BLOG
What Jo Knows: Bad Advice 🚧
Buyers and Sellers often receive advice that could hinder their success in the real estate market.These common pieces of misguided advice are worth unlearning...SELLERS: If you can't trust your agent with the details of why you need to sell, should you be trusting them with the keys to your property? Your agent needs to know all the details (yes ALL of the nitty gritty details) around why you...
What Jo Knows: Selling in 2025?
Why Preparing Early to Sell Your Property in 2025 Can Give You an Edge If you’re considering selling your property in 2025, here’s a powerful insider tip: start preparing early!A bit of strategic planning now can give you a major advantage once the new year rolls around. The Advantage of Early Preparation At the moment, we’re working closely with clients who are getti...
📊 OCTOBER 2024 REAL ESTATE UPDATE
October 2024 Real Estate Market Update: Is This Spring as Unpredictable as Melbourne’s Weather? As we dive into Spring 2024, the real estate market is anything but predictable, mirroring Melbourne's famously erratic weather. Traditionally, this is the season of peak activity, with increased listings and bustling buyer interest. However, this year has thrown a few curveballs, making for a...
What Jo Knows: When is the right time to sell my home?
When’s the Right Time to Upsize Your Home? Understanding the Market Gap Selling a property is a big decision, and although reasons vary, they often stem from similar desires: improving lifestyle, finding more (or less) space, or making a lifestyle shift like a sea change or tree change. However, one important aspect that sellers often overlook is how market conditions impact the cost o...
What Jo Knows: How Much Commission Does An Agent Charge?
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent: Understanding Commissions and What to Look ForWhen selling your property, one crucial question arises: Should commission influence how you choose your real estate agent? Understanding what commission is and how it works is key to making an informed decision. What is Commission?Commission is the agreed payment an agent receives for successfully selli...
What Jo Knows: Should I renovate BEFORE I sell my home?
Deciding whether to renovate your home before selling is a common dilemma for many homeowners. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it largely depends on market conditions, your location, and your pricing goals. In this post, we'll explore key factors to consider when determining whether a renovation is worth the effort and expense. 1. Understand the Market In some markets, cer...
What Jo Knows: What are the costs involved in buying & selling in Victoria 🤨
When buying or selling property in Victoria, it’s important to be aware of the various costs associated with the transaction. These costs can significantly impact your budget and overall financial outcome. In this guide, we’ll outline the key expenses for both buyers and sellers, providing clarity on who pays what and how much to budget. Costs for Sellers As a seller, you’...
📊 SEPTEMBER 2024 REAL ESTATE UPDATE
Spring has sprung but did it bring a bounce into the 3977 real estate market? Let’s take a look! 👀There were 89 house sales reported in postcode 3977 which is a fair way down on September last year where we had 147. Year to date we’ve had One thousand three hundred and seventeen house sales reported and that’s up 8.1% with the median house price also up just a little - 1.7% ...
What Jo Knows: Should I Sell My Home Now Or Wait For A Better Price? 🤔
In this video, we discuss whether it’s worth waiting for a better price when selling your property.If you’re planning to buy again, remember that while you may get a higher price for your current property, you'll also pay a higher price for the next one.Timing the market perfectly is challenging—no one knows when the market has truly peaked or bottomed out until prices begin...
What Jo Knows: How To Find A Home To Suit Your Lifestyle 🌳
In this video, I share a simple, old-school method to help you choose your next home. Using four categories on butcher's paper (or your phone), list what your new home must have, what it must not have, what you'd like it to have, and what you'd prefer it not to have. This approach helps narrow down your choices and ensures you focus on properties that fit your non-negotiables and lifestyle ne...
Finance Series - Part 9: Buying An 'Investment' Property
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing BUYING AN 'INVEST...
