Realmark Real Estate - What's Next

IN Community

2012-01-31T10:26:00.002+08:00

Our local used to always be the pub, but a new cafe in Scarborough is creating a strong sense of community amongst residents, many of whom are only streets away.

There’s just something about a local cafe in a suburban area. There’s something satisfying in the fact that whoever is making your coffee remembers your order and might even remember your name. You also know these people have got something extra invested in the area when you see them at the local fish and chip shop with their own family on a Friday night.

Scarborough’s Kinky Lizard Espresso Bar is one of those places. Friendly and relaxed it has quickly become a local meeting and hang-out spot for the locals, whether it’s families for weekend breakfasts, coffee-gathering mums, business meetings or lunches on the go.

Local resident Phil Hayes starts the day with a beach run and a dip in the ocean and stops at Kinky Lizard in his boardies on the way home for a daily shot of coffee. The associate director, sales agent and auction expert is also the latest addition to Realmark’s Scarborough office.

“I moved to the area before I started working for Realmark but because I live here I can explain to people what’s so special about the lifestyle and what’s on offer,” Phil says. “This area has changed in a positive way and a lot of places, like Kinky Lizard have opened, which really adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the place and that sense of community.”

Cafe manager Mia Strauss agrees. An overseas transplant via the east coast, Mia says the locals have welcomed Kinky Lizard (officially Kinky Swell, so as not to be confused with its East Perth cousin), with open arms since its opening.

“People like to go for coffee here and they’ve told us how much they like a local place to do it,” says Mia. “We notice people have made friends here after becoming regulars and one couple even met here. We have our own coffee blend too which you can’t get anywhere else; it’s often a talking point. We’re also BYO and don’t charge corkage.”

Mia and her husband Dan Snowden, who is the Kinky Lizard’s chef, have run eateries together for the last seven years and also live in Scarborough. From watching the floor tiles going down in the new building, the pair work tirelessly to ensure the welcoming feel of the cafe and that the menu offers locals reasons to keep coming back.

Kinky Swell is open seven days a week from 7am – 4pm (breakfast and lunch until 2.30pm and coffee until 4pm) at 166 Brighton Road, Scarborough. Realmark Scarborough is open weekdays from 8.30am – 5pm at 3/257, West Coast Highway, Scarborough.

what about the rental market?

2012-01-31T10:24:00.001+08:00

Much of the recent yarns around real estate have been focussed on whether property sales are up or down…but what about the rental market? It is worthwhile reflecting on this area of the market more specifically and what it means for landlords and tenants.

With the number of people attending rental viewings reaching in some cases the high 20’s and with unprecedented amounts of rental enquiries there is no doubt that it is a landlord’s market.

This acute demand for rental properties stretches across the board for homes of all price ranges; however the demand is particularly high for apartments and middle range homes. The influx of people requiring rental properties is partly fuelled by arrivals from over East and overseas, by affordability issues and difficulty in financing. There is also a growing demand for single occupancy accommodation.

According to REIWA, the plummeting rental vacancy rate from 3.4 per cent in the June quarter to 2.8 per cent in the September quarter is an indication that more individuals are choosing to rent than own, resulting in stronger rental returns for landlords.

On the other hand, the strong demand for rentals will progressively cause rent prices to rise. Combine this with falling interest rates and we will start to see the number of first home buyers increase. In short it’s a simple case of supply and demand and affordability is the key factor responsible for swinging the market which ever way.

But what should a property manager be doing in such a market context for you as a landlord you ask? They certainly should be providing you with letting solutions that maximise the return for your investment. Just as a sales agent should utilise solutions to ensure that your property isn’t under sold…they should be using methodology that ensures that you don’t under rent your investment.

You may have heard of Realmark’s sales method – Set Date Sale, whereby all offers are presented by a certain date with no set asking price advertised. We employ as one of our To Let options, a similar approach for listing rental properties – Set Date Rental; which ensures that the most competitive rental offers are presented which is vital in the current market.

However, price is not the only important consideration for landlords, property managers should also be employing a thorough and structured system to ensure that not only a good return is realised but screened and referenced quality tenants are secured as well.

An informed property manager can also alleviate the headaches of the legislative requirements, market your investment utilising multi-medium marketing strategies to attract the largest applicant pool as well as save your precious time ensuring your property is well looked after.

As for tenants, they need to be informed if they want to be competitive. For instance, every applicant should now have their own ‘tenant CV’ and be willing to sell themselves. This hasn’t always been necessary in previous years but is important in today’s market if you want to even be considered.

Needless to say, whether you are a landlord or a tenant you should remain educated about the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of renting, which can sometimes be a complex web of legislation and things you should know. To assist in sharing such knowledge, Realmark have launched an advisory website for tenants and landlords which can be accessed by visiting rentalpropertiesperth.net.au. There, people can find advice like how to create a memorable first impression for your rental property in order to achieve a premium rent price and equally as important, how to attract the right kind of tenant.

IN Change

2012-01-17T12:39:00.001+08:00

Achieving goals is about making lasting change, not just change for the short term. Swimmer and motivation coach Shelley Taylor-Smith reveals a few tips on how to make 2012 your best yet.

Shelley Taylor-Smith has a simple motto: Get Up, Get Over It & Get On With It. In 10 words the seven-time Women’s World Marathon Swimming Champion, author and founder of Champion Mindset Consulting has encapsulated a valuable life lesson.

“I believe we are all here to succeed, in whatever way you define that,” she says. “I don’t believe our role is to be miserable and fail. It’s our birthright to succeed and you have to be prepared to do what it takes.”
Shelley works with passionate and energetic individuals and teams to help them develop the mental skills and strategies to be the best they can be, while maintaining a healthy balance in their sporting, professional and personal lives.

