HOME-GROWN Winter Edition 2021

HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

WINTER//EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to our winter 2021 issue of HOMEGROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-to-date with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this winter issue, we have some great health and wellness tips on how to avoid the ‘winter blues’. We also have our quarterly results, a great article on our local farmers markets and information on why house prices are being driven upwards. We hope you enjoy reading our ninth issue of Home-Grown as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you! Here’s to a great winter.

HEALTH & WELLNESS - EMBRACING WINTER A FRESH LOOK AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET QUARTERLY RESULTS NEW LISTING TENANT OF THE MONTH ‘PERFECT STORM’ DRIVING UP HOUSE PRICES INTRODUCING KRISTIAN HOPWOOD LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT WE WILL ROCK YOU ON THE BORDER DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

PICTURED ON FRONT - 742 FORREST HILL AVENUE, ALBURY

SOCIAL SNAPS

HEALTH & WELLNESS EMBRACING WINTER

HEALTH & WELLNESS EMBRACING WINTER Winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. The “winter blues” are characterised by mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here.

Get Some Sun Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. But did you know that it also improves your mood? Winter days are shorter and darker than other months, and because of the cold weather, a lot of people spend less and less time outdoors. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed without knowing why!

Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood.

Try to spend a little more time outdoors. Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in.

Sit near windows in restaurants and during class.

Try changing the light bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” bulbs. These mimic natural light and actually have the same affects on your mind as Exercise As if we needed another reason to get fit! Exercise the real thing. isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life. Act On Your Resolutions Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control several hours after you hit the showers. You’ll and Prevention showed a strong link between have more energy throughout the day, and your healthy behaviors and depression. Women who metabolism will stay elevated too. Exercise also exhibited healthy behaviors (like exercising, not helps your mind by releasing those “feel good smoking, etc.) had less sad and depressed days than chemicals” that improve your mood. those whose behaviours were less than healthy.

Although researchers studied women, the results are likely similar in men.

Eat A Healthy Diet What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar). These foods are not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood—causing depression, lack of concentration, and mood swings. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilise your blood sugar and your energy levels.

Relax!

You’re busy! Work, class, family, friends, appointments, meetings—even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Don’t be afraid to say “No” to extra opportunities (covering a shift for a co-worker, bringing food to your son’s class party). Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations, or take a yoga class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy. Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking can help keep depression at bay.

Avoid Binge Drinking Staying in with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine may seem like the only thing to do in the winter months, and many people who feel down also tend to turn to alcohol when they’re feeling down. But alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse. Avoiding alcohol when you are already depressed is a good idea. Moderate drinking is fine for most people, but binge drinking (defined as having 5 or more drinks in one sitting) is never a healthy choice. The morning after will have you feeling sick, depressed, and even more tired, which will affect many aspects of your life. This will make your low energy and “winter blues” even worse.

Treat Yourself Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you—a weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party, or special event like a play, girls (or guys) night out, or sporting event.

HEALTH & WELLNESS EMBRACING WINTER CONTD. Get Social Support Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers, and neighbours. Who can you turn to when you’re down and need a pick-meup? Keep a mental list of these special people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood.

Catch some Zzzz’s People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter. But with all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. With a little time management, and some self-discipline, you can meet your shut-eye needs. Aim for 7-8 hours each night, and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way, your sleeping patterns can normalise and you’ll have more energy.

Try not to oversleep—those 12-hour snoozes on the weekend can actually make you MORE tired. Don’t Embrace the Season Instead of always avoiding the cold and the forget naps! A short (10-30 minute) afternoon nap snow—look for the best that it has to offer! Take may be all you need to re-energise midday. up a winter sport like ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, or even sledding! Enjoy these opportunities while they last—after all, they’re only here a few months per year. Staying active will boost your energy. Seeing winter in a positive light, with all the fun activities that it has to offer, will keep your spirits high.

NICOLE NICHOLS

A FRESH LOOK AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET

A FRESH LOOK AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET Farmers’ Markets across the region have never been more popular. Post-lockdown, there’s been an exciting new wave of farmers and makers eager to bring their wares to town.

Primary products include fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey, flowers and plants.

Farm-Made products include sausages, cheeses, preserved olives, olive oil, fruit juice or wine. Nonfood products such as leather or wool can also be According to the Victorian Farmers’ Market sold.

Association, a genuine Farmers’ Market is one where Victorian farmers sell their own produce, Specialty Makers source the majority of their which is grown on farms they own or operate. It primary ingredients from farms within Victoria and goes without saying that most of the products are sell a delicious range of home-made products such certified organic and GM free. To be sure, check as bread, dips, jams, juices, sauces, coffee, biscuits with the farmer or stall-holder and find out for and soaps. yourself about the origins of the product.

Five Top Reasons for supporting Farmers’ Markets What can you buy at a Farmers’ Market?

