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Increase the sale potential of your home

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

When selling your property with Ann Paterson Real Estate, we will make sure you understand current market conditions and the best marketing strategy for your home. In order for us to achieve the best price possible, here are a few things we will need to discuss before going to market.

Current market conditions

We will discuss current market conditions and our experiences selling local properties similar to yours in recent months. We will discuss buyer demand and how we can translate this into a premium result. If the market is soft, we will discuss a number of options to help us still achieve a good sale price.

Sydney home values are holding up very well despite Covid-19. This is largely due to a lack of stock for sale. In the Eastern Suburbs, the weekly auction clearance rate is very healthy in the 65-75% range, according to latest data from CoreLogic.

Pricing must be perfect

Why You Shouldn't Always Believe The Media

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

While we trust the media to bring us up-to-date on everything from current affairs to entertainment, it can sometimes get a little carried away when it comes to property.

The media often takes one of just two views. Either the market is booming with mind-blowing sales, or it’s slumping towards a crisis point that is set to derail the economy.

In other words, the media can tend to exaggerate the facts and cherry-pick data to sensationalise what’s actually happening in the property market.

It’s not just the media that does this, though. Property reports that are highly publicised often present data in a way that shocks and awes us into thinking it’s a good or bad time to buy.

If you’ve read tens of articles and watched a number of news bulletins offering conflicting voices and ideas, it can become extremely overwhelming.

Make sure to do your research to figure out whic...

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Fancy an e-change? How people are escaping city congestion and living costs by working remotely

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

The work-from-home experiment during Covid-19 is expected to accelerate an already growing trend in more people escaping cities to work remotely in regional lifestyle locations, such as the NSW Southern Highlands.

Almost 50% of Australian workers were based at home during the lockdown and the success of this has opened the eyes of company managers. Many have reported increased productivity amongst their staff and some have made the changes permanent to save on commercial rent and other operating costs.

Sea changing and tree changing have been traditional retirement dreams for many city dwellers but remote working and advanced technology is now allowing people to do this earlier in life. The only thing standing in the way has been the reluctance of companies to try it but Covid-19 forced their hand.

A limiting factor for moving to regional areas has always been the lack of high-skill local job opportunities but remote working solves this prob...

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Opens and on-site auctions back on in the Eastern Suburbs

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

Traditional open inspections and on-site auctions are now allowed after a six-week ban due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions. Ann Paterson outlines what this means for buyers and sellers across the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

What does this mean for buyers?

You can now attend open inspections or book a private appointment if you prefer. We ask that you only inspect properties you are truly interested in. This will help us limit the number of people inside a home to maintain social distancing. Auctions will be held at properties or in-rooms again instead of online.

What does this mean for sellers?

The return to traditional open homes and on-site auctions is likely to increase competition and buyer confidence. Now that prospective buyers are allowed to inspect your property via an open, we will maintain strict cleaning and social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
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Should I wait until after Covid-19 to sell my Eastern Suburbs property?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

While the pandemic has altered the way we buy and sell property, it hasn’t put a stop to it altogether. But is it a bad time to sell? Ann Paterson provides some advice.

How many people are still house hunting?

Buyer activity has certainly slowed down over the past two months, with fewer sales transactions overall. However, we did see an immediate change in buyer confidence following the return of opens and on-site auctions this month, with Sydney recording its highest auction clearance rate since mid-March at 70% on the first Saturday that the ban was lifted.

How quickly does the housing market react to a crisis?

In short, it reacts very slowly, which is one of the benefits of property over shares for investment. The share market has been hit hard but this doesn't mean property prices will follow suit. In fact, Australian real estate has typically fared very well during past economic shocks.

Official data...

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Buying a property during the Covid-19 pandemic

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a few changes in the way we buy and sell real estate, including a temporary ban on opens and on-site auctions which has just been lifted in NSW; and social distancing requirements. However, you can still buy a new home or investment in the Eastern Suburbs and Ann Paterson would love to help you do this.

How do I inspect a property?

