PROPERTY INVESTMENT A SAFE OPTION

There is now more security and growing investor confidence in the property market, making it a safe investment option, according to LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Principal Grant Winning.

“The economy is growing at a more sustainable rate than forecast and there is still current volatility of the national and international stock markets,” Grant said.

He said that these factors, combined with lower interest rates, an expected increase in Kalamunda & Foothills population, and a continued strong economic outlook for WA, means there is now stability and greater confidence in our property market.”

The Reserve Bank Board cut the cash rate by 25 basis points (quarter of a percentage point) to 3.50 per cent this month. The previous rate cuts were in May (50 basis points) and November and December 2011 (each by 25 basis points).

“The Reserve Bank now looks more closely at the variable housing rate to gauge how close rates are to ‘normal’. Currently the variable housing rates of major banks are around 6.95 per cent, slightly below the long-term average or ‘normal’ rate of 7.20 per cent. The RBA says that “interest rates for borrowers have declined to be a little below their medium-term averages.” In other words stimulus is still very modest,” Grant said.

“The recent decreases in the cash rate, together with higher rents and a low vacancy rate, also mean yields improve and make property more attractive to investors,” Grant said.

“With each rate cut, savers are presented with more choices. It may have been safe to leave money in the form of cash, but is it still the smart decision?” Grant said.

“The rate cut is great news for the residential property sector and should boost demand for property by investors and owner-occupiers alike.

“Fundamental demand for property is strong and supply is lagging, ultimately putting more pressure prices where we are seeing moderate increases.”

Grant Winning, Principal

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

M: 0412 203 285 P: 9293 0011

E: gwinning.highwycombe@ljh.com.au

POSITIVE YEAR AHEAD, SAYS GRANT WINNING PROPERTY PRINCIPAL of LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

With more than 700 real estate offices through Australia and New Zealand, LJ Hooker represent a widespread share of the property market.

Kalamunda & Foothills Principal Grant Winning said a recent statement released by L.Janusz Hooker, Chief Executive of LJ Hooker said 2011 had ended on a confident and positive note.

“Property sales across Australia and New Zealand increased by 20 per cent in December 2011 compared to the previous month.”

“It is gratifying to see sales lift at the end of a challenging year, particularly for our agents who have continually stayed positive and stepped up the service they provide to our customers.”

“December 2011 was a busy time for our office with buyers in decision-making mode as well as investors entering the market.”

Mr Hooker’s market expectations and predictions include:

·         The influence of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s consecutive rate cuts at the end of 2011 directly related to confident consumer activity in December;

·         LJ Hooker Finance saw a 14 per cent increase in the number of home loans written in 2011 over the previous year;

·         First time buyers and home owners begin 2012 feeling the benefits of 2011 rate cuts and potential future reductions;

·         Buying opportunities will bring more investors into the market taking advantage of currently well-priced property as rental returns continue to strengthen;

·         Key regional towns and cities influenced by the continued mining and resources boom will be the places to watch in 2012; and

·         Consumer confidence will continue to be the key in 2012.

Grant Winning said his team of sales, property management and property finance specialists looked forward to 2012’s challenges.

“We expect to see a year of greater momentum and confidence in the property market and want to work with our customers to deliver the outcomes they seek.”

“We have local experience, expertise and extensive LJ Hooker network resources to make the most of 2012.”

Grant said signing up to myljhooker, a free service, was a way for Kalamunda & Foothills residents to receive good market information plus general real estate tips and benefits.

Contact Grant Winning on 0412 203 285 for any information you may require about current market activity in the Kalamunda Shire or visit the office web site at www.foothillsrealestate.com.au

Grant Winning, Principal

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

M: 0412 203 285 P: 9454 5333 E: gwinning.kalamunda@ljh.com.au

BUYERS SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN LOCAL PROPERTY

Market reports for the first quarter of 2011 resonated with messages about stalled price growth in real estate across Australia.

Now in the year’s final quarter and coming off the consumer sentiment boost of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s first cut in the interest rate since the Global Financial Crisis in April 2009, L J Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills principal Belinda Farrell said buyers were encouraged by greater ability in repaying loans and a greater selection of affordable property as vendors positioned price expectations fairly in the current market.

“Investors also view return as favourable both in terms of rental yield and capital gain.”