Depending on the season there is an ever-changing range of farm-fresh produce available at your local Farmers’ Market. It usually falls into three categories – Primary Produce, Farm-Made Products and Specialty Products. If you are shopping at an accredited Farmers’ Market, you can be confident the products you are buying have their origins on a farm not too far away.

Doing good for the environment Farmers’ Markets stock GM free food with a food kilometre footprint that is in the dozens rather than the thousands. Reducing fuel, packaging and processing results in a true win/win for the environment and the consumers. Farmers’ Markets are a plastic-bag free zone, so make sure you take your own shopping bags.

Taste the regions Discover new regions and the flavours that are produced there. You may even be inspired to travel to the farm gates on a gourmet road trip.

Most specialty producers have tasting samples of their wares, and you’ll soon learn the flavoursome hallmarks of particular areas on Albury Wodonga’s doorstep including Beechworth, Holbrook, Wahgunyah and Khancoban.

Find out about farming We all know how important it is to support our farmers, especially with many forced to diversify due to the changing conditions brought about from Covid-19 and environmental factors such as drought. You can chat to the farmers about how they grow their produce, what the seasonal growing conditions have been like and how that has resulted in variances in flavours or textures.

It is fascinating to discover ‘the story’ behind the food you are consuming – and will make you appreciate the product and also the work that has gone in to bringing it to you.

Real, ripe and ready Early risers may find themselves competing with a local chef or restaurateur for the perfect cut of beef, leg of lamb or pork belly. The fruits and vegetables are as real as you can get. They have been allowed to fully ripen in the fields or on the trees and are picked when perfect for eating (unlike supermarket produce which can involve picking to delivery schedules, gassing to simulate the ripening process and sitting in cold storage for weeks).

Family fun Farmers’ Markets are fun, educational and inspirational and a great way for the whole family to get involved and invested in the food they are buying, cooking and eating. Enjoy discovering a rainbow of vegetables in hues rarely seen in supermarkets such as red carrots, orange cauliflower and purple potatoes.

The Albury Wodonga Farmers Market is held each Saturday from 8:00am - 12:00pm at Gateway Village on the Lincoln Causeway in Wodonga.

MW LIFESTYLE 2021

QUARTERLY RESULTS

QUARTERLY RESULTS

AUCTION LACHLAN HUTCHINS 0457 888 212 JACK STEAN 0434 588 664

NEW LISTING Luxurious Living In Central Albury 742 FORREST HILL AVENUE, ALBURY

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TENANT OF THE MONTH

Sweet Surrender will be a family-run affair with Mrs Myers and her daughter Barbara Glendenning doing the baking, Adam will be front of house while Mrs Myers’ husband Barry, son-in-law Mark Glendenning and daughter Susie will be on hand to help out.

Address: The Botanical 669 Dean Street, Albury Phone: 0478 695 609 When Julie Myers pondered the decadent desserts at Geoffrey Michael Patissier in Albury, never did she think she’d run her own pastry shop on site some day. But last month Mrs Myers opened Sweet Surrender in the premises formerly occupied by the patisserie.

Having been encouraged by her family to enrol in the patisserie course in Wodonga, Mrs Myers said it had further ignited her passion for baking.

With experience in a range of businesses including hospitality, beauty and conveyancing, Mrs Myers said they moved back to the Border two years ago to be closer to their four children.

She said they would offer tarts, doughnuts and pastries while adding cupcakes and milkshakes to the mix.

Presently studying patisserie at Wodonga TAFE together with her son Adam, Mrs Myers said they Sweet Surrender also offers focaccias, toasties, accelerated their plans to open a pastry shop when soup and Grinders Coffee brews. the Dean Street business became available.

Within days of looking at the shop, they made an offer which was accepted on the same day. Within a week they had already opened to the public.

It will open daily for now excluding Sunday.

BORDERMAIL

‘PERFECT STORM’ DRIVING UP HOUSE PRICES Analysts say house prices have risen so dramatically in the last few months due to a ‘perfect storm’ of historic low mortgage interest rates, a stronger than expected economic recovery, and strong buyer demand against relatively low levels of stock.

The number of properties advertised for sale This fear of missing out has become a powerful nationally remained 26.2% below 2020 levels. driver for first home buyers as record low interest rates and government incentives including the The mismatch between supply and demand is one First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) and factor pushing up house prices. Housing inventory HomeBuilder are encouraging buyers to race into is around record lows for this time of year and the market. buyer demand is well above average. These types of conditions favour sellers.

According to the latest ABS lending statistics, first home buyers now make up almost half (41.6%) Buyers are likely confronting a sense of FOMO of owner occupier dwelling commitments, after a (fear of missing out) which limits their ability to 70.8% rise in the number of loans to first home negotiate. buyers between January 2020 and January 2021.