What Jo Knows: No Price Listed 🤔
Sometimes, you'll notice that agents choose not to list a price for a property, and while it may seem frustrating, there's often a good reason behind it.In my experience, there are instances where a property might be reacting differently in the marketplace than first expected. This could prompt discussions with the seller about potential price adjustments to align with market conditions. By t...
💰 Finance Series - Part 8: Moving Interstate
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing MOVING INTERSTATE. If you nee...
📊 AUGUST 2024 Real Estate Update: A house is worth what someone is prepared to pay
How did the real estate market wrap up the last month of winter in postcode 3977? While we are seeing a consistent level of new listings coming to market, there were only 91 sales reported in the last month of Winter which is down 32% on August 2023 with the median house price sitting 3.5% up at $740,105. Does this mean that YOUR home has increased by 3.5%? Maybe… but not necessari...
What Jo Knows: Maximising Your Sale Price 💰
Don't just throw your house on the market and hope for the best.Selling your home is like walking a tightrope – but I've got the experience and strategies to keep us balanced all the way to a successful sale.We won't be setting a price and crossing our fingers; we’ll use data-driven insights to attract a flurry of potential buyers, not just a hopeful nibble.I'll help you set a pri...
💰 Finance Series - Part 7: Bridging Loans
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing BRIDGING LOANS. If yo...
What Jo Knows: Marketing Matters 📢
In the bustling real estate market, your property needs to shine brightly to catch the eyes of potential buyers.With a career spanning over 30 years in sales and marketing, I have the knowledge and the expertise required to create an impactful marketing campaign, exposing your property to more buyers and in-turn increasing your chance at a higher sale price. Crafting a compelling story aroun...
💰 Finance Series - Part 6: Deposit Bonds
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing DEPOSIT BONDS. If you ne...
What Jo Knows: Preparing for a Quick Sale 🔥⏱
Dreaming of a swift sale? I've got the golden keys to unlock a quick and profitable exit from the market.Cranbourne's real estate scene never stops, but to make sure your home stands out and snags those eager buyers, a bit of extra prep work goes a long way.First up, decluttering is your best friend.Clearing out personal mementos and trimming down furniture not only maximizes space bu...
💰 Finance Series - Part 5: Mortgage Insurance
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing MORTGAGE INSURANCE. If you ne...
What Jo Knows: Selling Your Own Home 🔑
Selling your own home might seem feasible, but there are crucial considerations to bear in mind. While technically possible, it's essential to have a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the necessary paperwork involved in the process. As someone with a background in marketing, you might initially think that managing the sale yourself is straightforward. However, the reality is more complex, es...
📊 JULY 2024 Real Estate Update: Adaptability remains crucial for agents and sellers
Damn the weather has been bitter but the number of new listings and sales data is showing the real estate market is thawing out….In postcode 3977 there were 107 sales reported in July 2024, which is down 23% on July last year BUT… there have been 9.1% more properties sold in 2024 so far than there were at this same time in 2023, and while the market is not flying high the median...
💰 Finance Series - Part 4: Employment & Loans
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing EMPLOYMENT & LOANS. If you ...
What Jo Knows: "I've Got A Buyer" 📮
Ever received one of those enticing notes in your letterbox claiming an agent has a buyer just itching to purchase your home? It's a little thrilling, right? Makes you wonder if it's your lucky day. But, let's gently tap the brakes on that excitement. Here's the reality: while buyers might roam from agent to agent seeking their dream home, as a seller, your success hinges on partnering with ...
💰 Finance Series - Part 3: Credit Scores
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing CREDIT SCORES. W...
What Jo Knows: Dealing With Multiple Offers 🫨
Navigating a scenario with multiple offers can sometimes be a double-edged sword for sellers. While it might seem like an enviable position to be in, having to choose the "right" offer can be incredibly stressful. It's not always just about the numbers; it's about betting on the offer that's most likely to proceed smoothly & successfully to settlement. In these situations, the role of an ...
