The Property Book by First National Nerang

Nerang & Upper Coomera

the

Property Book JANUARY 2011

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER & BUYERS PROPERTY GUIDE

RBA SIGNALS PAUSE ON RATES The Reserve Bank hints at a break for home owners

Bank Reforms Announced

What the new changes mean for you

Becoming a DIY Landlord

The pluses and pitfalls of doing it yourself

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RBA SIGNALS PAUSE ON RATES

not a bad thing if we are to fit it all (investment) in.”

In delivering testimony to the House of Representatives Economics Committee, the Reserve Bank Governor has given clear signals that interest rate settings are on hold for now.

The Governor sought to highlight changes in banking over time, noting the reduction in bank operating costs and reduction of the net interest rate margin. He also sought to correct perceptions that banks were given free access to the Federal Government’s AAA rating to raise wholesale funds, stating that the Government “sold the guarantee at quite a nice price” and would collect $1 billion per annum in fees from banks as a result.

The Governor didn’t want to dissuade people of the view that while rates could rise in the future, it would “not imminently” occur. What does it all mean? Australia’s top economist – the Reserve Bank Governor – has candidly remarked that he wasn’t sure where rates would be in a year’s time: “I’m not sure myself actually.” Of course no one does know with certainty where rates will be in the future, although some economists regularly give the impression that they do have a more accurate crystal ball than the Reserve Bank. The Reserve Bank Governor said “the fact is I can’t tell you with certainty about what we will be doing in six months’ time.” But while not providing numerical forecasts for rates over the coming year, the Reserve Bank has certainly given plenty of hints that they have done enough for now. Governor Stevens noted that official rates were now a little above normal. And while he noted that recent rate decisions were “finely balanced”, he thought that most people would be happy to get the rate hike out of the road “so you can rest for a while.” And while he acknowledged criticism of the last rate hike, the RBA Governor defended the decision, noting that there wasn’t too many times when you look back with regret that you lifted rates too early.

The Reserve Bank Governor and the Bank’s Assistant Governor Guy Debelle observed that while economists expected cash rates to be around 5.5%, market pricing tipped rates of

5% mid next year. The Governor suggested that market pricing regularly changes but he didn’t want to dissuade people of the view that in the future there would be gradual increases in rates and not sufficiently close together. Overall, the Governor suggested that market pricing was about right – that is, that there could be a rate hike before mid next year and perhaps another increase late in the year. The Governor noted that a “normal” cash rate was 5.5%, but banks had lifted rates a percentage point above the cash rate. “Most recently, as you know, the Board decided to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points. Many lenders raised their loan rates by more than this. These moves have left the overall setting of monetary policy a little tighter than average, as judged by interest rate criteria.” The

What are the implications for interest rates and investors? Investors will welcome the relative candid comments by the Reserve Bank Governor on interest rates, and the economy more broadly. Glenn Stevens reckons that rate settings are appropriate to keep inflation in the target band over the coming year. Certainly he acknowledges that no one knows the future with certainty, but Glenn Stevens must be pretty happy with a situation where the economy is recording good growth and where inflation is within the target band – especially when other economies are struggling with

‘The Reserve Bank has certainly given plenty of hints that they have done enough for now....’ Governor noted that the Board judged at the last meeting that “it was prudent to take an early modest step in the tightening direction.” Governor Stevens has referred to the “sea-change” in consumer behaviour with people now cautious to spend and borrow. He acknowledged that while this is tough for retailers, noting that consumption was below average at present, but said it was likely to persist for a while longer. He noted that the trend would be helpful given that significant investment was planned: “I suspect a little more caution on consumption is

weak growth, high unemployment and deflationary risks. Many economists, analysts and media commentators will attempt to put their own spin on the RBA Governor’s comments. We would simply suggest that people get a transcript of his testimony and read it yourself. The messages are fairly clear – especially for a Reserve Bank that has been accused in the distant past of being quite opaque. Monetary policy can now be described as “tight” – not markedly so, but rates are between a quarter and a half a per cent above “normal”.