Using more than three decades of experience as an athlete, coach, writer and consultant she helps people at all levels and from all walks of life overcome performance and lifestyle issues to discover the mental toughness needed to stay on top of their game while successfully navigating daily obstacles.

Shelley says in order to make your goals for 2012 successful, start with a passionate purpose.

“First though, close off 2011,” Shelley says. “It’s usually emotion that wears us down so you need to recognise what you didn’t start and what you started and didn’t finish. Consider the lessons learnt there and decide whether those are still your goals. By drawing a line in the sand it gives you permission to let go and move on.

“It’s really important to note what you started and stopped, what you feel you failed at and what you achieved. If you are going to carry it forward consider doing it differently for a different result.”
She says being unrealistic is what causes plenty of people to fall early in the year, so start with goals you can achieve and which fit in your life before working up from there. Most people bite off more than they can chew when starting a drastic change of life in a short period of time.

However most people – the stats say close to 95% - fail because they don’t usually resolve to do what it takes day by day, lack knowledge (having a plan of action) and/or lack motivation (a list of benefits you will feel).
So what can people do to help them stick it out? The Passion Pyramid (below) is what Shelley uses to explain how your purpose and mission must anchor your plans and be the fire which motivates you.

If those two things are not strong enough, when you hit a bump, it will be hard to get over or you’ll just abandon your plans.

Find solid answers to these crucial questions: What are my reasons for wanting to do X? What are the benefits to me? These will guide you and provide the inspiration to take the steps to get to the goal. This also adds a positive spin rather than thinking you have been penalised.

Consider the power of your own self talk and the difference between the statement “I am not going to eat junk food anymore” versus “I am going to eat healthier food”. One is more like a prison and the other offers possibilities.

“People start off well-intentioned saying ‘this year I am going to achieve X’ but the To Do list becomes never ending. As a result you jam more in; more goals and more expectations in your life without having let go of anything. The end result is no space for ‘you’ and an overwhelming feeling that you can’t get there. Living by your To Do list means you can cross a lot off but not actually achieve anything.”

There have been times in everyone’s lives when they’ve won. While you might have forgotten what it’s like to win, think of a time in the past when you have and use that positive emotion to fuel your current goals.

“Make sure you stay flexible though. These are your goals and you are in control. Maybe you think you can achieve something in six months and then find it will take longer. Accept that, adapt to the change and stay focused on the end prize – your reason why and your benefits.”

For more tips and tools to champion your life visit www.championmindset.com.au

the year ahead

2012-01-17T12:38:00.001+08:00

However, on a positive note the market is progressively showing signs of normalisation and there are a number of telling indicators.

Firstly, the proportion of first home buyer transactions is increasing, stock levels are gradually reducing and the rental market has improved dramatically.

Secondly, the recent cuts to interest rates are approaching the long term average and this will inevitably have a positive impact together with growing affordability, combining to help fuel the growth in the market. It is pretty safe to say that the prospect for the first half of 2012 is that there will be increasing activity in some market sectors.

On the other hand, while stock levels are trending down they are still relatively high with days on market considerably long. There is also still quite a difference between seller’s expectations and the actual realisation of the sale price.

Although nobody knows what the full effects of the economic down turn of Europe will have on the world economy, I believe Perth is in an historic place at the moment and perfectly positioned geographically to reap the benefits of promising activity in South-East Asia. Centres such as Shanghai and Singapore represent the top end of a longitudinal rim of activity with Perth ideally located in that context. The dynamics of this ‘South-East Asian – Indian Ocean rim’ is certainly grounds for strong State economic growth and cautious property optimism. Australia is part of a group of developed countries offering value that makes them unique from the bigger developed countries. We are in a different world regime and perfectly placed.

It is also worthwhile mentioning the gradual ‘changing face’ of Perth. Any born and bred local will tell you that Perth is becoming more and more exciting and dynamic with the whole sentiment towards the State shifting. Population growth as well as investment in major infrastructure projects such as the Perth River Foreshore and East Perth redevelopments as well as the Perth Stadium and key entertainment and cultural facilities will inevitably have an impact on general sentiment and in turn the property market.

So generally speaking I think the long term outlook for Perth is positive and the European market will eventually sort itself out. There have been worse times in the world’s history lets face it. The effects of the international economy will linger around for a while but people should start to focus on the opportunities available in the New Year rather than the doom and gloom merchants.

Realmark’s priority will always be to provide people, clients and staff alike, with hope, opportunities and advantages. Good luck for 2012!

IN Festivities

2011-12-01T11:39:00.002+08:00

by Ara Jansen

Want to throw a great gathering this festive season? We asked an expert for some tips on how to make Christmas and festive parties memorable.

Anne-Marie Denney knows how to throw a party. As the event, fundraising and partnerships manager for Save the Children in Western Australia she has thrown plenty of successful balls and parties.

She also organises her family Christmas get-together every year. The 20-strong gathering spans four generations, from 3 months to 95 years. Usually held at someone’s home they’re vibrant and colourful affairs which don’t break the bank.

“I tend to choose a colour theme,” says Anne-Marie about the best way to decorate the space or the table. “Last year I did bright block colours – I used six different colour placemats alternating across 24 settings, brightly-coloured cushions on mismatched dining chairs, coloured water jugs and low vases of brightly coloured flowers. This year I am going for silver and pale blue – fresh and twinkly.