💰 Finance Series - Part 2: Pre-Approvals
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing PRE-APPROVALS or as...
What Jo Knows: Legalities Made Simple 🧑⚖️
Tackling the legalities of selling your home might seem daunting, but it's crucial for a smooth transaction. Today, let's shed some light on the essential legal steps and documents involved in the selling process, including contracts, disclosures, and compliance with local laws. I'll guide you through understanding these components to ensure you're fully prepared and protected throughout you...
💰 Finance Series - Part 1: First Home Buyer Grants
Our comprehensive video series covers everything you need to know to navigate the complex world of ✨FINANCE✨ with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to invest in property, or simply wanting to improve your financial literacy, our video series is here to help you every step of the way. In this week's episode we will be discussing FIRST HOME BUYER GR...
What Jo Knows: My Most Memorable Sale 🥰
One of my most memorable sales wasn't just about closing a deal; it was about making a profound difference in a family's life during a challenging time. Facing bankruptcy, this family needed to sell their home, a situation that's hardly ever seen as a positive. However, by approaching this as a team, we meticulously prepared the home and launched a solid marketing campaign, securing ...
📊 June 2024 Real Estate Update: Ignore the mainstream media!! ⚠️
Ignore the mainstream media and keep reading to see what is ACTUALLY going on in the 3977 real estate market! You know by now I'm a data geek and putting together these videos for you every month means I'm on top of all things data - supply / demand / results and each month I break this down for you into the simplest possible terms and let me tell you sometimes I do sit for a while...
What Jo Knows: Home Presentation ✨
Unlocking the secrets to successful home styling means turning your property into the dream space buyers can’t resist. It’s not just about making it look pretty; it’s about creating a canvas where potential buyers can envision their future lives. Today, we dive deep into decluttering, de-personalizing, and strategically arranging your space to speak volumes to buyers’ ...
What Jo Knows: Timing Your Sale ⏱
Hey there, homeowners!Trying to time the market for your home sale?I’ll give it to you straight: it's like trying to win a game that's constantly changing the rules.But here's the deal — the only time we can spot the market's peak or trough is in hindsight, when it's already shifting. So, with a world that moves at lightning speed, historical data isn't the crystal ball it once wa...
What Jo Knows: Property Pricing in Victoria
In Victoria, transparency around property pricing is key, thanks to the requirements for a Statement of Information. Even when you see listings with Contact Agent, No Price, or a tender date, the price information isn't hidden; it's just a click away. By accessing the Statement of Information through a specified link, you’ll find comprehensive pricing details, including comparab...
📊 May 2024 Real Estate Update: Is Winter Going to Cool the Postcode 3977 Real Estate Market? ☔️❄️
While Spring is famously spruiked as selling season does the season “really” make that much difference? I’m taking 50 cents each way on this one and so much depends not on the weather, when we can have a bit of every season in one day here in Melbourne, but rather what the market conditions are… how many buyers are available… how many hom...
What Jo Knows: Smooth & Easy Selling Process 😎
Selling your home can be as smooth as a breeze. Let me show you how to remove the stress and streamline the whole process.From decluttering and staging your home for the market, to navigating negotiations and paperwork, I've got you covered with simple steps and expert advice. Avoiding common selling pitfalls and knowing what to expect can transform your selling experience from stressful to s...
What Jo Knows: What I LOVE About My Job 💚
People are initially drawn to real estate for various reasons, often seeing it as an exciting job involving driving around, meeting people, and showing houses. However, what keeps them in the industry is not just the surface-level allure but the deeper connections formed with clients. In real estate, we become deeply involved in our clients' lives, whether it's for a brief period or ...
What Jo Knows: DO NOT SIGN AN AGENT... until they answer these questions ❌✍🏼
Before you ink any deals with a real estate agent, pause and ensure you're armed with answers to these critical questions. 👉🏼 Wondering how they plan to market your property and what your investment covers? Ask. 👉🏼 Curious about their pricing strategy and the rationale behind the proposed price? Get clarity. 👉🏼 Communication style and frequency can make or break your selling experience, s...
