Caroline holden first issue of move

MOVE innovative digital property magazine Open the doors: 268 Victoria Ave, Remuera

Plus getting ready for the photographer Stage your home

Finance Tips

for Caroline Holden your Barfoots Salesperson in Stonefields

About Caroline Holden

“I learnt the thrill of selling real estate from the best and I still love it as much as the day I started. Every day I come to work, it’s not like work at all. I love my job and it is and always will be my passion.” Caroline Holden Caroline began her career in estate more than 22 years ago after working for several years in one of Auckland’s leading interior design retailers. Full of ideas and enthusiasm for real estate, Caroline decided to move into a sales role and has never lost her initial passion, maintaining outstanding results and success throughout her career.

A testament to her ability to negotiate the best possible outcome for her clients, many of her clients come from her extensive personal database, built over years of selling homes in the Eastern suburbs and all over Auckland, even as far south as the Bombay Hills. Her natural negotiation skills and sales consistency have gained her respect in the marketplace and she has examples of selling the same home multiple times.

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Late 2013, Caroline moved to the new Stonefields office as one of the founding sales team.

Utilising her practical knowledge of marketing residential properties and her experience in interior design, she knows how to present homes to the market. The presentation of her open homes is exceptional and her attention to every detail goes well beyond turning on the lights and music to arranging the cushions. Prior to every open home, she works tirelessly to ensure no aspect is overlooked, organising tradesmen if necessary to ensure the home is presented in perfect condition.

Caroline places a high value on listening to her clients’ needs and works closely with them to meet all their requirements.

Caroline’s Testimonials

“Caroline provided an outstanding service for the marketing and auction of our home. She is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with and miss her calling in each week for a chat while arranging flowers for the open homes! We would highly recommend Caroline to anyone selling their property.”

Paul and Shona Phillips

"From our first encounter we found Caroline courteous and efficient, always friendly, nothing was too much trouble.

Through her expert management the property was sold in record time and at a record price! Caroline is a delightful lady and a pure pleasure to work with, she is a credit to Barfoot & Thompson.

We recommend her wholeheartedly."

Peter Herbert “Caroline assisted us with the sale of our property in Meadowbank.

She created a very professional marketing campaign, kept us continually informed and more importantly kept us abreast of the market feed back. Caroline’s enthusiasm and her ability to relate to all interested parties was the single biggest factor, we believe, in us achieving a price that exceeded our expectations by a wide margin.

We would not hesitate to use Caroline again and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone thinking of selling their property” Stephen Barfoot & Dr. Terri Prest

Caroline Holden Real Estate is My Passion

M 0274 7333 A/H 09 520 0001 Stonefields 09 527 0001 E c.holden@barfoot.co.nz www.barfoot.co.nz

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CONTENTS cover story page 6 Remuera Family Sophistication in Double Grammar Zone - 268b Victoria Avenue, Remuera

features

page 16 Prepare for your photographer. Tips for better photos

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CONTENTS page 20 Inspiring photography page 24 Finance Tips - is your money dripping away? page 28 Cool Stuff - get Retro with SMEG page 30 Stage Your Home there’s more to it than adding a cushion!

welcome to MOVE Magazine

Welcome to Caroline’s first issue of MOVE, NZ’s finest digital magazine specialising in real estate. Caroline showcases a gorgeous Remuera property and we give hints on preparing your home for sale. Enjoy!

Denise Tuson, Publisher. denise@movemags.com 5

Open the doors to your new home today!

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268 Victoria Ave, Remuera, Auckland City

Remuera Family Sophistication in Double Grammar Zones Visually inviting, the facade of this elegant home is enhanced further by an exciting, designer interior. Light, modern and sophisticated, the quality of the materials used is evident throughout the property from the landscaping down to the elegantly sculptured bath.

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Set on 895m2, the garden is completely landscaped and includes several entertaining zones.

Clean and modern lines combine with the architectural exterior aesthetic and create a grand home that maintains its family-style foundations.

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Originally built in the 1960’s, the solid construction of plastered brick and weatherboard has been enhanced by a complete remodelling in the last year, transforming it into a Remuera home of class and distinction.

Fresh design ideas such as the stylish ensuite envisioned as a sanctuary in which to relax and unwind, a multi-function room with endless uses, a built in hall 'chaise', inbuilt stereo system . . . these are just a few individual features.