Open inspections have recommenced in NSW, so you can attend an open or book a private appointment with the agent if you prefer. Social distancing is still required and is especially important for older buyers. Ann Paterson recommends taking a thorough look at online marketing materials, such as video walk-throughs, floor plans and photos to make sure the property is worth a visit in person.

Is there an extra cooling-off period?

It depends on the property and the contract. If you’re planning to buy a property soon, you might consider seeking a cooling-of...

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Mortgage relief during Coronavirus pandemic

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

Many businesses and services have been forced to close and many locals are already feeling the pinch when it comes to finances - especially those with a mortgage.

Ann Paterson Real Estate has put together a summary of the assistance now available to mortgage holders. The following information applies to both owner-occupiers and investors.

Will mortgages be put on hold?

The big four banks have all announced that customers can pause mortgage repayments if they fall ill with Coronavirus or suffer financial hardship through job loss, a significant income reduction or non-payment of rent by tenants. However, other lenders are only giving this relief to customers who fall ill with Coronavirus. Either way, you will have to provide evidence of your change in circumstances.

Help for those already impacted

Most banks are willing to consider changes to your current lending arrangements if...

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We Recommend Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

We Recommend Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale

If you're a bit of a Francophile, Ann Paterson Real Estate recommends a trip to Mount Ashby Estate in Moss Vale. It is the ideal combination of refined French chic antiques, cold climate wines and all the charm of the Southern Highlands.

Bringing together the worlds of a boutique-style winery and bespoke classic French style interior antiques, Mount Ashby Estate transforms its scenic rural surrounds into a playground of clinking glasses while dining on charcuterie boards among great open pastures.

First stop is at the farmhouse, adorned with Sally Beresford Antiques. Here you will find specialty items that are full of character and style, from massive wall clocks to wrought iron chandeliers. A must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in interior design.

After exercising the credit card, head to La Palette Cafe, the onsite restaurant which provides a dining experience that is all ...

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Things to do in Bowral and Berrima with Kids + Where to Stay

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

The Southern Highlands is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible locations for a fun family trip away. Bowral is about 1.5 hours from Sydney and Berrima is only 10 minutes from Bowral. Here are Ann Paterson Real Estate's top recommendations for what to see and do and where to stay.

Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame

A must-see for cricket fans! Known as 'The Boy from Bowral', the great Sir Don is our most famous former resident. Next to the museum is Glebe Park, which has a fully fenced cricket-inspired playground. There's a large Mary Poppins statue which states that the author, P.L Travers, also lived in Bowral for a period of time. There is a beautiful little garden near the Donald Bradman statue; and a cafe.

Address: St Jude St, Bowral NSW 2576, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4862 1247

https://www.b...

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The Benefits of Living Small: Why it’s Worth Considering Buying a Small Home

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

Sometimes when you’re buying a home, you think you may as well go as big as you can. After all, this means lots of room for family and guests, and not having to stress about holding on to all that clutter that inevitably builds up over the years. But there is a flipside. Ann Paterson Real Estate lists the 6 big advantages of buying small in the Southern Highlands.

1. Smaller means simpler

Buying a small home means simplifying your life. In today’s complex world, where we face so many demands on our time every day, simplifying your home allows you to focus on what really matters to you.

2. Less maintenance

There’s less to clean, less that will degrade over time and less that can go wrong. This means you’ll have more time and less to worry about in the short term, and face a lower likelihood of having to do any major work on your property in the longer term.

3. Lower cost of...

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Using Your Home's Unique Selling Point to Get Results

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

Every home has something special about it that you can harness to get the best possible results when selling. This is called your homes unique selling point, known as the USP in the sales industry. Here are Ann Paterson Real Estate's top tips for identifying your USP and working it to maximise your sale price.

1. Identify your USP

To do this, ask yourself questions like:

- What does my home have that others don't? What's special about my home?
- What attracted me to my home when I bought it?
- What comments have friends and family made about my home?
- How does my home compare to others on the market?

Questions like these will help you hone in on your USP. Answers might include the condition of your home, the design or the location.

On top of this, it is important to talk to your agent. Throw your ideas out there and see what your agen...