He said that buyer activity was particularly evident in the top end though was looking promising for all vendors.

“Auction programs are proving a very effective method of sale because vendors get real feedback on where buyers are prepared to go with a price and a deadline of roughly four weeks spurs on buyers to make up their mind.”

While the Kalamunda Shire had its own unique market activity, Mrs Farrell said taking a national perspective reinforced confidence.

“It is good to reflect on an Australian property market perspective.” 

As LJ Hooker’s CEO, L. Janusz Hooker says, what many of us gained from the Global Financial Crisis is that property is a practical investment alternative to stocks and shares.

“Furthermore, real estate remains a desirable long-term investment, with the average results of a survey of economists showing housing prices could be 55 per cent higher in ten years in absolute terms.”

“In addition, the recent changes in Self Managed Super Funds create new opportunities for capital growth, with Australians able to borrow money to buy property and invest in upgrades,” said Belinda who sees her local market well positioned for buyers.”

“The long terms prospects for property are good, and I believe we have entered a period where buyers should act and make decisions confidently,” he said.

Contact Belinda Farrell on 0438 545 880 for any information you make require about current market activity in the Kalamunda Shire or visit the office web site at ljhooker.com

Belinda Farrell Principal

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

M: 0438 545 880 P: 9293 0011 E: bfarrell.kalamunda@ljh.com.au

WINNING ON COURSE FOR INTERNATIONAL AUCTION TITLE

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Principal Grant Winning was named the WA Auction Icon Champion at the network’s Night of the Stars awards ball held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex last weekend.

Winning proved to have the edge on the other four finalists in a hotly contested auction event in which the competitors auctioned off a property of their choice.

“It was great to participate in the competition. Our offices are very much pro-auction and it really was an honour to win the award,” Mr Winning said.

The state winners will now compete for the international Icon Champion titles which will be fought out in an ‘Auction Mania’ event in Sydney on 25 August. Mr Winning said that he could not wait to represent WA in the International titles.

Through the competition, candidates are mentored and trained by some of the best auctioneers in the business.

“Auction expertise is a cornerstone of LJ Hooker’s success and professional training commitment, and this annual competition to identify our best auctioneers and encourage new talent is now in its fifth year,” LJ Hooker CEO and grandson of the company founder, Janusz LJ Hooker said.

“It’s a friendly competition and everyone comes out a winner because the training, mentoring and feedback enables every auctioneer to further hone their skills,” Brian Reid, LJ Hooker Network Performance Manager for WA, and an auctioneer who has conducted more than 1000 property auctions, said.

“Auctions work. If you deliver the strategy correctly, an auction is undoubtedly still the best way to achieve the optimum price by bringing buyers and sellers together through a transparent negotiation process.”

“Auctioneers within LJ Hooker meet regularly to share accumulated knowledge and that helps us to keep performing at top level. It’s what our clients have come to expect,” Mr Reid said.

For more information contact:

Grant Winning

Principal / Licensee

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Tel: 9454 5333

Mob: 0412 203 285

E-mail: gwinning.highwycombe@ljh.com.au

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Property Management Portfolio Soars!

More and more Kalamunda Shire landlords are trusting LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills to manage their property, with the office’s property management portfolio more than doubling in the last twelve months.

Belinda Farrell, Principal of LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills, said the huge percentage growth was partly due to the current state of sales, as some sellers chose not to sell but rather elected to trust her property management team to look after their property until the values inevitably return.

“Buying and selling at the same time in a ‘’buyer’s market’’ is relative but if the seller isn’t under pressure to sell, and they can’t get a good price for their property because of the state of the market, they make other arrangements, which is often renting it out,” Belinda said.

“LJ Hooker is a trusted brand and it is a result of this trust that people will put their property in the hands of LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills to maintain the property and manage good tenants until it becomes a better time to sell.”

She said good communication and a fast, cost-effective service was what LJ Hooker property investment managers had become renowned for.

“More than anything else, we care. LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills provides a smart blend of property and investment management, and we look after everything from the fittings to the financials,” said Belinda

Mr Tobias is a landlord whose High Wycombe property is managed by LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills.

“I decided not to sell now, but wanted someone I could trust to look after my property until I was ready to sell. I wanted to be able to relax in the knowledge that my property management needs were being taken care of,” he said.

