Little changes can make a big difference
MEETSHANNON VOSMEETVOS
The tradie turned interior design consultant gives his tips
MARKETRECAPMARKETRECAP
What is happening in the local property market
As the RBA continues to raise interest rates, the most asked question we are getting right now is “what is happening in the market, and when will the rate increases stop?”.
LJ Hooker Group Head of Research Mathew Tiller says the RBA’s current cycle of cash rate increases may finish during the first quarter of 2023.
This will see buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines jump into the market before any upswing in property prices, and those considering selling should start preparing their homes over the summer break and importantly have their home appraised.
“It is not one homogeneous market in Australia, there are a lot of individual markets and every suburb performs differently – vendors need an understanding of what is happening in their particular area,” Mr Tiller said.
“The best results are being achieved for homes in a good location, priced well and well-marketed. Look at what can be done to make your property more appealing to buyers and seek advice from the experts.”
RoelienPowell 0420664690
roelien@ljhgc.com.au
IanPowell 0426422300 ian@ljhgc.com.auThe rental market is still a hot topic with rental affordability making headlines in the news and on social media. We are starting to see more investors coming into the market which is great news for tenants, who will soon have more properties to choose from. Asking prices have also started to stablise in a lot of markets, which is great news for would-be tenants.
If you have been thinking about investing, we have regular 7 Steps to Wealth seminars which are completely free and will help you navigate the real estate market,. Simply give us a call and we will be able to give you more information.
If you have any questions, we are available any time to talk about the property market, and hep you on your real estate journey.
Meet LJ Hooker's new ambassador, Shannon Vos. Shannon is known for having won The Block Glasshouse with his brother Simon in 2014. Since then, the tradie turned interior design consultant worked on hundreds of renovation projects, including his own home, where he lives with his wife and two young boys.
How would you describe your interior design style, and who does it appeal to?
I think it's always evolving. Before kids, it was very eclectic and a bit global, but now if I can look at my home and not see lego thrown all over the house, it’s a win.
I love minimalistic, earthy-toned, character-filled spaces. But this doesn’t always work with kids, so I am super practical and realistic in my design approach. I love a nod to a forgotten era and believe a home MUST be full of plants and artwork.
What attracted you to partner with a brand like LJ Hooker?
I have always been a fan of the LJ Hooker brand. I remember the ‘Thank You Mr Hooker’ ads from the 90s and the way the family unit was always a major theme for the company.
I treasure my family like nothing else, and it’s this ethos, as well as our passion for home improvement and renovation, that’s inevitably brought us together.
What are the big interior design trends?
After the last couple of crazy years, I think homeowners want to come home to a space of retreat, disconnection, and peace. Natural tones, textures, colours, and materials will be popular, but so will the reduction of clutter and unnecessity in our lives.
We want simpler lives, and our homes should reflect that. Health and well-being will be at the top of the list, so spaces that promote wellness and mindfulness will be most considered, oh and storage for all the bloody lego!
Have you seen a big change in the relationship people have with their home since Covid hit?
Definitely. We are all working from our homes more, and the fridge door has never seen so much action. I’m speaking for everyone, right? But, as such, we’re tending away from the open plan aesthetic and preferring homes that offer seclusion and privacy. The favourite spaces offer fresh air and plenty of sunlight, and we’re looking to strengths in our own communities rather than the commute to the busy centres.
What is your favourite kind of project and why?
I love a bathroom renovation. I love planning the space; there's not too much pressure on decorative touches and furniture. It's all quite utilitarian, but there is plenty of opportunity for softness and subtlety in the space. In terms of DIY, I love anything that stands out and is a value add to the home. Our homes are our greatest investments (sorry kids), so anything that can add value to that is a step in the right direction.
What makes a home feel like home?
Art on the walls, oversized rugs, plants plants plants, a familiar smile and the lego put in its place. It’s a simple formula.
What tips would you give people selling a property when it comes to adding value, whether by renovating or styling? Keep it simple. New paint, clean floors and a sunny day will win over most sticky-beakers at an open house. So clean up the clutter and create an empty canvas in which any potential buyer could see themselves stamping their style within their soon-to-be home.
Some people might shy away from giving DIY renovations or even home styling a go. What would you tell them?
Start small, be creative and build your way up. YouTube University can be a great resource but don’t tackle anything you feel overwhelmed by. Stay away from electrical work (like legally speaking), and make sure you always have a safe work environment. Have fun, half the joy is learning along the way. The other half? Gloating about your accomplishments!
