Fletchers - The Bulletin - Yarra Ranges

THE BULLETIN 20 1 9 SPRI NG EDI TI ON

A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ROB FLETCHER Welcome to the Spring edition of The Bulletin for 2019.

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the second half of the year!

We’re certainly happy to see that the cooler weather hasn’t dampened the enduring spirit of Melbourne’s property market, which has shown incredible resilience as auction clearance rates and buyer activity continued to improve in the lead up to Spring.

Overall, we’ve witnessed stronger sales across the Fletchers Group in recent weeks. A number of properties are attracting between 3 - 5 bidders at auction, with many exceeding their reserve price. Combined with the cuts to interest rates earlier this year and improved home loan accessibility, we are pleased that the positive factors in the market are shaping up for a strong selling season.

As part of our 100-year celebrations, Fletchers were thrilled to host our Centenary Awards Night at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 28th July.

Presented by popular Australian television personality, Tim Campbell, the evening provided the opportunity for our organisation to celebrate our history and recognise the outstanding contributions of our staff members. I’d also like to thank our sponsors, suppliers and community partners for an unforgettable evening.

At Fletchers, we are committed to ensuring our clients are provided with the latest market trends, industry news and property information. If you’re considering selling in the second half of the year, we hope the enclosed information will assist you in making an informed decision about your property plans for 2019 and beyond.

After all, the Results speak for themselves.

Kind Regards,

Rob Fletcher Executive Chairman, FREI CEA (REIV)

IN THIS EDITION • Market Update • Dressing Your Home For Sale • Spring In Melbourne • Three Key Triggers Telling You To Get A Depreciation Schedule • Teaching Our Kids To Save For Their Future • Centenary Travel Voucher Winners Announced • Celebrating 100 Years: An Interview With Steve & Eva Gotsis • Highlight Sales

A MESSAGE FROM GLENN GARDINER & SCOTT ALLISON Welcome to the Spring edition of The Bulletin for 2019.

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the second half of the year!

We’re certainly happy to see that the cooler weather hasn’t dampened the enduring spirit of Melbourne’s property market, which has shown incredible resilience as auction clearance rates and strong buyer activity continued to improve in the lead up to spring.

Low stock levels over winter forced buyers to compete strongly, with our two auctions in Belgrave demonstrating buyer demand in action. The auction at 64 Kaola Street, Belgrave, filmed by the ABC 7.30 Report for a national audience, attracted 95 bids and sold for $1,002,000, a whopping $242,000 over the reserve price. The auction at 5 Ena Street, Belgrave was similar, selling for $945,000 under the hammer. This smashed the reserve by $185,000.

Our local Yarra Ranges property market is expecting a strong spring selling season with an abundance of active buyers. Banks are again open for business with more relaxed rules, and the election has passed with no drastic changes so buyers can bid with confidence. This makes for a more balanced market with plenty of opportunity for both buyers and sellers to be winners. As always, great presentation, strong marketing, and professional negotiation remain the three key factors to getting a great selling result.

At Fletchers, we are committed to ensuring our clients are provided with the latest market trends, industry news, and property information. If you’re considering selling in the second half of the year, we hope the enclosed information will assist you in making an informed decision about your property plans for 2019 and beyond.

After all, the Results speak for themselves.

Kind Regards,

Glenn Gardiner Director & Auctioneer

Scott Allison Director & Auctioneer

MARKET UPDATE As the Spring selling season begins, we are thrilled to see an increase in properties coming onto the market, alongside a comparable increase in the number of interested and qualified buyers.

Research by Domain economist, Trent Wiltshire, indicated that the relatively high clearance rates in the two months prior to Spring are most likely an early sign of market turnaround. He notes that most commentary suggests that rising prices and higher clearance rates have been boosted by the low number of auctions but that historically, this has not been the case.

jumping in to spark further bidding once a home is announced ‘on the market’.

Young families in particular are also coming back to buy, after regaining the confidence to put their hands up to bid. REIV President, Robyn Waters, notes that “the interest rate cuts and APRA’s advice to relax lending standards are among the factors that have cultivated an environment conducive to upsizing”.

“Regardless of the number of auctions being held, clearance rates are still a timely and pretty accurate indicator of market conditions” he said. Economists, including Mr Wiltshire, have also predicted a third interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia before the end of the year.

After a relatively slow start to 2019, we now have the result of the Federal election well and truly settled, as well as two interest rate cuts already this year. We expect a robust and competitive Spring selling season, and hope that we can assist you with any of your selling, buying or investment needs!

Domain data from the June 2019 quarter also showed a slight jump in house price medians, for the first time since the peak at the end of 2017.