“It’s great to decide your colour scheme first and then you can start getting a mental picture of how you want everything to look, which can also inspire your menu and drinks. Once you have a colour theme, don’t get too excited about everything matching or you risk looking like a motel suite. It’s far more charming (and budget friendly) to have mismatched items like wine glasses that don’t match, side plates from different dinner settings or op shops, seat cushions or bows that fit within the theme but are different fabrics or patterns.”

Fresh flowers are always a great idea and can match your colour scheme or general theme reasonably easily. Liliums would be perfect for a light and open but dramatic feel while orange, yellow and pink roses in low vases are cosy. A flower at each place setting adds colour to your table.

“A Christmas tree decorated with love takes preference over a perfectly turned out one anytime. A fun thing for the kids to do when they arrive is to decorate the tree. Even if you have had it decorated for the last month, take your decorations off and let them do it again, or have a second tree especially for the purpose. It means they have something fun and immediate to do which gives parents a breather to enjoy a drink before the madness begins.”

When it comes to food, Anne-Marie suggests going for food with visual impact. Salads with edible flowers always look amazing and there are simple desserts which look great and can be made early. Plan and set the menu well ahead of time. Think through what can be done in the days prior and how long things will take to get ready to put on the table.

“I always ask my family to bring something but the lesson I have learned is to be very specific. If you want someone to bring a chicken – make sure you specify it needs to be cooked and hot or one of your brothers is bound to show up with a frozen chook. If you want a salad make sure you specify it – potato, green or fruit. People love to bring something so don’t be afraid to ask.”

At Christmas nutritional common sense often goes out the window so putting dressing and butter on the side, serving yummy salads and vegies, offering a fruit-based dessert option and having lots of sparkling water means people leave feeling great. If you serve bowls of chilled strawberries and grapes with pre-dinner drinks people will tuck into them and eat less rubbish at the other end of the day.

“Don’t try and be perfect,” encourages Anne-Marie. “On the day you must have a sense of humour and work around any obstacles that pop up with a giggle and a sense of fun. The food might burn, the freezer might defrost, it might be 40 degrees, it might rain, the Christmas tree might fall over and break all the presents, your sister might get embarrassingly drunk before the meal. When some disaster hits everyone will look to the host for a cue on how to react. If you laugh and carry on everyone will relax and have fun.”

www.savethechildren.org.au

Part of Anne-Marie’s philosophy is to make things flow as smoothly as possible on the day. This is her idea for a festive dessert which tastes great and can be made before the guests arrive. It’s like a trifle but much easier, can be lean on the calories if you choose light ingredients and won’t be too heavy if it’s a really hot day.

Anne-Marie’s Christmas Dessert

Ingredients

Vanilla yoghurt

Mixed berries

Vanilla ice cream

Crushed nuts

Shaved or crushed chocolate

Preparation

If you are making a number of these, do them at the same time. It’s easier to fill 10 containers with each ingredient rather than making them one-by-one.

Anne-Marie does these desserts in highball glasses but you can choose any fancy glass or cup. You might even make the kids ones in melamine cups (the ones you use on picnics and by the pool) so there’s less chance of breakage.

Start at the bottom with the vanilla yoghurt, then add mixed berries and vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle crushed nuts and chocolate on the top.

Serve with a spoon. Use long spoons if you’ve chosen tall glasses or find some fun and decadent ones.

Salad-e Shirazi

Ingredients

4 vine-ripened tomatoes, roughly chopped

2 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled, seeded, roughly chopped

3 shallots, finely sliced

6 breakfast radishes, cut into small wedges

2 tbsp shredded flat-leaf parsley

2 tbsp chopped dill sprigs

1/4 tsp dried mint

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt

Freshly ground pepper

Edible flower petals (rose, nasturtium, chrysanthemum), to garnish

Preparation

Combine the tomato, cucumber, shallot, radish, parsley, dill and mint in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice and oil. Pour lime mixture over the salad. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with the edible petals to serve.

Looking back and giving back in 2011

2011-12-01T11:30:00.003+08:00

As another year passes by and the festive season quickly approaches, many individuals and companies draw their attention to giving back to the community. It has been said that clients prefer to do business and staff prefer to be engaged by an organisation that contributes back to the community. Here at Realmark, our Community Connect team have been busy doing just that.

Our ‘Operation Christmas Child’ program was a success with 77 individual Christmas gift boxes, donated by Realmark employees, shipped off to children in need through the Samaritan’s Purse initiative.

In addition we have this year made significant donations to a variety of charitable organisations including Red Kite, Nulsen and the Star Light Foundation.

More recently, we are pleased to announce that Anita Percudani has been appointed as a member to the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation Council. This collaboration and participation certainly augments the Realmark Community Connect contribution.

The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Gallery and allows art lovers to provide their support, both financially and in-kind. Through the Foundation’s work, numerous important pieces have been acquired for the State Art Collection; many of these artworks would have otherwise been unattainable.

Our first engagement with the Art Gallery of Western Australia was in 2010 when Realmark sponsored the Gallery’s social event of the year; ‘Starry Starry Night’ – which launched the Venetian Peggy Guggenheim collection at the Gallery.

The Art Gallery’s Director, Dr Stefano Carboni and Anita’s mutual Venetian heritage aside, this event was the start of a wonderful new collaboration.

Anita said that the partnership positions Realmark alongside an iconic West Australian organisation. It provides a premium brand association and opens our work up to a whole new audience.

“Along with our other community initiatives we were looking for a way to get involved in the arts and I am really excited about being part of the Foundation and supporting its important work. We wanted to build a more diverse philanthropic portfolio for the business and we felt the Gallery and Realmark values were well aligned.

“This association is about being a good corporate citizen, giving back to a society that helps sustain our business. I am looking forward to encouraging younger generations to see the value in art and culture and to help contribute to the Gallery’s growth,” she said.

