At Century 21 Barossa we are proud to be an integral part of our community We feel privileged to be of service in helping people realise their property goals, converting dreams into tangible results. Under the leadership of our Principal, CJ Setlhong (or CJ as he is known throughout the Barossa Valley), our team has grown steadily as we pursue excellence. For the team success is about much more than numbers It's about integrity and doing the right thing by people These ethics have underpinned Century 21 Barossa from day one and continue to drive our entire team
This edition:
Meet the Team
Cj’s Property Predictions
Your guide to all things Real Estate & the Barossa
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tips to get your garden ready for spring!
Little Rockets/Bazinga
Broker Advice with Samson from Ausun Finance
10 Steps for Spring cleaning from Pam Parish - The Clutter Busta
BBQ Fundraiser for Variety SA
Emerald Way Charity Home
Sold! - Barossa & surrounds
Meet the Team
CJSETLHONG
Principal/SalesConsultant
0448085077 cjsetlhong@century21comau
SalesConsultant 0423423882 khezer@century21 com au
CJ’S PROPERTY PREDICTIONS
CJ SETLHONG
Principal/Sales Consultant 0448 085 077
cj setlhong@century21 com au
Interest Rate News
As of mid September 2024 the ASX is now predicting 4 interest rate cuts in the next 12 months This is fantastic news for home owners The ASX RBA tracker is showing a 0.25% cut in February next year Assuming that all consecutive cuts are the same this could bring the rate from 4.35% down to 3.25% A whole percentage drop could save home owners $5076 a year based on the national average mortgage of $641,143
Nuriootpa
Nuriootpa’s property market is thriving, with the median house price reaching $580,000 as of August 2024, reflecting an impressive 19.6% increase over the past year The market is active, with 1,134 buyers currently interested and houses selling in about 36 days As of mid September there are 19 houses available for sale and 15 rental properties For investors, houses yield a strong 4 8% rental return at $500 per week, while units offer a 4.7% yield at $400 per week The robust demand and significant growth highlight Nuriootpa as a promising area for both purchasing and investment opportunities.
Angaston
Angaston's property market is booming, with the median house price climbing to $619,500 as of August 2024 a 12 6% rise over the past year. The market is highly competitive, with 720 active buyers and homes typically selling within approximately 40 days As of mid September there are currently 11 properties available for sale, and rental yields are robust at 4 7%, with houses renting for $410 per week This strong demand and significant growth make Angaston an attractive option for both buyers and investors
Tanunda
Tanunda’s property market is dynamic, with the median house price at $650,000 as of August 2024, reflecting a 14 0% increase over the past year. The market is highly competitive, with 1,436 buyers actively interested and houses typically selling within 26 days As of mid September there are currently 30 houses for sale and 12 rental properties available Investment prospects are strong, with houses yielding a 4 3% rental return at $490 per week, and units offering a higher 5.2% yield at $365 per week The vibrant demand and growth make Tanunda a promising area for both buyers and investors
Kapunda
Kapunda's property market is experiencing remarkable growth, with the median house price soaring to $495,000 as of August 2024, driven by a substantial 30.3% increase over the past year The market is active, with houses typically taking about 50 days to sell and as of mid September there are 6 properties recently listed for sale. Investors will find attractive rental yields, with houses renting for $410 per week and offering a 5 1% yield The strong growth and solid returns make Kapunda a promising area for property investment
BRIANNASETLHONG
GET YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SPRING
HERE ARE OUR TIPS!