EMMA DUFFY

INTRODUCING KRISTIAN HOPWOOD

KRISTIAN HOPWOOD Commercial Sales and Leasing Kristian joined the Stean Nicholls team in 2021 after spending 10 years in Melbourne and Geelong, refining his skills in marketing and sales.

An experienced sales and client management specialist, with a demonstrated history working in the sales and marketing industry, Kristian is skilled in advertising, communication, leadership, business development and relationship management. Equipped with a dynamic skill set, he brings lateral thinking and problem solving to commercial sales and leasing and provides a creative and innovative approach for all of his clients.

Passionate and highly driven, Kristian is motivated to always pursue the best result. He takes a personal and dedicated approach to ensure the needs of his clients are fully understood and delivered to the highest standard.

The team at Stean Nicholls welcome Kristian to his new role in Commercial Sales and Leasing.

KRISTIAN HOPWOOD Commercial Sales and Leasing 0473 888 821 kristian@steannicholls.com.au

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bistro Selle is a small European style bistro located in the heart of Albury.

The food on offer is first class with the wine list matched the contemporary bistro fare.

A Stean Nicholls favourite among staff, if you’ve not yet dined at Bistro Selle you are certainly missing out.

Front of house owner/operator Mr Matthew Fuller, opened Bistro Selle in mid-2017.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm til late.

1/467 Olive Street, Albury (02) 6047 0519 contact@bistroselle.com.au bistroselle.com

@bistroselle

WE WILL ROCK YOU ON THE BORDER Local musician, Liam Dalby is set to take on a lead role as he stars in Centre Stage Event Company’s production of We Will Rock You – The Musical By Queen & Ben Elton hitting the Albury Entertainment Centre from the end of July.

Not to be missed, We Will Rock You is a hilarious futurist comedy featuring more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs including We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites Since 2002, over 15 million theatregoers in 17 The Dust and of course, We Will Rock You! countries have been thrilled by this musical based on the songs of Queen and a book by Ben The team at Stean Nicholls already have their Elton. “I’m pumped to be a part of this amazing tickets booked - WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT! production,” says Dalby. “We Will Rock You is a spectacular stage show that any Queen or musical fan will love. I’m thrilled to be able to share it with Centre Stage Event Company & 105.7 Triple M present the people of The Border.”

Dalby will be joined by a stellar cast of rock stars including local performers Simone Crossley, Nikki Strauss, Simon Goss & John Parry.

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Director, Tim McLaren, says the show is high energy with first class choreography and vocal performances. “This is the best cast of musical talent that the region has ever seen. Along with the seasoned performers, we also have some breakouts with the likes of Charissa Wade & Mali McKie who are going to blow audiences away.

Visually, it will be unlike anything Albury/Wodonga has seen before.”

July 30th – August 7th Tickets available through the Albury Entertainment Centre

The Musical by Queen & Ben Elton Albury Entertainment Centre

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

Albury Wodonga is experiencing more and more attention from the major capital cities as people look to escape metro areas in favour of a more comfortable lifestyle.

Albury house prices have grown approximately 10% in the last 12 months, with the average sales price now hovering around $622,500. The median rent price has also grown to $370 per week.

good incentive to buy, however loan approval times have stretched out considerably. Ensuring you have preapproval in place is well worth the effort before beginning the search for a new home.

Offering an array of appeal, the Albury Wodonga area delivers good job security, substantial medical services, leisure and lifestyle activities, and a good food and wine Recent Stean Nicholls results prove confidence in the culture, making it a well-established regional hub. market remains high as the economy continues to improve. An example of these results is; the development site at 399 – 403 Macauley Street which had 8 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,680,000, 204 Bernhardt Street which had 9 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,020,000, 607 Lindsay Avenue which had 5 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,320,000 Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 and 708 Yambla Avenue which had 6 registered bidders lachlan@steannicholls.com.au nicholas@steannicholls.com.au and sold at auction for $790,000. The auction method also is a resoundingly useful system to dictate where the true market value of a property sits as prices continue to evolve.

The land shortage combined with longer building periods has seen established dwellings receive even more attention. Record low interest rates have also created

Jack Stean 0434 588 664 jack@steannicholls.com.au

Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 geoff@steannicholls.com.au

SOCIAL SNAPS

Huge crowds at the Lindsay Avenue auction.

SOLD AT AUCTION - 204 Bernhardt Street, East Albury.

Stean Nicholls staff photo-shoot at Murray Art Museum Albury with Threefold Studio.

We love it when furry friends come to our open homes.

SOLD AT AUCTION - A Fantastic result at 498 Nathan Avenue, Albury.

Competitive bidding at the Macauley Street auction made for a great end result.

Home-Grown is a Stean Nicholls publication. All opinions are our own. Compilation of statistical data relies on information from a number of external sources.

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Unit 1, Suite 19, 669 Dean Street, Albury 02 6021 5233 www.steannicholls.com.au

/steannicholls @steannicholls