Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Tips for a fuss free house move



You have found the perfect home and it's time to move. Follow our handy checklist to minimise the stress.

1. Decide if you are going to engage a removalist service or do it yourself.

Removalist - negotiate price, inclusions and book at least 3 weeks in advance of moving date.

DIY - arrange to hire moving van if necessary and start to gather boxes and packing materials.

2. Arrange disconnection and new connection of services such as power, internet, telephone. Change property details on insurance policies.

3. Start packing any items you won't be using and organise a system of labelling to avoid double handling on the day and to ensure access should you need something in the meantime.

4. Make a moving home checklist ( there are lots of websites with easy to follow examples ) make an inventory of your belongings and make sure to keep things you will need for your first night in your new home separate. Consider packing a couple of changes of clothes, some sheets and towels, toiletries and toys for kids.

5. Make sure all boxes are clearly labelled and necessary items are easily accessible.

Good luck, and have fun. Generally - if everyone in the household packs two boxes each per day , everything will be easily sorted by the time moving day comes around - it's that simple and stress free !!


Monday, May 28, 2012

Great property management


Did you know that iRIS Property provides property management services????

What  makes a good property manager ?

Good management of your investment property doesn't just mean collecting the rent.  It also involves inspections of your property to ensure it's being well maintained, advising on ways to improve your property to attract better rental income and capital growth, negotiating the best deals for you when the tenancy agreement is due for review and ensuring that tenants are appropriate and reliable.

We have all heard horror stories of unpaid rent and damaged buildings. Why not hand the hard work over to the professionals ? At iRIS we pride ourselves on providing you with an up to date rental payment system, options for nominating payment methods, inspections to guarantee the safety of your property and competitive rent negotiation.

Call today for information on how we can provide you with a stress free rental management service.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Street Appeal



You've decided to put your home on the market. The clutter is packed away, windows are sparkling, the house is cleaned and you are ready to go. Or are you ???

People often spend a lot of time and money preparing the inside of homes for sale. Painting, cleaning and renovating are all important and can help you secure the right buyer for your property but the first impression buyers get is from the street and you want to make it a good one.

Most buyers see your home for the first time on a website. If they like what they see then comes an inspection or open home. Make sure that the way your property is presented is fresh and impressive.

A fresh coat of paint, well kept gardens and landscaping, tidy paths and driveways, removal of all rubbish and some well tended plants and mulching can make all the difference in securing that vaulable buyer interest.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Saving energy = saving money


Winter is always a time when energy costs go through the roof. Home heating and long hot showers can bump up your bill by hundreds of dollars.

Check out our simple tips to help you reduce energy consumption during the cooler months.

Better for the environment and better for your pocket.

Turn the temperature on the thermostat of your heater or reverse cycle air conditioner to 18-20°C. Every 1° increase in temperature can increase the heating component of your energy bill by up to 15%.

Insulate your ceilings and walls. 

Close curtains/blinds to minimise heat loss.

Seal cracks and holes that cause drafts. Drafts can increase winter heat loss by up to 25%.

Heat only the areas of the house you are using.

Hot water accounts for about 30% of your energy bill so it makes sense to reduce your hot water usage by shortening shower times and install an energy efficient shower head which can halve your hot water usage.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Simple ways to improve the value of your home


Getting top price for your property is the aim of the game.

Follow these simple but effective tips to increase the value of your home and improve your chances of a quick sale at a great price.

* Update your entranceway - paint the front door, clean pathways, ensure easy access and tidy front gardens.

* Make sure paintwork is fresh and clean. No-one wants to buy a house if the first task is having to repaint. Make your home appealing to buyers.

* Have carpets professioanlly cleaned. If you have floorboards make sure they are in great condition - they can be a fantastic sale feature - resand and seal if necessary or just clean and polish.

* Consider updating the kitchen if necessary by painting or replacing cupboard doors, handles and benchtop. This can cost as little as a few hundred dollars but can make all the difference to your homes saleability.

* Clean your windows! This simple task can change the whole feel of your home letting in light and giving the impression of a well maintained home. Consider removing or replacing old curtains or blinds as needed.

* Revamp your bathroom by replacing toliet seats and tapware. Clean away all signs of mould or damp and consider using products like grout pens to freshen up tiling. Stock your bathrooms with fresh towels for a co-ordinated and fresh look.

* Tidy your garden, wash paths, remove rubbish and ensure that your garden is free of pet mess.

If you don't feel you have the time or skills for these tasks why not investigate getting in some handyman help. It could prove to be one of the best investments you can make in selling your home.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Spending money to make money


Sometimes the best way to make money is to spend money.

When considering wealth creation or retirement planning it's hard to beat real estate as an investment.