Bank reforms announced Homebuyers will be given a one-page fact sheet outlining their monthly mortgage repayments and how they can shop around for a better loan, under new reforms. Exit fees will also be banned from July 1, 2011, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will be given the power to investigate price collusion among banks. While ANZ scrapped exit charges in November, the big banks charge up to $900, while some smaller non-bank lenders demand up to $7300 from borrowers for the privilege of switching out of a loan. The Government says the Australian Securities and Investments Commission would take banks to court if they tried to lock borrowers into a loan before the exit fee ban came into eﬀect. Fact sheet The compulsory fact sheet will make ake clear

KEVIN NISSEN from Carrara $100 WINNER Congratulations To Win Our $100 voucher, Kevin answered 3 riddles to be in the draw. Turn to page 4 to for this months brain teasers !

to borrowers the monthly repayment rates, and will even compare their loan with deals on oﬀer from rival lenders.

Smaller lenders The bulk of the Government’s competition reform is aimed at the industry itself and the dominance of the Big Four.

It will also spell out how much a borrower would actually be paying back over the life of the mortgage once fees and interest

The Government wants to promote alternatives to the Big Four by supporting the mutual

‘The banking reforms will promote a competitive and sustainable banking system...’ are accounted for.

sector.

The reform aims to make it easier for borrowers to compare home loans between lenders.

As many as 20 mutual funds would be able to use the term “bank” under guidelines to be set by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Fair go Treasurer Wayne Swan has said the package of banking reforms will “promote a competitive and sustainable banking system to give every Australian a fairer go’’. But the Government is warning there is no simple way to give bank customers greater leverage against the power of the the Big Four - the Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac, NAB. These banks angered consumers by pushing interest rates on mortgages and small business loans well above the oﬃcial rates set by the Reserve Bank - at the same time as they announced huge profits.

A further $4 billion would be invested in the $16 billion already allocated to backing high-quality mortgage backed securities. This would add to the ability of smaller lenders to compete for the business which usually goes to banks. Moves to secure the general financial system would include permission for banks, credit unions and building societies to issue covered bonds, and develop a “deep and liquid’’ corporate bond market.

Our Sales & Property Management Teams Office:

Office:

NERANG 07 55960055 nfn.com.au

UPPER COOMERA 07 55000254 uppercoomera.com.au

Earle Plaza, Cnr Price and White Streets Nerang Q 4211

Coomera City Centre Cnr Days and Old Coach Roads Upper Coomera Q 4209

! N I W $100

PRE-PAID VISA CARD WITH THIS MONTH’S BRAIN TEASERS

To be in with a chance, just answer any one of the following Brain Teasers correctly. For every correct answer you will have one chance in the draw. Submit your answers at nfn.com.au/brainteasers Question 1: My thunder comes before the lightning; My lightning comes before the clouds; My rain dries all the land it touches. What am I? Question 2: What is it that, after you take away the whole, some still remains? Question 3: I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man can’t hold me for much more than a minute. What am I? Last months answers: 1. Herein 2. It’s not raining 3. A ton

Rental history to now help get a home loan IMAGINE being able to use your rental history as evidence of genuine savings when trying to get a home loan. Well now you can. Mortgage broker Loan Market has been lobbying the banks to allow people applying for a home loan to use rental payments as evidence of savings and it has been answered by one of the nation’s major lenders. Loan Market chief operating officer Dean Rushton says St George has become the first Australian bank to change its requirements in regards to rental payments, in a move which will provide much-needed help to firsthome buyers. Rushton says St George will accept rent as a form of savings for a home deposit if there is evidence of a minimum of 12 months continuous, satisfactory rental history and the property is leased through a licensed property manager. This is a significant breakthrough for

first-home buyers and a move which could be a major boost to the home finance industry, he says. Higher interest rates, tougher lending conditions and the end of the boosted federal government grants at the end of last year have driven firsttime buyers out of the market. Another major restriction has been the difficulty in saving a deposit for a home loan, particularly in this economic climate with people having to cope with massive cost of living increases including rental payments. Australian lenders require a percentage of the purchase price normally 5 per cent minimum to be saved for all loans but it is extremely difficult for people paying the high rents customary these days to save money. If rental payments are taken into consideration as a factor in assessing genuine savings, that would enable many people to pursue the dream of home ownership.