📊 APRIL 2024 - Real Estate Market Update
What does the latest shift in 3977's housing market mean for you as a homeowner?If you watch the news, I don't need to tell you that there is a big scary headline being shouted about absolutely everywhere, that interest rates may very well go up later this year, rather than down. Now that has left many feeling absolutely kicked in the guts, and I've got to say, rightly so. The silver lining t...
What Jo Knows: Vendor Price Expectations 💰
In today’s real estate landscape, vendors come well-prepared with price expectations, thanks to a wealth of online resources.Before even sitting down with agents, many have a ballpark figure of what their property could fetch in the current market. The real test is ensuring that your agent's valuation aligns with this research, grounding your expectations in market realities.Whe...
What Jo Knows: First Home Buyer Advice 🗣
For first home buyers, venturing into the property market can feel like navigating uncharted waters.Here’s distilled advice to not just enter the market, but to do so wisely and with confidence.Pre-Approval is Key: Before dreaming of your perfect home, understand what you can actually afford. Speak with a bank or a broker to get a clear picture of your borrowing capacity. This prevents ...
What Jo Knows: Costs of Selling & Buying
Sitting back contemplating a move, but unsure what the costs are to make that move?You're in the right place! SELLERS I'd like to clear up one very common misunderstanding - tax!While death and taxes are 2 constants in life, rest assured that you do not pay tax on the money you receive when you sell your house, if it was your primary residence. You will pay capital gains ...
📊 MARCH 2024 - Real Estate Market Update
It’s been an interesting start to the year with a subtle increase in the number of homes coming onto the market for sale, but with a stable number of buyers entering the market, this balance is seeing house prices on the whole holding their ground. Granted, we are not setting records with the majority of sales price wise, and it is certainly taking longer for houses to ...
What Jo Knows: Preparing You Home For Sale 🏡
Thinking of throwing some serious coin into prepping your house for the market? 💰 Hold up a second – that might not be the wisest move.Before you part with a cent on reno's, let’s have a chat. ⬇️ I’m here with the savvy strategies to get your home ready for a top sale, without dipping into a financial sinkhole.It’s all about the strategic touches that actually trans...
What Jo Knows: Choosing An Agent 👩💼
When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, it’s about much more than just selling your home.It’s about finding someone who has it in their DNA to get you the best possible outcome.I believe in full transparency and a tailored approach to commission – because, in the end, integrity and trust are what make a successful agent. Your win is my goal. Ready to make your...
📊 FEBRUARY 2024 - Real Estate Market Update
Can you believe we are already into the 3rd Month of 2024?? Crazy huh… So how’s the market?Well if you think the roadworks around here are unpredictable, they ain’t got nothing on some of the craziness in real estate land.What do I mean by that?Well you know how it’s a bit like roulette guessing which road will be closed next and how long it will take to get t...
📊 JANUARY 2024 - Real Estate Market Update
One month in to 2024 and while we saw fewer transactions in our market compared to January 2023, we did on the whole see an increase in the number of buyers at inspections and enquiry levels spike. Now this could also be a result of people being on holidays and having available time but for those sitting on the fence about whether to buy or sell now it's positive news that in...
The Market Kick-off for 2024 🇦🇺
With the Australia Day long weekend upon us, this is typically the time of year when we start to see the real estate market launch into action! How's the Local Market? As expected, there have been some positive outcomes for home sellers who were ready to hit the ground running over the festive season and at the very beginning of the new year. Currently, we are trending towards a tradit...
WHERE TO (CLEVERLY) CUT CORNERS WHEN MOVING! ✂️
Moving can be a daunting task, but cutting the right corners can make the process more efficient and cost-effective. Here are five tips to help you save time, energy, and money during your move: Sell or Discard Unnecessary Items: Consider selling items you no longer need on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. For items in poor condition, explore recycling options or schedule a...
