Sales Archives - Amanda Robertson

Transform your Gloucester home for sale to look luxurious

May 6, 2024 by Amanda Robertson

Selling your home is a big life moment, and creating an environment that exudes luxury can increase its appeal to potential buyers. Here are some strategies that will help to convey a sense of sophisticated living.

1. Space and light

Curtains: When it comes to curtains, this simple trick can have a dramatic impact. Hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible, allowing them to gently graze the floor. This creates the illusion of higher ceilings, making rooms feel larger.
Reduced furniture: Avoid cluttering rooms with excess furniture. Edit ruthlessly, ensuring each piece is the right size for the space. This creates a sense of spaciousness and allows potential buyers to see more easily how their own furniture will fit. The bonus is buyers will be able to navigate rooms easily on open-for-inspection days.
Fresh and bright: A coat of fresh paint is never a bad idea. Choose light, neutral colours that make rooms feel airy and inviting. Consider the natural light each room receives and choose colours that complement it.
Lighting: Upgrading your lighting scheme is a cost-effective way to up the ambiance. Use a statement piece like a sculptural lamp in the living room or great pendant lighting in the dining area or over a kitchen island.
Rugs: Larger area rugs ‘anchor’ furniture groupings and define areas within a room. Aim for rugs that allow all the furniture pieces in a specific area, like the living room seating arrangement, to rest at least partially on the rug. This creates a sense of cohesion and visual weight. If you don’t have a single large rug, consider layering smaller rugs for a similar effect.

2. Artful touches

Cushions: Don’t underestimate the power of cushions. They can elevate a simple couch from basic to luxurious. Choose a selection of textures and patterns that complement each other without overwhelming the eye. You want a dressed, but not overdressed, look.
Hardware: Replace old and worn chrome fixtures on your taps and cabinet handles. I think brass or black finishes give a more sophisticated look. These small details can contribute significantly to the overall feel of a space.
Artwork: Curated artwork can add personality and sophistication. A single statement piece or a curated gallery wall can make your home seem more luxurious and sophisticated.
Flowers and greenery: Fresh flowers and greenery add a touch of life to any space. Remember, though ‒ whether you use plants or flower arrangements, make sure they don’t overpower the spaces.

3. Less is more

No clutter or personalisation: Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Too many personal belongings and clutter can be distracting. Pack away family photos, collections and knick-knacks. Go more minimalist, emphasising clean lines and open spaces.

4. Bathroom

One of my favourite tips is to invest in some new towels in a neutral colour like white or beige and to stick to only three colours in all your bathroom. For example, you could use white, grey and blue or white, black and grey. Fold the towels neatly and display them on towel racks or shelves. This creates a spa-like feel and conveys a sense of luxury.

5. Finishing touches

Mirrors: Mirrors can make rooms feel larger and brighter. A large mirror above a fireplace or dresser will reflect light and create an illusion of spaciousness. Beware, though, that if your room is cluttered, it will be reflected in the mirror.
Scents: A subtle scent of lavender or citrus can create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. The emphasis is on the ‘subtle’. Some people are allergic to scents so don’t overdo it.

As you can see, some simple changes can make your home feel more spacious, sophisticated, and styled effortlessly. Buyers will be enticed to your open home and to offer a top price.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through selling your home. I specialise in lifestyle, rural and residential properties. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.

Why a sole listing is better for your Gloucester region property

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 by Amanda Robertson

Selling your home is a significant financial decision, and achieving your ideal sale price so you can step into your next stage of life is vital. While it might seem at first glance that listing with multiple agents will get you more offers sooner, I’m going to explain in this article why this isn’t the case.

Agent motivation and focus

When you enlist a single agent, they become your dedicated advocate. Their sole focus is securing the best possible outcome for you. This undivided attention translates to greater motivation to promote your property, they negotiate fiercely on your behalf, and guide you through the intricacies of the selling process. Don’t be fooled into thinking that multiple agents will mean more competition. It doesn’t work that way, sadly. Agents will prioritise the property they believe they can sell quickly and without drama. If you’ve listed your home with more than one agent, then all the agents will likely neglect your home in favour of one where they know they’ll get the sale without hassle.