First National Nerang help give local kids a merry Christmas In 2010, First National Nerang once again decided to donate to a children’s charity instead of sending Christmas cards to all of our clients.

We would like to make a special mention to Kmart Helensvale, who gave us a discount allowing us to squeeze in a few more presents.

Our office began this tradition in 2009, when after seeing the amount that was being spent on printing costs and decided that the money would be better spent on kids in our local area that may otherwise miss out on Christmas all together.

There is nothing more wonderful than the look on a small child’s face as we give them the gift of Christmas and we can’t help but think how much better off these charities would be if everybody adopted this alternative.

Julie Morgan-Kemp and Jacinta Gilmore headed to Westfield Shopping Centre in Helensvale, armed with shopping trolleys and a list to pick out $1,000 worth of gifts.After over 3 hours, the car was full for toys and gifts for kids and teens, all given directly to the Salvation Army in Nerang.

Becoming a DIY landlord

Self-managing your investment property may help you save in management fees – but dealing with tenants, coordinating repairs, keeping up with the laws, conducting inspections and chasing up rent can cause a few headaches.

Many investors instinctively know that engaging a qualified property manager to look after their rental property is worth the cost. But the rapid rise in interest rates has forced landlords to try and claw back expenses wherever they can, including by self-managing their property as a DIY landlord. There are several pros and cons to weigh up when deciding whether to be a DIY landlord or to engage a professional property manager. The obvious benefit of cutting out the middle man is the cost-saving: you won’t have to shell out 5-9% of your weekly rental income to a managing agent. Despite the benefits of DIY, Mark Woschnak, CEO of rent.com.au, advocates the use of a property manager, because, due to their experience, the level of related services they can offer both the landlord and the tenant are usually more extensive than what you may think is best practice. He adds that property managers can act as mediators when things go wrong as tenants often find it easier and less intimidating to discuss matters with property managers. By having an unemotional ‘third party’, a better level of communication can be achieved between all parties. There are plenty of legal issues for landlords to be aware of, and investors who engage a professional property manager benefit from an extra set of eyes and ears to ensure they are abiding by the law. If you choose to go it alone, however, you need to take full responsibility for every communication and transaction you have with tenants, industry bodies and suppliers.

A professional property manager is trained and experienced at handling these types of issues, says Roslyn Lahiff, asset manager with PRDnationwide Deborah Kerr Lane Cove, and this is important, because individual landlords are not always aware of “all of the

rental agreements in place and lack the experience to undertake adequate screening processes when choosing a tenant, and often don’t have time to conduct regular property inspections.” Problem tenants are also more likely to “target unsuspecting DIY landlords”, Majda says, because they know that the landlord’s inexperience can make it easier for them to get away with damaging a property or not

‘The benefit of using a property manager is that you get someone who is unbiased, trained and experienced’ legislation”.

paying rent.

Even in situations where the tenant seems to be in the wrong – for example, they might be behind on the rent – landlords who don’t follow the letter of the law can find themselves out of pocket, as the legislation is very clear about how tenants should be managed and communicated with.

“Not all tenants are bad, of course, but the unexpected can happen,” Majda says. “If problems do arise with a particular tenant, having a property manager means that they can represent the landlord in a professional manner to quickly resolve the problem.

“The benefit of using a professional property manager is that you get someone who is unbiased, trained and experienced, and has a database of on-call suppliers and contacts to assist along the way. And the fees are tax deductible.”