It is anticipated that Anita’s involvement with this key WA cultural organisation will also expand business networks as a collective benefit to our clients and employees.
“I also look forward to the wonderful opportunities that may arise through this partnership for our employees and the broader Realmark community,” she said.

The Gallery is currently exhibiting Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600 – 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum and is available for viewing until 9 January 2012.

As we approach 2012 we will be looking for further opportunities to augment the Community Connect program as we see it as absolutely vital to give back. Not only does it unite people working together for a collective goal, but it also makes a difference to the community that supports us.

Just finally, on behalf of Anita, myself and all of the Realmark team I would like to wish all of our readers a very joyful and safe holiday season and a prosperous and happy New Year!

Until next time.

IN Gardens

2011-11-22T12:39:00.002+08:00

We usually associate a garden with the colour green, but is your garden green enough to help the planet? We asked one expert what you can do to help green your garden and still make it feel like a haven.

When you consider giving your garden, courtyard or outdoor area a face-lift or a boost, it’s worth taking some time to consider making the project green, waterwise and as eco-friendly as possible.

ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter, environmental scientist and landscape designer Josh Byrne knows that with a little thought and pre-planning your new space can be gorgeous and environmentally considerate. No matter how small, you can always add some greening touches.

If you’re starting from scratch or redesigning and renovating your garden or outdoor space, Josh suggests the first thing to do is consider how the design complements the thermal comfort and energy performance of the house and surrounding areas.

“Be conscious of what materials are used – that is, where they are sourced from and how long they will last,” Josh says. “Other key sustainability goals that should be addressed include water efficiency, local food production and wildlife habitat. It’s a matter of identifying the sustainability objectives early on in the design process and being clear on the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes. Like anything, it just requires a little thought and effort.

"Just because you are going for a garden which ticks plenty of eco friendly boxes, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be maintenance-free. At the same time though, it doesn’t have to suck up all your leisure hours. Decide how much time you want to spend taking care of your space and plan around that.

“Some garden elements, such as vegetable gardens, do require regular maintenance but they are also extremely productive, so there’s a return from the resources that are expended. The size and intensity of food gardens should be scaled according to your needs, expectations and capacity. Higher maintenance activities should be balanced with low maintenance areas so the net result is manageable.”

One of the things very close to Josh’s heart is the home veggie and herb patch and he definitely recommends one if you want to green your garden.

“Growing veggies and herbs is so rewarding, with significant taste and health benefits. Even if space or time is limited, seasonal herbs and picking greens can be incorporated into feature planters or pots. There are also lots of clever and stylish ways to incorporate fruit trees into gardens, such as the use of trellises and productive screening hedges.”

While you’re doing all this Josh suggests the three big no no’s to watch out for are:

Blanket irrigating, as opposed to hydro-zoning the garden, based on the specific water requirements of plants.

Dominating the garden with hard landscaping at the expense of planted areas, which help to cool the home and outdoor living areas, whilst allowin rainfall to infiltrate the soil and increase biodiversity.

Using timber products that aren’t certified by a recognised accreditation scheme, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Lastly, what’s one smart trick which is simple but can make a garden look a million dollars and still be environmentally friendly?

The answer is mulch. Use quality mulches and gravel surface treatments.

“If done well, this can really lift a garden by providing a neat finish that sets off plantings. Gravel areas around feature plants can be used to reduce irrigated areas, whilst mulched garden beds will help with moisture retention and reduce weeds.”

www.joshbyrne.com.au

IN Applecross

2011-11-07T10:24:00.003+08:00

What’s in a suburb? According to two Applecross locals, it’s their life-long connection to the area which makes it the ideal place to live and work in.

There’s something special about working in the area you grew up in. You know all the nooks and crannies, the best places to hang out and you can’t go past a quietly satisfied sense of belonging.

For Paul Evensen, associate director of Realmark Applecross and Mark Correia, owner of cafe C15 Espresso, Applecross is that place.

“I live and run a business here,” Paul says. “A lot of people go away but end up coming back because they miss the area and are familiar with it. I love being in this part of the city because it’s so accessible.”

Paul sends his kids to a local school and presents a monthly book prize to a local student for being a quiet achiever not only at his kids' school but also the one he attended as a child.

“I’ll often see people around here I went to school with and some of them have kids at school with my kids, so there’s a lot of familiarity. There’s just that instant connection and I think that makes a difference doing business here.”

Mark Correia and his twin Jason own C15 Espresso, a cafe in the busy Kearns Crescent eatery area, recently dubbed the Claremont of the south. The brothers grew up in nearby Attadale but have been living in Applecross for the last eight years. The brothers have been in business together for most of their lives and started C15 eight years ago.

“The river is one of my favourite places,” says Mark, who also loves meeting friends at The Raffles for meals. “I’ve also seen the place grow and it has come such a long way from where it was before. It’s a really pretty part of town.

“All my friends live around here and a lot of my neighbours have grown up here as well. Plus having a business in the area, I think there’s something great about all those links.”

Mark and Paul’s local connection has meant Paul hosts a chat about local real estate every Thursday from 9 – 10am at C15.

“It’s free and I’m trying to break down that barrier people sometimes feel with real estate agents while at the same time promoting the local area and its activities,” says Paul.

You see, it really is all about being local.

Realmark’s Applecross office has relocated to 11a Riseley Street adjacent to C15 cafe. Telephone: 9428 2888. C15 is at 15 Riseley Street. Opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday 7am – 10pm, Sunday 7am to 8pm and Monday 7am – 8.30pm. Telephone: 9316 4242.