📊 #RealEstateUpdate - December 2023
Well 2024 is here and we’ve hit the ground running… I mean realistically things didn’t actually “stop” with open homes and private inspections still happening through the festive season but a few slower starts to the days were certainly appreciated. So what’s ahead this year? Market wise we can expect pretty much the same conditions as we left b...
Keeping Your Home Safe While It's Alone 🔓🎄
It’s nearly that time when we head off for a much earned and needed holiday and the perfect way to ruin that would be to return to find your home has been broken in to … or getting a call mid way with the news. While many homes now have security camera systems / video doorbells and other cloud based smart gadgets to keep an eye on what’s going on, here’s a few ...
📊 NOVEMBER 2023 #RealEstateUpdate 📍 Postcode 3977 & 3978
As this will be the last market update for 2023, we’re going to reflect on what has happened, but what most people (buyers and home owners alike) are asking is what will happen in 2024?… and that is a great question!So here we go… While the crystal ball is still sitting a little bit more than cracked in the corner of the room, we can only work on logical summations...
Unlocking the Sweet Spot!
Timing is everything when it comes to selling your home for the maximum price… But did you also know different floor plans can potentially affect your ideal timing? There are TWO sweet spots for home sellers and they're approaching quickly! The first is just weeks away, while the other is January 5th (also not all that far away with the speed of time passing these days!) ...
WHY NOW? 🎄
The most frequently asked question at this time of year as an agent is “Should I even bother putting my house on the market now… I mean it’s nearly Christmas…” 🎅 Yep the jolly red man is on his way soon enough and the work break ups and family catch ups will be upon us before we blink twice, but there are still distinct advantages to having your hou...
📊 OCTOBER 2023 #RealEstateUpdate 📍 Postcode 3977
Own a property in Cranbourne - East/South/North/West, Clyde, Skye or Carrum Downs? Keep watching to see what happened with house prices in October 2023! 104 homes were sold in postcode 3977 with the median house price sitting at $727,112 which is up 3.8% on October 2022. But this is where statistics get confusing… Overall the number of homes sold year-to-date is down...
Are We There Yet⁉️
If you’ve been reading my weekly ramblings that hit your inbox each Thursday you may recall just 4 emails ago the media headlines were reporting that new sales listings were 'surging', and I indicated that this was not the case in 3977, however it was likely that it was headed our way. Are we there yet? Not "exactly" but what is our new reality is how quickly property is a...
You Can't Sell A Secret 🤫
In today's changing real estate market, where supply and demand can seem to be at odds, getting your property in front of the highest number of buyers is absolutely vital to achieving the highest possible price in the shortest time possible. This is where the expertise of a highly experienced, marketing focussed real estate agent becomes invaluable. Mooney & Co's Secret Sauce Trad...
Preparing your Home for Sale 🏚 👉🏼🏡✨
What Should I Do and How Long Will it take? - Preparing your Home for Sale - Building costs are at an all-time high, so it’s not going to shock you when I say move-in ready homes with nothing left to do, are in high demand with buyers right now.In the real world, if you’ve been living in your home for a while, this probably means your home will require a li...
📊 SEPTEMBER 2023 #RealEstateUpdate
Own a property in Cranbourne - East/South/North/West, Clyde, Skye or Carrum Downs? Keep watching to see what happened with house prices in September 2023! 126 homes were sold in postcode 3977 in September 2023 and the median house price is sitting at $748,955. With interest rates remaining unchanged for 3 straight months, there’s a renewed confidence in buyers of their borrowing...
El Niño's Coming... How to Keep Your Cool (Literally) ❄️
Alright, folks! El Niño's rolling into town, and it's bringing the heat. But fear not, fellow homeowners, we've got the ultimate guide to keep you and your humble abode cool as a cucumber 😎🥒 Let's dive in! What El Niño's Got Up Its Sleeve for Australia: Scorching temps that make you feel like you're in an oven. Less rain, which just adds insult to inju...