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Can I still sell my home during the pandemic?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Jun 2020 | Comments

Ann Paterson has adapted its selling processes quickly following the ban on open inspections and on-site auctions to enable Eastern Suburbs buyers and sellers to continue transacting during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ann Paterson answers the most common questions from sellers here.

Can I meet with you?

Yes, we would love to meet with you at our offices or at your home for an appraisal or discussion, as long as we adhere to social distancing rules (keeping a 1.5m distance). However, if youâ€™d prefer a video call, we can always talk via Skype, Zoom or Facetime instead.

How will house inspections work?

Instead of open inspections, we are conducting private appointments with buyers. We offer them sanitiser and gloves at the door and we ask them not to touch surfaces...

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Getting Your Rental Bond Back

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 20 Feb 2020 | Comments

Getting Your Rental Bond Back

Have you recently decided to end your tenancy? Remember that you can reclaim your bond before handing back your keys. This is the money you’ve paid at the beginning of your tenancy to secure your rental property. Here is Ann Paterson Real Estate’s guide to what you need to know about claiming back your rental bond.

1. The final inspection

It is important to meet your landlord’s expectation at the final inspection. You can achieve this by cleaning and maintaining the rental property from the get-go. If this is not something you are willing to do alone, hire a professional cleaner to help. The rental property will need to be pristine, minus the fair wear and tear. These may include:

● Furniture indents and traffic marks on the carpet;
● Worn kitchen benchtops; and
● Cracks in walls from movement etc.

Also, check the details of your tenancy agreement be...

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How To Put Your Property On The Market

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 20 Feb 2020 | Comments

How To Put Your Property On The Market

If you are looking to sell your property, here are Ann Paterson Real Estate’s guide to help ensure that your marketing campaign leads to a successful sale:

Quality photos

If you are looking to sell your property then it is imperative to secure the services of a professional photographer to take photographs of the property.

Have the photographer shoot at the right time of day, when the sunlight hits your property best. Remember to tidy up the house and garden and move your cars from the driveway to ensure there are no distractions in the photos. Having professional photographs of your property will further entice potential buyers to look at your property listing online.

When listing your property online, ensure that there are numerous photographs of both the interior and the exterior. If you exclude any significant areas of the property in the...

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How Long Does Selling a House Really Take?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 20 Feb 2020 | Comments

How Long Does Selling a House Really Take?

From preparing the house for sale to enduring what can sometimes seem like endless open homes, selling your home can be a long process. If you are considering selling your home, here is Ann Paterson Real Estate‘s guide to the typical sales process:

How is the market performing?

Researching the real estate market can give you a good indication of how long homes in your area take to sell. If you’re looking for a quicker sale, you’ll want to be in a sellers’ market, as your home may sell at a faster rate because there are more buyers looking than properties on the market. You may also get a higher price for your home.

A buyers’ market is the opposite, there are more properties on the market than buyers looking. This isn’t the be-all and end-all though, chat with your real estate agent to see whether your home is likely to sell or what you c...

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Tips To Help You Land The Right First Home

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 20 Feb 2020 | Comments

Tips To Help You Land The Right First Home

Buying your first home is a big step. With everything you have to take into consideration about, it’s understandable if you become overwhelmed by the process. The good thing is that there is a lot of advice out there from professionals and people like you who have already gone through the process to help navigate you through this stressful time. Here are Ann Paterson Real Estate’s tips to make sure you remain on track.

Know what you need – and what you want:

Get clarity on what you need from your first home – the essential things that you’re not willing to compromise and the things that you’d love but can live without. Go along to as many inspections as you can and think about how the homes on the market stack up against your needs and wants. Do you need to rethink what you’re looking for, or do you just need to wait for the right place to come up? The mor...

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Selling your home for the first time? Here’s some mistakes to avoid

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

Selling your home for the first time is a big step to take. You’ve invested so much, so you want to make sure you get everything right when you’re moving on to the next phase of your homeownership journey.

To help out, here is Ann Paterson Real Estate's list of mistakes that sellers sometimes make. Learning from their experiences will help you get the best outcome from your first selling experience.

