Sales Recommendations - Tara Torkkola

your home, your life, your story.

For over 30 years, First National Byron has cemented its position as the region’s number one agency, servicing a footprint that extends across the entire area. We are proud to be recognised as an iconic local company employing the most highly trained and accomplished sales, marketing, photography, and administration staff.

At First National Byron we utilise the latest technologies to curate successful marketing campaigns. We have built a digital community over the past 15 years that includes thousands of property owners in our service area, as well as tens of thousands of real buyers from all over the world who have enquired or inspected any of our properties for sale over these years. It is through our database community that we can effectively market directly to those buyers who are already in love with our region and already educated on buying in this area – they are just waiting for the right property to become available. Our ability to reach the right buyers is unparalleled. Over 37,000 registered people now receive our weekly newsletter containing upcoming properties for sale, current properties for sale, open homes for the week and always some local news.

For the 7th consecutive year, our team has won the RateMyAgent 2023 Agency of the Year for Byron Bay. Our award-winning sales agents consistently rank in the top 10 of the entire First National Network, while our office has been ranked Number 1 for the last 6 years. We’ve worked hard to arrive at this position and we’re dedicated to continuing that success with you. We take nothing for granted and genuinely support and nurture all our relationships, because we fully appreciate the value of trust.

We know our patch, love our people, embrace our lifestyle, and are actively involved in a wide range of community events and initiatives that shape our region. We love this community, and we love what we do.

Local real estate professional Tara Torkkola is one of the region’s and country’s most awarded and respected agents. In 2022 Tara ranked in the Top 50 Women in Real Estate, which celebrates the highest calibre agents in Australia, a credibility she brings to the Byron Shire community. She has also ranked in the Top 9 Regional Female Agent in Australia.

At 36 years old Tara has been the force in the Byron Shire property market for over 15 years. Her multi-faceted international

approach delivers layers of invisible value and a worldwide savvy that ensures she achieves unrivalled results. A modern and digital selling agent, Tara embraces traditional skills including authentic connections and an extensive database, paired with cutting edge accelerated marketing techniques. Multiple campaigns for each property across digital and traditional media ensure maximum exposure and interest.

As a long standing member of the highly respected First National Byron Bay #1 office in Australasia, Tara fosters a culture built on traditional values and utmost discretion. Part of the community fabric, they pride themselves on serving both locals and newcomers with thorough knowledge and relationships that have been built over 30 years. First National Byron Bay is home to the highest achieving agents in the country led by Industry leader Chris Hanley as company principal. Tara’s colleagues have been her mentors and inspiration for 15 years, she works with the best in the business.

Tara, her partner and two children call the Byron region home for the last 20 years having renovated multiple homes here and they reside on their 37 acre farm in the hinterland so you will see Tara in her 4wd and Blundstones at work and on weekends with the family!

Tara and her team are long term locals who embody the lifestyle that they are selling. They operate in sync to deliver deeply

satisfying results that could not be achieved by one agent alone.

Tara is extremely well connected with a down to earth confidence and intuitive sales approach that feed into her negotiations. She is renowned for consistently achieving over and above, with an instinct for leveraging the highest outcomes and knowing where money is being left on the table.

She continues to witness evolution in the Byron Bay region, with the tightly held property mecca attracting both new buyers and agents. Her unique approach is grounded in community values and trust, and she is a must call for anyone desiring an international selling approach.

Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered record property sales across the shire. Her portfolio includes family homes, coastal retreats and large rural properties.

Tara actively engages in high level mentoring programs with industry leaders who inspire her to take her business to the next level. In recent years Tara has been a keynote speaker at events of over 1000 attendees sharing her journey. She is committed to continual growth alongside care and compassion to exceed expectations.

Tara prides herself on top tier references and testimonials, and can connect you with recent clients for a firsthand and transparent account of selling with team Tara Torkkola.

MEET TEAM TARA TORKKOLA

JASMIN MCCLYMONT SALES

A fourth generation local, Jasmin is known for her strong professionalism, eye for detail, and high customer service. Jasmin’s passion for everything real estate show’s through her ability to fit the right buyers with their new property, as well as providing high quality service to owners to ensure they receive the best of care when selling their property. Working with one of the most top performing teams, Jasmin is a high star performer and a huge asset to Team Tara.

