Living with Chapter

LIVING with

CHAPTER I

T H I S M A G A Z I N E W A S P R I N T E D O N R E C Y C L E D PA P E R

Let us help your next 2

p you start t Chapter.

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PRESENTS LIVING - CHAPTER I

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INTRODUCTION Chapter Estate Groups & Joseph Lordi 2 0 / 2 1 F I S C A L Y E A R U P D AT E From Joseph Lordi LISA SHEEHAN The Styling Depot D AV I D L E E S Mortgage Advantage M AT T H E W R U S S E L L Nicholson’s Solicitors MICHELE & CANIO Muro Accountants LANE STOCKTON Stockton Homes B AY O N B O U L E VA R D F R E Q U E N T LY ASKED QUESTIONS CASE STUDIES Chapters Closed, Sold Properties THE CHAPTER EXPERIENCE

WELCOME TO LIVING WITH CHAPTER

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his is the first edition of Living with Chapter. It is brought to you by Chapter Estate Groups. An emerging lifestyle & luxury real estate brand servicing the Brisbane Bayside region founded by Joseph Lordi recognised as one of the top 20 most influential agents in Queensland.

Living with Chapter is filled with everything you need to know about buying and selling in the current real estate climate, which has experienced record growth in the last 12 months.

We have partnered with leading local experts from property styling, through to mortgage brokers, to offer exclusive insights and advice.

The pages that follow will provide an update on the property market with current statistics, and elaborate how the luxury market in the Bayside has progressed into one of the most envious regions in Queensland.

We hope you enjoy the read.

Enter the world of Chapter.

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C H A P T E R E S TAT E G R O U P S & JOSEPH LORDI

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t has always been an ambition of mine to have my own business. For years, I was working for the traditional real estate brands and dealing with the wrath of the stereotype that is attached to the real estate industry. I have been burnt before from principal’s taking my clients, recognition and listings. I always knew it was an aggressive industry however, I was surprised the lack of ethics was continued

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inside my own office. I knew real estate didn’t need to be this way but I wasn’t quite ready to go out on my own and try to make a difference. I wanted to build the strongest foundation to ensure I was able to offer the best service and achieve optimum results for my clients. So finally, after 7 years on the 14th of April, I opened Chapter Estate Groups.

My business is based around ethics, technology and the new breed of agents. Gone are the days of the unprofessional, dodgy tactics and unethical culture. The flashy suits are becoming less desirable. The ego needs to be left at the door and agent’s ‘commission breath’ (...as I like to call it) needs to be a thing of the past. Agents need to start putting their clients first and not their pockets. Again, this is the foundation of Chapter and why it exists.

Chapter ensures we are always at the forefront of technology and the latest advancements within the real estate industry.

We are forward thinking and move with the current rather than against. With the advancement of technology, the real estate industry is changing faster than ever and it is imperative to be ahead of the curve to ensure our client’s properties and the buyers we meet, can truly take advantage of this great digital age.

COVID-19 has been the topic on everyone’s lips for the past 18 months. It has affected the real estate industry in many different facets; from the market boom we are currently experiencing, to the cost of building materials increasing to new levels. We are proud to have featured experts in their desired field to share their insights and the trends they are seeing in their respective industries, as we all adapt to the ‘new-normal’. Our clients have found significant value when they engage with our network of affiliates, and we hope you also have the same experience. So throughout Living with Chapter, you will see some frequently asked questions, recent sales and some case studies of some beautiful homes we are proud to have sold in the Bayside.

I started working in the area 4 years ago and my goal was to be the number one luxury agent in the region. Rather than just selling in one suburb, I wanted to target a quality of product and price point. Since I’ve started specialising here, I have grown to really love every aspect of it all and I can now confidently say we are the market leaders of our desired clientele and we look forward to evolving, adapting and innovating our target market for the years to come.

Founder / Director Chapter Estate Groups 7

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2 0 / 2 1 F I S C A L Y E A R U P D AT E F R O M B AY S I D E ’ S NUMBER 1 LUXURY AGENTS

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hat a year it has been. From the experts predicting the market crashing by 20%, to now those same ‘experts’ saying we will have the greatest growth we have ever experienced. COVID has forever changed the market and it has been crucial to adapt in these changing times.

The Bayside market has truly thrived.

Locals in Brisbane are now seeking lifestyle areas rather than the inner city.