Carbon Tax - how can you benefit?

2011-11-07T10:23:00.002+08:00

The Carbon Tax legislation has now been passed through the lower house of Federal Parliament. An historic event without doubt.

But amidst all of the debate around energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions, it’s worthwhile considering how the Carbon Tax would affect the property market.

Residential energy use is on the rise with the ever increasing availability and development of gadgets and technology. While a number of household appliances are being made to be more efficient, energy consumption per person has increased as has the size of the average Australian home which is now in the largest range world-wide.

Furthermore, energy costs are rising beyond what most think is affordable, no wonder homeowners and buyers are becoming increasingly mindful of a home’s energy efficiency rating and how the carbon tax will affect them.

There is no doubt that the introduction of carbon tax will have an inevitable impact on the property market both in terms of consumer preferences and affordability. Once it is implemented next year, it will progressively have a significant impact on consumer activity and people need to be prepared for this.

It will affect household spending and buyer preferential demand for particular types of houses as buyers gradually become a lot more aware of how energy efficient a home is. This will become a distinct buying feature to be ranked and marketed.

Energy efficiency may become, for some, one of the most important features when considering a property. It could very well overshadow other features which currently dominate the decision making process. Things like ocean views, swimming pools, air-conditioning and heating systems, or that dedicated entertainment theatre room may come under different consideration and level of importance in the buying selection.

It is likely that renovations and building new homes will also become more expensive for people as the price of materials increase and building codes change. Thus, buyers will be attracted to established homes instead, which will consequently bump up the prices of this market segment. This will in turn impact on the ongoing challenge of housing affordability in Western Australia.

It’s not just the buying of property that it will affect; it’s the ongoing cost of living and many people may choose to buy a new property that better suits their carbon tax adjusted lifestyle in the future.

People need to start thinking about the type of property that will suit their lifestyle post the introduction of the carbon tax, because it will have an effect and people need to accept this.

Developers and sellers who are in tune with this structural change in Australian society and in particular the property market, who take a proactive and positive approach could create a competitive advantage and improve sale or rental returns. We as real estate agents need to think further than selling ‘bedrooms and bathrooms’ and develop a more sophisticated understanding of the product whilst shifting the focus towards this emerging buyer selection criteria.

IN Freo

2011-10-25T12:43:00.002+08:00

Celebrating the truly eclectic nature of our port town, the annual Fremantle Festival celebrates the start of Summer.

Anyone who has spent time in Fremantle knows its diversity and the Fremantle Festival celebrates the city’s colour, quirks, creativity and community spirit.

Well over 100 years old, Fremantle Festival is Australia’s oldest and longest-running festival.

“The festival has grown over the years and includes all facets of Fremantle life,” says Alex Marshall, the co-ordinator of cultural development at the City of Fremantle.

Much-loved highlights of the Festival which starts in the middle of November include the Sunday Street Parade featuring vibrant floats and the energy of Carnivàle, the indigenous festival of Wardarnji celebrating Nyoongar culture, a children’s fiesta, a youth music event, shows at the Town Hall and Black Box Theatre, a coffee festival on the strip and entertainment at Kulcha.

Continuing the varied nature of the fun and activities on offer, the community part of the Festival features everything from visual arts and a feast in the park to a reggae beach party and Tweed Run vintage bicycle ride, which should feature around 100 cyclists on old bikes. There’s also the return of the Sticky Maze and Alex says a record 106 different groups have activities planned.

“What makes it most exciting is when we have people coming back and talking about putting their event in the festival. The strength of the Festival is how people wish to use it and people are starting to respond to that. The many and varied things people want to do is exciting.”

Interesting inclusions this year include Unbuilt Fremantle which is an exhibition looking at planning applications for past and present Fremantle dating back to the late 1800s, including those for buildings which never went ahead.

Taking the Festival to the West End will be Projections on High where local visual heroes VJZoo will illuminate buildings on High Street with static and moving projections.

“The West End is one of the jewels of Fremantle and it’s an opportunity for people to remind themselves about what a fantastic part of town it is. We want people to move around the community more and discover new spaces and disused buildings.

“In the last few years people have been talking Fremantle down but there are a lot more people talking it up because we know it’s a unique place.”

The Fremantle Festival runs from November 18 to December 4. Program details at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au on the Festivals page. Most festival activities are free.

IN Fitness

2011-10-12T11:01:00.003+08:00

Getting fit for your wedding is one thing, but a Perth personal trainer who specialises in training bridal parties is on a crusade to stamp out something called brideorexia.

Justine McInerney might have started a personal training business, but she has also got a serious message to teach her clients.

A nurse, midwife and personal trainer with 18 years of experience in the health care profession, Justine owns Runaway Brides, a training business which gets bridal parties fit for a wedding.

While Justine can help people look great on their big day, her ultimate goal is to educate brides and grooms to exercise safely and focus on the long term goal of maintaining their health and fitness during their marriage, rather than only on their wedding day.

“We want brides and grooms to start their marriage feeling healthy and strong, thinking clearly and glowing from within,” Justine says. “We encourage couples to train together. We like to say that couples who train together stay together.”

A good 70 per cent of her clients are women but Justine and her team – including fiancé and head trainer Colby Huggins – train all members of the bridal party and their friends. With a focus on fun (as well as plenty of exercise) they also work with young professionals through to older people, many of whom simply want to keep fit and aren’t necessarily married.

“The boxing sessions are really popular,” says Justine. “How often can you hold the pads when your favourite girl is banging the hell out of you? It seems to be a great release for people who are stressed out!