Cohesive marketing strategy

When a potential buyer sees your home for sale, you want them to see at first glance its unique features, the advantages of your location and other features that make your property desirable. Listing with one agent ensures a unified marketing approach with a comprehensive strategy tailored to your specific property and target market. This might include professional photography, targeted online advertising, open houses and outreach to their network of qualified buyers. If you list with multiple agents, each agent might have their own marketing plan, leading to a disjointed and potentially confusing presentation for potential buyers.

Pricing your Gloucester region home

Pricing your home accurately is so much more important than you might think. You need your agent to conduct a thorough market analysis to determine the optimal asking price. In my market analysis, for example, I consider similar properties, recent sales data and current market trends to arrive at a price that is competitive yet reflects the true value of your home. Plus, I know what different types of buyers are looking for so I can narrow down my target buyers. Most agents operate in a similar manner but with their own interpretation of the data. This can lead to pricing inconsistency and it will confuse potential buyers.

The comprehensive approach by a sole agent leads to a realistic and competitive listing price that attracts serious buyers. Serious buyers also provide market feedback about your property, and with the “days on market” pushing out again in the area, especially for rural and lifestyle properties, buyers are watching a property over a longer period and may not make their move to inspect or offer until they are ready, so working with one agent exclusively keeps those buyers close.

Privacy and peace of mind

Open homes and having potential buyers looking through your home can be stressful. What you want is to have some control over the number of visits and the times they arrive. With multiple agents, you’ll find that harder to manage. Listing with a single agent and building a relationship with that agent will give you the control you need. The last thing you need is to get an ‘urgent’ phone call from an agent asking if they can bring a buyer over in 20 minutes.

Negotiating strength

Potential buyers, including a buyer’s agent, get canny when they’re ready to buy. When they see multiple agents listing your property, they’re led to believe they have more leverage and they could try to drive the price down by offering prices lower than your asking price. In my experience, a single point of contact is highly advantageous. Your agent will present all offers, guide you through the negotiation process, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible price for you.

Potential complications

In a competitive market, situations might arise where two agents represent different buyers vying for your property. This can cause confusion and potentially lead to legal challenges if both agents submit offers simultaneously. Having a single agent eliminates this risk and streamlines the offer and acceptance process.

Open listing: Just (don’t) do it

The idea of multiple agents might sound appealing. However, this strategy can have detrimental consequences. A strong, dedicated agent, working on your behalf ‒ someone you’ve grown to know and trust ‒ is your best bet for a smooth, stress-free sale that achieves your ideal selling price. Their expertise, market knowledge and unwavering focus will ensure your property receives the targeted attention it deserves, leading to a successful and rewarding outcome.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through the process of selling your home. I specialise in lifestyle, rural and residential properties. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.

Advantages of selling your Gloucester home in winter

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 by Amanda Robertson

Crisp air, the scent of wood smoke, the crackling warmth of a fireplace – winter in Gloucester NSW paints a picture of cosy charm. This season can also be a strategic time to sell your home. While many consider spring the prime selling season, there are distinct advantages to a winter sale in the Gloucester region. Let’s dig into these reasons and explore how to transform your home into a haven for winter buyers, attract serious interest and secure a successful sale.

Standing out from the crowd

Winter means fewer sellers in the market. This translates to less competition for your listing, so your home receives more dedicated attention from actively searching buyers. This increased visibility can lead to quicker viewings and potentially faster offers, especially if your home is priced competitively and we highlight your home’s winter-specific strengths.

Motivated buyers

Those house-hunting in winter are often highly motivated and ready to commit. Facing the prospect of colder months without a permanent home, they’re more likely to be decisive and act quickly to secure a warm and comfortable haven. Targeting these motivated buyers can streamline the selling process and ensure a smooth transaction.