Acreage, waterfront, and in general luxury home owners in the region have truly benefited from this shift. We found a lot of buyers from prominent inner city suburbs such as Camp Hill and Coorparoo relocate to our beautiful region. Surprisingly, we have also found an abundance of buyers relocate from the western suburbs - such as Paddington and Red Hill. A complete area shift.

The interstate migration has also contributed to the price increase in the Bayside. The value for money interstate buyers see in our area is mind boggling.

From their point of view, to be within 40 minutes of the CBD and have access to all of the lifestyle options we have to offer, is unmatched in other capitals. I personally believe we are the talk of the town at the moment and I don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future.

According to Domain.com.au, 80%90% of all enquiries are coming from buyers outside of the Bayside region.

I find that fascinating, and accordingly this underpins our specialised strategy in marketing to targeted out of area neighbourhoods.

So how much has it really shifted?

According to CoreLogic RP Data’s recent report, Brisbane has seen an astonishing 13.2% growth in the 19/20 fiscal year.

Specifically for the Bayside (on average across the region) prices have grown up to 14% since June 2020.* Low interest rates and the large government investment in the economy are 2 major factors for this market push, as well as the demand for space and lifestyle options after all of the lockdowns experienced.

The average days advertised for luxury properties (classified as $1M +) has been nearly halved in the last 12 months down to just 21 days. The Auction clearance rates have increased from 40%, to an average of 70% with the majority of Auctions in the Bayside selling prior, to a highly motivated buyer.

Being on the ground and working with the market every day, I am fortunate enough to experience market shifts before it hits the media and the statistics board. So if you are wanting honest, genuine advice, tailored to your property and area, I would be more than happy to have a private, no obligation discussion assist you with your property journey.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you find the following pages of Living with Chapter insightful and informative.

JOSEPH LORDI 0448 323 441 joseph@chaptereg.com.au

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Feature Sale 32 S E N T I N E L C O U R T, R A B Y B AY SOLD for $8,500,000 by Joseph Lordi A Brisbane Bayside Region Record. Previously for sale with multiple agents for 2 years. Joseph Lordi sold the property in 45 days.

C A M PA I G N BREAKDOWN Investment

$16,100

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

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LISA SHEEHAN THE STYLING DEPOT THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PROPERTY STYLING: VACANT PROPERTIES: Think about a time when you walked into a home that was completely vacant and remember how it made you feel... Statistics have shown that Buyers find it much harder to imagine themselves living in a home when it is presented with no furniture.

Any flaws in the property will stand out much more and buyers will struggle to form an emotional connection. Emotional connection drives sense of need within a buyer and therefore they will be more motivated to secure the property.

OCCUPIED PROPERTIES: Have you ever walked into a property inspection and felt as though you were trespassing in someone’s home? This is a feeling that you do not want your buyers to have when they walk through your property.

It has been proven that people do not spend as long inspecting a property that has lots of personal photos displayed and distinct styles/colours that reflect the owner’s taste. When embarking on one of the biggest financial Chapters of your lifetime, you want to make sure that you have done your research and can be sure in your homes selling power to secure the best price, in as little time as possible.

Professional styling is proven and could be the difference between breaking even and turning a profit.

TRENDS VERSUS MAINSTAYS Mainstays are timeless furniture items that are always current and can be used as a base for many different colour palettes and styles simply by adding soft furnishings, art work and decor etc. A trend is a passing fad that uses a particular colour palette or style of furniture that will be in all of the shops and magazines/online for a season or two.

Following trends can be beneficial for 12

certain properties depending on the demographic of the most likely buyer, for example first home buyers respond well to trending styles. For the most part, our focus is on the property itself and what styling will create the best result for it. We literally customise a unique scheme that will enhance the properties own personality and highlight its features whilst also facilitating a sense of comfort and appeal that is not reliant on trend.

TOP 3 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR SALE First impressions are so important, and it is imperative to present the property in good condition. Following my 2 Top Tips is a great place to get started! #1 MAKE SMALL REPAIRS – Things such as chipped paintwork, stained carpets and cracked or chipped tiles can stand out and indicate that a property needs work, therefore turning a buyer off (depending on what it is they’re looking for). Always establish with your trusted agent where you can increase appeal but avoid overcapitalising. #2 DECLUTTER AND CLEAN – It’s simple.