Assess and Prepare Your Soil
Spring is the perfect time to give your garden soil a little TLC Begin by assessing its condition. Check for compacted areas and consider loosening the soil with a garden fork or tiller Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure, increase fertility, and enhance water retention Given the clayey nature of many South Australian soils, adding gypsum can also help to break up compacted layers
Plan and Rotate Your Crops
For vegetable gardeners, spring is a great time to plan your crop rotation Rotating crops helps to prevent soil depletion and reduces the risk of pest and disease buildup Consider planting cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and peas early in spring As the weather warms, you can transition to warmer crops like tomatoes, capsicums, and cucumbers
Start with Native Plants
South Australia is home to a diverse range of native flora that thrives in its climate. Consider incorporating native plants into your garden, as they are well-adapted to the local conditions and require less water and maintenance Species like kangaroo paw, grevillea, and banksia not only add beauty but also attract local wildlife such as birds and bees
Manage Water Wisely
Spring is an excellent time to set up or adjust your irrigation system Given South Australia’s dry conditions, efficient water management is crucial Implement drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zones of your plants, minimising waste and ensuring consistent moisture
Mulching around your plants can also help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering
Prune and Trim
Spring is an ideal time for pruning and trimming many plants Remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation. For fruit trees, prune to shape and remove any crossing branches, which helps to improve fruit production and reduces the risk of disease
Plant for Pollinators
Support the local ecosystem by planting flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In South Australia, native flowers like bottlebrush, correa, and flowering gum are excellent choices These plants provide essential nectar and pollen, helping to sustain pollinator populations and improve the health of your garden
Control Weeds and Pests
As your garden begins to come to life, so do the weeds and pests Regularly check for and remove weeds, which compete with your plants for nutrients and water For pest control, consider using organic methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help manage pest populations naturally
Fertilise Wisely
Spring is the time to start fertilising your garden to support new growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients Be cautious not to over-fertilise, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rates and timing
Plan for Summer
Spring is also the time to think ahead to the hotter months Consider installing shade structures or planting shade-providing trees to protect more delicate plants from the intense summer sun. Planning for summer irrigation needs and maintaining a garden journal can help you stay organised and prepared
Enjoy the Process
Finally, take the time to enjoy the process of gardening. Spring is a season of renewal and growth, and working in your garden can be both therapeutic and rewarding Observe the changes, celebrate the successes, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks Gardening is a journey, and every step contributes to a more beautiful and productive space
Photo by Serio
LITTLE ROCKETS/BANZINGA BAROSSA
LOCAL BUSINESS INTERVIEW
Back in July our team had the privilege of speaking with Geoff & Danielle, the master minds behind Little Rock & Bazinga We were lucky enough to have a sneak peak of the space and create a fantastic video highlighting what an amazing business this is within Barossa Community . Geoff & Danielle also invited us along to the pre - grand opening which was amazing fun for all kids big and small! See below our interview with Geoff & Danielle.
Aboutthespace
Located at Shop 22, at the Co-op Shopping Centre we have managed to find a near 70x20 meter warehouse which we have turned into an amazing playcentre Little Rockets Playcafe & Bazinga, with the support of the Co-op Shopping center & board It all started from the beginning of covid pushing us in a different direction and we created Bazinga our Cards&Collectiblesstore
From there we had a chance meeting with the owners of The Little Rockets Brand Rino & Kirsty at their retail shop Gotham Collectables whentheywereattheElizabethShoppingCentreoverChristmasbackin 2021
From there we hit it off as friends business partners & more regularly doing shows together between Bazinga & Gotham Collectables & soon thereafterourpartnershipwiththeirbrandLittleRocketPlaycaféstook off
Whatdoyouoffer?
We currently have 3 main offerings Little Rockets Play café, Bazinga & Barossa Ninja- Barossa Laser Tag is still a work in progress Little RocketsPlaycaféisahugeindoorplaygroundwithadesignatedToddler Play area and a playground for older children We have a fully functioning Café with a big and exciting menu that will cater for everyone We have 3 main Party rooms & a 4th being shared between Bazinga & specialise in childrens Birthday parties & family friendly socialevents
We have an exciting space train for the children to ride & enough seating for nearly 200 people throughout our venue We will run lots of activities from storytelling, to mini DIY craft days to more elaborate Superherodays&more
Whatdrewyoutobuildingaspacelikethisinthe Barossa?
As a family that has been in the Barossa for the last 12 years & Geoff (who was a student at Faith before this) it was something that we knew the Barossa had always needed as we have 4 children & the Barossa has always been lacking in this area We just wanted to create something amazing for the community to enjoy & something that our children would be proud of too Our two eldest children, will now be able to help with the running of our centre but out two youngest are right in the zone for playtime
We spoke about Bazinga being one of only two businesses stocking some of the cards and collectables,canyouexpandonthatabit?
You have some fantastic arcade and VR machines, are you able to tell us a bit about those?
Bazinga is a business we created from our home in Angaston just as the pandemic took off, since then we have gone on to grow and expand our business into other areas & add in arcades, which we have purposely kept a more nostalgic feel using old school tokens & tickets as we believe they bring more fun & enjoyment to those that play them & we now take the step into Fully Immersive VR machines VR is still a relatively new technology but is a very exciting space and adds another element to our arcade We have an assortment of VR machines from the 360 VR, Platform, Twin Pod & VR Slide, which should keep the excitement flowing
Bazinga is also included in the space, how long have you had Bazinga for and where did that begin?