Feedback from our auctioneers and agents have echoed the positive sentiment, reporting that buyers are no longer holding back to place their bids, and often

Sarah Lowry Chief Marketing Officer sarah.lowry@fletchers.net.au

DRESSING YOUR HOME FOR SALE Selling a home can be stressful enough without the added headache of dressing it for sale!

As a reputable agency with a longstanding history of delivering results, it is Fletchers job to provide our clients with the tools and resources required to maximise the potential outcome of their property sale.

For many years, home stylists have been utilised as the industry’s secret weapon, taking the most challenging spaces and transforming them into something truly inspiring.

Prue Fletcher caught up with Sales Manager and Home Stylist, Jenny Luxton, from Adelaide and Melbourne­based property styling business, Dressed for Sale.

For an exclusive, inside scoop on this year’s trends, ideas and creative solutions, read her interview with Jenny!

What is your individual style?

Sleek European.

What is your number one piece of styling advice when preparing a home for sale?

De-clutter and remove any personal artefacts, such as personal photos, as the vendor wants to imagine “their lives” in your property. Create that sense of a blank canvas for them to work from.

Does Dressed for Sale have a key feature or element which the homes you style would never be complete without?

Beautiful cushions and artwork are key staples which can lift a space and add that “pop” of colour in photos and also add a homely comfort factor.

What key pieces of advice were you given at the start of your career that you would love to pass onto aspiring stylists today?

Always remember less is more. Don’t fill a space, create one.

When adding colour, how best do you incorporate more bold use of tones?

Through cushions and statement piece accessories. Use these in key focal points to draw the eye against a simple soft backdrop, i.e. a bold vase placed centrally on a dining table can add great dramatic impact without overpowering the area.

What’s your favourite room to style and why?

Living and dining spaces are great as these are the key rooms we use to socialise and spend so much of our time in. They are often the hub of the house, so they need to feel engaging and have that ‘wow’ factor so vendors are emotionally drawn into the property.

Tell us about Dressed for Sale’s biggest styling success story to date.

When selling a 4-bedroom home, what advice do you give around styling the 4th room as either a study or bedroom?

We styled a modest, 3-bedroom Fitzroy home just over a year ago which sold for $500,000 more than expected. The vendors had a $1.8 million asking price and were incredibly pleased to see the home sell for just over $2.3 million. In a challenging market, we don’t believe in working harder, but styling smarter.

What are your ‘Fast 5’ recommendations on the below?

Definitely a bedroom as this adds more value to your marketing campaign. When vendors think of a study, they think of small spaces and if you can fit a bed in a 4th Colour or Neutral? Colour bedroom, that’s not a small space, show it off with scale!

Less Outlin e sor vMore? e r 2Less What design trends are you seeing take centre stage this year?

Flowers or Foliage? Foliage

In 2019, we’ve moved towards more fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete, and granite finishes. With styling, velvet and florals continue to be strong fabric choices and hints of copper and brass accents through the use of accessories are key to add that sense of elegance and expense.

Mulch or fresh soil? Mulch

What’s your biggest styling ‘no-no’?

Angled cushions and throws! Keep lines simple so it feels balanced and clean in a photo and on the eye.

Candles or Essential oils? Candles “As a stylist, our role is to focus on who the agents feel will be the target market and dress the home accordingly, making sure we create a space that the buyers can see themselves living in.”

Jenny Luxton Sales Manager & Stylist m 0424 489 208 | (03) 9646 5400 jenny@dressedforsale.com.au dressedforsale.com.au Prue Fletcher Brand & Lifestyle Ambassador prue.fletcher@fletchers.net.au @prue_fletcher

High Tea in the Garden at Historic Kenloch

SPRING IN THE YARRA RANGES In addition to being the most popular selling season, Spring in the Yarra Ranges is when the area’s finally getting its warm weather groove back with festivals, outdoor events, plenty of markets, and much more!

Take a look at some of the Yarra Ranges best offerings throughout this glorious season!

High Tea in the Garden at Historic Kenloch Sunday, 22nd September at 2.30pm

cherry-based drinks, enjoy live music and entertainment for the whole family and feast on different cuisines from a stellar food truck line-up.

From 26 September – 6 October visitors can enjoy the magical sights of Japan right here in Victoria, strolling through the cherry blossoms and soaking up the gorgeous views of the Yarra Valley. CherryHill’s signature Cherish Spritzer will be available and expect a collaboration with Yarra Valley’s Four Pillars Gin to be paired with the spritzer for a delicious and refreshing sip.