When you remove the unnecessary clutter from a room, it allows for the buyer to really see the space clearly, and makes the room feel larger. Obviously, by cleaning the property (including hidden areas), it shows that it has been well cared for and gives the impression that the home has also been maintained. #3 STREET APPEAL – Drive past your property and see what stands out. Does your roof need cleaning? Is the front gate appealing or falling over? Can people see your street number clearly? Is your garden neat and green or dying and sparse? First impressions count so much and street appeal is crucial for buyers to want to come inside.

LISA SHEEHAN 0402 543 839 lisa@thestylingdepot.com.au

D AV I D L E E S M O R T G A G E A D VA N TA G E

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e have a saying in the finance industry, nobody wants a mortgage, but everyone wants a home. But for most people to get a home, they need a mortgage.

This necessary evil is one of the largest industries in the economy, with a number of other industries relying on it.

For the first 3 weeks of the covid shutdown, the finance industry paused like most other industries in shock and waited to see what would happen. After that, the industry boomed as expenditure on travel and entertainment went down and spending on renovations and property purchases went up.

Then the building boost arrived and went to a new level. Unfortunately for the banks, they were in the process of working out how they would have their staff work from home when all of a sudden, volumes increased dramatically. The government has introduced legislation to improve borrowing procedures by putting some of the onus back onto the borrower, however, it is currently being held up in the senate with a date towards the end of the year now for possible implementation.

As house prices continue to rise, valuations on existing properties are also rising, giving home owners’ equity to be used for any worthwhile purchase such as renovations, purchasing a new car or purchasing an investment property.

It a misconception that banks do their own valuations. All valuations are done by private valuers who are contracted to the banks. In fact, most banks employ an outside company to randomly chose a valuer on panel without the bank knowing who the valuer is until the valuation is completed with a view to have impartial valuations completed. The increase in value of properties is also accounting for the increased personal wealth of home owners.

Having worked in the bayside for a number of years, we have an extensive knowledge of financing in the local area.

If you have a complex situation, would like a better rate, would like to know how much you can borrow or even how much equity is in your property, give us a call and we can assist you with your financial queries.

Most banks are similar in what they have to offer as well as rates, however, they do differ greatly on policy and how they interpret legislation and regulations.

As regulatory requirements become greater, more borrowers are looking to brokers to navigate the policies in order to find a bank that can accommodate their circumstances. This has resulted in approximately 60% of all loans being written by brokers with even higher percentages for new to bank customers.

At Mortgage advantage, we specialise in policy driven lending and placement of difficult loans.

We also seek out great rates for customers, however, most people’s main objective is to be approved for a loan.

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DAVID LEES 0414 985 735 david@mortgageadvantage.com.au

M AT T H E W R U S S E L L NICHOLSON’S SOLICITORS

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uying property is very fortuitous.

That seems a bit odd for a lawyer to say, especially without any over the top, incomprehensible legal terminology or caveats thrown in the mix.

But it’s true. The right property will come along (eventually) and it’s something you shouldn’t lose any sleep over, despite the roller coaster of emotions that usually follow once you’ve submitted an offer.

Stress, anxiety, regret and fear of either losing the property or paying too much are all common emotions—and that was all pre-COVID (or “pre-c” as a younger and much cooler millennial described it to me).

Now, in the current market, the emotional roller-coaster is super-sized; properties are in such high demand that it seems like you need to travel through a pit of fire breathing dragons, defeat Voldemort, help Neo understand the Matrix, and uncover the meaning of life, all before you hear the magical words from the selling agent that “your offer has been accepted”.

So you’ve waited patiently and finally targeted the property of your dreams.

You’re sure this is the one. You feel on top of the world; the music from “Rocky” is playing in the background and your adrenalin and confidence has peaked to such Tom Cruise levels that you start to refer to yourself as “Maverick”, and picture yourself flying death defying stunts in an F-18 Super Hornet. You convince yourself that a leather jacket has never looked better than slung over your shoulders. You come crashing back to earth when you realise you have absolutely no idea what happens next. It’s at this time that a trusted lawyer comes into play.

The benefits of having an experienced and qualified lawyer by your side from the start (ideally before you sign a contract) are invaluable. Your lawyer will: • Review the Contract before you sign it (to make sure there’s no tricky or

unusual clauses and all is in order); • Confirm the contract has been executed correctly and is binding on the parties; • Run you through, and be involved in, the whole conveyancing process; • Liaise with your bank/broker, the Seller’s lawyer and the agent; • Conduct property searches and advise you of your rights if there’s any adverse search results; • Deal with any other legal issues that arise; including satisfying the finance or building and pest conditions; and • Effect settlement on your behalf either electronically or via the old fashioned paper method.