TARA TORKKOLA SALES

As one of the Byron Shire area’s most respected sales representatives, Tara has been a trusted part of the First National sales team for 15 years. Tara is extremely well connected, confident and savvy with an impeccable reputation. A born negotiator, Tara prides herself on achieving over and above for her clients. Tara is a sales specialist focusing on buyer relationships, negotiation, closing the deal & exchange of contracts.

SALLY GREEN SALES

From a real estate family, Sally specialises in residential buying and selling with an emphasis on creating the best experience for her clients and guiding them through one of the biggest investments of their lives. Sally is known for her kindness and caring nature with a reputation for excellent negotiation skills and invaluable connections and local knowledge. An integral part of Team Tara, Sally has 10 years’ experience in real estate - it’s in her blood, and she loves it!

LARA BRAUER SALES ADMINISTRATION FOR TEAM TARA

Lara ensures our systems behind the scenes are running efficiently. She works with our admin and marketing teams to get your property up and running to ensure a smooth campaign.

Brauer

MYOCUM

MYOCUM

SUFFOLK PARK

FEDERAL BANGALOW

BYRON BAY

BYRON BAY

THE CHANNON

SOUTH GOLDEN BEACH

ROSEBANK

EUREKA

COORABELL

SOLD PROPERTIES

From luxury hinterland estates, to unique original homesteads, to contemporary family homes, beachside cottages, modern townhouses, and everything inbetween, we have the experience, local knowledge, and client base to market your home and achieve best possible result.

MYOCUM MYOCUM

BYRON BAY

BROKEN HEAD

BYRON BAY SUFFOLK PARK

BYRON BAY

EWINGSDALE

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Tara and her team were so helpful in getting our house sold in what is proving to be a volatile market that’s fluctuated a lot recently. She had great suggestions, listened to our needs and ultimately came through with a result we are thrilled with. All the while being calm and considerate, and available whenever we needed her. Thanks again.

Vendor - Byron Bay

Tara and her team are professional in every facet of selling, communication is always from a place of honesty and integrity. The team have a local perspective and consistently present with the highest level of authenticity and accountability. I highly recommend Tara, Oliver and the team that support her during the sales process from email marketing through to inspections and negotiation of sales contracts!

Vendor - Suffolk Park

Tara has sold 2 of my properties located in Myocum and Bangalow in the last 3 years. Both properties sold quickly allowing me to move to my next home without too much stress. She is trustworthy, highly professional and knows the real estate marketplace across Byron Shire. She is also a nice person!

Vendor - Bangalow

Tara’s knowledge of the market and what was required to be done before sale was exceptional. She guided me through the entire process and I couldn’t have done it without her. When ever I needed help she had the contacts to do it. From builders, gardeners, photographers, whatever I asked she was able to help. Her entire team works the same way. They are completely on top of it and I always help during what can be a very stressful time. I couldn’t recommend her more!

Vendor - Myocum

Thankful to Tara and team who went above and beyond to help us find a property in such a challenging market.

Buyer - Brunswick Heads

Tara is the absolute best real estate agent in Byron Bay. She sold out property quickly and at a very good price. She is very professional and the communication with her team was amazing. If you are looking at selling (or buying) be sure to contact Tara and her team.

Vendor - Ocean Shores

Knowledgeable, professional, efficient and tenacious. I have bought and sold properties all over the world and Tara is as good as they come. I couldn’t be happier with the process from beginning to end, selling 2 properties over this past year. Tara and her team have been exceptional. I recommend them highly.

Vendor - Brunswick Heads

I am very happy i choose First National. Tara, Sally, Jasmine and the whole team were professional and kind. It was a very smooth experience and they went over and beyond to complete a sale that was very important to me. Their heart was in it the whole way and I felt very supported. A very good experience and a pleasure doing business with and also getting to know the team. Im very grateful and happy with my experience on all levels. Thank you!

Vendor - Mullumbimby

MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY

Our dedicated in-house team have extensive experience in real estate marketing, graphic design and photography. We have the expertise to deliver high-end marketing collateral without outsourcing overseas or to companies that work with a myriad of other agencies. This enables us to set the tone of the work produced, accelerate turnaround and deliver more personal interactions. Our in-house photographer and videographer has captured some of the area’s most exclusive properties - some of which have broken Byron Bay sales records and gained international attention through various media outlets.

Our experienced and efficient administration team look after everything behind the scenes. From preparing paperwork, processing listing files, arranging council information or strata checks, right through to sending sale information to solicitors and processing settlements. This dedicated and methodical team ensures the process runs smoothly from start to finish.

