Property Property Insider
Email us: propertyinsider@echo.net.au
Look Ma – a folding house! According to designer/builder Christopher Kinzel, the AZ50 folding house design is intended as an innovative solution to the challenging situation of owning a home in an inflationary market, as well as the obstacle
of tight building zoning regulations. The facility to move one’s entire house means that it is an asset/investment yet remains as malleable equity. The house could serve as immediate shelter while a larger house was being built, to then become an adjunct dwelling for the children, the olds, guests, a studio/office, rented as an income source, or sold on. Furthermore,
for those in the majority who don’t own land, it could also be a way to minimise the long-term costs of renting whereby there would only be the need to lease land, which would likely be far less burden on the daily cost of living. At local rental rates such a house might be paid for in 5–6 years. ‘Readily demount-able structures seem to miss the DA scrutiny, though utility hook-ups do require certified installation. This is a move away from landlording towards a lighter impact, perhaps custodianship, hence the name Almost Zero,’ (footprint), says Chris. The Almost Zero design has endeavoured to marry the logistics of a readily transportable structure with the look and feel of a permanent home. ‘This is no cornflake box tin shack on wheels,’ says Chris. The space is large, with ample light. The eaves are generous on all sides. This, coupled with the numerous windows, means it will ventilate well in extreme sun or rain. It is also well insulated and can be shut tight to conserve heat if required.
The construction scantlings are robust, materials are first class throughout, and are fitted and detailed with shipwright craftsmanship. ‘It is my goal that it be a thing of joy and beauty to come home to for many years.’ Cheers to that! The Almost Zero folding house is for sale. There is an open day this weekend: Open Day July 14 Saturday 9am–5pm 11/26 Mill St Ross Industrial Complex Mullumbimby.
Don’t make these mistakes Michael Murray from Byron Property Search has some sage advice on buying property. You can subscribe to the BPS newsletter by heading the byronpropertysearch.com.au website. When it comes to house-buying mistakes, Michael has observed
just about every one there is. Some examples are: letting a great house slip through your fingers because of indecision; putting agents and vendors offside; getting emotional; being too influenced by a computergenerated data report; and taking advice from well-meaning but ill-informed friends and family. Although a poker face is an asset when dealing with an agent, negotiation is also all about honesty and building a relationship. Sometimes there is a lot going on behind the scenes and it is important to give away information as well as gather what is important for yourself. It helps to find out if the seller is experiencing one of the four Ds: death, divorce, debt or downsizing. When it comes to negotiating you need to detach yourself emotionally from the process. Put all of your offers in writing and stick to the facts. At the same time, let the selling agent see that you are serious but not over-enthusiastic. Be prepared to help them do their job. After
all, an agent just wants to get the deal done and move on. Try to get the agent on your side so s/he encourages the vendor to accept your offer. Here are some common buying mistakes to avoid when purchasing property: • Don’t disclose your budget • Don’t gush • Don’t make a silly low offer • Stay calm • Never make a fed-up purchase • Learn how to manage compromises. It’s very rare you get to find your ‘perfect’ place. It does happen, but it is rare. Too many people set a high bar and don’t learn to manage compromises. ‘A good buyer’s agent can help you see beyond a place that is not perfect but can be made to work. Many people need help to understand what is a deal breaker and what is fixable,’ says Michael. You can find the full version of this article as well as other good information at the byronpropertysearch.com.au.
ŌĞƌ ƐŽŵĞ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƐĂůĞƐ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĐĂƐŚĞĚ ƵƉ ďƵLJĞƌƐ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ĚĂƚĂďĂƐĞ ƌĞĂĚLJ Θ ǁĂŶƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵŵŝƚ ƚŽ ďƵLJ͘
dŚŝŶŬŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƐĞůůŝŶŐ͍ DŽƌĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ ǁĂŶƚĞĚ͊ Ăůů ƵƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶƟĂů DĂƌŬĞƚ ƉƉƌĂŝƐĂů
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
The Byron Shire Echo July 11, 2018 31