Are looking for a someone to manage your property? First National Nerang and Upper Coomera have a dedicated team of experienced property managers.

According to landlord insurance provider Terri Scheer, landlords who manage their own rental properties are more likely to experience problems with tenants than those who appoint property managers. Carolyn Majda, Terri Scheer’s general manager of insurance, said the DIY strategy could backfire for landlords. “Landlords who self-manage their properties clearly have the objective of saving money, but in the process they may take short cuts and be unaware of property management procedures,” Majda says. “They often don’t have proper

Helping You Relocate First National Real Estate understand when it comes to moving families. We’re the experts. First National Real Estate Nerang and Upper Coomera can help make moving from one area to another easy. Not only can we sell your existing property, we can also assist in finding your new home before you leave your old home. Find your new home before you leave your old home First National Real Estate can help make moving from one home to another an easy process, whether you’re moving across the country, across town, or across the road. Our relocation programme means your local First National agent works with the First National Real Estate office in the area you are considering moving to. That office responds by supplying a list of suitable properties as well as an information pack on the region. Moving with young children Visit firstnational.com.au and watch our FN Television episode “Moving with Children” for tips on how to

ease the process for everyone. Local knowledge makes for a sound decision Many First National Real Estate members are second and third generation agents in their local area. They can share their local knowledge to supply details of your future location, including schools; shopping centres, sports facilities and local organisations. This information is essential to making a sound decision. Rent before you move in First National Real Estate can assist with rental property should you need accommodation before you have access to your new home (or while you search for the right property). Search online for more information Searching for properties online is easy with our website: www.nfn.com.au As well as being able to search for residential properties to purchase or rent, free Home Buyer and Home Seller guides plus rental application forms are available to download. Alternatively, you can request a printed guide be sent to your home address by completing an online form. Call us on 07 55960055 or 07 55000254 and ask us to help you on your next move!

Pets of the Month Scruffy is a 2 year old Aussie Cattle cross Airedale Terrier that’s full of beans! She’s a happy girl but needs routine and further training to keep her disciplined, stimulated and content. Scruffy is just $170 and is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed and also comes with all the free new owner support you could need. This very pretty feline is 5 year old Bonnie. Her previous owner stated that she is sociable with most other cats and some dogs. Bonnie has loads of affection and companionship to offer the right person and a calm household would suit her best. Bonnie is just $70 and is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed and also comes with all the free new owner support you could need. If you would like to meet Scruffy or Bonnie contact the Coombabah Rehoming Centre AWLQ on 5509 9000, or visit awlqld.com.au for more information.

Real Estate Salespeople Is your sales career in the right place? Are you earning what you deserve? How much better would it be working with the REIA and REIQ “Agency of the Year 2010”? TO FIND OUT MORE go to: www.nfn.com.au/career

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang Upper Coomera

NERANG Perfect Position • Two large bedrooms • Open plan living and dining • Powder room for guests • Garden shed for extra storage • Private front courtyard • Lockup carport

NERANG

• Very central location - walk to shops, cafes, Coles, library and more! • Body corp approx. $20pw Price: $228,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40166 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

In The Heart of the CBD! • Great CBD location, walk to everything and everywhere • Three bedrooms • Good tenant in place paying $280pw • Open plan living and dining $239,000 • Rear patio area and wide open Price: space lawn Web: www.nfn.com.au/28075 • Lockup garage Contact: Steve Hayes • Pool and tennis court in complex 0421 643 871

MERRIMAC Splittin’ Up, Sell’n Up! • Three bedrooms • Spacious open plan living • Good sized kitchen • Private fenced courtyard • Lockup garage • End unit location, very private

• 2 pools, 2 tennis courts and park area in complex • Bus stop and shop at front gate Price: Interest Over $260,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/30596 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Medium Residential Agency

NERANG Renovated & Ready to GO! • Two massive bedrooms • Open plan living • Separate ‘flexi space’ - great study or 2nd living area • Stunning modern kitchen • Timber laminate flooring

VACANT LAND

• Reverse cycle air conditioning • Newly tiled bathroom • Terrific CBD location Price: $239,000 Web www.nfn.com.au/29806 Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871

Various Building Blocks Build the home of your dreams on one of our many vacant lots for sale. Lots vary from residential sites, Price: From $250,000 prestige lots with coastal views to Contact: The sales team private acreage lots. 07 5596 0055 What are you waiting for? Call now!