Guests can either pack their own picnic or choose from an array of food trucks, including Vietnamese Nem Nem, Asian favourites Dum and Dumpling, Mexican street-food Dos Diablos, Real OG Burgers and more. Expect giant lawn games, selfie photo fun, live entertainment and endless cherry treats including their famous cherry ice-cream.

A unique High Tea experience set in the much loved gardens of Kenloch in Mount Dandenong. The owners of this private estate have generously offered to open their garden for Mary’s team to serve you High Tea. Enjoy a beautiful landscape over a delectable spread of fresh food, fluffy scones and a beautiful cuppa.

HIGHLIGHTS • Free flowing French Sparkling served with our High Tea served in vintage tea ware • Hand blended teas • Garden Tour

CherryHill Orchards Blossom Festival 26 September – 6 October Visitors can wander through rows and rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms, sip on

CherryHill Orchards Blossom Festival

Children can make the most of their school holidays with hands-on bee workshops designed to educate the importance of bees to the Australian eco-system and how they help our environment run by local bee expert Holly Hale. The workshop is complete with honey tastings.

Nikon will present a camera masterclass so visitors can capture stunning memories during the festival, and new to the weekend: A spring flower crown stall will allow visitors to purchase their own beautiful flower crown and unleash their inner spring fairy! Round off the festival with face painting and lawn games. Hitting the stage at the festival will be up and coming Melbourne artists including Ellery Cohen and Angus Legg as well as Yarra Valley singer-songwriter Shaun Black.

Only one hour from Melbourne CBD, the Blossom Festival is the perfect opportunity to soak up some fresh spring air among a stunning cherry orchards in full bloom!

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

sale. A different local group runs the BBQ each month as a fundraiser, so there is always a hot breakfast or lunch to be had as well as a coffee van.

This lovely little market features free entertainment, local craft, home-made cakes and slices, home-made preserves and jams, honey, bread, leather goods, soaps and candles, and much more!

Belgrave Big Dreams Market – 2nd Sunday of every month

Mont De Lancey Blacksmiths Festival

Mont De Lancey Blacksmiths Festival – 13 October This FREE fun day is for the whole Family. Come to Mont De Lancey in the Yarra Valley and experience Blacksmiths forging hot metal using tools to hammer, bend, and cut to produce objects such as sculpture, tools, agricultural implements, decorative items, cooking utensils, plus more.

• Medieval Re-enactments • Art Exhibition and Painting Workshops • Wood Turners • Demonstrations

Selling a huge range of hand made and other unique goods, the Belgrave Big Dreams Market is aimed at those looking for something different. Here, you will find an assortment of gifts and goods including candles, crystals, handmade cards, knitted beanies, scarves and toys, leather goods, jewellery, prints, gifts, clothing and shoes.

You will also find a number of food stalls selling tasty meals ready to eat including pizzas, crepes and samosas; as well as other items to take home such as fresh bread, cheese, fresh fruit, chutney, nuts, tea, vegetables and honey. You will even find locally brewed beer!

There is typically a jumping castle and face painting for the kids and the market is dog-friendly, just make sure your dog remains on a leash. There is plenty of live music to keep you entertained as you enjoy something to eat after a big day of shopping.

So come on down to the Belgrave Big Dreams Market to find some unique gifts or something special for yourself. Parking is located opposite the market.

• Historic Grounds

Emerald Craft and Produce Market – 3rd Sunday of every month

• BBQ, Coffee and Cake

The Emerald Market is vibrant and colourful featuring locally made products and home grown produce right in the centre of town. Visitors can expect a variety of goods including preserves, cakes, hot food stalls, local specialties, vegetables and plants, jewellery, clothing, food, lifestyle products and massage. The market is plastic bag free, so don’t forget to bring along your own bags.

Halloween on the Green – 26 October Halloween on the Green is an annual fund raising event for local schools up on Mount Dandenong hosted by The Philanthropic Collective. In 2019 it will be on the weekend of 26 October at Ferny Creek Reserve in Sassafras, Victoria. Interstate and overseas visitors are of course most welcome, too!

The Philanthropic Collective is committed to creating child safe environments within all our projects where children and young people are safe and feel safe.

Events include Best dressed competition, Live Entertainment and Dunk the Pollie, the Principals, Real Estate Agents and the Bendigo Bank Manager throughout the day! We also have Tarot Readings and much more! The atmosphere of a Halloween on the Green is relaxed and for all ages, new and old, locals and from interstate or overseas are most welcome.