TIMING THE MARKET? ⏱
The headlines are telling us that listing numbers are on the rise... a “surge” in homes coming to market… umm yep sure… 🙄 In our neck of the woods, if we take out the house & land packages and the land listings and only look at established homes - ones that you can buy and move into straight away, we’re looking at a totally different picture! ...
THE RIPPLE EFFECT - A BUYER AND SELLER PERSPECTIVE
Over the last three months, we’ve seen stable interest rates (finally), but there's still whispers of possibly one further rate rise in 2023. Add the tightened bank serviceability criteria for loan approvals, subtle changes are underway in the market as we head into the Spring market in 2023. Let's take a quick dive into what these dynamics mean for buyers and sellers. B...
📊 AUGUST 2023 #RealEstateUpdate 📍 Postcode 3977 & 3978
Homeowners in Postcode 3977 & 3978 keep watching to see what happened with house prices in August 2023! 95 homes were sold in postcode 3977 which is down 38% on the same month last year but with the median house price up 5.3% compared to August last year sitting at $748,000. Year to date we are down 28% in the number of homes sold and overall the median house price is do...
Who wins in a down ⤵️ market?
WHO WINS IN A DOWN MARKET? Whelp… homeowners may not want to hear this but Herron Todd White’s August property clock is out and we are now considered to be at the bottom of the market… don’t freak out just yet! Ever heard the saying "every cloud has a silver lining"?Well, it's especially true for the real estate market. Sure, it's e...
What goes up 👆🏼 must come down 👇🏼.. but when??
We’re heading into Spring - the time of year when we traditionally see the property market hit it’s straps. Media headlines are about as reliable as our weather reports and depending which channel/station you listen to, you can get as many differing reports as we get seasons in one day here in good old Melbourne. The advice I always give home owners is to speak to a local e...
Asking Santa for a new house this Christmas? 🎄🎅
Not to alarm you, but if your goal is to be in your new home for Christmas, it’s time to stop hitting the snooze button! ⏰ At the time of writing (August 17, 2023), there are only 138 days until Xmas 🎄… I know it’s crazy right!? Putting that into real estate time - that’s just 17 weekends of open for inspections. Breaking that down even f...
PLEASE EXPLAIN... (read that in Pauline Hanson's voice) 🤪
If you’re anything like me you are likely to be shaking… not just because of the cold mornings lately, but shaking your head that we are now in the 8th month of yet another year that is flying past us! Now, if you’re reading this blog on Thursday 10th of August, it’s only 21 days until the season of promises… spring! If you’ve waited a few days to...
📊 JULY 2023 #MarketUpdate 📍 Postcode 3977 & surrounds
Homeowners in Postcode 3977 & 3978 keep watching to see what happened with house prices in July 2023! Interest rates were left on hold for the 2nd month in a row and I can hear the sighs of relief from both buyers and sellers collectively. For buyers this means they are able to bounce off with a bit more confidence with their pre approvals being safe for this month. In re...
📊 JUNE 2023 #MarketUpdate 📍 Postcode 3977
What happened with property prices in Cranbourne & surrounds in June 2023? 90 homes sold in June, which is down 46% on the same month last year, and the median house price is sitting at $730,000. The pattern to watch is year to date numbers which tell a slightly different story. Year to date we are down 37% in the number of homes sold and the overall increase in the median house price is...
The Elephant in The Room 🐘
COMING, READY OR NOT! This is the message we are hearing and it's being received on the ground with a continued increase in new listings hitting the market that is expected to peak in coming months. If you're moving in 2023 there are huge advantages to getting the plan in action sooner rather than later to take advantage of the buyer activity out there right now, before they have mo...