HIGHLAND PARK Beautiful Villa with Views! • 2 bedroom villa • Large lounge/dining area • Well appointed kitchen • Air conditioning • Private front courtyard • Lockup garage

• Well maintained complex with pool • Currently tenanted at $295 per week • Close to all amenities Price: $270,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40889 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au Office 55

960055

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang Upper Coomera

NERANG Modern Cottage Charm • Two bedrooms plus loft • Open plan design • Beautiful modern kitchen • Tall raked cathedral ceilings • Timber floors • Air conditioning

CARRARA Sought after Carrara Gardens • 3 double bedrooms, ensuite • Open plan design with separate living and meal areas • Terrific large modern kitchen • Private fenced rear courtyard • Lockup garage

HIGHLAND PARK Investor’s Delight! • Three bedrooms • Semi ensuite to master • Open plan lounge and dining • Separate family room • Wide galley style kitchen • Large covered outdoor living area

• Modern bathroom with spa • Lockup garage • Walk to everything! Price: $279,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/37203 Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871

• Security gated pet friendly estate • Stroll to shopping complex • Tenanted $350pw until July Price: $319,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/45824 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

• Low maintenance yard • LU garage plus off road parking • Currently tenanted with a long lease Price: $380,000 Web www.nfn.com.au/31415 Contact: Steven Hayes 0421 673 871

Medium Residential Agency

HIGHLAND PARK

Amazing Value Home! pool and tennis court • Three bedrooms • BONUS! 12 Months body corp. fees paid for 12 months! • Spacious open plan living area $285,000 • Covered & enclosed patio area Price: Web: www.nfn.com.au/25073 • Guest powder room • LU garage with internal access Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350 • Quiet rear position backing to

BEECHMONT

Rustic Cottage Charmer • Two bedrooms plus loft or 3rd bedroom • Open plan design with cosy combustion fireplace • Solid keystone architecture • Timber kitchen

HIGHLAND PARK

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

• Timber panelled cathedral ceilings • Lockup garage plus carport • 2046m2 corner lot Auction: Onsite 29th January Web: www.nfn.com.au/44381 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

Top Value Home with Pool! • 3 good sized bedrooms • Semi ensuite to master • Split level floorplan • Separate dining area • Big kitchen with loads of space • Covered outdoor area

• Inground pool • LU garage with drive through access Price: Offers Over $390,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40875 Contact: Shawn Barber 0404 257 243

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Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang Upper Coomera

WORONGARY Great for Active Families! • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Separate living and dining areas • Functional galley style kitchen • Huge covered entertaining area • Massive backyard for the kids • Air conditioning

NERANG Spacious, Stylish and Sexy • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Modern kitchen with dishwasher • Air conditioning • Separate living areas • Double lockup garage • Large covered outdoor area

NERANG Delightfully Different • Four bedrooms • Ensuite plus 2 main bathrooms • Open plan family room, meals area and study nook • Spacious lounge opening to a wide breezy screened balcony

• Double carport • Fully landscaped Price: $435,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/45823 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

• Double lockup steel workshed with double carport Price: $459,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40902 Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871

• Ducted air conditioning • Inground pool with huge deck • Covered entertaining area Price: $469,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/35849 Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958