Beautifully proportioned, the main living area flows between two sitting rooms. Multiple bi-folds open out so that this floor integrates with the environment.

The designer kitchen complete with butler’s pantry and the outdoor entertaining area.

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Capturing all day sun, within walking distance to Baradene College, St Kentigerns Primary, Kings School (Remuera) and zoned for Victoria Avenue Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar School, this property is ready and waiting for its next chapter as a modern and sophisticated family home.

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Property Details Property ID 525073 Suburb Remuera Bedrooms 5 Bedrooms Bathrooms 1 Sep WC's, 2 Com. Bath/WCs, 1 Ensuite, Butler’s Pantry Parking 2 car double garage (internal access), 2 off-street Area 895m² Section School Information Distance to schools is as the crow flies and is provided as an estimate only.

In Zone Schools: Victoria Avenue School 0.1 Km, Remuera Intermediate 2.2 Km, Epsom Girls’ Grammar School 2.5 Km, Auckland Grammar 2.7 Km,

Non Zoned Schools/ Nearby schools without enrolment zones: Baradene College 0.1 Km, Saint Kentigern Boys' School 0.4 Km, St Michael's Catholic School (Remuera) 1.6 Km, Kings School (Remuera) 1.6 Km, Orakei School 1.7 Km Mt Hobson Middle School 1.7 Km, Saint Kentigern Girls' School 1.7 Km, ACG Parnell College 1.9 Km, St Joseph's School (Orakei) 2 Km, Dilworth School 2.3 Km, MindAlive 2.3 Km Mt Carmel School (Meadowbank) 2.4 Km, Diocesan School For Girls 2.4 Km, St Peter's College (Epsom) 2.6 Km, Northern Health School 2.7 Km, St Cuthbert's College (Epsom) 3 Km, Auckland International College 3.3 Km, St Mary's School (Ellerslie) 3.3 Km, Michael Park School 3.4 Km, ACG Senior College 3.4 Km, ACG New Zealand International College 3.4 Km, Selwyn College 3.5 Km, Ficino School 3.6, KmKadimah College 3.7 Km. Disclaimer: School zoning Information on school enrolment zones on this website is sourced from the Ministry of Education, who try to ensure that information on schools and school zone enrolment zones is accurate and current, but school zones and other details are subject to change and you should not rely on information on this website alone. Read our full disclaimer or contact your salesperson for more information.

Open Homes: Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 2:15pm Phone Caroline Holden for more information and to view this stunning home at 268 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland.

Caroline Holden Real Estate is My Passion

M 0274 7333 A/H 09 520 0001 Stonefields 09 527 0001 E c.holden@barfoot.co.nz www.barfoot.co.nz 11

AUCTION

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3 Briody Terrace Stonefields Enjoy an Idyllic Stress-free Lifestyle You will love this very spacious 4 year old solidly constructed terrace town house. It captures all day sun whilst the open-plan design suits today’s lifestyle. The living offers generous spaces with dining, kitchen and lounge flowing out to a private sunny courtyard and small garden - ideal for entertaining. The designer kitchen will satisfy the most ardent of cooks! Upstairs are 4 double bedrooms - Master with ensuite and walk in wardrobe, plus a nook - ideal to watch TV. The local Market offers a choice of cafes and eateries and popular Stonefields School - all just a stroll away. It’s little wonder that Stonefields is becoming a most desirable place to live.

This is your opportunity!

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Auction: 10:30am 2nd July 2014 at 34 Shortland St, City (unless sold prior) View: Open Homes: Sat & Sun 1:00 - 1:30pm www.barfoot.co.nz/522331 Caroline Holden M 027 450 7333 A/H 09 520 2011 E c.holden@barfoot.co.nz Stonefields 09 527 0001

A Tiffany’s window display!

Brighten Your Day! 13

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Preparing Your Home for the Photographer

6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Photographer!

MOVE recently sat down with Louis A and talked about how owners can make the best out of their photographer

By Louis Abreu We all know that first impressions count.

These days, the initial interaction buyers have with a home is often via photos. There are a few simple things vendors can do prior to their photographer arriving to present their home to its best.

