Spring Cleaning done right and tight...

As the cold winter days gradually give way to the warmth of spring, there's a natural urge to rejuvenate our living spaces. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's a ritual that symbolises renewal and a fresh start. This annual tradition allows us to declutter, organise, and breathe new life into our homes. So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and let's dive into the ultimate spring cleaning checklist to help you tackle every nook and cranny of your home.

The Spring Cleaning Checklist:

Declutter Your Space:

Begin by purging items you no longer need or use.

Sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and toss.

Donate gently used clothing, toys, and household items to a local charity.

Dust and Polish:

Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and ceiling fans.

Don't forget to dust electronics, lampshades, and picture frames.

Polish wooden furniture for a fresh, gleaming look.

Deep Clean the Kitchen:

Empty and clean out the refrigerator and freezer.

Scrub the oven, stovetop, and microwave.

Wipe down kitchen cabinets and organize pantry shelves.

Bathroom Revamp:

Scrub tiles, grout, and showerheads.

Replace worn-out shower curtains and bath mats.

Dispose of expired toiletries and medicine.

Freshen Up Bedrooms:

Wash and change bedding, including pillowcases and duvet covers.

Rotate and flip mattresses for even wear.

Vacuum under beds and in closets.

Living Room TLC:

Vacuum and shampoo carpets or clean area rugs.

Wash curtains or blinds, and wipe down windowsills.

Rearrange furniture for a new layout and perspective.

Don't Forget the Details:

Clean light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs.

Wash walls and touch up paint where needed.

Clean air vents and replace filters in HVAC systems.

Outdoor Clean-Up:

Sweep and pressure wash outdoor patios and decks.

Prune bushes, trim trees, and weed the garden.

Check outdoor furniture for any needed repairs or maintenance.

Garage and Storage Spaces:

Organize tools, equipment, and sports gear.

Dispose of hazardous materials safely.

Sweep and declutter garage shelves and cabinets.

Final Touches:

Vacuum and mop all floors, paying attention to corners and edges.

Replace or clean HVAC filters.

Place fresh flowers or indoor plants for a burst of color and freshness.

Spring cleaning isn't just about having a spotless home; it's about creating a welcoming environment that promotes well-being and productivity. By following this comprehensive checklist, you'll not only have a cleaner space but also a sense of accomplishment and a fresh perspective on the season ahead. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the therapeutic nature of spring cleaning, and enjoy the beauty of your refreshed home. Happy cleaning!

Not all home improvements add equal value when selling. data shows that adding an extra bedroom could be the best way to increase the value of your home by up to $80,000. 

Consider this, you can remodel a kitchen which could cost you anywhere between $20k-$50k for a smaller return or generally speaking, you could spend the same adding an additional bedroom for a much large return. Some innovative and cretive designs have seen homes sell for $80,000 more than before the addition. Some designs go up a level, or extend out into the back of the property. 

Get your design concept drawn up by a professional and make the enquiries needed to ensure you are aware of all the council fees and construction costs before you start the process so you are well informed and there aren't any suprises. 

In addition, speak with us for an appraisal or reccomendations if you are thinking of selling and maximising on your return.

Is it time to purchase a new home or investment property?

For a very short period of time you can benefit from both the new home build and first home buyers grant simultaneously. This means now is the time for anyone to secure a new house and land package with an instant $15,000 deposit so long as you sign your contract of sale before March 2021.

If the home purchased is under $650,000 and this is your first time in the property market you are also eligible for an additional instant $10,000 deposit. With a $35,000 deposit (5%) you would be looking at putting little to none of your own money down.

Check out the above properties amongst some of our new house and land packages just listed meeting all of the above requirements with the builds ready for you to move in as early as February next year. 

Don't miss out!

As we’ve  cruised into spring, we should be seeing a surge in activity across the buying scene. This activity is usually nothing out of the ordinary but this season we will be seeing more energy as interest rates remain at a record low and property prices have seen a slight decline over the months, pair this with a slightly relaxed lending criteria and we have the perfect climate for first home buyers and investors to be looking into making a purchase.

Last Saturday in NSW, there were  200 properties sold at auction and 1,541 non-auction sales as opposed to just 67 auction sales and 986 non-auction sales back on 2^nd May this year.

We anticipate to continue seeing incredible momentum building as with the beginning of the Spring selling season. The only issue is there isn't enough properties to sell, so if you have had any thoughts about the possibility of selling, or are just confused by the mixed messages in the media around the state of the market, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

I look forward to speaking with you soon! Hannah Aria

Don't settle for dull gardens these cooler months. If you're thinking of selling, it's important to sprouse up the property appeal before going to market.

here are some tips how.

• Plant Evergreen Trees for Winter Landscape Beauty. Evergreens are a great way to help your winter landscape look beautiful and lush all season. ...
   
• use stylish stone planters for hardy succulants...
   
• Attract Birds With Food and Water. ...
   
• Beautiful Lighting. ...
   
• Add water feature or fountain at entry and window flower boxes...
   
• Repurpose Existing Decorations. ...
   
• Consider Your Hardscape,, borders, paths and driveways..
   

Preparing our property for rent optimises the return on your investment. If you take the time to ensure your property is well presented and inviting, prospective tenants will be drawn to your property. Remember, we want prospetive tenants to feel at home and to basically picture themselves living there in a nice, clean and inviting environment. So how does our property attract tenants and make them feel welcome?