Lets face it, not everyone is a great saver and money management may not be your strong suit but owning your own home or investment property can be a great beginning to building yourself a sound financial base. Building equity in a home by making regular mortgage payments is one of the best ways for many people to save a large amount of money over time.

This type of forced saving by paying off a mortgage is one of the most effective way of achieving wealth and with banks offering great interest rates and low loan establishment fees now is a great time to get into the market. 

View our current listings online at www.irisproperty.com.au 

Call today to see how we can help you get ahead in the property market or make the transition from renter to owner !






Monday, May 14, 2012

Quotes to invest by





Owning a home is a keystone of wealth - both financial affluence and emotional security.
Suze Orman

Buy on the fringe and wait. Buy land near a growing city. Buy real estate when other people want to sell. Hold what you buy.
John Jacob Astor

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
Warren Buffett

The best investment on earth is earth.
Louis Glickman



Reasons to feel positive about the property market




Are you feeling uncertain about entering the property or investment market ?

Let's look at some sound reasons why it's a great time to get on board.

* Interest rates are low and the banks are jostling for your business so take advantage of the opportunity to negotiate a great rate and deal. It's a fabulous time to lock in a discounted interest rate so you have peace of mind about your mortgage payments in the future.

* This is a great time for housing affordability. With lots of property for sale you can negotiate some fantastic bargains

* This is an amazing time for those who are happy to enter the market when others are being cautious - you have your pick of properties and sellers are keen to work with you.

* There is a longstanding, trackable record of capital growth in Australia. A medium to long term approach to property investment is always wise.

* For investors rental returns have taken an upturn and provide great return on investment.

*The Hawkesbury is a fabulous option for families looking for an improved lifestyle on a reduced price compared to the Sydney market. Within easy driving/commuting distance to the city and suburbs with a lower mortgage and great rural lifestyle - perfect for kids and families.

See our blog listing" When is the best time to buy ?" http://irispropertynews.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/when-is-best-time-to-buy.html


Making your marketing dollar work for you





At iRIS Property we are dedicated to giving you the best possible marketing strategy to make your marketing dollars work hard for you.

A great marketing strategy will give you the best chance of creating interest and competition for your home or investment.

Marketing encompasses many options such as print media, online listings, signage, flyers, promotional articles, special mentions in newsletters and updates to our database of purchasers and posts on our social media sites such as Facebook and the iRIS Property blog.


It is important to think of marketing dollars as an investment - consider the ROI (return on investment) . It may seem like another expense but in fact, great marketing leads to more people being made aware of your property and this increased exposure leads to faster sales and great prices.

You only need to reach one buyer but it takes considerable marketing to find them. Strategic, well placed marketing from iRIS helps connect you with the people you need to know about.

Call today to discuss our unique approach to getting the results you want.

www.irisproperty.com.au

The Hawkesbury Food Bowl













The Hawkesbury region has long been known for it's fresh produce. Famous for it's Bilpin apples, the Hawkesbury food and wine experience has expanded to include the Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail.

This wonderful trail highlights some of the gourmet treats of this fertile region. A map of local producers and providores can be found at http://hawkesburyharvest.com.au/farmgate_map.asp.

Why not take a day to explore the area and indulge in pick your own fruit, gourmet farmers markets, wineries, local cheese makers, home made apple and berry pies.

Some highlights of the trail include the Hawkesbury Harvest Markets - held every second Saturday,
Lochiel Cafe - historic Kurrajong Heights cafe showcasing local produce in a beautiful setting and of course the wonderful roadside stalls along Bells Line of Rd Bilpin selling fresh picked seasonal fruit, jams and pies.

Check out the Hawkesbury Harvest website for upcoming events

http://hawkesburyharvest.com.au/farmgate.asp

Monday, May 7, 2012

Considering an investment property ?





Are you considering buying an investment property ?
At iRIS Property we can guide you through the process of finding an investment property
that will work for you and your budget.

People buy investment properties for varying reasons
* Tax concessions
* Retirement planning
* Wanting to hold a tangible asset as opposed to the possible volatility of shares
* Rental income
* Capital growth

When searching for a great investment property there are a few key factors you need to consider
*Chose your area wisely
*Ensure that the property is well maintained and remains low maintenace
*Look for amenities which are important to tennants ie shops, transport, schools, health care, entertainment facilities

If you are looking to invest in property call us today to see how we can help you.

For more information and to browse our listings go to http://www.irisproperty.com.au/

When is the best time to buy ?




When is the best time to buy ? The short answer is NOW, or better still yesterday.
How often have you heard someone say " I wish I'd bought that place back in 2009. It was $100,000
less then " ?

It's natural to feel cautious when embarking on a major financial decision and we are grateful for the trrust you place in us when looking to find the best property for you.