Not taking advice from the right agent.

If you take a DIY approach to selling your house, keep in mind you can’t benefit from the knowledge, experience, and connections that the right agent can offer. But this doesn’t mean you should settle for the first agent that comes along. Talk to as many as you can. Invest time in getting to know them and asking the right questions, so you can figure out who has the best knowledge of your area, your type of property and market conditions. Look up past sales listings to check if the...

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Is now the time to sell? 3 Signs to look out for

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

Is now the time to sell your home?

How do you know when it’s the right time to sell your property? Sometimes it’s an easy decision to make, but other times things are not as clear and you may need some guidance. Looking out for these three signs can help you make the right decision.

1. Market conditions are right

Spend some time watching the market to understand when prices increase, decrease or stabilise. A lot of different factors affect the market, like the time of year, the economy and changes to government policy.

This doesn’t mean that you’re only going to sell when the market is at its height, since market conditions have to be weighed up against other considerations. Maybe you’ve been watching the market for a while and prices haven’t been increasing or haven’t been decreasing...

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Why first impressions are so important when selling

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

They say that it takes you one-tenth of a second to judge and form your first impression on someone. The same applies when selling your home. First impressions always count and they certainly count when potential buyers come to view your home.

This is why 'curb appeal' matters, especially when selling your home. Here are Ann Paterson Real Estate’s tips to ensure your house makes a great first impression on potential buyers.

Get in early with photos

There are many platforms you can advertise your house with now days like websites, newspapers and agencies. No matter which option you pick, the one thing that they all have in common is that your house will be represented through a photograph. The photograph of the house will probably be the potential buyers’ first impression, so this is something that you should take time preparing.

To get some inspiration take a look at how houses are professionally advertised, look at all...

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What are tenancy agreements?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

An important aspect of choosing the right rental property is ensuring your tenancy agreement has the correct terms. This is because a lease is a legal document between you and your landlord in exchange for renting your dream property. So, here are a few things that you should consider before signing the dotted line.

Types of tenancy agreements

There are two main types of agreements:

1. Fixed term agreement

A fixed-term agreement allows you to stay for a specified period of time, usually 6 or 12 months. During this time, the terms of the lease provide security for you and the landlord. This is because penalties apply for breaking the contract before it ends. At the end of the agreement, you may decide to renew or consider moving to another property after providing notice.

2. Periodic Agreement

A periodic or continuing agreement is where there is no specific end date. This usually begins once the initial fixed-term ag...

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The basics of real estate supply and demand cycle

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

Whether you are starting out in the property market or have bought and sold before, understanding the basic principles behind the supply and demand cycle of real estate can ultimately make you richer when it’s time to buy or sell.

Demand

The principle of demand is that where there is a greater need or want for particular goods or services, they will often sell for a higher price. Where there is little demand for goods or services, the price will often be reduced in order to entice people to buy it. In real estate, where there is high demand for a certain type of property in a particular area, and a limited number of these properties available to sell, the price of these properties tends to increase.

Supply

The principle of supply in any market is that when there is an increase in the supply or amount of goods or services, prices will drop. The same is true of property: when there is an increased supply of pro...

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Quick guide: 3 ways to sell your property

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 23 Jan 2020 | Comments

Planning to sell your property? Here is Ann Paterson Real Estate’s guide to help you understand sales options.

In Australia, there are three main methods for selling your property: private sale, public auction and expression of interest. Each of these has its pros and cons that you will need to weigh up based on your situation and preference, including the market conditions. Doing your research and seeking advice from an experienced real estate agent is vital to help you decide which option is best for your circumstances.

1. Private Sale

What is it?
Also known as a private treaty, this is an agreement made between the seller and the buyer about the terms of the sale. The seller and buyer carry out private negotiations until they come to an agreement about the sale price and any other ter...

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How To Prepare For Buying A Rental Property

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Dec 2019 | Comments

What do novice investors need to know?

Building a successful property portfolio requires commitment, perseverance and strategic thinking.

Here is Ann Paterson Real Estate’s guide to preparing for the all important first investment.