“We find it also gives couples something in common to talk about when they leave a session. It’s something they can share in as they are preparing for the wedding and being in a marriage.”

As well as seeing fit people head to the altar, part of Justine’s mission is to eliminate the rise of bulimic brides to be and brideorexia as an acceptable practise for wedding preparation.

Brideorexia is a term given to the extreme measures brides or grooms take to lose weight in order to look great on their wedding day. That includes strict calorie limits (anorexia), binging and purging (bulimia) and over exercising. It has been around for centuries and continues to be accepted as part of wedding preparations.

“We’ve all come across a friend, family member or work colleague who has dropped a significant amount of weight in a short time in the lead up to their wedding day. Of course most of this weight is put straight back on within the next few years of marriage as maintaining a brideorexia lifestyle is near impossible long term.

“We want people to consider their long term fitness future and in the short term before their wedding, we can help them get into that strapless dress. We’ll also show them how good fitness and regular exercise is an excellent de-stressor without turning them into bridezillas.”

The decision making process...

2011-10-12T10:56:00.002+08:00

Consumers today are not following the patterns of the past. By that I mean consumers are becoming increasingly astute and in-tune to the property market and will now research the credibility of an agent as opposed to selecting purely on the basis of familiarity or proximity. Now, clients will investigate an agent’s integrity and reputation long before picking up the phone to engage in a conversation about buying, selling or letting.

Information online is also more accessible than ever and this has empowered customers to make informed decisions. In the past, people relied on a family connection to the brand or simply that an agent was located at the end of their street.

The emotional connection to a brand is also highly important. Not the emotional connection that comes from a previous transaction but an intangible emotional attraction that one self generates with a product or service. So in other words, people are not just buying a ‘Hoover’ because their mother bought a ‘Hoover’ anymore, it’s about the difference the product or service can make to them. There are much bigger points of differentiation from brand to brand these days and a higher consumer sensitivity to brand values. In terms of the property industry, we are certainly seeing that not all real estate agents are the same.

For the Realmark brand, associations such as; innovative, contemporary, progressive should be evoked. Our service offering includes tailored solutions, specialist advice and most importantly, quality results. Our list of awards is also an important expression of our potential value to a consumer and verification of what we can offer.

While the awards themselves might not be the actual trigger that brings clients through the door, it is professional recognition that helps to give the agency credibility. It also gives the consumer confidence that the advice they are being offered has some weight.

Today, clients are looking for independent ratification that they will receive expert knowledge and advice, a choice of strategies and solutions and that the agency can be adaptive to the client’s needs and wants. This is where awards come into play as they help to give affirmation that the agency is a stand out provider.

Client testimonials are not enough, in my opinion consumers want more facts around other consumers’ experience and circumstances, to provide credibility and reinforcement. Realmark are utilising specific case studies that address individual client scenarios and showcase the range of marketing strategies, solutions and selling methods that have proven to deliver results in the past. Provide more than an incomplete story but a reference for consumers to reflect their needs against.

But most of all, people are looking for confirmation that an agency actually has real answers and really understands the how and what to deliver the best advantage and this is the overriding factor when it comes to the decision making process in agency selection today.

IN Symphony

2011-09-29T12:28:00.001+08:00

Pulling together all the things he’s good at, David Garrett has released an album he hopes builds a bridge between rock and classical music.

David Garrett has the looks of a model, owns unparalleled skills on the violin and loves rock’n’roll. Hence, it seems perfectly sensible that the 31-year-old classical musician would combine all these things for an album which has sent him hurtling into the mainstream.

Just released is the sizzling Rock Symphonies, which features David on violin, fronting an orchestra and a rock band covering rock classics ranging from Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir to Aerosmith and Run DMC’s Walk This Way and November Rain from Guns N’ Roses. He’s also rocked up classics like Toccata, Peer Gynt, Asturias and The 5th.

“I did my research and listened to a lot of records to learn what songs would work with the right approach,” says David, who was recently in Australia. “I had a lot of fun with this but it was also something I needed to do.

“I didn’t care about the reaction so much as how far I could push myself. The more I pushed myself, the more excited I got about the possibilities. I love music, not just classical music so I thought it was important to keep the classical respect but get people from both rock and classical areas interested in something new.”

Born David Bongartz, the German-American adopted his mother’s maiden name and has been playing violin since he was four. By 14 he was the youngest soloist signed to the prestigious classical music label Deutsche Grammophon. Without telling his parents, he later left Germany for New York, where he was accepted at the world famous Juilliard School, studying under legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. To pay the bills he worked as a model which landed him in the pages of Vogue and walking the catwalks for Armani.

Since then David has played with symphonies and with his band all over the world, usually accompanied by his faithful Stradivarius. Rock Symphonies is David’s eighth album and a DVD concert featuring his cross-over tracks has also been released. He has partnerships with Audi cars, MontBlanc, Cadbury and wears German jewellery and accessories by designer Thomas Sabo. His arrangement of Beethoven’s The 5th has been used in a series of chocolate commercials but he’s also broken the world speed record for performing the speedy Flight of the Bumblebee.

Australia’s Shrinking Properties – One More Thing to Think About

2011-09-27T09:56:00.002+08:00

In the Perth real estate this industry, it’s our goal to help people find the property that best suits their needs – whether that’s an investment property, the dream family home or a first home.

Many of our clients are becoming increasingly aware that Australian properties are shrinking. This is nothing new, it has been happening for years with lots gradually becoming smaller so developers can fit more lots into subdivisions for Perth’s ever growing population.

What this means for home buyers, is that they will not be able to offer their family’s the same sort of home and living style that they had growing up. What this means for us as real estate professionals, is that we have another significant issue to discuss with clients.