Touched on this a bit but I have always been a collector at heart and at the time would always have to place orders through online stores for the cards, collectibles & supplies I would chase It eventually got to the point where our previous business was able to allow me to follow through with my idea of opening a little card shop
I took a small risk and started the process of acquiring the right accounts to have a legitimate crack at creating a cards & collectibles shop When covid 2020 broke out it so happened to be the week after I opened my doors, I thought to myself I might be done here before I even got started It just so happened that as a family and our main business at the time the Angaston Vineyards Motel, we lost everything through that period Luckily Bazinga boomed and was one of those businesses that flourished through that time as everyone got back into the nostalgia of collecting again
After we got through that period, I realised that I maintained a regular customer base but not just from the Barossa but from all over SA & interstate too, so that was enough for me to think I should keep pursuing this dream and see where it takes our family
Due to the timing of our startup, Bazinga managed to acquire most of our accounts before the peak craziness of the hobby boom through COVID-19 We are proud to be suppliers of some major card brands including Select Australia & Team coach for all AFL Cards In particular, it is very hard to gain access to Selects premium releases but we are veryfortunatetohavethataccess WealsohaveaccesstoPanini,Upper deck,Topps,Ultrapro,Pokemonproducts&muchmore
Looking into the future, what excites you the mostabouthavingcreatedthisspace?
We just cant wait to get Little Rockets Play Café & Bazinga open, to show the community what we have been working on Seeing the the crazy kids running around having a ball & the relaxed look on the parents faces knowing they dont need to do any of the clean up and get to take away the kids with half as much energy makes it all worth while for us
We also have Barossa Laser Tag coming up too which we put on hold as we took over the full Little Rockets Play Café in Munno Para The Laser Tag will be another unique offering with our spin on it too Plus we have another space that could be something like the Barossa Escape Rooms?? Who knows what the future holds but we are excited & we hope the community is too
You can see our Business Highlight video of Little Rockets by scanning the QR code below !
At Century 21 Barossa, we collaborate closely with a network of mortgage brokers to streamline your property buying and selling experience. To make things even easier, we have a mortgage broker available in our office every Monday and every other Friday. Below, you'll find a comprehensive step-by-step guide to homeownership, crafted by Samson, one of our regular brokers. As well as what you need to know about investing in property.
Broker Advice
Navigating Your Path to Home Ownership: A Step-by-Step Guide for First Home Buyers
Buying your first home is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. Here’s some tips and guides to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Contact a Mortgage Broker
Your first step is to determine your borrowing capacity, which includes how much you will need saved for a deposit and upfront costs:
Deposit: Contrary to the common belief that you need a 20% deposit, with the First Home Guarantee you may only need to save 5%.
Upfront Costs: These are mainly government property taxes, however, you may be eligible for a stamp duty exemption depending on your state (which could save you for example up to $30,000 on a $600,000 property)
Pre-approval: Your mortgage broker will help you secure pre-approval so you know exactly what you can afford
Step 2: House Hunting
With pre-approval in hand, you know what you can afford, making this the perfect time to start looking for your new home.
Step 3: Make an Offer
When you find the right property, make an offer to the listing agent
Another tip is to ensure your offer is subject to a building and pest inspection
Step 4: Under Contract
If your offer is accepted, you will enter the contract phase which typically lasts 30-45 days to get your finance completely approved, it’s also during this time that step 5 can take place
Step 5: Building and Pest Inspection
This step is important to ensure the property is in good condition and avoid any costly surprises down the road
Step 6: Bank Valuation
Your bank may assess the property’s value to ensure it matches the amount you’ve offered
Step 7: Final Inspection
Conduct a final walk-through to ensure everything is as agreed upon
Step 8: Settlement
The final step in your home-buying journey where you collect the keys to your new home!
Investing in Property: What You Need to Know
Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture but comes with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Buying an Investment Property First:
Potential for Capital Gains: Investment properties can offer significant returns over time as the property appreciates in value, which can be used to purchase more properties or renovations
Tax Deductions: You can take advantage of various tax deductions related to the property investment
Increased Borrowing Capacity: Purchasing an investment property can potentially increase your borrowing capacity for future loans
Flexibility: Allows you to live where you choose, not just where you can afford to buy
Cons of Buying an Investment Property First:
Higher Initial Expenses: Buying and managing an investment property can involve higher initial costs
Ongoing Costs: You might have to balance paying rent and a mortgage simultaneously
Ineligibility for First-Home Incentives: Investment properties do not qualify for first-home owner grants or concessions
Higher Interest Rates: Loans for investment properties often come with higher interest rates
Handy tip – consider Rentvesting! What is renvesting?
Rentvesting is a strategy where you rent in an area where you want to live while owning and renting out a property in a more affordable market This approach can balance lifestyle desires with investment goals
With Samson from AUSUN Finance
Spring Cleaning
Here at Century 21 Barossa, we partner with a diverse range of cleaning professionals throughout the real estate industry. To provide you with valuable insights, we've invited one of our trusted cleaners, with whom we work frequently, to share their expertise below.