1. Understand your goals and what you can afford

What do you want to achieve by buying real estate as an investment? What are you short-term, medium-term and long-term goals? How much will you spend?

Make sure you are clear about why you are pursuing investment in this asset type, including your specific requirements (i.e. rental return/financial goals) and your initial and ongoing financial commitment.

This is where you need to speak to lenders about pre-approval for any borrowings you need to complete your investment ...

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Environmentally Friendly Ways To Complete Your Next Spring Clean

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Dec 2019 | Comments

It’s spring time again. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and it is time to conduct the dreaded spring clean. However arduous the task ahead of you seems, it may relieve you to know that at least there are ways to tackle your spring cleaning without harming the environment.

In Your Living Areas

The best way to begin your spring clean is to declutter your living spaces. Not only will this give you a clear head, but it will give you the space to clean your home more thoroughly. The next thing you should do is give all surfaces a good wipe down. Instead of buying a feather duster, consider repurposing old clothes and towels into cleaning rags.

If there is a particularly bad odour lingering in your home, consider a more natural method of removing it before reaching for the air freshener. One go...

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A Quick Guide To Inspecting A Home

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Dec 2019 | Comments

Conducting effective inspections is a key part of the journey to buying a home. You want to find a home that’s both a nice place to live and a good investment, and a thorough inspection helps to gather the information you need to make the best decision. Ann Paterson Real Estate’s guide to conducting effective will equip you with the fundamentals you need to make the most of your inspections.

Take in the home as a whole

Walk through the whole property and think about how it feels to be there. Ask if it meets your needs and if you can see yourself living there. Use all your senses for this, not just your sight. For example, listening to the sounds of the area will give you an idea about traffic noise and neighbours.

Don’t be shy – check all the nooks and crannie...

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Key things to look for when inspecting a property

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Oct 2019 | Comments
It is easy to get swept up in the emotion of owning your new home. You tend to overlook obvious faults, preferring to focus on the endless possibilities on offer. It pays however to temporarily park your emotions when inspecting your next property as it ensures you assess it through a set of critical eyes.

When inspecting any new property, one of the first things you should consider is the size of the property including the back and front gardens and any available storage. Ask yourself questions such as: How many bedrooms can you configure from the floor plan? Does the garage offer extra storage? Is the backyard big enough for pets? Can I seat my whole family comfortably in this living room?

Questions regarding space are particularly important to ask yourself when you are inspecting an unfurnished property. A room may look extremely spacious when empty, but end up being too small for your existing furnit...

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What is stamp duty?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Oct 2019 | Comments

Stamp duty is a form of tax paid by the purchaser for certain types of transactions. It can be applied to property sales, mortgages, vehicle sales, even some insurances or gifts. The amount of stamp duty paid is dependent on the value and type of purchase. The more you spend on a property, the more stamp duty will be paid. This money is collected by the state government where the purchase is made.

How much is stamp duty?

Stamp duty rates are set by state and territory governments, so there is no uniform system for the whole country. Look into the guidelines for the state you are buying in to ensure you have an idea of the cost of stamp duty and make ...

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Tips for a successful spring sale

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 03 Oct 2019 | Comments
Spring can be a great time to sell your home. In fact, it's often thought of as the best time to sell but it's important to keep in mind that other sellers know this too, so it can mean you're facing a lot of competition.

Here are Ann Paterson Real Estate's tips to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of spring's opportunities.

Capitalise on the weather

Generally, spring is warm but not hot, its sunny and plants are bursting with new growth. Make this a key part of your sale strategy. Put some work into sprucing up your home for inspections. Use the weather to help buyers feel like your home is somewhere they really want to live, not just somewhere that meets their basic needs. It can be worth spending the money to consult with professional interior and exterior designers about changes you make to attract potential buyers and make them feel at home.
...

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A guide to buying real estate at auction

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Aug 2019 | Comments

What is an auction?

An auction is a popular method for selling real estate, especially in sought-after areas where there is competition for properties. It involves prospective buyers bidding against each other on the property and the property is sold to the highest bidder, providing the bid matches or exceeds the reserve price set by the seller.