Preparing your home for a winter sale

1. The cosy factor for open home days

Winter presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase your home’s warmth and inviting atmosphere. When we show a home in winter we want to evoke an emotional connection with potential buyers. Here are some tips for your open home days:

Light the fireplace or wood stove if you have one: Crackling flames and comforting heat create an instant draw, especially for those seeking a winter escape.
Warm up the lighting: Swap harsh overhead lights for soft lamps, choosing warm-toned bulbs that emit a gentle glow, mimicking the firelight and fostering a cosy ambience.
Layer textures and textiles: Plush throws, fluffy cushions and warm rugs add a touch of luxury and invite snuggling up by the fire. Consider using natural materials like wool, sheepskin or a chunky hand-knitted throw for added warmth and visual appeal.
Declutter: When we’re adding cosiness with cushions and throws, we don’t want the rooms to look like work. So declutter and depersonalise your home by removing family photos and holiday mementoes so buyers can imagine themselves living in your home. Remember, it’s your home they’re buying, not your family.
Add colour: Poinsettias or cyclamens in the room will provide freshness and a pop of warm colour.

2. Winter kerb appeal

Your home needs to welcome potential buyers from the moment they see it from the street. Maintain clear pathways and driveways and make sure they’re clean and free of any mould buildup. Add inviting touches like welcoming outdoor lighting. Remember, first impressions matter, and winter offers a unique opportunity to create a warm and inviting entrance.

What we do to showcase your home in winter

Photography

High-quality photos of your interiors are crucial, but we could consider taking it a step further. In winter, we showcase the winter beauty of your home and surrounding area with captivating visuals such as photos of frosty landscapes, a glowing fireplace or a steaming mug of a hot beverage on a coffee table in the sun.

Highlighting winter-specific features

We go beyond aesthetics and emphasise features that enhance winter living. For example, if you have energy-efficient windows and insulation, we’ll talk about reduced heating costs. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, we’ll be demonstrating its functionality and efficiency by having it lit during inspections. Importantly, we can talk about all the beautiful walks and cosy cabins in the area that are perfect for winter activity.

It’s all in the story

From descriptions of a cosy home to photography, we make sure that everything tells the story of your home in winter. By appealing to emotions and showcasing the winter possibilities your home offers, you’ll connect with buyers on a deeper level.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

What is the property market doing in the Gloucester region?

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

One of my priorities is to keep an eye on what the property market is doing in our region so I can advise my clients and give them realistic appraisals if they’re ready to sell. This year has been interesting to say the least.

Despite predictions of massive property price falls, the property market has proved as resilient as always.

In this article, I’ll run through some of what I’ve learned recently. First I’ll give an overview of capital cities then drill down into what’s happening in regional markets.

Property prices rebound in Sydney

While interest rate rises are certainly making investors more cautious, this hesitancy has proved to be a bonus for owner-occupiers. However, smaller supply has seen property prices rise 10.6% since January 2023.

Auctions up by an impressive percentage

Likely due to the slump over the October long weekend, property auctions overall bounced by over 30% for the week ending 8 October. In Adelaide and Canberra, auction numbers surged by more than 50%. Clearance rates were lower than the previous norm of 70%. However, it’s worth noting that most properties handed in are sold within a week after the auction.

Regional markets

Gloucester region owners should take comfort in the news that while regional sea-change property values have undergone a large correction, falling sharply by up to 21% (Byron Shire) the tree-change regions have remained more resilient. While growth over the last 12 months has slowed in the Gloucester region, the loss is just 2.8%. Property prices are still higher than they were in October 2021. However, following the recent warning by the Reserve Bank of Australia warning that further rate hikes might be needed, we need to be mindful that regional areas would not be immune from softer market conditions.