1. Pest Control. There is nothing worse than the sight of bugs and pests crawling around the property during a property inspection. The first thing I would do is leave.

2. Gardens. Ensure the lawns are neat and green, the hedging has been done and the flower beds are looking their best. A neglected garden is detering and often puts people off. Hence, a blooming and healthy garden shows pride and care and prospective tenants often picture themselves spending time maintaining the gardens and enjoying some outdoor leisurly fun.

3. Paint. Walls and ceiling must feel fresh and clean. If paint is overdue it might be worthwhile slapping on a new coat to brighten up the place.

4. Carpet. It is reccommended that carpet is replaced every 10 years however it might not need replacing this often if it is well maintained. A steam clean and deodouriser might do the trick. If carpets are freyed or damaged, you might want to consider placing a nice rug over them or change them all together.

5. Wardrobes. Add cheap long framed mirrors in the same colour to older style wardrobes. This brings them into the 21st century and adds light while gives the perception of a bigger space in the room.

There are many DIY tips you can take advantage of to bring your rental property up to grade. The key is making a good first impression.

"How is the property market in Sydney and Brisbane" I am being asked. Well they are selling strong with investors from China and India buying up a lot of our countries prime real estate. An article I read recently gave stats that 10,000,00 wealthy Chinese would like to invest in Australia with a long term goal to emigrate here and live the Australian lifestyle. That's positive news for capital growth and supply and demand as many local investors continue to buy off the plan. With Brisbane having said to be a world class city, much focus has been invested into making this city bigger and better. Let me know if you want to know which buildings are set to make an impression and become landmark builds.

It's not an unreasonable question, is it? Buying off the plan can sometime be worrying, especially if we're not well informed about the procedure and process of the transaction from start to finish. Here are some things to consider when buying off the plan.

Benefits to buying off the plan:

• Lock in a price – One of the advantages of buying off the plan is that you will pay the current market price for a property, even though it will be completed in the future.
• Securing a high value asset for a low initial capital outlay – While a deposit is made to secure the property (usually 10%), the entire payment doesn’t need to be paid until the property has been built. This provides you with time to organise your finances and if required sell your existing home without the need for bridging finance.
• Increase in property value – If the market experiences growth, the property you purchase off the plan today may increase in value when you settle two years later.
• Tax advantages – If purchasing for investment purposes, you may be able to claim depreciation on your tax for items like fixtures and fittings. It is important to consult your Accountant to find out if you are eligible.
• Stamp duty savings in some states – State governments (in certain states) offer bonuses and reductions in stamp duty for buying off the plan which can save you thousands of dollars.
• Seven year builders guarantee – Newly built properties in Australia come with a 7 year builders guarantee which means structural or interior building faults must be repaired by the builder.

Risks to buying off the plan:

• Falling property market – There is a risk that you may pay too much for a property if the market falls between the exchange of contracts and building completion. If this does occur you may find it difficult to secure finance for the full amount.
• Failed expectations – As many builders do not allow you to see the property until construction has completed, there is a risk that what you envision is not what you will receive. The quality of work may also not meet your standards.
• Rising Interest rates – Interest rates could increase before you settle on the property which is problematic if you wanted to fix the term of the loan at the current interest rate.
• Bankruptcy – Many buyers fear the developer could go into liquidation before the project is completed. You need to ask what the options are if this occurs; will you get your money back and what guarantees do you have?

Ensure you have a Solicitor or Conveyancer check the terms of the agreement to ensure you are protected should this occur.

Before you sign the dotted line…

• Visit the property site and check the location. If there are other constructions in the area, it may affect your view.
• Carefully inspect the display home, models and plans. Investigate the fixtures, fittings and finishes.
• Research the market conditions and speak to an expert to determine the property prices.
• Research the developer. You may wish to

1. Ask how long they have been in the industry and how many properties they have built.o Visit your developer’s previous work, inspect the quality and speak to previous clients to determine their satisfaction with the property.
2. Ask questions to determine what is covered as part of the purchase price, for example, what fittings, floor coverings, painting and decorating is part of the package and what is additional.
3. Discuss your expectations for the property with your developer and have them written into the contract to avoid disagreement with the developer at the completion of the project.
4. Obtain guarantees of their financial status written into the contract if possible, to avoid encountering financial complications with the developer. Ask to see the developer’s balance sheet to determine their financial strength as there is a risk that if the developer goes into liquidation before the property is finished you may lose your deposit and other costs.

• Carefully review the contract with a legal professional. Take note of:
  o The completion date.o If there are penalties if you withdraw from the contract
• o If you can visit the site during construction.
• o If you can make changes to finishes and fixtures.
• o What happens if the developers run into financial problems and what happens to your deposit?
• o What happens if faults are identified post-completion?

Not all of us are familiar with the costs associated with selling our home. Agent fees can sometimes be unclear or daunting and on such an important matter, it is essential that we understand exactly what we're in for whether the property is sold or not sold with the listing agent. Often, advertising fees are unavoidable and we are faced with bills amounting to thousands to cover the cost of on-line advertising, printed material, professional photography and sign-boards just to name a few. Wouldn't it be nice if the stress of paying bills when trying to sell your home for the best price possible was removed, and advertising cost were incorporated in the sales commission fee. I agree it would be a much simpler and desired avenue to take when selling house. It is therefore important to shop around for the right agency when you are thinking of selling.To find out what our agents can do for you, call us and ask about any promotions on our professonal services www.primerealtor.com.au