an understanding of relevant zoning regulations.

3. Do they have an Active Database of Local Buyers? Are they in regular contact with local buyers, have intimate knowledge of each buyer’s needs, budget, timelines and necessary approvals? Can they use their database to match the right buyers with the right homes.

4. Do they have a Passion for the Local Area? Prospective buyers can easily spot the difference between an agent who is spouting an area’s attributes over one who has first-hand experience of what it has to offer.

5. Do they have happy clients and reviews and past vendors to call?

6. Do you trust and like them? The bond between agent and seller is critical, no need to say more here.

So remember while researching your latest dog maybe you should be researching the agent too.

It’s fair to say that confidence is finally returning to the property market with June recording its biggest month of property sales in Perth since 2015.

Buyer numbers at home opens are strong and online activity is also at an all-time high with reiwa.com’s overall monthly online traffic and enquiry levels being the highest in history.

Why is the property market strong right now?

• With fewer properties on the market and strong buyer demand, there is an increase in competition resulting in good prices and lower days on market.

• Many of my homes have been selling in short time frames and above asking price.

• Property sales and activity has also been boosted by the recent Federal and State Government building bonus grants with transactions increasing 55.1 per cent compared to May and 45 per cent higher than in 2019.

• First home buyers have been out in force in WA taking advantage of the potential $70,000 in government grants and concessions on offer.

What will happen in the future?

• What will happen with the property market after September 2020 when payments for JobKeeper are scheduled to end or be varied and JobSeeker payments are reduced is uncertain.

• What I do know is that right now properties and land are selling extremely well and the conditions are great to go to market and we hope this momentum will continue.

With spring just around the corner now is the time to start your spring campaign. I will have many beautiful properties launching soon, so watch this SPACE and please send me a message or call with any property related questions.

? ?⭐️Add some colour & smiles to your Easter with this Easter Colouring Kids Competition.

If you are like me and have kids at home, hopefully this Art will keep them busy for a few hours!! This competition is online so you can email it directly obtain a copy of the colouring pages mareena@spacerealty.com.au or you can download them below

There’s prizes to be won, and I just hope this gives kids something to smile about in these uncertain times.

☑️1st Prize – $75 Claremont Quarter gift voucher plus a takeaway pizza from The Village Pantry – Deli Chicchi
☑️2nd – $50 Claremont Quarter gift voucher plus a takeaway pizza from The Village Pantry – Deli Chicchi
☑️3rd – $25 Claremont Quarter gift voucher plus a takeaway pizza from the Village Pantry

* Remember to please share this post for anyone who might need an activity for the kids

Please email them to me and our local The Village Pantry will display them on their windows for kids to see!

Please get creative with glitter, stickers – whatever makes you smile!! Winners chosen by the Space Staff judged on creativity & love not aged based colouring!

I have versions printed if you need. Winners announced via this Facebook page 20 April 2020! Good Luck kids ⭐️

IMPORTANT – PRIVATE VIEWINGS AND HYGIENE

Buyers are out there and houses are being sold, however, we all need to take precautions to maximise all of our health and this is how I ensure my duty of care to you:

☑️SOCIAL DISTANCING: Individual buyer appointments – All my homes are open to individual viewings. Register to view.

☑️ HYGIENE: I provide hand sanitiser at my home opens as you walk in and leave

☑️ MINIMAL CONTACT: Online electronic check in service available on my device at viewings with e-brochures = no pens or contact

☑️ Management of traffic at home opens – I will only allow small groups to enter at a time (this is now not applicable as private viewings only)

Please take care and stay healthy everyone ?

When preparing for sale, there are a few simple jobs that handy DIY enthusiasts can get busy with to help bring their homes into peak condition and ready for sale. OR for those like me who aren’t particularly handy, just shoot me an email and I will send the right trades your way!

Things to add to your checklist include:

• Front fence – Is it in good condition? Does it need vines pulled away, a paint job or repairs?
• Front lawn – Is it lush and tidy?
• Pathway – Are there cracks that need to be fixed? Would paving paint give it a nice facelift?
• Front door -Is a new door required, or does it need to be painted?
• Windows – Are they clean and do the surrounds need filling or painting?
• Facade – Does it need to be pressure-washed or repainted?
• Interior walls – Are they all looking pristine or freshly painted in neutral tones?
• Architraves – Are they chipped, dented, or need new paintwork?
• Flooring – Are the carpets clean and in good condition? Are there floorboards underneath which can be polished?
• Kitchen – Are the cabinets in good condition? Would painting them improve and modernise the space? Would replacing the benchtop make it look contemporary? Does the splashback need to be replaced?
• Bathrooms – Are the tiles in good shape? Does the grouting need to be cleaned or replaced? If the tiles are dated, would they be better painted with tile paint?
• Laundry – Is there ample storage and useful counter space?
• Back yard – Are the plants trimmed and garden beds weeded? Would planting some flowers and pots of colour add some wow factor?
• Pool – Is it clean, properly fenced and surrounding areas furnished with an inviting setting?