Median home price and yield in the Gloucester region

The median house price in the Gloucester region is $520,000. However this figure doesn’t take rural/ lifestyle properties out of town into account and hides the lower prices of older-style three-bedroom homes in town. Some recent sales in the region include:

Wallanbah Road: $1,855,000
Callaghans Creek Road: $1,200,000
Henderson St: $830,000
Barrington West Road: $820,000
Manning Street: $565,000

Rents are increasing

According to a recent report in The Sydney Morning Herald, asking rents across most regional councils are on the rise. Over the past five years, every regional council has seen at least 20% growth with some seeing 60% or more. This is possibly due to reduced supply and owner-occupiers rather than investors buying homes. Until we see investors starting to move again with home purchases, we will continue to see low rental supply, which translates into higher rental prices.

Is now the right time to invest in Gloucester?

Having been around the (real estate) block a few times, I’ve worked through all the property cycles. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s generally a good idea to buy when the market is predicting the worst. Of course, this depends on individual circumstances. There’s no point picking up a bargain if you won’t be able to service your loan should interest rates rise again. However, if you have the capital and can manage loan repayments without stress, you should be rewarded with the capital gains of real property.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

Essentials to add value to Gloucester region homes

September 25, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

Whether or not you’re thinking about selling your property, it’s worth keeping it in good nick just in case you want to sell. Our town isn’t huge and people will be walking or driving by your home. so you always want to be giving a great impression. When it comes time to sell, if you’ve made these upgrades, you’ll likely achieve a higher sale price.

Over the past few years, regional areas have become highly desirable as people escape crowded cities and endless traffic for clean air and room to move.

Our growing population means we always have buyers, but there is always competition between sellers. Buyers look for value, and my tips will help you to impress them. However, before I continue, I’d stress that if you want to completely renovate your kitchen and bathroom for your enjoyment, then go ahead. However, be aware that you won’t make the cost back in the sale price. See my budget-friendly tips below that will add value you’ll probably make back in the eventual sale price.

Kerb appeal

If the exterior of your home is tidy, well-maintained and looks as if it’s low maintenance, you’re a step ahead.

Even if you need to employ someone to help you, it’s worth doing the following regularly.

– Pressure wash paths, paintwork and (if it’s got mossy or grungy) your roof
– Keep lawns edged neatly.
– Prune unruly bushes and plants.
– Mulch garden beds.
– Replace the old letterbox if it looks shabby.
– Make sure your house number is visible

To make your home feel more welcoming, paint your front door and make sure your lighting is adequate.

Kitchen confidential

You’ve no doubt heard the adage that kitchens sell homes. It’s more of a truism. The state of your kitchen can make or break a sale. Here’s what to do to make your kitchen seem worthy of a chef.

– Clean the walls and ceiling and repaint.
– Swap a tiled splashback for glass. It’s expensive but glass is easier to clean and looks modern with no grout to clean.
– Regrout any tiles if you choose to keep them.
– Check your cupboard doors. If they’re looking too 1990s, think about painting them or replacing them.
– Declutter your cupboards so you can store appliances off the counters. This makes it seem like you have ample storage space, something buyers always look for.
– Replace tapware if it’s looking a bit shabby. You can achieve a contemporary look without breaking the bank.

Don’t replace your entire kitchen, though. Your taste might not coincide with buyers’ tastes and you’ll have wasted money.

Spa-like bathrooms

We know women make the final choice on what to buy ‒ and they won’t buy a home with a low-grade bathroom if another property has a glamorous bathroom that looks as if it doesn’t need anything done to it.

Some upgrades you can do yourself as long as you have patience. For others, it’s best to call in the trades.

– Regrout the tiles. This might give you the opportunity to change the grout colour to one that doesn’t show mould and dirt. Removing old grout can be time-consuming and tedious but it’s doable. Once that part is done, make sure you mix antimould into the new grout mixture, and seal it when it’s dry.
– Repaint. Bathroom paint, I’ve found, starts to look tired after about eight years. Alternatively, scrub all the paintwork with sugar soap to brighten it.
– Minimise your colour palette. Sticking to one main colour then using two complementary colours will make your bathroom appear larger.
– Replace tapware ‒ but only if it looks old and worn.
– Add extra storage. I love using the space above the door for storing towels or toilet paper.
– Add a plant or two.