Mrs Farrell said through an otherwise challenging financial year, LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills had reported a fabulous property management result, and was looking forward to another magnificent year in 2011/2012.

If you would like to enquire about having your property managed by the experts at LJ Hooker  Kalamunda & Foothills, contact Terry Shuker on 0422 748 118 or Sarah French on 0412 250 386.

For more information please contact:

Belinda Farrell or the team at

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Phone: 9293 0011 / 9454 5333 / 13 SELL / 13 RENT

Email: kalamunda@ljh.com.au or highwycombe@ljh.com.au

Winter is a great time to sell!

Real estate advice commonly encourages people to wait until spring and summer before putting their house on the market.  This is because it is considered to be the best time to sell with many people looking to move before the New Year and also with gardens in full bloom and looking their best. The result is the latter part of the year sees increased listings.

Belinda Farrell from LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills, however, urges sellers to consider a winter sale as the fewer properties on the market may bring greater demand for quality properties.

“Many people forget that there are still a large number of buyers in the market during the winter months,” said Belinda.

“Generally there are not as many properties on the market during the colder months so your property can really stand out and attract a large amount of interest.”

If you do decide to sell your property during winter then it is important to make sure you have a thorough marketing campaign that targets a wide audience.

“When it comes to achieving a good sale price, the marketing strategy plays an important role in getting the best outcome for sellers,” said Belinda.

“The more buyers who see your property advertised usually translates to the more bids or offers on the table and the best price.”

Remember that a good marketing campaign will have both a newspaper and internet component. Many buyers still use newspapers as the first step in their property search followed by the internet where they can find more information and photos on the property.

Sellers are exposed to a variety of different marketing strategies and budgets that can include display and classified advertisements in a variety of local and metro newspapers, and signboards and internet advertising so it is best to sit down with your agent to work out a tailored strategy to match your needs and budget.

“Good agents will invest considerable time with a seller to understand what they are trying to achieve and provide them with a tailored marketing strategy that draws in buyers, creating some healthy competition for the property,” concluded Belinda.

If you don’t want your property left out in the cold, contact Belinda Farrell on 0438 545 880 or bfarrell.kalamunda@ljh.com.au today.

For more information please contact:

Mrs Belinda Farrell or the team at

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Phone: 9293 0011 / 9454 5333 / 13 SELL / 13 RENT

Email: kalamunda@ljh.com.au or highwycombe@ljh.com.au

RELATIONSHIPS PLAY BIG ROLE IN REAL ESTATE

From one agency to another, Kalamunda Shire Real Estate teams’ responsibilities include a busy schedule of private and open inspections each week, most of which occur on weekends.

LJ Hooker’s Principal Grant Winning says his agents show an average of around 300 potential buyers through properties in a typical month, with 50+ through a property’s time-on-market.

“Sunday remains the most popular day for people to view properties but as people juggle work, family and other commitments, we are finding that mid-week inspections are growing in demand.”

Sellers and buyers, aided by sales and finance specialists, are the people component in the process and the relationship amongst these parties plays an active part in property exchanging hands.

Grant says for the first time seller, selecting the agency to market the property is a big step.

“Sellers generally research market activity, get recommendations from other sellers and speak with agents; but it is a brand new experience for many.”

He gives a broad outline of the activity that unfolds once the seller has settled on their agent and the method of sale.

“The groundwork includes organising photographs of the property and writing material for the web site, brochures, sign board and advertisements. This is all done with the seller’s valuable input.”

“We let the local neighbourhood and our extensive database know of the listing.”

“Whether the property is to be auctioned or sold by private treaty, our ongoing feedback to the sellers is a priority.”

He said the relationship with the customer completed the experience for LJ Hooker staff who receive continual training in all matters of Real Estate from technology to legislation and pride themselves on the latest product knowledge.

“Without the great respect for the seller and buyer needs, the research they have done, the trust they place in us and our honest communication with them, we would be unlikely to have the track record we have in happy buyers and sellers”, Grant said.

His snapshot advice to buyers and sellers is to communicate honestly and openly to the agent all wants, needs and concerns, never be afraid to ask questions and present the property to the market as best you can.

For more information please contact Grant Winning or the Team at LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills on (08) 9454 5333 (High Wycombe) or highwycombe@ljh.com.au or (08) 9293 0011 (Kalamunda) or kalamunda@ljh.com.au.