Home buyers need to be realistic about the change in housing options; too many people become sentimental about particular properties which can cloud their judgement. There has been a shift in how we live and this is reflected in the demand for medium density accommodation close to the city and different style homes.

Some home owners are happy to forgo such things as a backyard and instead have a pool or an alfresco entertainment area. A spacious property is no longer a huge priority for those wanting less maintenance and more living space. For these people, the fact that lots are getting smaller is welcomed news.

The irony is that this has coincided with an ongoing growth in the size of the houses Australians are building. Bigger houses on ever shrinking lots.

John

Reading the market: quicker reaction time now required!

2011-09-15T11:29:00.002+08:00

There is no question that we are living in times of uncertainty with economic trends turning corners with the blink of an eye. It seems that the days of the market cycle and change pace seen in past decades may now be replaced by much more volatility. We may now all need to adjust to a new market dynamic that provides much more frequent and dramatic shifts in direction and this will inevitably impact on everyone.

Taking a universal view, investments in all areas whether it is cash at bank, shares or property, the immediate future is likely to see lower returns on investment being accepted. People’s expectations are less and yields from investments are adjusting to a new world paradigm of lower and more volatile returns. This in turn, may influence a shift to more property investment due to the long term security and its tangible nature.

Property investors currently do not appear to be talking doom and gloom the way equity investors are. Why is that?

Property investment here is relatively safe compared to the volatilities of the share market and international economies. In the Australian property context yields have not vaporised overnight and during these unstable times, people are increasingly attracted to the long term capital return and base line security that property investment offers.

In terms of property trends, we are seeing a re-emergence of investor activity that is informed and considered in its decision making. They understand that it is not about bargain hunting but more importantly about securing the right asset in commercial and residential markets that would not normally be available, if not for the current times.

Affordability may be challenging however data would suggest that it is emerging in the Perth residential property market. Aligning this affordability aspect with a shift in sentiment will see a spike in buyer activity and possibly a sharper cycle adjustment than we have previously been accustomed. So property investors and agents need to be prepared to read the market quickly and adjust their approach.

The weekly selling and letting activity of Realmark covering various residential and commercial market types provide us with a unique advantage to anecdotally sense a shift in the market well ahead of it appearing in statistical reports months later. In today’s world, changes may occur in days and not quarters. Sellers and buyers for owner occupation or investment would be wise to build a direct relationship with a real estate agency that has this level of market connection so that they can maximise the benefit to them.

Whether trading in property short term, investing long term or simply wishing to achieve the best sale or rent price outcome, an effective agent can guide you to extract best results from a market that is constantly and quickly evolving.

John Percudani
Realmark Director

IN Character

2011-09-15T11:27:00.000+08:00

by Ara Jansen

Actor and musician John Waters has had a busy year doing all the things he loves the most on stage and screen

John Waters never had a plan to rule the stage or the screen. Somehow, things just fell into place and at 62, the actor and musician has become one of Australia’s much-loved veterans.
He’s back on the road next month touring with Looking Through a Glass Onion, his stage salute to the life and music of John Lennon.
“It’s a very enjoyable show and it’s very intimate with the audience because I talk right to them,” says John.

“I never tire of live performance because it is so alive and different each time. It’s an opportunity to be bigger than life on stage, because otherwise I’m not a hugely theatrical person. I’m a family person with five-year-old twins, an eight-year-old and grandchildren. They continually fascinate me.”
It has been a year of high-visibility for the guy who among other things spent almost two decades on Playschool. John not only released his debut solo album, Cloudland,

but returned to our television screens in the second season of the Logie-winning series Offspring. He plays Nina Proudman’s dad Darcy, a real estate agent who falls into bed with a lot of different women.
“He’s got a good heart and he’s well-meaning,” John says fondly. “He succumbs to women but he’s a good-natured man who loves his family even if he can’t hold a marriage together.

The Proudmans are an out-there family and they have a lot of sex while trying to deal with the issues of their professional lives. Darcy has a positive twist on everything; he doesn’t see problems, just solutions which makes him a nice character to play.”
John says his role in Offspring has also taken him to a different audience from his previous three year long role in All Saints.

“I think the stories are things everyone can relate to. It catches a 30-something female audience as a chic flick, but there’s plenty for men to watch too.
“It’s also great to be able to enjoy this new lease on life every time something goes to air on television. It seems to be the place most people notice you, compared to the stage.”

As a result it seems that a whole new audience is enjoying Looking Through A Glass Onion, which has started to draw much younger crowds, not just aging Beatles fans. They’re now bringing their kids and grandkids too.
“I’m happy to be enjoying a renaissance, if that’s what people’s perception is. In the meantime I’ve remained true to the fact that I’m going to do what I do regardless. Plus I still get to play the guy that gets the girls.”

Looking Through a Glass Onion is at Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton on October 5, Bunbury Entertainment Centre on October 6, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on October 7 and on October 8 at the Astor Theatre in Mt Lawley.

IN Flavour- Anna Gare

2011-09-01T09:37:00.001+08:00

By Ara Jansen

IN Flavour

Her life-long love affair with food has finally seen Anna Gare release a cook book and the results are delicious.

When she titled her first cook book Homemade, Anna Gare meant it in every sense of the word.

The recipes come from her kitchen and those people who taught her to cook. She tried and tested them on her family and friends in the kitchen of her Fremantle home and if she wasn’t plucking ingredients from her garden, she was sourcing them as locally as possible. Good friends helped her style and photograph the food and local company Fremantle Press have published the book.