In order for us to reach buyers at every level we use the following mediums to ensure maximum exposure across both tangible brochures, high exposure signboards and with a premium digital and online presence showing your property to as many potential buyers as possible.

DIGITAL/SOCIAL

We list and sell more property than any other agency in the area. We have great relationaships with the major real estate platforms, and have negotiated on behalf of our vendors to have every property marketed at the highest level. We also have strategic, tailored social media campaigns and retargeted marketing options to ensure your property is seen by the right people at the right time.

DIRECT EMAIL

Currently our database has more than 72,000 contacts. Over 36,000 people are subscribed to our weekly newsletter. This means along with other information, they are notified of upcoming and new listings. Property requirements have been entered for over 20,000 contacts. They recieve and additional email updateing them on new listings or changes made to the properties within their requirements.

PRINT

Our print marketing is intertwined with our digital and social strategies, resulting in an overall strategy far outweighing each element on its own. We desing in-house brochures, flyers, signage, and newspaper & magazine advertising to ensure your property’s story is conveyed to the widest possible audience. Our collateral is designed to give buyers visual impact, with the practicality of QR code technology so they can scan to easily access further details.

EDITORIAL

We have developed strong relationships over many years with both local and national newspapers as well as online publications and social media platforms resulting in some excellent editorial opportunities. We will put forward your property to our database of local, national, and international journalists who have been very receptive to our submissions in the past.

The following checklist of helpful hints and tips will ensure your home presents well to attract buyers and maximise your sales price. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you stay on track leading up to the listing, showing and selling of your property. Planning and preparation is everything.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

There are things you can do to your property in order to give it the best chance of achieving the highest price. Start by getting your house looking it’s best inside and out. So, make sure the lawn is mowed, bathrooms are spotless, the house is free of clutter, mess and also smells good. Take a tour with your real estate agent to get a professional outside opinion on what areas you should focus your dollars on and what’s needed. It’s amazing how much little things can make a big difference.

START FROM THE FRONT

While the majority of potential buyers will first encounter your property online, a proportion of them may follow up with a drive down your street to check it out for themselves. It’s critical that their first impression is a good one. Cleaning up the front of the house and the yard is actually going to increase your chances of people wanting to walk through the house. It’s street appeal.

A LITTLE PAINT GOES A LONG WAY

It’s cheap, it’s relatively easy and it’ll almost certainly pay for itself. Come auction or sale time - a fresh coat of paint to fix any blemishes or a tired decor will make a world of difference. Walls with marked, chipped or damaged paint are very noticeable to buyers and need to be remedied. Ideally you would paint both inside and outside, because peeling paint is quite common and even though it’s just peeling paint, some people can mistake it as damage. Using light, neutral colours instantly enhances the sense of space within a property, which will stick in buyers’ minds. Paint isn’t always necessary but it always helps to make everything

feel brighter, bigger and fresher. Always go with neutral colourswhites in particular. Light and white should be your motto!

THE FLOORS

How’s your carpet looking? If it’s significantly worn, stained or damaged, you should look at either replacing it, or pulling it up if there are floorboards beneath. If the carpet isn’t in great condition and there are floorboards underneath, that can be quite an affordable option, because you won’t be paying for materials, just labour. You’re just ripping up the carpet. The labour cost is just sanding and polishing the floorboards. If floorboards are not an option, new carpet or floor covering can be good investment.

CAREFULLY CONSIDER RENOVATIONS

It’s very easy to overcapitalise on renovations. Small improvements like a new coat of paint or pulling up old carpet to reveal the original floorboards can freshen up a property and increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers. It’s much harder to recoup the value of major projects like, putting a pool in the backyard or renovating bathrooms and kitchens. In general, it’s best not to spend too much money on renovations.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Over the years you’ve probably learned to avoid that rogue paver or brick that sticks out slightly from your garden path. In fact, you’ve probably forgotten it’s there. But first-time visitors to your home will almost certainly find a way to trip on it, so you should fix anything that could trip or impede access for people as they walk through the property and house.