Competitive bidding amongst prospective buyers allows the seller to drive the sales price up, maximising the sales price for the seller. However, for buyers, it can be a daunting and intimidating experience, particularly for an inexperienced bidder who does not understand the auction process.

If you are considering buying your property at auction, he...

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Changes in the air (BnB) in NSW: New planning regulations for short term rentals

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 29 Aug 2019 | Comments

The NSW Government is changing the leasing and planning rules for short-term accommodation in the state. If you live on the premises at which the accommodation is being provided, you can still rent out a room or portion of your home through Airbnb or similar online accommodation platforms. However, if you don't live there, things are about to get a little trickier for you.

New planning regulations

The new state-wide planning framework is intended to make the planning regulation of short-term accommodation simpler ...

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Increase your sale price by understanding the market

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 28 Aug 2019 | Comments

Understanding the market is important for getting the most out of selling your property. The last thing you want is to sell your home, only to find out that taking some simple steps could have increased your sale price.

Ann Paterson Real Estate has years of experience in the property market and can help you get an understanding of the market so you can avoid falling into this trap and make the most of selling your property. Here are some tips to get you started.

Swings and roundabouts

You probably already know that the market goes up and down at different times, but you might not know how this works and how to use it to your advantage. Sometimes itâ€™...

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Our top tips for saving for your first home deposit

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 28 Aug 2019 | Comments

Saving up enough money for the deposit on your first home can be a daunting task. Some people have more experience saving than others, but chances are you probably havenâ€™t had to save this much money before in your life.

Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey successfully saving up enough for a deposit for your first home.

Planning is everything

A good plan can make or break your savings goals. Take the time to create a budget that you can stick to. Write out all your weekly expenses (like rent, food and entertainment), your monthly expenses (like internet and phone), and your less frequent expenses (like electricity bills). To make things easier to track, use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to get to know what you spend money on...

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Opens vs Private Appointments

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 06 Aug 2019 | Comments

Most vendors feel uncomfortable about having strangers inspecting their homes, particularly when they can’t be there themselves during opens or private appointments.

Buyers will want to take a good look around – including opening cupboards to check storage capacity; and this can make vendors worry about their privacy and security of their possessions.

Offering inspections by private appointment only is one way of mitigating risk and increasing your comfort but it is not always smart sales strategy. There are many benefits to open inspections, so you need to discuss this with your agent and decide what suits you best.

At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we're always happy to chat with our sellers about their wants and needs. We can talk to our sellers and interested buyers about their preferences...

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4 Tips for Planning for Success when Selling Your House

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 06 Aug 2019 | Comments

Are you planning on selling your house? Running a good sales campaign can help you get the best results so you are equipped to invest in your future. Spending time carefully planning your campaign can make the difference between a good campaign and a missed opportunity.

Ann Paterson Real Estate has years of experience in the property market and knows how to plan a successful sales campaign.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the work you put in.

1. Wait until the market conditions are right

Patience is key. Don’t rush into selling – wait until the conditions in the market are right to maximise the return on your investment. A lot of different factors affect the market, like the time of year, the economy and changes to government policy. Keep up with the news and regularly keep an ey...

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What you need to know about the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 18 Jul 2019 | Comments

Saving up a deposit for a house is often one of the biggest obstacles for first home buyers. The Morrison Government has promised to help eligible first home buyers purchase a property with a deposit of less than 5%. The scheme will start by January 2020, and not only does it speed up saving time, but it will also allow first home buyers to achieve their dreams of owning their home sooner.

We're used to helping first home buyers navigate the property industry and the eastern suburbs can sometimes be a little out of reach for these buyers if they're not properly prepared. This scheme is set to make things a fair bit easier, but it can be hard to follow, so Ann Paterson Real Estate is happy to explain just how it works.

Will I be eligible?

There are some 5% deposit schemes that already exist, but you generally need to pay lenders mort...

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Getting your house ready to sell? Don’t overlook these spaces

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 18 Jul 2019 | Comments

Are you wondering where to spend your renovation budget before putting your home on the market? Improving your home will help maximise your chance of wooing potential buyers, but when you have limited time and budget, you need to make some important decisions on what to focus on.