While it isn’t worth it to renovate your bathroom (unless it’s for your enjoyment), potential buyers will appreciate a fresh-looking bathroom they don’t have to work on before they move in. In the meantime, you can enjoy your mini spa.

Decluttering and styling

Decluttering isn’t a simple process so I suggest you do a little bit at a time. Once you have a clean slate, then look at your home room by room. Could you move the furniture around so it makes more sense or is easier to navigate? Could you rehang artwork so it fits in better with your scheme? Look at some of my styling tips. Even if your home isn’t on the market, you can still have fun with styling.

Talk to me before you spend too much

As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to overcapitalise with renovations. Talk to me first so I can give you a better idea of how much (or how little) you should spend to appeal to the most likely type of buyer your home will attract.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

Regional property markets and the Gloucester region

August 14, 2023August 14, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

It doesn’t seem so long ago that regional property markets were booming with flyaway prices. However, we need to put this boom into context. Many of the supercharged regional areas were the ones most in demand in 2019: Noosa and much of the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, the Southern Highlands, the Gold Coast while 2020 saw Foster Tuncurry and many of the NSW coastal towns hit their highs.

Now as I assess the overall NSW market, I’m seeing something a bit different.

Premium regional areas have experienced a drop in home values while in the lesser-known regions like Gloucester, home prices have held up reasonably well.

According to The Property Tribune: ‘The Regional Movers Index’s March 2023 Quarter Report has found that the major cities are experiencing unprecedented levels of migration between major cities and regional areas.’ (The Regional Movers Index is a partnership between the Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute.)

That bodes well if you’re considering selling in the Gloucester region, whether you’re downsizing from a home in town or you’re on acreage and want a different lifestyle.

There’s a demand for quality work opportunities and our town provides growth; we need teachers, doctors, tourism operators and more. All these new workers need somewhere to live.

CoreLogic states that housing values across Australia declined -5.3& over the past 12 months. However, most of these losses have been in capital cities. The South Australian regional market gained 8.7%.

Tree Change opportunities

While median growth in the Gloucester region has dipped slightly, rents are on an upward trajectory.

As John McGrath of McGrath Real Estate noted in a recent article: ‘Price growth is currently strongest in rural treechange areas across regional Australian markets.’

He noted also that, traditionally, buyers moving from capital cities sought beach areas for the beachside lifestyle. Buyers in those regions might also have assumed better capital growth.

As capital city homeowners or renters moved to beachside regions for an improved lifestyle and cheaper housing, prices went skywards.

It was time for areas like Gloucester to shine. As buyers were pushed from the beach, they started looking at the value in regional towns. In our case, we have outstanding natural beauty, camping spots and walking trails, wineries and so much more. Best of all, in tree-change towns, new residents have the added value of a town and region that isn’t seasonal with thousands of tourists flocking to the region in summer, with autumn and winter leaving the town desolate.

Tree-change regions also offer a more purposeful lifestyle, with many incomers choosing acreage with options for horses, fruit trees, vegetables or cattle as they enter the next phase of their lives. Rural areas have seen the strongest price growth in 2023, especially in NSW.

From CoreLogic we learn that home values in regional areas were about 30% higher than they were at the beginning of 2020. In the Gloucester region, some properties had increased over 40% over the prior 10 years. That increase settled down in late 2022 and the market generally in the Gloucester region plateaued. The 5% capital growth predicted into early 2024, is starting to show in property prices locally, but there’s a caveat, it’s only holding for quality properties. Buyers are savvy, and expect alot for their dollar spent. They are not being lured into inflated prices for properties that don’t offer quality or meet their needs.

If you’re thinking about downsizing or changing your lifestyle, now is the time to start preparing your home for sale.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

Should you give an exclusive listing to one agent?

April 11, 2023April 10, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

amanda robertson value of professional real estate agents

In some locations, there seems to have been a bit of negativity about this issue so let’s talk about it. If you have a terrible agent who does nothing and you’re locked into an exclusive arrangement, then that’s not ideal.