BUILDING AND PEST REPORT

Order a building and pest inspection. Having your property inspected for structural and termite damage can be highly advantageous. Why? It gives you control over the selling and negotiation process. If no issues are found, you will have peace of mind knowing the purchaser won’t be able to use any problems as a means to negotiate the price down. If an issue is found, you can take action to resolve it before your home is listed for sale.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

This may seem like common sense, but unfortunately, it’s still the one area owners tend to try and shortcut. Special attention should be placed on appliances, inside and outside of cupboards, skirting boards and windows. Bathrooms should be scoured and if necessary use grout cleaner to get the tiles looking spotless!

STYLING, IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

People perceive homes that are well decorated as worth more. Styling is about decluttering, brightening and making rooms look larger. If you want to get your home looking fabulous for sale it’s important to open up the space to make the rooms look bigger by repositioning anything unnecessary. Also, art can really change a room’s whole appearance. A vibrant picture can brighten up a room. Having the artwork at eyelevel is key for full maximum effect. Introducing soft furnishings like cushions, lamps, rugs, accessories, throws, quality linen, towels and fresh flowers and plants are a great way to introduce a colour scheme into your home in a subtle but effective way. Finally, allow natural light in by opening all the blinds. The brightness of a room opens up the space and makes it appear larger. Styling makes a property more attractive and helps create the impression of a well-cared for home.

CHECKLIST

EXTERIOR

Gate: repair / paint / oil

Fence: repair / paint / varnish

Letter box: replace or straighten / paint

Driveway: repair cracks / remove oil stains

Lawn: weed / mow / edg e/ sweep leaves

Garden: weed / edge / trim plants / mulch / remove dead plants

Pot plants: introduce as feature / clean / weed / prune

Gutters: clean / repair / paint

Eaves: remove cobwebs / clean / paint

Roof: reseal / repair

Garage: clean door / repair / paint

Paving: weed / clean / repair

Pool: clean / repair / approval

Windows: replace damaged fly screens or panes / paint sills / clean glass

Welcome mat: clean / replace

Front door: paint / clean

GARAGE & SHEDS

Doors: Working / remotes / repair / clean

Floors: remove oil stains / repair / clean

Benches: clean / de-clutter

Cupboards: declutter tops / tidy inside and out / clean

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Window: clean / dust / check operation

KITCHEN

Benches: clean / de-clutter

Taps: repair / clean

Oven: degrease / clean hotplates and door

Fridge: clean exterior / remove exterior decorations

Floors: polish / repair / clean

Cupboards: declutter tops / tidy inside and out / clean

Art: dust / straighten / set at eye level

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Window shades: clean / dust / check operation

LIVING SPACE

Art: dust / straighten / set at eye level

Tables: clean / polish

Floors: polish / repair / clean

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Window shades: clean / dust / check operation

Fireplaces: clean

De-clutter: remove magazines / personal memento / portable appliances

Sofa: repair / replace / recover / add throws or cushions

Cupboards: clean / repair

Cords: hide / tidy

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Window shades: clean / dust / check operation

BEDROOMS

Bedside tables: de clutter

Bed: fresh quality linen / tidy

Mirrors: clean / paint

Light switches: clean / repair

Floor: polish / repair / clean

Art: dust / straighten / set at eye level

Cupboards & robes: close / tidy / everything off floor

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Window shades: clean / dust / check operation

BATHROOMS & LAUNDRY

Sanitise / air freshen

Floors: polish / repair / clean

Bath: clean thoroughly

Tiles: clean grout / repair

Mirrors: clean thoroughly

Fan: clean / replace

Art: dust / straighten / set at eye level

Accessories: remove shampoo / toothpaste brushes

Taps: repair / clean

Towels: replace / quality / tidy

Lights: repair / check globes / clean / replace shade

Windows shades: clean / dust / check operation

WHAT NEXT?

1 2 3 4 5

Step 1. Appointment

Agree to the appointment of First National Byron as your agent and sign the Agency Agreement. Instruct your solicitor to prepare the Contract for Sale.

Step 2. Campaign

Agree on a marketing plan and timelines to suit. Conduct strategy meeting to cover each stage in the process. A calendar of all the elements of the campaign is prepared for you to follow.

Step 3. Preparation

Prepare the property with any additional styling or minor repairs. We would be happy to help facilitate this step if need be.

Step 4. Marketing

Confirm the day and time for photography, floorplan, copywriting and video production.

Step 5. Launch

Once we have received the required paperwork and have all the compliance elements in place, we proceed to the marketing phase and populate all the templates using photos, video, copy and floorplans.

We look forward to working with you