MARKETS Cockatoo Country Market – 1st Saturday of every month The Cockatoo Country Market offers an array of locally made goods and food for

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

THREE KEY TRIGGERS TELLING YOU TO GET A DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE Brought to you by MCG Quantity Surveyors Let’s start with a way you can all but guarantee that you need a depreciation schedule.

each year. A quantity surveyor would need to estimate the value of these works if they were done by the previous owner, but anything over around $40,000 is likely to produce some worthwhile claims and most people can spot a spend of $40,000 on a kitchen and bathroom when they see it. If you’re not sure, ask a quantity surveyor.

1. The property in question commenced construction after the 16th of September 1987

3. You bought the property brand new

If the property was built after this date, it means that you’ll be able to claim depreciation deductions on the value of the original building structure. These deductions are referred to as division 43 if you want to get nerdy. It’s a key trigger because worst case scenario, the report is going to be paying for itself.

Sounds simple, stupid even right? However, we’re still doing depreciation schedules for people that bought new properties and waited too many years to have one done and will subsequently not be able to back claim far enough to capture everything.

2. The property has been extended, had a new kitchen and bathroom after the 16th of September 1987

The trick now with the depreciation changes is that if you bought after the 9th of May 2017, you’ll kill the plant and equipment deductions if you ever decide to move in (plant items are things like carpets, appliances, etc). Also, if you bought prior to the 2017 budget, the property needed to be a rental in the 2016/2017 financial year.

Like the above, but based on the improvements, you’ll be able to claim 2.5% of the value of the new building works/renovations each year from the date of completion for 40 years, whether the works were done by the previous owner or yourself.

There are plenty of odd cases and nuances, so an enquiry is always worth the cost of a bit of your time, but if you fall under any of these three categories, tax time might be a little more rewarding next financial year.

Therefore, you cannot simply say that a property built in the ‘60s won’t be worthwhile. Regardless, people are given this advice daily. So, the original structure won’t qualify if built before the 1987 date, but the renovations will if after 1987 (structural things like paths and fences would need to be after 26th of February 1992). The trick now is knowing the rough value of the work being done. For every $100,000 worth of building renovations, you’re able to claim $2,500 of deductions

MCG Quantity Surveyors mcgqs.com.au 1300 795 170 melbourne@mcgqs.com.au

WIN A $5,000 TRAVEL VOUCHER LEASE YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY WITH FLETCHERS IN 2019 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Whether you’d rather trek the snowy mountains in Canada, cruise along the Pacific or visit the historic sites in South America, $5,000 towards your next holiday would make it a trip to remember.

Lease your investment property with Fletchers for a chance to win 1 of 4 $5,000 travel vouchers (drawn each quarter in 2019).

Go to fletchers.net.au/100yeartravel to view the full terms and conditions and book an appointment with us today!

With thanks to our Centenary Partners

TEACHING OUR KIDS TO SAVE FOR THEIR FUTURE In a world where you can ‘tap and go’ for coffee and swipe right to find your life partner, the question remains; how best can we teach our children to choose and spend wisely when money is invisible and tinder dates are catfish?

Whether it be Apple Pay or AfterPay, our kids very rarely get to see us buying products with physical money like notes and coins these days. Piggy Banks are collecting dusk in the re-gift cupboard next to the paperback Edith Blyton novel they got last Christmas and savings companies like Spriggy are quickly taking their place under the watchful eyes of parents.

I’m a big believer that family values and principles for life are taught in the home.

As parents, while we’re repeatedly being measured against what our kids are learning from social media or in the schoolyard, we still remain their primary influence when it comes to setting them up for their future.

Here are some ways we can keep the conversation going at home and start developing positive money habits with our kids.

Lead by Example Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians find talking about finances stressful?

Allowing your kids to embrace basic financial concepts from an early age can go a long way in preparing them for the future. Some good places to start the conversation include: • ATM: Help your kids understand that the ATM is not simply a place where their parents take out money when they need it. From a young age, we should teach them that when you work hard at your job, you are given money in exchange for your services, and the bank stores your money inside the ATM. This would be the modern analogy of telling them that ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’.

• Supermarket: Explain the price difference between branded and home-branded products. Why not make a game out of it and teach them how to save money by buying in bulk or doubling-up when items are half price?

• Bills: When paying our gas and electricity bills, discuss why electricity is more expensive in the Summer and gas in the Winter. Teaching them to be more mindful before turning the heater on will also help keep costs down!

• Budgeting: Teaching your children the value of needs versus wants is fundamental to good money management. If they save for something long

enough and with the right discipline, they can buy that new PlayStation game, but teaching them to prioritise their wish-list alongside things they actually need will establish a strong foundation for them in later years.

Age-Appropriate Strategies When deciding how to start, consider the age of your children. While younger kids will likely find collecting coins serves them well, get creative with the older kids as they transition into adolescence.