Do Not Sell Your House In Winter!! 🥶
You hear it all the time - Spring is the time to sell your house… Agents are renowned for putting out their Selling Season marketing as we head into warmer weather - you get the Daffodil flower letter box drop telling you now is the time… would it surprise you to know this is good old propaganda? Probably not… let’s face it real estate agents are not renowned a...
Is History Repeating Itself?? 🤨
The graph in this video tells us there is a huge number of local homeowners are asset rich and cash poor, and in an environment of increasing costs of living, rising interest rates all eating into our disposable incomes, many of us will be wanting to look for viable options. So what are they? Short term options are limited to 2 that would give you the gift of time to work toward the best lon...
📊 MAY 2023 #MarketUpdate
While we are seeing a bit of an upward bump in the number of homes coming onto the market for sale, we are still a fair way below what we would call normal with only 93 house sales reported for the Month of May in 2023 - 57% down on the same month last year. The median house price for postcode 3977 in May 2023 is sitting at $715,500 which is down 3.6% compared to the same month last ...
What to watch for in the shared equity scheme ⚠️
It was a welcome and basically common sense announcement in the budget where the eligibility criteria for the government assisted (or shared equity) home buyers scheme was expanded from previously only being available for married or defacto couples… in current times, it makes far more sense to open this up and it is now to be available for siblings, friends… hell probably even s...
📊 APRIL 2023 #MarketUpdate
April 2023 saw a slight ray of sunshine creeping through with a bounce in market activity perhaps thanks to the pause on interest rate rises which unfortunately has not been the case this month meaning we could be in for a bit more volatility in the real estate space. New listing numbers coming to market increased during April but average days on market are co...
📊 MARCH #MarketUpdate - Cranbourne House prices are UP 3.7% 📈 YTD
March 2023 saw a few shocks to the real estate landscape with a further 25 basis point interest rate rise now the 10th consecutive rise, that's not exactly breaking news anymore, but we also saw the collapse late in the month of major building company Porter Davis. Add this to the impending mortgage cliff and it will be interesting to see the realities unfold in our local market. We have amazin...
Is it already too late?? 🫣 A crucial message to ALL homeowners!
IS IT TOO LATE? Today's message is crucial for everyone who owns property, whether it's your home or an investment. The mortgage cliff that is looming over us is not just a news headline - the wheels are already in motion. Over 800,000 loans will be transitioning from fixed to variable rates, many as low as 1.89%, from June to August this year. This means that in most cases, the interest ra...
📊 FEBRUARY Market Update📍Postcode 3977
So let's find out how the real estate market performed in the month of FEBRUARY 2023 in Cranbourne & the surrounding suburbs... Overall house sales are down by 60% when compared to Feb 2022. The median house sale price is now sitting 3.8% lower than it was in February 2022... BUT what does this mean for the value of your property?? If you would like to discuss how these statistics eff...
I Want To Downsize. When Is The Best Time To Sell? 🤔
There’s a lot of homeowners that are looking at downsizing these days. Whether it’s due to a desire to move into a smaller, easier-to-maintain property (perhaps an apartment or lifestyle village accommodation), or just not needing as large a home as you have now, one of the biggest questions I get asked is around timing. As in, when’s the best time to sell your current prope...
Should I Sell My Home Now Or Wait For A Better Price? 🤷
A common theme around questions I get from home owners considering selling is timing. In other words, when’s the best time to sell their home &/or buy a new home. Largely, these questions come back to a matter of dollars. As in, will I make less or more if I sell at a specific time? Now, I don’t have a working AND accurate crystal ball and as I have previously mentioned in o...
When Is The Right Time To Sell My Home? 🤷
A common question from home owners is around when is it the right – or best – time to sell their home. And truthfully, there is no PERFECT answer, because I don’t have a working crystal ball to determine when you are best to sell & buy your next home. HOWEVER, there is a really important principle to be aware of when buying & selling real estate which will stand you ...