On the other hand, if you have an open listing where you place your property for sale with multiple agents, there’s less incentive for agents to propel the sale of your home forward. You still have the right to sell the property yourself, which means no agent commission and therefore no incentive for any of them to do anything to help you sell your property. This could mean your property languishes on the market for months.

You want to build a relationship with one agent whom you trust. That agent will focus on your property and nurture you through the process (which can be stressful even under ideal conditions), negotiate with a buyer and help you achieve the highest price possible. The bottom line? Go for an exclusive agreement with one agent.

What will your real estate agent do for you?

Ever wondered what a real estate agent really does for you when selling your home? There’s more to our job than taking some photos and putting a description of your property on realestate.com.au, domain.com.au or in the window of the agent’s office. Our role is to help you sell your home for the highest price possible and we use all the weapons in our armoury to make that happen. I’m going to go through just some of what makes us valuable to sellers and how an exclusive listing works better for you in the long run.

Exploring existing relationships

All professional real estate agents strive to initiate and maintain excellent relationships with vendors and potential buyers. We don’t put your home on the market and wait for buyers to call. Instead, we actively recruit buyers so we can match them to our vendors for faster sales and higher sale prices.

Communication

To save you the stress of wondering what’s going on with your home sale, we will let you know of any developments. You can choose how often you want us to contact you but we’ll keep you up to date with any offers, market movements up or down and anything else that might have an impact on your sale. It’s our job to help you through the process and help you feel confident.

Local expertise and appraisals

As real estate agents, we are constantly reviewing the local market, prices and migration patterns. We use quality information to support gaining a good handle on the value of different types of properties in the market. Importantly, we’re talking to buyers and know what they’re prepared to pay. This means we can give you an accurate appraisal so you can make plans for buying your next dream home and moving to the next stage of your life.

Exclusive marketing

The key is ‘strategy’. If you engage just one agent exclusively, your agent has more incentive to do a deep dive into the type of property, its unique features and what is most likely to appeal to buyers. We’ll help you prepare your home or lifestyle property for sale so it looks fantastic both in the photos taken by a professional real estate photographer and when buyers inspect your property in person. To make your property stand out, you do need top-quality photography, presentation and smart targeted marketing.

Negotiation

We work with sellers and buyers to achieve a result that everyone is happy with. Over the years, I’ve worked with vendors who had a fixed price in their heads and were reluctant to budge. Once I understand their goals for the sale – that could be moving out of the area, downsizing or exchanging a lifestyle property for one in town – I can help them arrive at a mindset that will accept a fair price, one that helps them achieve their goals.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

Responsibilities when selling your Gloucester region property

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

You have many responsibilities when you sell a property but I’m going to cover the main ones.

Vacant possession

If you’ve bought an investment property before, you might have heard the term ‘vacant possession’. What does it mean?

Vacant possession means that the new owner has exclusive use of the property. The property doesn’t have tenants or any physical items that would mean hardship for the buyer. This means that, when you sell or settle, you must not leave old furniture, rubbish or personal items for the buyer to deal with. If you’re selling a farm or acreage, vacant possession means you can’t leave non-working farm equipment behind or a barn full of cast-offs. You can read more about vacant possession here.

State of repair declaration

Your buyer will be purchasing your property ‘as is’ but that means, for example, that if you are selling an air conditioner as part of the home sale and it was working when the buyer inspected the property, it must be working when the buyer settles. Or if the guttering has fallen off since exchange, you must repair it before settlement as the buyer is purchasing guttering in good working order.

List of inclusions and exclusions in the contract for sale

Over the years, I’ve found it wise to recommend that sellers create a list of exactly what is included in the sale and make sure all items are included in the contract for sale. Buyers might be entranced by your stunning chandelier and feel cheated when they arrive at the property after settlement and find it no longer there, especially if they believe they’ve paid for it.