• Provide incentives, not allowances. Meeting them half way with a bonus or matching their savings dollar-for-dollar if they are working towards a bigger goal not only teaches them that you get paid well when the work is completed to a high standard, but that a good work ethic and positive attitude goes a long way.

• Play family board games. Games like Monopoly not only teaches kids about banking and finance, but also opens up the conversation to real estate and investment opportunities.

Get Rid of the Piggy Bank In a world of automation and online banking, money is becoming invisible, so it helps to adopt a visual strategy when teaching kids about finances. A simple way to do this is by replacing the piggy bank with a clear jar. Did you know, filling a 500ml bottle with $2 coins can provide you with approximately $500 worth of savings? Most children learn best visually, so by allowing them to watch something build and as they begin to approach their goal will encourage them to work that little bit harder to get there.

Teaching today’s generation how to save, spend, borrow, donate and invest will hopefully instil them with the proper tools and solid foundations to realise the great Australian dream of buying their first home one day. And if my girls are anything like me, they’ll want to get started straight away!

If you have any great money advice that will help todays children start saving for their future, please drop me a line at prue.fletcher@fletchers.net.au.

I’d love to hear from you!

Prue Fletcher Brand & Lifestyle Ambassador prue.fletcher@fletchers.net.au @prue_fletcher

HOW TO DECLUTTER AND ORGANISE YOUR HOME The tips, tricks and strategies to taking back control of your life and spending more time doing the things you love.

Join Professional Organiser Chelsea Smith on a journey towards increased productivity, a clutter free home, and saying good bye to the feeling of overwhelm.

Whether you’re a stay at home mum/dad, business owner, home owner, renter or just someone looking to take back control of their home – you’ll experience life-changing improvements physically around the home and personal growth as you feel the weight being lifted off your shoulders.

• Step-By-Step Video Modules • Real Action Plans - Get Started Fast • Accountability & Encouragement • Expert Guest Speakers ENROLL NOW! Chaos to Calm believes that their curriculum has the power to change the way you think about clutter, increase your productively around the house, and spend more time doing the things you love with the people you love – and they’re beyond excited to launch it for the second time, helping people live like you from around the world.

Go to chaostocalm.co for more information.

Chelsea Smith Professional Organiser @theorganisingplatform 0401 346 565 chelsea@theorganisingplatform.com

SPECIAL OFFER 40% OFF (one off payment option) Code: Fletchers Was: $497 / Now: $298 Expires: 30th September 2019

MELBOURNE ESTATE AGENTS SOLVING HOMELESSNESS BY EARLY INTERVENTION Written by Mal James for James Buyer Advocates Estate Agents are solving homelessness just like people solved polio, road tolls and guns.

Did you know that approximately 28,000 Victorians are homeless? This includes families with children, young people, older people, single adults and people with disabilities.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people who experience homelessness aren’t ‘rough sleepers’, i.e. living in the streets. This actually accounts for around only 7 per cent of homelessness while the remainder is ‘hidden homelessness’, that is, people sleeping in cars, rooming houses, couch surfing, or staying in other temporary types of accommodation.

The statistics are staggering, but some good news is that estate agents like our own Rob Fletcher and Tim Heavyside have reduced 253 evictions and helped 253 Melbourne families avoid homelessness with early intervention phone calls.

Why are they experiencing homelessness?**

40% Lack Of Housing

How?

35% Escaping Family Violence

1. Real estate agents reduce evictions by property managers phoning community organisations about a tenant with private rental $ problems and imminent homelessness.

11%

Money/Income Issues

5%

Relationship/Family Breakdowns

2. If the tenant qualifies, then community organisations manage the tenant’s issues.

2%

Mental/Physical Illness and/or Addiction

7%

Other

3. Donors pay one-off back-rents and bond monies to real estate agents from a Homeless Prevention Fund.

One 3 minute phone call from a property manager can change a person or family’s life. Ring: 9051 3000 (Uniting Inner Eastern) or 8870 4013 (Uniting Outer Eastern).

Homelessness in Victoria rose 43% between 2006-2016* 24,817

1. Investors, families with a spare home and landlords are offering below-market rents.

2. Family tenants near the poverty line are managed by community organisations and insurance protects the building.

3. Real estate agencies provide full service and landlords may get a tax deduction for below market rent.

22,306 17,410

2006

In other good news, investors are providing private housing to reduce homelessness and you can too!

How?

2011

2016

One 3-minute phone call from a caring investor to Mal James on 0408 107 988.

He will point you in the right direction (no charge, totally private and it’s already working) or Simone at not-for-profit Homeground Real Estate on 0439 183 218 or ask your local real estate agent to ring to find out how they can offer this valuable community service.