Medium Residential Agency

HIGHLAND PARK

Ultra Modern Magic! • Pool with decking & shade sail • Sensational steel frame home • Wide side access for additional secure parking • 3 large bedrooms Price: $429,000 • Open plan living and dining Web: www.nfn.com.au/33608 • Air conditioning Contact: Andrew Davidson • Stunning new open kitchen 0411 760 600 • Large double garage with toilet

NERANG

Down by the Riverside! • 4 bedrooms, ensuite • Good size lounge room • Separate family & games rooms • Air conditioning • Double garage with workshop area plus single lockup garage

HIGHLAND PARK Livin’ Large! • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Formal lounge room • Separate tiled family room • Air conditioning • HUGE rumpus with wet bar • Spacious covered deck area

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

• Huge covered outdoor living area overlooking riverside bushland Price: $459,000 Web www.nfn.com.au/30626 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

• Double garage, single garage plus workshop • 1234m2 lot, fully fenced Price: $489,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/38434 Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350

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Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang Upper Coomera

ADVANCETOWN A Touch Of Heritage • Three bedrooms plus sleepout • Lovely eat in kitchen • Separate living rooms • Timber flooring and tall ceilings • Lead light windows • Front & rear entertaining decks

NERANG As New, Riverside Home • Four large bedrooms, ensuite • Stunning ultra modern kitchen • Very spacious lounge room • Separate family room • Large deck overlook the river • Double lockup carport

NERANG Super Size Luxury! • Four bedrooms, two ensuites • Parents retreat with kitchenette - dual living potential! • Extra large office • Separate spacious living areas • Brand new modern kitchen

• 6x9m 3 bay shed and 6x5.5m 2 bay shed • 7.4 (approx) acres with dam Price: $485-510,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/43917 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

• 1007m2 riverside lot • Sought after street a short walk to shops, cinemas, library etc Price: $550,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40881 Contact: Susie Gale 0406 901 350

• Beautiful inground pool • Covered outdoor entertaining area • Double garage plus double shade sail Price: $599,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/38422 Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871

Medium Residential Agency

GAVEN

Private Acreage Gem • Three bedrooms plus ensuite • Separate big rumpus room or 4th bedroom • Study/office • Spacious lounge room with high pitched raked ceilings

• Beautiful covered deck • 4065m2 lot private and landscaped • Big lockup garage plus 3 car carport Price: $539,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/40855 Contact: Andrew Davidson 0411 760 600

CLEAR ISLAND WATERS

Executive Lifestyle • Double auto LU garage • 3 bedroom executive townhouse • Estate boasts pool, tennis courts, gym, 24 hour security & more • Massive master bedroom with ensuite and spa bath Price: $550,000 • Spacious sunken lounge room Web: www.nfn.com.au/34941 • Large loft plus library or office Contact: Steve Hayes • Large modern kitchen 0421 643 871

UPPER COOMERA

Dual Living Acreage Homes • LU workshed, tandem LU garage plus double carport • Four bedrooms, ensuite • 4312m2 lot, gently sloping • Large open lounge and dining Price: $659,000 • Terrific modern kitchen Web: www.nfn.com.au/35775 • Air cond, and solar hot water • Two bedroom self contained flat Contact: Steve Hayes 0421 643 871 • Long covered outdoor living area

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Office 55

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Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

2010 Australian Agency of the Year

Nerang Upper Coomera

MOUNT NATHAN Awesome Acreage Home • 4 bedrooms, 2 with ensuites • Private parents retreat • Formal & informal living • Air conditioning • Inground pool and Bali hut • 2902m2 landscaped block

HIGHLAND PARK Prime Position, Must Be Sold • 280 degree views to Surfers • Four bedrooms, ensuite • Massive games room • Expansive open living and family • Huge gourmet kitchen • Large front and rear balconies

MAUDSLAND

• Double auto lockup garage plus driveway to 9m x 7.5m shed Price: $695-729,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/30483 Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp 0409 870 301

• Ducted air con and Vaccu-maid • Salt water pool with water feature • Double lockup garage Price: $749,000 Web: www.nfn.com.au/25049 Contact: Julie 0409 870 301 Paul 0423 589 958