It also helps you to be clear on what stays and what goes with you. I’ve heard of a seller claiming ownership of a roof aerial on a property they sold months previously because they said it hadn’t been in the contract and they wanted extra for it.

Once you start itemising all those bits and pieces around your home ‒ like pool equipment and so on ‒ (and total up the cost to you initially and what it would cost to move them), you will get a better idea of what you want to keep and what you think should bump up the home price. It’s no good suddenly remembering that ladder under the house you need now when you sold your house three months ago.

Disclosure documents

Residential property

For a residential property you will need to provide:

title documents
drainage diagram
a current Zoning Certificate (section 10.7) issued by the local council.

If your property for sale has a swimming or spa pool, you must have one of the following attached to the contract:

a copy of a valid certificate of compliance, or
a valid occupation certificate (issued in the past 3 years) and evidence that the pool has been registered, or
a valid certificate of non-compliance.

Your buyer might be able to rescind the contract within 14 days if you haven’t attached one of these documents to your sales contract.

Rural property

While selling a residential property is relatively straightforward, the same can’t be said for rural properties. For these, you’ll need your solicitor to prepare a set of disclosure documents that show in detail:

the land title (often more than one for rural properties)
boundary plans of the property
information of all registered ‘interests’ over the land such as:
easements
rights of carriageway
positive or restrictive covenants
planning certificates from local Councils (zoning, planning controls and anything else that affects the use of the land)
water rights and licences
Crown land affairs

As you can see, selling can be complex so it’s best to engage an experienced real estate agent to help you navigate the sale process.

Need advice on selling your Barrington Coast property?

Smart and green flooring for your Gloucester region home

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

Your floor makes up one of the largest surfaces in your home and in most rooms it’s going to suffer wear and tear. When choosing your flooring, you need to take into account replacement costs, the look and feel and, if you’re selling your home, how your flooring looks in marketing photography.

Most of us want flooring that is cost effective, durable and low maintenance. And some of the options might surprise you.

So we’ve got you (and your property’s floor) covered with your main cost-effective options, how to make the right choice.

Eco-friendly flooring for your home

Lino: No longer seen only in Depression-era and post-War homes, lino these days comes in a range of beautiful patterns and colours. Best of all, linoleum is made from natural materials including jute and linseed oil, making it both sustainable and biodegradable. Lino is easy to clean; a quick mop and then finish with a vinegar and water rinse. (Many of us will remember our grandmothers wiping the floor with kerosene or getting out the polisher. Trust me, vinegar will give the same look.) Lino used to be readily available but these days it’s more of a specialty product. The bonus is that it comes in some beautiful colours and patterns our grandmothers wouldn’t recognise. Lino might be tricky to source but you can order it through some flooring companies including Forbo.
Cork: We love cork for its softness and warmth, and it’s also easy to care for. Cork is a sustainable and eco-friendly product that’s also not readily available. However, this flooring product is worth the effort.
Eco-friendly carpet: Wool carpet is not only an amazing insulator (for both warm and cool weather) but also is extremely sustainable. Wool is easier to clean than nylon alternatives and is soft underfoot. If you find wool too expensive and you still want an eco-friendly carpet, you could choose regenerated nylon carpet made from 100% recycled yarn.
Tiles: Tiles made using sustainable practices can be eco-friendly but you’ll need to check the credentials of your supplier. This product seems to be the default for many regional and coastal homes and I get it; you can sweep and mop easily, they’re good for high-traffic areas and the right tile choice can give your home a touch of luxury. The downside is tiles can crack or chip and can be difficult to repair. Grout can discolour so if you choose tile, choose the grout colour with as much care as you choose your tile.
Bamboo: Bamboo flooring comes in different types and can be an eco-friendly choice as long as it’s manufactured without glues that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Tougher than most hardwoods and extremely durable, bamboo is a renewable resource. However, most bamboo flooring is manufactured overseas, which means it must be shipped to Australia.

