Warm Up Winter Buyers

June 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Selling your home is nerve-racking at best but there are some things a seller can do to maximise the value of their property, even when the weather is cold and things look a bit dull and gray.

The most important tip is to appoint a well-respected, reputable and trustworthy real estate agent because they have a duty to achieve the best price for their clients, keep their finger on the pulse of the market and  keep their clients educated and informed on current market trends.  

Agents are encouraged to think creatively and strategically to shorten the number of days properties are on the market and maximize the price of the property, including updating photography, being positive and upbeat, using all the marketing tools such as social media and networks, and making sure the seller sets the right price. 

Here are a few things sellers can easily undertake and afford to present their properties in the best possible light: 

  • Paint a few feature walls to create visual impact.  Consider using the services of an interior decorator for a quick consultation and some ideas.
  • Add a few personal touches like family photos and memorabilia around the place to give that ‘homey’ feel
  • Keep lights on during inspections to add an interesting touch and make sure curtains, shutters and blinds are open – letting in as much natural light as possible as well as make rooms feel much more spacious.
  • Make sure everything is clean including windows, both inside and out and light fittings.
  • Place some flowers in vases to liven things up a bit, and even consider spraying some perfume around (but not too much!)
  • Turn on heaters so that the temperature inside the home is comfortable, inviting the buyer to linger longer, especially on cold days. 

Another key tip is that sellers should always try to keep in mind who they are selling to, just like any other product that is for sale. 

At the end of the day, sellers should put themselves in the place of the buyer, think about what would they look for and make sure their home delivers as best as it can. That’s what First National Real Estate does – they think of their clients and put them first, because that’s what they would like if they were clients.

Filed under Real Estate Tips Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recycle Your Old Mobiles With First National

June 21, 2011 Leave a comment

Mobile phone users will now be able to recycle their old mobile phones and accessories at more than 450 First National offices around the country.

The First National Real Estate network today announced that customers will be able to drop off their old mobile phones, batteries, accessories and chargers at their nearest First National real estate.   As an extension to its energy efficiency and sustainability drive, First National has partnered with MobileMuster to support the Old phones, more trees campaign.

If each of its offices adopted the practice the network could recycle as many as 7,500 mobile phones a year.

Based on current figures, Australians have about 19 million old and unused mobile phones sitting at home.

The greenhouse gas benefits that could be created if they just recycled them would be the same as planting 100,000 trees or taking more than 6,000 cars off the road.

As an industry that is so reliant on both mobile phones and cars, First National felt it should do its part to help reduce Australia’s carbon footprint.

Since it began in 1999, MobileMuster has collected 806 tonnes of old mobile phones, batteries and accessories, recycling over 90 per cent of the materials in them and keeping these mobiles out of landfill.

Filed under First National Burnie News Tagged with , , , , , , ,

Investors Gear Up For Tax Time

June 9, 2011 Leave a comment

Tax time is just around the corner, and the key to maximising tax deductions for property investments is organisation and planning. 

At the end of the day, like any form of investment, keeping track of what is happening with your investment and its incomings and outgoings is what it is all about.

 Keeping receipts to prove your deductions and demonstrate why the expense was incurred is key to deriving assessable income.

 Preparing a depreciation schedule is also a legitimate way to claim tax deductions and if it is done by a qualified quantity surveyor, their costs are also tax deductible. 

Tax time should serve as a reminder for landlords to carry out property and pest inspections on their properties.

 This ensures any work required is carried out before the end of the financial year, and can then be claimed as an investment expense.

And if the investor purchases any fixtures and fittings costing less than the specific amount set by the tax office, they can claim an immediate tax deduction.

 In addition, the investor may be eligible for a deduction for depreciation on the cost of improvement by a previous owner, provided items are identifiable and itemised in a depreciation schedule.

There are also financial tips investors should consider.  This could include writing off borrowing costs over five years or the term of the loan, or self managed super funds borrowing to invest as well as prepaying interest against factors like anticipated future income, interest rates and cash flow impacts. 

Investors are encouraged to seek the services of a qualified and trusted financial advisor.  A financial adviser will understand the best options for property investors and their individual financial circumstances.

 Property investment offers the potential for good returns and long-term financial gains, but maximising the tax benefits of this type of investment ensures it works to its fullest advantage.

Filed under Real Estate Tips Tagged with , , , , , ,

First National Real Estate – Everybody Everyday

June 9, 2011 Leave a comment

Filed under First National Burnie News Tagged with , , , , ,

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.