50Sqs, Perfect for Dual Living! • Inground salt pool with Bali hut • 4000m2 lot with 2 street access • 9x7m shed with power & carport • 2 master suites each with ensuite • Double auto garage and more! plus 4 double bedrooms Price: $825 - 879,000 • Huge modern kitchen with Web: www.nfn.com.au/25020 • Three separate living areas Contact: Julie Morgan-Kemp • Giant covered outdoor area 0409 870 301

Medium Residential Agency

MOUNT NATHAN

Stunning Executive Acreage • Huge covered outdoor area with • 4100m2 lot, great street presence outdoor kitchen • Four bedrooms plus large study • Triple garage plus double shed Price: $749,000 • Ensuite and spa to master Web: www.nfn.com.au/25076 • Multiple spacious living areas • Beautiful modern timber kitchen Contact: Paul Moitzi 0423 589 958 • Ducted air conditioning

WORONGARY

Private Acreage - Dual Living! • Double lockup garage • Three bedrooms plus large study • 8923m2 lot (2.2 acres) on a private road • Self contained studio granny flat $750,000 • Wide covered entertaining area Price: plus front deck Web: www.nfn.com.au/44303 • Separate huge rumpus with bar Contact: Andrew Davidson • Insulated lockup steel workshed 0411 760 600

NERANG

CBD Fringe Home Office! • Double shade sail parking plus loads of off street parking • Four bedrooms, ensuite • 2636m2 block, close to CBD • Separate large 9 x 8m office Price: By negotiation • 3 Separate living areas www.nfn.com.au/28454 • Large new kitchen with gas cook- Web: ing and granite benchtops Contact: Paul Moitzi • IG pool with wide gazebo area 0423 589 958

quick search these properties and more at www.nfn.com.au

Office 55

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Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the above information but does not constitute any representation by the vendor or agent.

Queensland Battered As floods the size of Germany and France wreaked havoc in Queensland, First National agents have been doing their bit to contribute to recovery efforts. Initially, First National members have been very busy securing tenanted homes and managing their repairs in the days, weeks and months to come. At times such as these, our first priority must be the safety and security of the many families and individuals residing in flood affected properties under First National’s care. Electrical systems must be checked, interiors refurbished, roofs repaired and pools restored to healthy conditions. Additionally, the First National Foundation’s support of Australian Red Cross Emergency Services will help assure that Red Cross has the capacity to assist all Queenslanders in need. The Red Cross “Emergency REDiPlan” programme has already invested considerable time and resources making sure that Australian communities are well prepared for natural disasters such as

those that have unfolded in Queensland. Red Cross officials responded to the flooding and have moved into recovery phase. In December 2010, First National Real Estate members passed the $1 million mark with donations to Red Cross Emergency Services. If you would like to donate to the Emergency REDiPlan, donations can be made at the First National Nerang office.

What to do if your dwelling is flood damaged • Start at the roof - remove the iron or tiles to allow the sun to shine in to help the drying out process • Check for vermin - there could be rats or snakes in the roof space that have entered the building to escape the flood • Remove any water-damaged insulation in the walls or ceilings and replace plasterboard • Furniture should be put somewhere to dry, then you can start spraying everything clean with a highpressure hose • Replacement meter boxes will need to be fitted. All other electrical equipment must be checked and replaced where necessary; • Place old photos in a flat container of water with some detergent. The detergent will separate them. • Following floods, large pools typically form under the house. These areas need to be re-graded to prevent long-term structural damage like rotted floor framing • Be careful of power points and switches that collect mud and impurities. Ensure a licensed electrician checks these and a licensed plumber checks any water or gas appliances prior to reconnection • Beware the termites - debris and rotting wood left from flood waters are an ideal food source for termites so undertake a professional pest inspection.

Another $15,800

raised since December by First National Real Estate for the Australian Red Cross