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Offers
RoelienPowell 0420664690
roelien@ljhgc.com.au
IanPowell 0426422300
ian@ljhgc.com.au
Themainhousehasadditionalfeaturessuchasgorgeoustimberbrushbox flooring,solarpower,solarhotwater,wideopenplanliving,spaciouskitchen withgascookingandaseparatebrickdoublegaragewithremotecontrol doors.The2ndsmallerhomeisalsoabrickinsidelowsetwithexternalCedar timbercladfeaturesandahugeundercoveroutdoorentertainingarea acrossthefullwidthofthehome.Ithasinternaltiledfloorsthroughout,open planlivingwithkitchen,bathroomandaseparatestudy/nurseryroomin betweenthe2bedrooms. solutions.ljhooker.com.ausolutions.ljhooker.com.au
We also have properties that are off-market listings, so give us a call if you are looking for somethi
rket something different
Homeowners who invest in 'green' living are not just helping to save the planet but could be boosting the value of their property.
Demand for eco-friendly houses is on the rise as families look to reduce their carbon footprint and power bills. This is providing extra incentive for upgrading to solar panels and smart-home technology. Even adding a compost or vegetable garden could appeal to more buyers when it comes time to sell.
Improve energy efficiency
Do you feel nervous when the latest electricity bill drops into your inbox? The good news is there are some simple strategies you can adopt to cut your energy consumption.
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, lighting accounts for around 10 per cent of the average household electricity consumption. Replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) is an easy first step towards improving energy efficiency. These still produce the same brightness but use less wattage. Another upside is that they have a longer lifespan which reduces the number of light bulbs being thrown into landfill. So, if you notice potential buyers looking up at your ceiling, it may be that they are checking to see if you have LEDs installed.
Sensors are also a clever idea for saving money, especially if family members are forgetful about switching lights off. Another way of brightening up a space without using electricity is to install skylights. These can flood the interior with natural light, with some designed to be opened for improved airflow.
Why solar is important
Australians have embraced solar as a way of reducing their energy bills. Around 30 per cent of homes now have what is known as solar cells installed on their rooftops. With electricity prices set to increase, such systems are likely to rank highly on a homebuyer’s wish list.
Solar packages are usually priced from $3,500, and these typically last around 25 years.
It uses photovoltaic (PV) technology as a way of capturing sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. Each solar panel or cell produces one or two watts without green gas emissions.
Households typically only use 30 to 50 per cent of the electricity produced by solar panels. The remaining energy is exported back to the grid with energy providers giving credit which offsets bills.
Heating and cooling
An efficient heating system is key when it comes to creating sustainable homes. If you are lucky enough to be building your dream home, be sure to utilise 'passive design'. This means taking into consideration the orientation of the property and its thermal mass. By doing so, the finished home should remain at a consistently comfortable temperature with additional heating or cooling.
Heat pumps can be used to run hot water systems and air-conditioning. While these can be more costly to install, they can deliver huge long-term savings. Underfloor heating is not just a luxury as such systems can also reduce overall emissions – and even better, they can be retrofitted.
Go green when building
Sustainable building materials are not only good for the planet but can be surprisingly more affordable. A range of green thermal insulation is available in Australia, including products made from recycled glass, crushed rock material, moulded newspaper and sheep wool.
Recycled metal and reclaimed wood are becoming more popular, while engineers have also created concrete made utilising waste plastic. Look for alternatives before committing to more traditional methods when building or renovating your sustainable house.
Stop wasting water
Conserving water is a must for any eco-friendly home. Replacing taps and showerheads is a simple way of achieving this goal. Look for the water efficiency label (WELS) when buying products. This scheme, introduced back in 2005, is now thought to save each Australian an average of 12.4 litres of water per day.
Rainwater harvesting is important for sustainable living. Tanks allow this natural resource to be collected and used in toilets, washing machines and the garden.
Recycle and reuse
Set up your own system which allows for waste to be sorted quickly. These need to be separated into five categories – soft plastics, food waste, glass/paper and hazardous materials. The kitchen pantry or garage can make the ideal spot if you have enough space.
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and combat climate change. Look for an area of the garden that is not too hot or cold. A shady spot is ideal – but too close to tree roots can be problematic down the track. Make sure your compost bin isn’t positioned so far from the house that you will never use it.
Eco-friendly gardens are a great way to reduce environmental impact through proper planning. This includes growing natives, vegetables, fruit trees and bee-friendly plants. While such gardens look fabulous, surprisingly they use more natural methods of pest control and require less water. They may also feature a chicken coup and a worm farm. Mulch is also frequently used to boost the quality of garden soil. Garden furniture needs to be made from sustainable and natural materials.
Creating an eco-friendly home may seem like a huge task, but the key is starting small. Look for products and designs that will count towards reducing your carbon footprint. And when it is time to sell, there is a good chance you could be a step ahead when winning over like-minded buyers. Most State and Territory Governments provide a number of ‘green’ incentives. Check out their website to see if you qualify.