Sometimes when considering the timing for investing in real estate it is a matter of not necessarily finding the 'perfect place' that ticks every box but of considering lots of properties that meet your criteria and can act as a stepping stone to your dream home or investment.

It is hard to go wrong with real estate when you take a medium to long range view and consider your move into the market as a form of savings not unlike superannuation. You're in it for the long term capital gain - (  one of the few that still tax free !) , the security of having your own home and to create a financial wall of security for yourself and your family.

www.irisproperty.com.au

Solicitors vs conveyancers




We are commonly asked what is the difference between a solicitor and conveyancer and how to tell who can serve you best when buying or selling your property.

All property transactions require legal documentation such as contracts and mortgage documents.
Both conveyancers and solicitors can prepare and execute these documents on your behalf.

Both options offer you preparation of documents, legal advice relating to contracts and properties  and explanation of contracts. Solicitors however, can offer you additional legal advice around issues such as tax matters, inheritance law and more complicated contract issues such as easements and rights of carriageway. Solicitors are generally employed when the contracts are not typically straightforward and provide you with a higher level of security in this instance.

One of the most obvious differences is that of cost with conveyancers often being significantly less expensive due mainly to a smaller scope of practice.

If considering a conveyancer it is essential to ensure that they are registered with the NSW Department of Fair Trading and that they hold current professional indemnity insurance.

Buying basics




Buying a property is a big decision and you need to know a few basics facts to get started.
Finding an agent to guide you through the process is invaluable and we pride ourselves on providing you with sound, practical advice to get the ball rolling.

1. Chose your area - consider areas which are going to suit you best bearing in mind work, travel, schools, hospitals, personal reasons such as proximity to family and friends.

2. Talk to your bank - arrange pre-approval of loans and explore the costs involved in purchasing property eg solicitors, conveyancing, pest and building inspections.

3. Find the professionals you need to be able to go ahead smoothly with your purchase once you have found your property - we can suggest some reputable companies.

4. Sign up for our email newsletter for information on new property listings and price changes.
info@irisproperty.com.au

Follow us on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iris-Property

Join the iRIS Property blog for a practical and helpful source of information on all things real estate.
http://irispropertynews.blogspot.com.au/

Mortgages - what you need to know





Buying property almost always means dealing with banks. If you are thinking of taking
out a mortgage it pays to consider these important tips....

Find a banker, financial advisor or mortgage broker that you can trust and feel comfortable
dealing with.

Liaise with your bank or financial institution to determine a budget which considers your
lifestyle and possible changes in life circumstances

Chose the most appropriate loan for your purposes - principle and interest, interest only loans, fixed or variable rates of interest

Beware of interest free or honeymoon offers

Research possible government assistance such as First Home Owner Grants

Compare banks and financial instutions for fees, interest rates, breakcost terms


iRIS Property    http://www.irisproperty.com.au/





Autumn in the Hawkesbury




The leaves are turning and the autumn colour in the mountains is beautiful. The cool evenings
and crisp sunny days make this one of the loveliest times of year and well worth a visit.

The Hawkesbury is known for it's local produce, rural feel, access to National Parks and
the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens which are particularly stunning at this time of year.

We have a number of fantastic properties available at the moment which showcase the
beauty of the Hawkesbury in autumn.

Follow this link to our website and enjoy browsing through our current listings.
www.irisproperty.com.au

Finding the right agent for you





Finding the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make when selling or buying a property.
Trust, rapport, integrity and knowlege are essential in building a successful working relationship.

Things to look for when chosing an agent :
* Professionalism
* Local area expertise
* Experience
* Effective marketing
* Proven track record in market appraisal and negotiation
* Great results

At iRIS property we have 23 years of local experience. We have a solid basis in dealing professionally and with integrity. We provide quality and dependable service combined with great results.

Call today to see how we can help you achieve your goals.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Tips for selling your home






We all want to get the best possible price when selling our homes. Follow these steps to ensure your home is the one that gets noticed.

1. Spring clean your property - make sure that your home and gardens are spotlessly clean and that all repairs are up to date.

2. Clear away any clutter from your property. Over furnished rooms can look untidy and smaller than they really are.

3. Check your street appeal - have a good look at your home from the street. Is it clean and tidy ? Are the lawns mown and ? Is there any flaking paint or junk to be removed ?

4. Clean up after your pets and ensure that they are not home during inspections.

5. Lastly, and most importantly, find an agent you can work with. A good agent will help you determine a realistic price and provide you with information and advice about ways to get a great result from your sale.

At iRIS Property we pride ourselves on the service we offer. We aim to provide you with reliable, honest and professional advice.

Call today to see how we can help you make the most of your assets and get the results you want.