If you’re a seller, the key message is to get your house in order before you sell. Make sure you have all necessary approvals/ certificates in place, including a valid pool safety certificate, and final inspection certificates for any other renovation or building work (if applicable) so you can provide this to the Buyer if requested.

If you need a lawyer to assist, give Nicholson’s a call to discuss. You’ll always get up front, experienced and practical advice. We’ll be there every step of the way; in fact, one might say we will always be the Goose to your Maverick.

MATTHEW RUSSELL 0422 152 906 mjr@nicholsons.com.au

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9 M A R R A M C O U R T, R A B Y B AY SOLD for $2,420,000 by Joseph Lordi

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Investment

$16,500

Method of Sale

Auction (Prior)

No. of Offers

4

6 5 2 LO N D O N R OA D, CHANDLER SOLD for $Undisclosed by Joseph Lordi A suburb record for 2020.

Investment

$18,500

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

6

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MICHELE ROMANO & CANIO MUSCILLO M U R O A C C O U N TA N T S

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eedless to say, the last financial year was like no other. Just like our clients and others within the business community, our team at Muro quickly had to adapt in order to provide the best possible ongoing support to them. There was a great deal of uncertainty and concern, and as business advisers and accountants, people turned to us looking for answers.

As accountants, we’ve always been acutely aware that we act as the primary liaison between our clients and the Australian Tax Office. However, the onset of Covid-19 and it’s applicable knock-on effects arguably made our clients more aware of this. Throughout 2020, the Federal Government released support and stimulus via the ATO. Suddenly, the accounting industry was a vital lifeline for those trying to navigate the paperwork required to simply make it through the year.

Whether we like it or not, the state of our finances has a massive impact on the state of our overall lives. The realms of finance - business, tax and property - are all linked, and many of our clients have started to realise that. Navigating Covid-19 as an accounting firm was a spectrum for Muro. On one end, we provided many of our business clients with the right tools and advice to make the most of the stimulus packages that they potentially qualified for. On the other hand, we had many clients who fell between the federal cracks when it came to wading through rapid legislation changes.

An example of this is the humble property investor. The REIQ rental changes provided tenants across the country with much needed financial relief, but the stimulus packages forgot about the 18

small-scale landlords. Without access to JobKeeper or JobSeeker, many older Australians were relying on their income derived from their rental property to fund their future retirement. Without superannuation, they were staring down the barrel at a very different financial future than they had planned for - so we stepped up. Muro helped our clients navigate the complex eligibility of rental reductions, and many were surprised to discover that their tenants actually didn’t qualify. In turn, we helped to recover a large amount of their income that would have otherwise disappeared.

A change of tactic wasn’t just deployed for our small-scale property investors though. While we knew that our array of clients were very diverse, we quickly set up a triage system to help categorise and formalise these differences. These groupings helped us to streamline, pinpoint and target our approach as to how we could best possibly help them, particularly with the soaring property market that we are currently seeing.

Stress tests were rolled out to see how they could potentially handle interest rates rising, ensuring new property purchases were bought under a trust or company if it was in their better interests,

discretionary trust, to drawing on equity to fund additional assets or assisting with subdivisions and the impact of GST and capital gains tax implications.

With many of our clients based in Chandler, Gumdale and down to the Redlands, we have seen an increase in sales of properties in these lifestyle locations with buyers realising their ability to improve on their asset growth in the current market. and exploring options for self managed super funds. More than ever, it was important for our clients to think long term, and to ensure they had the right advice when it came down to pursuing the best path for them.

Although it’s not something that is often advertised, both Muro Accounting founding directors Canio Muscillo and Michele Romano are licensed real estate agents through REIQ. Clients should have a range of industry professionals in their artillery: a mortgage broker, a solicitor, and of course, an accountant. Your team should be able to work together and communicate effectively with the best interests of your client always coming first, which is a stance that we actively pursue every day at Muro. Having these qualifications helps to keep our fingers on the pulse, as after all - knowledge is power.