For more information: Chris.Mills@launchhousing.org.au

*ABS Census, Estimating Homelessness, 2016, cat no. 2049.0 ** CHP analysis of AIHW Specialist Homelessness Services Collection, 2016- 2017, cat no. WEB 217

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STILL THE PLACE TO SEE THE BEST COLLECTION OF PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET

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BOOK AN APPRAISAL & SELL YOUR PROPERTY WITH FLETCHERS IN 2019 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! 2019 1 2 - 18 JUN E

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Whether you’d rather trek the Amazon rainforest, sail through the Mediterranean or visit the historic sites in South America, $10,000 towards your next holiday would make it a trip to remember.

With thanks to our Centenary Partners

Exclusively list and sell your property with Fletchers for a chance to win 1 of 4 $10,000 travel vouchers (drawn each quarter in 2019). You may also receive significant upgrades on your marketing campaign valued up to $2,000!

Go to fletchers.net.au/100yeartravel to view the full terms and conditions and book an appointment with us today!

CENTENARY TRAVEL VOUCHER WINNERS ANNOUNCED To commemorate our milestone of 100 years in business, earlier this month Fletchers announced the second quarter winners for our Centenary Travel Giveaways.

Together with our travel partner, HelloWorld Surrey Hills, Fletchers are delighted to announce our second quarter winners as Rebecca & Angelo Verrocchi and Michael Luber.

Rebecca and Angela successfully listed and sold their property in Doreen with Fletchers Director and Auctioneer, Jon Michael, achieving a wonderful result after only 10 days on market. We surprised them earlier this month with the news that they had won a $10,000 trip of a lifetime anywhere in the world. Both shocked and delighted, they quickly decided the money would go towards realising their dream of taking their children to Disneyland.

Our winner of the $5,000 was Michael Luber, who leased his investment property in Chadstone with one of our outstanding Property Managers, Cassidy Cartledge.

Michael has been a long-term client of our agency, first engaging our services

back in 2013. He was delighted with the news and thrilled to hear it wasn’t a maintenance request!

Congratulations to you all and we look forward to hearing about where this exciting opportunity takes you!

To be able to give back to our valued clients is at the essence of why we’re giving away these incredible prizes. 100 years in business would not have been possible without the support and loyalty of all of our new and longstanding clients and for that we are deeply grateful and say, Thank You. Don’t forget, there are still TWO more chances to be in the draw to win our next $10,000 or $5,000 travel giveaway, so head to fletchers.net.au/100yeartravel for more information and conditions of entry.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS: AN INTERVIEW WITH STEVE & EVA GOTSIS As part of our 100-year anniversary in 2019, Fletchers have been sharing a selection of real stories from our valued clients.

Steve and Eva Gotsis first met Canterbury Director and Auctioneer, Tim Heavyside, 17 years ago.

Here’s their story.

How did you come to choose Fletchers?

Eva: Our first experience with Fletchers was when we purchased our block of land at the Wattle Park Estate, which was with Rob Fletcher.

Steve: That was all the way back in 1995.

Eva: We were so happy that it was such a smooth transaction for us. When the time came for us to sell a property, we decided to use them again.

How long have you known Tim? Eva: Steve and I have known Tim just under 20 years. It was around 2002 when we sold our first property. He’s been over so often; we can talk about everything in detail. Nothing’s off the table. Whether it’s in the afternoon or late in the evening, we can comfortably discuss what we want to achieve.

In your opinion, how has Fletchers evolved over the years?

Eva: I’ve seen Fletchers branding and website evolve over the years and I think they’ve really moved with the times.

Steve: Fletchers have stayed in tune with how the real estate market has changed and who the buyers are.

How many times have you sold with Fletchers?

Tell us a little bit about how Fletchers works to get you the best results?

Steve: We’ve sold around 8 times with Fletchers and over a 17-year period.

We’ve sold with Rob Fletcher, Tim Heavyside, Jason Salan and purchased through Daiman Kane.

Eva: For us, they’ve always gone above and beyond to meet us with us at any time of the day or night.

What made you sell with Fletchers multiple times?

Steve: At the end of the day, we keep on going back to Fletchers. Not because we’ve been dealing with them for 20 years, but because we’ve used their whole network. We’ve found them to be really good people that make us feel comfortable and we would not go anywhere else.

What was your experience of the sales campaign process?

Steve: I work in Sales too and I like honesty, integrity, those longstanding relationships.

What comes to mind when you think of Fletchers?

Eva: Teamwork. There’s a great team at Fletchers.