1. Presentation Making your home look great may seem obvious but often we overlook some basic chores. Remove all the clutter around your home and make sure it is tidy. Clean the windows rain spots show on photos. Also make sure things stacked under beds are removed. Make sure your photos are not being ‘date stamped’, take down Christmas decorations!

3. Props and Accessories Don’t go out and spend a fortune, just look at what you have. Lovely candles burning in your holders, fresh flowers in your favourite vase, a bowl of fresh fruit, all these add life to the images. To add some real drama, perhaps place a bottle of wine and a few canapés on a plate on the Just don’t go overboard and re-clutter the house you just tidied!

4. A word about Photoshopping Yes, we all love having the technology to enhance our photos. However, having a ‘Blue Sky’ policy isn’t always necessary.

If it’s raining, surfaces will be wet, photos will be what we call ‘flat’. If you then ask for a blue

2. Colour Co-Ordinate

sky to be put in, the result is a photo that

Make sure bedspreads, duvets, pillowcases,

looks ‘off’. Think twice and follow your pho-

curtains, cushions all match. Too much of a

tographer’s advice!

clash and all your eye will be drawn to is that bright pink cushion, not the room.

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5. Light Bulbs Do a quick run around and count up how many bulbs need replacing, including wall lights, lamps, bedside tables. If you don’t re-

Lastly, there’s no wrong or right time to have your house photographed. Any time of the year is as good as another. Don’t get wrapped up in having to sell in a certain

place your ceiling lights, the photos will have

season. A good photographer will always

black holes in them. Before the photographer

make your house sparkle!

comes, put every single light on.

Louis Abreu 021 024 77 038

6. Grounds

louisabreu@yahoo.com

Make sure the grass is cut and leaves swept away.

Images courtesy of Victor Carter

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Finance - tips to saving money around your house!

5 Common Money Leaks and What You Can Do to Eliminate Them

By Andrew Schrage

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Drip. Drip. Drip.

That sound coming from your bathroom isn’t just annoying - it’s also costing you a fortune.

2. Check Your Auto Insurance Policy Most auto insurance policy holders renew their plan with their current company each

An even bigger drain on your finances is bad

year without investigating the competition.

money management. When it comes to

Family needs change each year, and

monthly expenses, it can be difficult to iden-

switching plans (or making changes to the

tify financial leaks, but just like those tiny

one you already have) could reduce your

drops of water, pennies at a time can add up

monthly auto insurance bill.

to an ocean of lost cash.

So, pull on your plumber’s overalls and put these five tips in your tool kit:

1. Review Your Data Plan According to wireless analyst Maravedis, the average smart-phone owner uses just 256MB of data per month, but many people pay for plans 10GB or larger. Review your monthly usage to see if you could save by switching to a cheaper plan.

If you don’t have time to do the research, an

4. Eliminate Home Telephone Service

independent auto insurance agency can do

As long as you have a reliable Internet

the legwork. It doesn’t benefit by selling

connection and at least one cell phone in

insurance from any one particular company,

your home, you can save big by eliminating

so you can count on an unbiased opinion.

traditional land line service. Products like

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat If you don’t currently have a programmable thermostat in your home, get one. If you already have one, make sure you’re taking full advantage of its features - some models allow you to programme a different temperature for

magicJack connect a land line to your personal computer via USB, so you can still have the comfort of speaking on a telephone without shelling out the big bucks.

Skype is also a convenient (and for most calls, free) alternative to a land line.

different days of the week. On average, every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer or lower it in the winter saves 2% on your energy bill.

Organise financial security for the whole of your family!

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5. Make a Shopping List

spending. Make a few phone

American families throw out an incredible

calls, conduct your own research on the

25% of the food and beverages they

Internet, and push yourself to change

buy each year. Considering that

those pricier personal habits. Unless

the average family of four spends

you tighten the spigot and fix the leaks,

more than $1,000 each month

you could find yourself in hot water.

on groceries, that’s a lot of money down the drain.

6. Final Thoughts Fixing money leaks isn’t rocket science, but it does require research, discipline, and attention to detail. You can always find new ways to reign in your

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We touched on making sure your windows are always clean and sparkling when you are presenting your house to the market. Just imagine having to keep these windows clean!