While our clients are notably more conservative than they would be in business and property, a collaborative approach also assists in ensuring that all possible scenarios and factors are presented to them before making big decisions. A significant trend that is very noticeable across the nation is the surge in housing prices. While it can be all too easy to jump on this and “cash in”, we’ve actively encouraged our clients to take a step back and assess if it’s really worth it in the long term. Housing prices are highly unlikely to drop when thinking in increments of five or ten years, and Queensland property owners are likely to see a great return on rental yields as the “southerners” continue to make their way north.

At Muro we have helped many clients restructure their property investments.

From converting a main residence into a

It’s for this reason that it’s never been more important to work with a team of financial professionals that actually care they need to be invested in your financial journey enough to think in ten or twenty year increments, not one. There’s no client too big or too small to not have a seat at the Muro family table, and we’re not afraid to get personal. After all, your finances are personal, and the ripple effect that they have on your entire life cannot be overstated.

As accountants, we need to know more than just the numbers, as this is just one of the many factors that drives a business’ overall performance on paper.

Whether our clients are looking to buy or sell property or assets or navigate their options at tax time, there’s no “one size fits all approach” that equates to the best solution. Rather than hit the panic button, we encourage our clients to explore all of their options when it comes to moving forward in business, and encourage and assist them in applying for many of the fresh government incentives, grants and funding.

Now more than ever, it is our responsibility, passion and privilege to turn negatives into positives, and present alternative pathways that our clients may not have even considered. We are acutely aware that the advice and options we present to our customers can be life changing, and we make a conscious effort every day to make sure that the choices that they make leverage them in the best possible position for success.

MICHELE ROMANO 0402 061 443 CANIO MUSCILLO 0408 730 685

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4 RABY ESPL ANADE, ORMISTON SOLD for $1,340,000 by Joseph Lordi Investment

$4,500

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

3

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14 CROSS L ANE, CLEVELAND SOLD for $1,310,000 by Joseph Lordi New Street Record.

Investment

$3,900

Method of Sale

Auction (Prior)

No. of Offers

2 21

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tockton Homes is an awardwinning Luxury Residential Builder specialising in high end new builds, Renovations and Pools in the bayside, Brisbane and surrounding areas, Building everything from low sets to 3 Storey mansions on the water.

With unprecedented times for everyone over the last year or so, we have been noticing a few things change in the building industry, clients are building homes and areas differently and wanting to change current areas to suit the lifestyle changes we have all experienced.

We are seeing clients designing projects/ homes with more of a focus on living areas that are equipped to entertain a larger quantity of guests. This is being incorporated in a variety of areas (inside and out) such as pools with guest house facilities, bigger media rooms, additional dining and bar areas and indoor/outdoor entertaining areas with clients opting more so to host events and entertain guests at home rather than at a function area due to the onset of COVID. Flowing on from the way clients are designing homes and areas in the current times, we often have the conversation with clients regarding the question of Renovating or Demolition and rebuilding.

This is often a hard decision to make, and very specific to the property in topic.

Although a Renovation is often seen to be a cheaper option, there are often hidden costs associated that are uncovered once the renovation is underway, often exceeding clients budget expectations.

Whilst saying this, with the industry the way it is at the moment, with the shortage of materials and mainly timber across the country, our current clients who are renovating are glad they made that choice, as most of the structural material needed to build a new home is not needed as most renovations keep the bones of the house, saving wait times on materials. We generally hold discussions with each individual client and nut out their desired project outcome, dependent on what they are trying to achieve will sway the way we would advise each client on renovating or rebuilding.

When looking for a new Builder, we suggest a few due diligence checks everyone should undertake, we hear far too many horrors stories time and time again of people going with the cheaper 22

LANE STOCKTON 0411 386 662 lane@stocktonhomes.com.au

S T O C K T O N price, often under quoted resulting in lengthy disputes over escalating unexpected variation costs. A few simple things everyone can do to help find a good builder: • Do a license check. You can do this on the QBCC website, www.qbcc. qld.gov.au , this will help identify any previous disputes the Builder has had with clients, you should also always check the Builder or Tradesperson is adequately licensed. This search will also Identify if the Builder has had any directions to rectify work, this is a big red flag and someone you should probably avoid.

• Ask the builder for client testimonials

H O M E S of previous work, ask for the phone number of the last 3 clients they have built for, give them a call and have a chat about how the building process was and how satisfied they were with the project, this is a great way to get a understanding of how your build will go.

At Stockton Homes we pride ourselves on honesty, we start from day one with transparency as we believe this is the key to our success and repeat clients. We treat every project with the same goal in mind and that is achieving absolute perfection for our clients.