Should I Renovate My Home Before Selling It? 🛠
This is a very common question I get from home owners considering selling, especially if their home is not shiny and new and has not had an extensive renovation in the last few years. Ultimately the question goes to whether it’s worth investing the money and time to do a major renovation, with the goal of increasing the final sale price significantly enough to make it worth doing. At th...
Where should I spend cosmetically to get the best price when selling my home? 💰
One question we get a lot of times from home sellers is whether they should spend extra money improving their home before putting it on the market for sale. The driver behind the question is always – how much of an increase will they get in their final sale price *IF* they spend money increasing the value of their home. In this video, I discuss the 2 main areas that increase value when ...
When Improving My Home For Sale How Do I Avoid Overcapitalising? 🏡
Perhaps one of the most common questions I get asked by home owners considering selling is whether they should make improvements to their property before selling. For example, renovating the kitchen or bathroom, etc. The idea being that if the home is improved significantly, then it has the potential to increase the final sale price, bringing the vendor more money in the end. And of course, ...
Should I Renovate Before Selling Or Leave It For The New Owner? 🧰
A common question I get asked by homeowners considering selling is whether it’s worth renovating before selling or not. The reasoning behind this question is pretty simple: Will renovating increase the final sale price of the property enough to make it worth doing. So as an example, if you spent $20K on a small (but targeted) renovation, will you get MORE than $20K back in the final sal...
Will I Get The Best Price Selling My Home Off Market? 🤨
A common situation I run into with homeowners thinking about selling is whether they should go the whole 9 yards with staging, home opens, advertising (etc.) vs selling off market. The idea behind selling off-market is that you don’t do all the expensive marketing & advertising that’s normally involved in selling a home and just rely on the agent’s existing database of ho...
How Much Commission Does A Real Estate Agent Charge? 💵
The #2 question I get asked by home sellers as a real estate agent is: “How much is your commission?” Aside from the #1 question (How much can you sell my home for?), it is the most common and important question vendors ask, so I thought I’d give you a rough breakdown of agent commissions here in Melbourne. Obviously, the actual number you’ll be paying will come down t...
How Do Real Estate Agents Provide A Property Price Estimate Sight Unseen? 🔍
Anyone considering selling their home will usually start the process by contacting a real estate agent to find out how much their property is worth in today’s real estate market. Often called an ‘appraisal’ or price update, this is where your agent lets you know what they think your home might sell for. Thanks largely to covid, a lot of agents found themselves in a situation...
How Safe Is It To Have Strangers In My Home During Open For Inspections? ⚠️
When you put your home on the market to sell it, one thing that always happens is people have to come and visit your home to see it in person. It’s rare (but thanks to covid, not quite as rare these days) for a buyer to purchase without having seen inside and outside the property in person before buying. That’s where home opens or “open for inspections” (OFI) come into...
What Are The Costs Involved With Buying And Selling Property In Melbourne? 💸
A large part of my role as a real estate professional is discussing costs involved for both buyers and sellers. Like it or not, there’s no free options in real estate so it makes good sense to understand what you might need to budget for, regardless of whether you’re a seller or a buyer. This video segment was pulled from a long interview I did back in Feb 2022, where I answered a...
Is Renovating Sensible When Selling If Your House Is Well Maintained? ‼️
A surprisingly common question I get asked by homesellers is whether they should renovate BEFORE selling, especially if their home is already well maintained and not dated and tired looking. The main reasoning behind this question is the idea that renovating will improve the final sale price of the home, which will bring in more money once sold. However, a LOT of the time, this is a false eco...
How Do I Find The Right Home For My Lifestyle? 🌿
A common question I get from people looking to buy a home is how do I find (or choose) the right home for my lifestyle? In particular, if they are selling as well and can’t decide what kind of home to buy next, they often lack some clarity on the topic. So this is my normal advice to those who have asked me that question or some variant of. This video segment was pulled from a long int...