Steve: We have been introduced to the team; whether it’s Allison, Tim’s PA or whether it’s the person working on our artwork, graphics or copy.

Eva: Well, it’s been fun [laughs].

Eva: For us, I think it’s the whole team and how they come together to help us achieve that result. That’s why we’ve kept selling with Fletchers.

Steve: Yeah, it may be fun for you! [smiles]

Have you got any stories to share about your experience with Fletchers?

Eva: Why?

Eva: Once, we had a porthole at this art deco house and when we were doing the shoot, Tim had this idea. Instead of standing outside the front door, he told the videographer to go inside and did this little entrance with the porthole. It was a fun experience and we had a few laughs along the way. I think that’s achievable after a period of time because you start feeling comfortable [smiles].

Steve: You get to buy extra furniture, new pillows, new ornaments! You go above and beyond. [smiles] Eva: Well, look, it has been fun, but I think also Tim has made it fun! [laughs]

YARRA RANGES HIGHLIGHT SALES

MOUNT DANDENONG FARNDONS ROAD

MOUNT DANDENONG RIDGE ROAD

KALLISTA ST JAMES AVENUE

BELGRAVE KAOLA STREET

Sold for $572,500 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $655,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $1,230,000 | 5 Bedrooms

Sold for $640,000 | 4 Bedrooms

MOUNT DANDENONG MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD

BELGRAVE BURNHAM ROAD

UPWEY IRVINE STREET

UPWEY KAYE ROAD

Sold for $570,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $690,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $775,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $730,000 | 4 Bedrooms

KALORAMA MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD

KALORAMA RIDGE ROAD

FERNY CREEK SCHOOL ROAD

MONBULK EMERALD-MONBULK ROAD

Sold for $600,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $565,500 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $1,183,000 | 6 Bedrooms

Sold for $324,000 | Residential Land

TECOMA SOPHIA GROVE

KALLISTA RIDGE ROAD

SASSAFRAS COLEHURST CRESCENT

THE PATCH VIEW ROAD

Sold for $700,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $700,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $685,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $560,000 | 4 Bedrooms

MONBULK CARCOOLA ROAD

MOUNT DANDENONG CAMBRIDGE ROAD

MONBULK MOORES ROAD

KALLISTA REGNAN ROAD

Sold for $541,000 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $602,500 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $862,000 | 6 Bedrooms

Sold for $1,200,500 | 4 Bedrooms

YARRA RANGES HIGHLIGHT SALES

DON VALLEY DON ROAD

WANTIRNA SOUTH MERRYN GROVE

KALLISTA ROYLE AVENUE

UPWEY GLENFERN ROAD

Sold for $1,530,000 | 6 Bedrooms

Sold for $850,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $440,000 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $825,000 | 4 Bedrooms

KALORAMA JEEVES AVENUE

OLINDA MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD

EMERALD 21 NOBELIUS STREET

UPWEY OLD BELGRAVE ROAD

Sold for $570,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $790,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $1,270,000 | 5 Bedrooms

Sold for $550,000 | 3 Bedrooms

KALORAMA BONZA VIEW

OLINDA VICTOR STREET

TECOMA FAIRY DELL ROAD

TECOMA HAZEL GROVE

Sold for $412,000 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $550,000 | Residential Land

Sold for $826,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $550,000 | 3 Bedrooms

TECOMA SANDELLS ROAD

OLINDA OLINDA CRESCENT

SILVAN HAYNES STREET

TECOMA LANGFORD COURT

Sold for $445,000 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $600,000 | 2 Bedrooms

Sold for $565,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $850,000 | 5 Bedrooms

BELGRAVE BELGRAVE-HALLAM ROAD

MONBULK OLINDA MONBULK ROAD

SHERBROOKE THE CRESCENT

BELGRAVE ENA ROAD

Sold for $640,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $738,000 | 3 Bedrooms

Sold for $800,000 | 4 Bedrooms

Sold for $945,000 | 5 Bedrooms

OPEN HOME

In t e r v i e w b y E MILY P OWE R Ph o t o b y DANIE L P O CKE T T

“What I learnt was incredible and I would like to think I have passed that on … ”

With

my brother. There was no suggestion

the boys. My upbringing and what I

R O B F L E T C H E R from Fletchers

that any of us had to go into real

learnt through my family was

estate, it was just something we

incredible and I would like to think I

decided to do over time. As a kid, I

have passed that on to the boys.