I am Pam The Clutter Busta, and I love helping people declutter and enjoy the space they live in I have 30 years plus as an experienced cleaner and organiser, I now have a passion for creating Less things and More Space As an ex funeral worker I encountered people needing to downsize and or move into smaller homes/retirement homes due to their circumstances changing or just needing to declutter I felt that I was able to make these important life changes easier for people at times when they are overwhelmed due to being empathetic.
Please feel free to contact me as I am not here to judge but help you create a clear space and clear mind
Here are my ‘10 Steps to Spring Cleaning’
1. Declutter & minimise items that don't have a purpose By doing this regularly this creates more room for things that bring you happiness Hold on to items that are meaningful to you, not just keep things for the sake of them Clean out that junk drawer in the kitchen and be surprised at what you will find (That you don't need)
2. Cobwebbing and cleaning of - fans/aircon filters/dishwasher filters/ run cleaning solution through washing machine
Smoke Alarms, Fans, Aircon filters, Dishwasher and Washing machines should have a cleaning solution run through them regularly as you would be amazed at the grime build up in these This keeps the items maintained and in good working order If you get into a pattern of doing these at the beginning of each season it becomes second nature.
3. Washing light fixtures, skirting boards, doors and walls
Keeping light fittings clean helps with the lighting of your home By maintaining the dust levels on these items it also helps with any allergies
4. Wash curtains and blinds
We don't realise how much unseen dust builds up in our furnishings, so its important to wash and clean them regularly They also make your place smell nicer once done
5. Wipe out cupboards ie: kitchen, linen, pantry whilst having a good sort out this saves having out of date items in your pantry and having to purchase items that are not required Excess linen is also great to donate to pet shelters or vet clinics We all end up with old towels etc.
6. Move furniture and clean underneath
We would be surprised at what items we find underneath furniture, from pets and little children Rotating your mattress also helps the lifespan and by giving it a good vacuum gets rid of dust mites
7 Scrub shower screen seals including washing down walls and ceiling heat lamps
To help prevent mould build up and glass cancer by not looking after these areas Washing the wall also helps if you are a user of a hairdryer as this normally sticks to the moist walls. As a cleaner so many times the heat lamps are left to build up dust which can potentially become a fire hazard
8. Wash the inside and outside windows and include screens and tracks
By keeping the windows clean it is much easier than leaving them for a long time as it then harder to get them clean again Having clean windows and letting the natural light in is also great for your wellbeing
9. Oven clean
Not such a fun job but it is important for hygiene After cleaning the oven, line the trays with alfoil and that way it is easier to keep clean in the future as any spills then go onto the foil and you just replace it when needed That way you have no more hard baked on grime to scrub
10. Carpets cleaned
We spend so much money on floor furnishings and they are the last things we notice dirty Things breed in carpets and regular cleaning is more cost effective than doing it once a year. They are the highest traffic areas of our homes and are the most expensive to replace Keeping them well looked after is important especially if you have pets
BBQ fundraiser for Variety SA
EMERALD WAY CHARITY HOME
On the 28th of August we held our Variety SA fundraiser. We had a fantastic turn out and raised over $550 for Variety SA – the Children's Charity SA!
We would like to give a special thanks to Rhodes Free Range Eggs for donating 180 eggs, Litl Mo's Bakery & Cafe for donating 120 rolls, Barossa Smoke House Butchers for giving us a massive discount on the bacon and Basic Brew coffee van who unfortunately on the way to the event had issues with the van and were unable to make it
We are blown away by the sheer generosity of our community. Without you all, this wouldn't of been possible Thank you!
Scan the QR Code to donate!
In conjunction with Joe Belperio, Owner and Director of Emerald Way Mount Barker, construction company Urban Edge SA, led by Director Ameen Farah and Century 21 South Australia, we would like to introduce you to the 'The Amelie'. The Amelie is a luxury two-story home located on Emerald Way in Mount Barker. Set on a 495m2 block donated by Joe Belperio, and constructed by Urban Edge SA who have donated their time and resources. The 'Amelie' will head to auction in early 2025, but the best part? It will be a no-reserve auction, that's right- no reserve so every bid counts. All proceeds will support Variety SA, a charity aiding sick, disadvantaged, or disabled children Attending the walk-through of this project and speaking to all of those involved, Greg Nybo, Principal/Owner from Century 21 Property People said "This no reserve auction means the highest bid will secure the home, maximizing funds for the charity. We're thrilled to have Tom Panos, as seen on Channel 9's The Block, as our auctioneer, which should attract a great crowd "
Each Century 21 South Australia office will be fundraising with the plan to make as much money for Variety SA as possible, including us! We know that it is a tough time for many people at the moment however, any little bit helps