Durable flooring

Vinyl plank: Extremely popular for regional homes and especially in rentals, vinyl plank gives you the look of wood flooring without the cost. It’s easy to clean, it’s durable and comes in a fantastic range of wood tones to suit any colour scheme.
Vinyl tile: This durable product can give you the look of marble while being more budget-friendly. It’s another product that’s easier to care for.
Laminate: All the comfort of wood and suitable for concrete floors as laminate floors generally are installed as floating floors. Not as durable as vinyl plank but more luxurious.

How to choose the right flooring for your home or rental

Selecting a floor for your home or rental property means you need to balance price, durability, aesthetics and sustainability. I hope I’ve given you food for thought when it comes to choosing clean and green flooring. However, if you need professional advice on flooring ideas, drop in and talk to Nicky at Gloucester Furniture Zone & Flooring. She has a fab range and you’re sure to find something to suit.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

How to stage your Gloucester home for sale like a pro

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Amanda Robertson

Property styling, sometimes referred to as home staging, is vital when you put your home on the market.

In this article, I give you some of my favourite tips on staging your home like a professional home stylist.

Why is property styling important?

First, you need to put yourself in the mindset of the type of person who will be most likely to buy your home. What would you like to see? Plenty of space and storage? Lots of greenery?

When you sell your home, you’re selling more than bricks and mortar; you’re selling a lifestyle. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home entertaining their friends and family ‒ but not living your life.

Getting started with staging your home

There are some basic steps. Some of these you probably have already on your radar but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of them. In our next blog, we’ll give you more tips for each room but you need to get the basics right first.

Declutter: You want your home to be as neutral as possible. Buyers want to get a sense of the space, including storage (and most of us live day to day with too much of everything).

Refresh: My go-to’s are a fresh coat of paint, new tapware and drawer and cupboard pulls.

Maintain: Fix dripping taps and sticking drawers. Make sure hinges are in good condition. Outside, make sure gutters are cleaned and paths and driveway are pressure washed.

Minimise colour: Create a colour palette by choosing one main colour and two complementary colours and use them throughout your home. (The ‘rule of three’ is that you should have just three colours per room, although you can get away with colourful complementary cushions in your living room.)

Room-by-room budget-friendly styling tips

I recommend going ‘minimalist with warmth’ for your photography and open-for-inspection days.

Kitchen

Make sure everything is sparkling. Clear benchtops of appliances. Add a healthy plant, a photo or a vase of flowers or greenery you’ve cut from your garden.

Bedrooms

Go all-white or classic with bedding. Add texture and colour with cushions or a throw. Ensure the carpet or rug is in a neutral tone. Add a plant and hang a fabulous photo. On your bedside table, add a lamp, a glass of water and a book. If you have shelves, group items like candles or photos in odd numbers.

Bathroom

Your medicine cabinet and/or your vanity should be almost empty. To give your bathroom a spa-like feel, buy products like Glow Lab you can find in the supermarket. When your shampoo, body wash and conditioner containers all match, there’s less visual clutter.

Keep the top of your vanity or any shelves clear except for maybe a hand towel or a small plant (like an orchid).

Living room

If you have mismatched furniture of different styles, try to lean to 70% of one style, then 20% and 10% for other styles. To unify the room, think about getting slipcovers in all the same colour (preferably neutral). Then add warmth and texture with cushions, a few coffee table books and a vase of flowers or greenery. You can bring in a few cherished items but make sure you curate them carefully. Most importantly, make sure you have laid out the room so there are good traffic areas. You don’t want potential buyers banging their shins on a poorly placed coffee table..

Add greenery

Cut from your garden or add plants, as long as they’re healthy.

Remember: sometimes a good-quality fake works as well in photography as the real thing especially plants like phalaenopsis (‘moth’) orchids.

Are we done yet?

Home staging might take a bit of work but it can easily add a few thousand dollars to your sale price.

Top tip: When you think you’ve finished, go back with your phone or camera and take photos. Sometimes it can take a few goes until you’re happy with what you see but persevere; it’s worth the effort!