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B AY O N B O U L E VA R D

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uilt by Stockton Homes, 13 metres high with uninterrupted views of Moreton island, Stradbroke island and the canals or Raby Bay, welcome to Bay on Boulevard.

This home oozes sophistication from the moment you walk through the front entry doors. This magnificent home blends the coastal lifestyle of the bay with luxe hamptons.

With a 7 meter void in the lower lounge level, a kitchen which included two island benches, scullery, brass finishes throughout, top of the range appliances and an LED back-lit onyx splash back, you’ll be blown away by the attention to detail and luxe in this space. 3m ceilings throughout the first two levels.

The expansive back deck area, tiled with blue Moroccan tiles, natural stone and white walls, is one of the many perfect spaces to capture the sunset while overlooking the canal. Let’s not forget about the rooftop pool and bar.

There is truly nothing that this home does not offer. The attention to detail both in design and execution is evident throughout.

Contact Stockton Homes for any of your building needs today - Lane Stockton 0411 386 662

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JOSEPH’S FAQS WHAT ADVERTISING IS RECOMMENDED?

HOW MANY AGENTS SHOULD I CALL IN?

There are many ways to advertise your property in 2021. The ultimate goal is to capture 100% of the market. More buyers = higher price. Digital advertising receives the best return on investment. Your agent should have the knowledge to specifically target the right demographic that would fit your calibre of property. There is nothing to gain advertising your $2,000,000 home to a first home buyer. Using larger advertisements on major marketing portals is also proven to attract an extra 30-40% of enquiry to your property. For the extra investment of roughly $500 $1,000, it is not worth the risk cutting out that extra percentage of buyers.

It is recommended to call in 3. Anymore, it gets confusing. Any less, you don’t have enough to compare. Whilst we are often called in uncontested, we still recommend our clients to call in 2 more agents to ensure we are really the agency they want to go with. More than often clients still don’t bother calling in more agents, however I strongly believe it is important to gain 3 opinions.

SHOULD I SELL MY HOME OFFMARKET? We run the off-market process often. We only recommend to sell off-market if you are likely to achieve an ‘above market’ price. Do we sell the property every time?

Not necessarily; but our clients find the most benefit from this process to gain market feedback in regards to price and presentation.

Our clients that opt for an off-market sale at the outset often achieve superior results when they go to market, as we know what to expect and can prepare for any objections or do any further maintenance to ensure we achieve the highest sale price.

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AUCTION VS PRIVATE TREATY (FOR SALE) This is a long topic. There are positives and negatives for both processes. In a strong market (as we are presently experiencing), I personally prefer Auction and the main reason for that is we don’t put a cap on the amount of money we can achieve for a property - which has resulted in several records being broken by Chapter Estate Groups.

We also create competition, the contract is unconditional and we have the ability to create urgency in the market place. You can also accept an offer prior to Auction if you wish. On average, we present our vendors 4 offers prior to their Auction day.

Private Treaty is the most familiar way to sell property in Queensland. Whilst Private Treaty can be an effective method, in the current market, we find it does have the ability to place a glass ceiling on the

potential sale price of the property, and buyers also have the ability to place any conditions they want on the contract.

To be frank, we understand it is a more comfortable process for many vendors so we are here to work with our clients rather than against them. However, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we just recommended the ‘easier’ method. So we always tell our clients that we wholeheartedly believe Auction is the best way to sell in a strong market, but is certainly not the only way to sell.

SHOULD MY AGENT HAVE A LOCAL OFFICE? The industry has evolved rapidly over the last 10 years, so whilst it may have been the blueprint to a real estate office in the 90’s, it certainly isn’t in 2021. As long as your agent has superior knowledge and a track record in your area, they don’t need to be based in the local corner office. Gone are the days of buyers finding property through window cards, and relying on one agent to find their new home. These days, and for the unforeseeable future, buyers are online and on social media; so having the agility to negotiate with buyers both online and offline is far more important to our clients than a brick and mortar store.

FRANCHISE VS INDEPENDENT In all honesty, there is not a huge amount of difference. Vendors need to go with the agent they trust the most. As many readers know, I was previously at a local

franchise group in the Bayside so this is an interesting question. Since opening Chapter, I have noticed a considerable difference. The cost of advertising for my clients is less, our processes are more tailored towards the client, and I now have the agility to be proactive rather than reactive in this fast evolving market.