W

alk into a Fletchers office and you might be entering the real life set of My Three Sons. The business celebrates 100 years in 2019, and executive chairman Rob Fletcher is the custodian of a strong family tradition. His sons Nick, 36, and Mark, 38, are real estate agents, and Tom, 32, also works in the busy office. Rob Fletcher has come a long way, from a youngster cutting the vines around the agency’s outdoor loo to doing deals for generations of the same families across his company’s traditional patch of blue-ribbon suburbs.

naturally went along to auctions and so on. In those days I used to trim the

What fuels the continuing love of

vines at the back of the office so we

your work through the decades?

could get to the outside toilet.

We see all facets, from matrimonial, to death, first-home buyers, moves

What other passions have played

from family homes and so on. It is the

as big a role as property has in

full gamut of life. And you are involved

your life?

with those people’s personal lives for

We have a beach house, and as family

quite a long period of time, selling

we love to go down there whenever

their most valuable asset.

we can.

Congratulations on 100 years of

What relics do you have from the

Fletchers – give us a history lesson.

earliest days of the agency?

We will find you at the beach this

Do you have repeat vendors at different life stages?

My grandfather, Harold Fletcher,

We still have the sales registers, which

summer?

I was in a home last week where I

started the business with a chap by

are all handwritten and rather

Yes, at Mount Martha. We have had a

have sold nine properties for the

the name of Percy Parker, in 1919, just

beautifully bound. When I joined that

little place down there for nearly 40

family, and that is including for their

after the war. Their first office was in

was one of my jobs – to write up the

years.

children, so there is that continuation.

the Kew Junction, and then they

sales each week.

How would you describe working

There are few professions these

early 1920s Parker moved out of the

When did you join the business?

with your sons?

days like that …

business, then my father John and my

In about 1971. My brother Tim was

It is the same as it was with my

It is a pleasure. And we sold one a year

uncle David joined the business, and

already in the business, so Tim and I,

brother Tim. He had been in the

or so ago in Camberwell for a chap I

were involved for 40-odd years.

and my father and uncle, were

business for 50 years when he retired,

went to school with, and on the day of

working together for a number of

which was probably 45 years together,

the sale he said it was 90 years to the

years. My father was an exceptionally

and in that time we never had a

day that they bought the house

well-known auctioneer, the same as

disagreement, and it is the same with

through us, and we sold it for them.

moved up to Cotham Road. In the

10

DOM A IN

Brought to you by

MEET OUR TEAM

SCOTT ALLISON

GLENN GARDINER

Director & Auctioneer

Director & Auctioneer

FRANK KOUZI

Senior Property Consultant & Auctioneer

DAVID MCKAY

Property Consultant

JENNI NASH

ANDY MARTIN

Property Consultant

Senior Property Consultant

JASMINE WEBER

RICHARD WINES

Property Consultant

Property Consultant

OUR OFFICES 01 / BALWYN NORTH

07 / CROYDON

13 / MOOROOLBARK

19 / WAVERLEY

61 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North | 9859 9561

94 Main Street, Croydon | 8799 5500

Suite 1, 14 Manchester Road, Mooroolbark | 8814 3688

Suite 6, 710 High Street Road, Glen Waverley | 8523 8523

02 / BANYULE

08 / DIAMOND VALLEY

14 / MORNINGTON PENINSULA

20 / WOLLONGONG

114 Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna | 9430 1133

951 Main Street, Eltham | 9430 1111

2815 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie | 5988 0022

Shop 2, 143-149 Corrimal Street, Wollongong | 02 4226 1074

03 / BELGRAVE/TECOMA

09 / DOREEN

15 / OCEAN GROVE

21 / WYNDHAM

1561 Burwood Highway, Tecoma | 9751 0299

Shop 1A, 59 Painted Hills Road, Doreen | 9717 5372

3/80 The Terrace, Ocean Grove | 5255 1721

114/22-30 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook | 9131 4000

04 / BELLARINE

10 / GLEN IRIS

16 / PROJECTS MELBOURNE

22 / YARRA RANGES

74 Hesse Street, Queenscliff | 5258 2833

1509 High Street, Glen Iris | 9885 3333

Shop 1, 413 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne | 9326 8566

3/1606 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda | 9751 0299

05 / BLACKBURN

11 / MANNINGHAM

17 / PROJECTS SURREY HILLS

75A Railway Road, Blackburn | 8833 8888

Suite 5, 1012 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East | 9841 5788

96 Union Road, Surrey Hills | 9836 1132

06 / CANTERBURY

12 / MAROONDAH

18 / WARRANDYTE

244 Canterbury Road, Canterbury | 9836 2222

1 Seymour Street, Ringwood | 9955 4988

183-187 Yarra Street, Warrandyte | 9844 3085

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06 10

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13

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The results speak for themselves fletchers.net.au