One way you can decide what work you should do is by thinking about which parts of your house you might overlook but actually have the potential to make a difference to buyers. What leaves an impression on you when you inspect a house and it’s something special, versus when something’s not quite right?

Ann Paterson Real Estate specialises in offering a personal service to our sellers and are happy to offer advice on how you can improve your home ahead of the sale. Read on for our tips on the parts ...

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How to increase your rental returns

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 18 Jul 2019 | Comments

It can be difficult to know when to raise the rent as an investment owner and without proper guidance, you might get it wrong. Whether you've owned your investment for a long time or are looking to purchase a property and aren't sure how to broach the subject of a rent raise with the tenants, we can offer some advice.

There are two ways to increase your rental returns – raise the rent and reduce your costs. Here are our best tips for doing both.

Raising the rent

You can only raise the rent when market conditions allow and/or when you improve your property.

Ask your property manager to review weekly market rental values in your suburb at least annually to ensure your property is rented at the maximum possible rent. Most managers do this as a matter of routine close to a lease’s end date. They will show you a list of c...

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Things to consider before purchasing your next apartment

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 18 Jul 2019 | Comments

With the increased number of residential towers popping up across our capital cities, more and more people are likely to consider an apartment as their property of choice.

Ann Paterson real estate works in a number of different markets across Sydney and specialises in the Harbour city's eastern suburbs. We have extensive experience helping buyers find the right apartment for their needs, whether it's in Bondi, Edgecliff or Coogee.

Here are some tips to consider before purchasing your apartment.

Fees and Charges

One of the most important aspects of apartment living is the ongoing fees and charges. As well as paying off a mortgage and utilities you will also be required to pay strata fees for the upkeep of items such as gardening, lifts, swimming pools and security. It is important that you are aware of what your strata fees wi...

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How much do I need to save for my first home?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 21 Jun 2019 | Comments

First home buyers should consider their property as both a place to live and a cornerstone financial asset. Your first property is likely to fund your second, so you need it to achieve good capital growth. Therefore, Ann Paterson Real Estate recommends buying the best property you can, within the category you can afford; and holding it for the long term to ensure excellent re-sale or rental value in the future. So, the first step in working out what you need to save is working out your likely purchase price.

What’s the purchase price?

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Choose wisely when opting for agents of change

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 21 Jun 2019 | Comments

It could be a $64,000 question or potentially even more but choosing the best agent for your home needn’t be too difficult.

As with most things concerning property, the best foundation for success can be laid with quality research and planning – and meeting an agent that can tick all the boxes.

After all, you are relying on that person to make or break your financial future, and also depending on them to guide you through the highly emotional path of parting from your most cherished asset.

Therefore, it makes sense to do plenty of work beforehand if you wish to minimize stress and maximize financial returns. And in an id...

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How to prepare for inspections

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 21 Jun 2019 | Comments

When presenting your property to market, you want to attract as many buyers as you can and ensure that they’re leaving the inspection with your home front of mind for all the right reasons.

The last thing you want is for a buyer to walk in and immediately be put off by the interiors of the home, how it has been styled or its cleanliness. Not only will that buyer want to get out of there quick-smart, but they’re also likely to tell others about “that house we just saw”.

Our team at Ann Paterson Real Estate can give you some great advice when you’re preparing for an upc...

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What happens if it passes in?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 31 May 2019 | Comments
People often assume that when a property passes in on auction day, it will eventually
sell for a poor price.

This is largely just a myth. We can show you recent examples of high-quality properties
across the Eastern Suburbs that passed in at auction then sold within 10-14 days for
their reserve price or even better.

If your property is correctly priced, well-presented and expertly marketed from day one,
then passing it in only means your sale is going to take a bit longer. There is no reason
for a price adjustment and we will simply keep working to achieve a great sale price for
you.

The likelihood of your property passing in increases when the market is soft and buyer
demand is lower.

For example, during the Sydney boom of 2012-2017, weekend auction clearance ra...