These are some of the areas to consider revamping to create a positive impression of a well looked after house. Article Source: Domain

Property owners and buyers should take confidence in the strengthening WA economy with the State on the cusp of a new economic boom.

A list of new projects are projected to bring in billions of dollars into the economy that could set up our State for years to come.

However unlike the last boom it is not all based on resource projects, this huge job-creating investment will be spread across a range of industries, creating a more sustainable economy.

The projects includes a potential $165 billion in planned future resource projects plus a healthy list of planned road and rail projects, new schools, shopping centre redevelopments, a new Perth airport runway and office, hotel and apartment developments at Belmont Park and Elizabeth Quay.

This significant investment into WA will provide job security and with job security provides confidence to invest or upgrade in property.

Be ready. If you would like an appraisal to know your property position call me on 0422406199.

Kind Regards
Mareena Weston

ARTICLE SOURCE: The Sunday Times

“Right-sizing” is the new buzz word in property for downsizing. It aims to remove the negative associations of the word downsizing to better reflect what a change in property might actually mean for you and your family.

Downsizing often brings up the idea of sacrificing and giving up or changing because something must be “wrong” and you have to.

Right-sizing more accurately reflects a conscious decision to choose a property that more closely fits your needs and what you want to experience on a regular basis such as community, privacy, security, walkability or connection.

If you are interested in “Right-sizing” and bringing more meaning to your daily home life, then make sure you consider the following:

RIGHT-SIZING DO’s & DON’Ts

• Avoid making rushed or fast decisions – it needs to be made carefully after much research and planning
• Assess your needs, wants and desires, and work out what you really require in a new place
• Make a list of what you cannot live without – for both possessions and property
• Determine what kind of property will suit you best: a small house, villa, townhouse or apartment (think of stairs), retirement village or something out of the box?
• Don’t buy a property simply to fit your furniture. De-clutter and sort through all your possessions – recycle, reuse, donate or sell what you don’t need
• Compare room sizes and make sure you have plenty of storage – rent a storage unit if you can’t part with everything at once
• Assess if you can afford to buy first then sell, or if it’s easier to sell then buy
• Research the market before you sell or buy and seek professional advice from agents on maximising your sale price
• If buying in a new location and you are uncertain “try before you buy” and rent first
• Remember the process of changing homes after many years in a property can be traumatic – look after yourself emotionally and prepare for a period of adjustment in your new home.

Feel free to call me for a confidential chat if you are interested in talking about right-sizing and finding that “perfect” home that suits all your needs!

Mareena Weston
Space Real Estate
T: 0422 406 199

Article material sourced from realestate.com.au

A fresh lick of paint, a clean floor underfoot and a modern looking bathroom may seem like minor home updates but their impact on the value of your home is more than you might think! See below for a few tips:

1. A fresh coat of paint or “liquid gold” – In addition to the home smelling new and looking clean, a fresh a coat of paint can increase your property value and make your home more appealing to a wide range of buyers. This transformation is referred to as “liquid gold” and you will reap the financial rewards when it comes to the sale.
2. Bathroom tiles – this doesn’t have to be too costly and it will greatly increase your homes worth. If you are on a budget you can freshen the look with tile paint or by tile resurfacing. Tile paint and laminate primer (the undercoat) should only cost a few hundred dollars and you’ll be able to convert your bathroom in a couple of days and instantly make it look more modern — and in turn, make it more valuable.
3. Kitchen cabinets – Instead of a complete renovation, I suggest you look into painting the cabinets with a neutral colour which will also modernise the look of your kitchen.
4. Lighting – Lights are important as they “showcase” your floors, walls and furniture, so make sure they shine bright and look attractive! Simply replacing old lighting fixtures with good-quality lighting can add value to your home.
5. Flooring – If your properties floor coverings are dated and run down, you should consider updating them prior to putting your home on the market. If the carpet is old, I recommend you consider pulling that out and polishing the floor boards underneath. Or another cost effective solution is to replace the carpet with a new modern carpet and it will really make a room feel fresh and clean.

There’s many more tips where these came from and in a few weeks I have a wonderful home launching where the owner took my advice and I can’t wait to show you the before and after photos.

Feel free to contact me for a confidential discussion on how to best prepare your home for sale that will help increase your sale price.

King Regards

Mareena Weston
Space Real Estate