This concept house is designed by Ennio Arosio and realised by architect Carlo Santambrogio. Featuring two stories, it even has glass stairs and is designed for star-gazing with its glass roof. We’re not sure about its practicality but it sure takes living in a glass house to a whole new level. What do you think?

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Cool Stuff lines and vibrant colours combine perfectly with cuttingedge technology.

The SMEG 50’s retro range features vintage designs whose classic, sinuous

It’s safe to say that this product line,

Eclectic, SMEG are the standard bearers of

developed by SMEG’s internal design studio,

the ‘Made in Italy’ design quality that is

has definitively opened the door for

famous all over the globe for its blend of art

personality conveyed through appliances.

and functionality.

Like other famous designs, the original and

Note: The fridge shown was part of a design

best FAB28 coloured refrigerator is more than just a mere fridge. It’s the focal point of the kitchen, just like the signature sofa or lamp in your living room.

competition only.

For more information, please contact: Paul Blomfield: 021 970 871; paul@paulblomfield.com

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Home Staging 10 Tricks to Help Your Home Sell More Quickly

By Debra Gould

Home staging combines the ability to ‘stage’

1) Create curb appeal

your home so that it is visually and

Before buyers set foot in your home, they will

aesthetically appealing to a home buyer. If you are in the process, or thinking of selling your home, there are several staging tricks

first see the exterior of your home. Keep the lawn, landscaping, driveway and walkways

that professionals use. It is a proven fact that

neatly manicured.

homes that are staged will sell quicker than

Ensure the front entry and front door are

those that are not.

Follow these ten home staging tricks and get confident that your home will sell in no time at all!

inviting, and consider placing flowers and a fresh door mat to welcome in perspective buyers. Hire a help while your home is on the market to keep it looking great at all times.

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2) Purge

4) Bring in light

If you don’t immediately need it then throw

Open all windows treatments and makes sure

it away, donate, sell or pack it up. Your home

windows are clean. Swap out heavier drapery

needs to have the minimum amount of

for lighter weight fabrics. For rooms that are

furnishings and belongings as possible, but

too bright, use sheers that will diffuse light

still look livable. Since you are moving in the

and cast a glow into your space.

near future, how about starting to pack up

5) Unify your home with colour

boxes and place them in the garage or

As you walk through your home, take note

storage unit?

of the colour schemes as you transition from

3) Clean

room to room. If the living room is blue, and

When you have out-of-town guests come to

the bedrooms are pink and green, you’re

stay with you, do you clean beyond normal

visually chopping up the house. This will make

clean? I hope so! This is the amount of clean

it feel smaller and less unified. Opt for more

needed in your home on a regular basis. If

neutral tones are maybe a less

you know you will have a showing of your

saturated version of the blue, pink and green.

home, clean the day before.

If you’re unsure on colours use warm camel,

The cleaning odors will be gone by the

beiges, grays and warm whites to

following day. Don’t give a buyer a reason to

unify and enlarge the rooms.

think your home is dirty.

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6) Appeal to their senses

7) Leave the house ready for an offer

Home buying is an emotional process, so

Every time you walk out the door, make sure

appeal to their senses when staging your

it looks like a buyer would want to make an

home. Soft music playing when perspective

offer on it, that day. Teach older kids about

buyers enter your home is inviting and

picking up after themselves during your

welcomed. The smell of fresh baked cookies

home being on the market. Each member of

(make the night before and pop in microwave

the family will have to do less each day, if

quickly before guests arrive).

everyone helps keep it tidy and clean.

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8) Remove personalised belongings

Walk through your home in the evening and

Let your perspective buyers picture

see if there are dark, unlit spaces and address

themselves in your home. To do this, your

them with a table lamp, sconce, overhead

personal family photographs, children’s

light source.

artwork on the refrigerator, and collections should be removed. Don’t give the buyer a chance to form an opinion of your home based on your taste and personalised belongings. Let them savor your home for its characteristics and not your stuff!

10) Be positive: This is a trick because with all the doom and gloom news about the housing market there is still a bright side. The bright side is the housing market is showing improvement and you are going to shine above the competition

9) Be ready for evening showings

with your staging tricks. Your confidence will

With busy schedules, often times Realtors will

show in your home and an offer will come

show your home in the evening. This means

sooner than you expect.

lighting needs to be inviting in each area of your home.

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