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The upsides of downsizing

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

The thought of swapping the maintenance of a larger home for a hassle-free future full of travel, friends and new-found freedom is a common theme for those considering downsizing.

At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we help many people who want to leave behind the upkeep of a large home without sacrificing their Eastern Suburbs lifestyle.

After all, it makes little sense in terms of your time and finances to stay in a place that has outgrown your needs when sentiment is the biggest factor preventing you from leaving.

Once the reality of the kids growing up and leaving the family home starts to wear off, there are many compelling reason...

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Four Tips for Property Investors

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

Buying an investment property? Here's how to make sure it's the right one.

Buying a rental property is an excellent way to build wealth for your family's future. Here are four tips to make sure you're making a good investment.

Investing in property for the first time can feel daunting. If you make the right choice, your investment property can provide you with a second income stream for life. Poor decisions, on the other hand, might see you taking on overheads that you can’t manage without stress.

At Ann Paterson Real Estate, our experience is your strength. We can advise you on what makes a...

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Why properties are taking longer to sell

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

Why properties are taking longer to sell

As the wider Sydney market undergoes a shift in property prices and supply vs demand, the number of days a property sits on the market for is beginning to lengthen.

While many see this as a reason to panic, it’s actually not as bad as it sounds. At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we’ve been around long enough to understand the ebbs and flows of a changing market.

Competition may have died down, but there will always be people looking to buy and sell. As the city returns to a more normalised market, buyers are taking longer to make their decisions.

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What to do when the property market falls – sell or wait out the market

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

The property market is known to move in a cycle, from a “hot” market where prices rise and property is in high demand, to a slow one where it can turn a little sluggish.

As the market falls or slows down, sellers face the question of “when is the best time to sell?” They question whether they should wait out the slow down or list in the current market.

If you’re wondering this yourself, consider talking to a property professional about your best options. At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we’ve had extensive experience navigating the changing markets so we feel confident that we can work with you to sell your home at a time that suits your needs.
...

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How do elections affect the property market?

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

In the lead up to State or Federal elections, business and large corporations tend to be hesitant about making any huge changes to their processes.

Similarly, elections can affect the property market on a number of different levels. Depending on the policies being thrown around or the promises being made, buyers and sellers tend to hold back until the election is over.

At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we always have our finger on the pulse when it comes to election time. We want to make sure we can provide our buyers and sellers with all the advice and information they need going into and coming out of an election.

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The ABCs of quizzing an agent

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

After your life partner and career path, few decisions have more impact than who you engage to sell your property. Make a good choice and your bank balance and general health will prosper. A poor choice, however, will cost you precious time, money, and peace of mind. To help you choose an agent who is just right for you, it is paramount you ask these six key questions:

Can you provide vendor references?

A good agent will go above and beyond the call of duty to achieve the best price and sale outcome for your unique listing. As a consequence, they will impress their vendors and should not hesitate to put you in touch with past clients only too happy to sing their praises.

Ann Paterson Real Esta...

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Getting Ready For Winter

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

With summer days behind us now and cooler weather lurking just around the corner, it’s a good time to do some last-minute exterior maintenance to protect your home or your rental, and ensure a warm, safe winter.

Ann Paterson Real Estate is experienced in selling property no matter what the season so we know exactly what you can do to get your home ready for sale in the winter months.

Here’s what should be on your seasonal inspection checklist.

Start with the exterior, fixing rotten timber, then painting to seal it.

It’s also a good idea to wash down steps, paths decks and where ...

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Why Choose A Tree Change

POSTED BY Ann Paterson ON 26 Apr 2019 | Comments

Why moving to the country can work no matter what your stage of life

Thinking of moving to the countryside?

Here are some reasons why it might be a great decision for your stage of life, and what to look for before taking the plunge. At Ann Paterson Real Estate, we’ve helped everyone from young families to retirees find their perfect country escape in the Southern Highlands, and we can help you as well.

Sick of grey skylines, crowded streets, and the constant noise of traffic? Why not pack it all up and move to the countryside?

“Tree changes” are increasingly popular, with young families and retirees alike lookin...

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