Independents have the ability to adapt quicker than major franchises however, some franchises do have the support of their corporate team. At the end of the day, it comes down to the individual agent and whether they can get you the best price. No matter what name is attached to their profile, brands don’t get you the best prices. Agents do.

TO RENOVATE OR LEAVE AS IS? Whilst there are a lot of variables, more often than not, I recommend to leave the property as is rather than to renovate. You may find you spend $20,000 on a brand new marble bench-top, to only find it removed after settlement. However, many of our clients have seen offers increase by as much as $300,000 from doing simple cosmetic updates such as adding shutters, or giving the internal walls a new coat of paint. As each property is different, we work on this as a case by case basis so please contact us for tailored advice on your home.

JOSEPH LORDI Chapter Estate Groups 0448 323 441 joseph@chaptereg.com.au 27

25 DORSAL DRIVE, BIRKDALE SOLD for $1,800,000 by Joseph Lordi New Street Record.

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Investment

$3,850

Method of Sale

Auction (Prior)

No. of Offers

5

5 79 F O R D R OA D, PRIESTDALE SOLD for $1,980,000 by Joseph Lordi New Suburb Record, after previously being listed for 6 months with another agency.

Investment

$7,500

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

3

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2 6 A E M P I R E V I S TA , ORMISTON SOLD for $Undisclosed

by Joseph Lordi Investment

$3,800

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Bidders

4

1 6 2 A M A I N R OA D, WELLING TON POINT SOLD for $1,650,000 by Joseph Lordi Sold after being previously listed with multiple agencies for 3 years.

Investment

$4,600

Method of Sale

Auction (Prior)

No. of Offers

3

67 MASTHEAD DRIVE, R A B Y B AY SOLD for $2,200,000 by Joseph Lordi Sold within 30 days after being previously listed with multiple agencies for 2 years.

Investment

$6,000

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

5

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270 C H A R L E TO N S T R E E T, CHANDLER SOLD for $Undisclosed by Joseph Lordi Investment

$6,500

Method of Sale

Auction (Post)

No. of Offers

4

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THE CHAPTER EXPERIENCE

“TRUSTWORTHY & RELIABLE” My wife and I have sold 5 properties over the last 30 years. We have experienced many story tellers that act as estate agents. What we got from Joseph and Kaytlyn was extraordinary service but above all integrity. In what sometimes can be described as a shady industry we found Joseph to be honest and reliable. We will be recommending him and his team to all of our family and friends. Thanks Joseph you and your team you have done an amazing job.

- Ron & Louise, 162A Main Road, Wellington Point

“THE BEST AGENT, I WOULDN’T TRUST ANYONE ELSE“ After being on the market for nearly 2 years with 2 other agents, I listed with Joseph and he sold the property in 45 days for full asking price!

Joseph was efficient, effective and a skilled negotiator. I would not trust anyone else to sell luxury property in the Brisbane Bayside region. The tactics and processes he implemented were the best I have ever seen and were completely unmatched in the industry. Thank you to Joseph and his entire team. If you have a luxury property in the Bayside region, look no further than Joseph and his team. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

- Martyn, 32 Sentinel Court, Raby Bay

“EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, GREAT PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE, GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND!” The services I received from Mr Joseph Lordi and his team were beyond my expectations! Joseph proved to be an excellent communicator, a reliable agent and a very creative individual to take the best strategy in unforeseen situations. I also managed to form a good friendship with Joseph and also his team members during the sale campaign due to their friendly and professional personality. He is very honest, always well dressed and well presented. He responded to my demanding phone calls even out of his working hours. He dealt really well with the amount of stress I put him through due to the covid19 restrictions we had to face but at the end he managed really well! If you are looking for a reliable committed and up to date agent, do not look any further and I strongly recommend Joseph Lordi and his team.

- Hiwa, 652 London Road, Chandler

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CLOSING MESSAGE

Before we close the first Chapter of Living, I would like to thank all of our past and current clients. Without you, none of this would be possible. It has been an incredible first 3 months here at Chapter and I can’t wait for what the future holds.

I hope you enjoyed Living. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or just want to say hello; my team and I would love to hear from you!

Thank you.

JOSEPH LORDI Founder / Director Chapter Estate Groups 0448 323 441 joseph@chaptereg.com.au @chapter.estategroups chapterestategroups.com.au

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NEW AGE NEW TECHNIQUES N E W R E S U LT S