“It’s very me,” confesses Anna. “The food is very simple. I like cooking quick and clever food. I feel completely satisfied and cleverer if I cook something in five minutes rather than taking an hour or two. It gives me real satisfaction to create something quickly. Less time in the kitchen and more time at the table and more time on the dance floor, I say!”

Released this month, Homemade is the realisation of a long-time dream from the one time Jam Tart singer and caterer turned television cooking judge. The book features recipes created for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, impromptu feasts and snacks.

They range from a mouth-watering deluxe lamb burger with blue cheese and rocket to veal saltimbocca and passionfruit tart. Rather than being divided into sections, the recipes are mixed in together, like an olive and leek tatin next to dukkah, encouraging constant browsing to see what tempts your tastebuds. Anna has kept the methods as simple as possible – each line starts with a verb clearly explaining what action you need to take next.

The cook says one of the things she loves the most about food is its ability to get people talking. She’s had some of her favourite moments with her children as they’ve chopped and cooked together.

“I have the best conversations with my kids over the kitchen bench. Someone is peeling potatoes and it’s a really nice time working alongside each other. Rather than going to the movies together, this is a really beautiful bonding opportunity.”

As well as being on bookshelves, Anna will also be back on television screens soon as she returns for season two of Junior MasterChef Australia.

Homemade is released through Fremantle Press ($49.95 hardback).

To self-sell or not to self-sell – that is the question?

2011-08-29T12:27:00.002+08:00

The recent article in the Sunday Times about the benefits of self-selling properties has sparked heated discussions with Perth’s real estate agencies. A minority of owners have been selling their own properties for decades, but that is not the issue. The issue is ensuring that you have not undersold your property.

Often the choice made by home owners to self-sell is driven by the idea of saving money in fees rather than selling the property at full potential, which can be done by working with an effective agent.

Soft marketing options and social media are available online for individuals who choose to self-sell their property yet selling online can not provide the skills, expertise and individually tailored approach that an agent can.

Not all agents are the same, but sellers need to appreciate the benefits that a contemporary solution-based agency can provide. Progressive agencies can offer sellers increased buyer attraction, effective engagement methods, multi-layered marketing campaigns which all ultimately increase the selling potential of the property.

Many self-sellers don’t necessarily have the time required to fully investigate the real estate market not to mention the expertise needed to make an informed decision, this misconstruction can lead to an underselling of the property.

Often when home owners choose to self-sell, problems can arise due to personal connections with the property which can put potential buyers off. Home owners are much safer working with a skilled, experienced agent who can provide an emotional-free transaction.

Selling a house shouldn’t be about saving money on agent fees, it should be about selling the property at its full value as to increase the selling price. This will ultimately save the home owner more money.

So if you want to save money when selling a house, save not by avoiding fees but by selling your property at its highest potential.

John

Realmark Wins at the Australian Business Awards

2011-08-19T11:31:00.002+08:00

There is a positive buzz in the Realmark offices after the news that we won two Australian Business Awards (ABA) recently. This is a major achievement for Realmark, placing it in the significant company of other ABA winners including some of Australia largest and most widely respected businesses.

The two awards received were the E-Business award and the Product Excellence award. These are both areas which we have strived to excel in and it is encouraging and very pleasing to know that we are not only on track, but providing leading edge solutions for our clients’ advantage.

As a company, Realmark has invested a great deal in marketing tools for online media to ensure we have a presence in this realm and in a way that is in tune with todays consumers’ needs. This allows us to engage with clients in a meaningful and valuable manner.

In addition to this, the Realmark blog and Facebook page enables consumers to have a direct exchange with us and assist with their property queries; our development of customised micro sites for all property listings plus the individual web presentation provided to sellers and lessors, known internally as Q sites (questions answered) together with our weekly on line client reports, have all proven to be highly appreciated innovations by our clients. This is additional to our realmark.com.au website presence.

As more people are looking to seek a fresh alternative to the traditional real estate agencies, Realmark is currently in a great position to connect with todays consumers and by using our choice of strategic selling solutions we can deliver them excellent results. The product excellence award was for one of these solutions, Set Date Sale, which Realmark has customised to suit WA market conditions. It has consistently delivered outstanding success for our sellers by comparison to other sales approaches; notwithstanding the varying market conditions.

These awards motivate all at Realmark to keep embracing new and exciting directions that can advantage our clients. The future will bring a changing face to real estate and I am confident that Realmark is on the right path to continue as a company which delivers outstanding results throughout the changing property cycle.

IN The Air

2011-08-19T11:09:00.001+08:00

By Ara Jansen

More and more West Australians are embracing kiteboarding and it’s proving to be an exciting sport suitable for young and older men and women.

If there’s one thing that Perth is known for it’s the wind. You can almost set your watch to the Fremantle Doctor and the breezes.

Darren Marshall is one guy who never complains that the wind is up because it’s perfect for one of the favourite things in his life – kiteboarding.

“People hate the wind in Perth unless they have a good use for it,” says Darren. “Once they take up kiteboarding, they become wind fanatics.”

If you’ve seen people off the coast skimming across the waves seemingly attached to a kite but definitely not hang gliding, then you’ve seen a kiteboarder or a kitesurfer. And the sight of them is becoming more and more common.

Darren, like many others, was a surfer before he became a kiteboarder. When he discovered it, he liked the fact that the winds were more regular and predictable than the waves.

The 42-year-old Sydneysider followed the wind to Perth in 2004 and since then has been one of its biggest promoters and supporters. Darren’s company teaches kiteboarding, runs a kiteboarding store in Scarborough and somewhere in between family commitments also manages to catch the wind and waves at least a few times a week.

Between November and January are the best times to get out on the water and pretty much be guaranteed ideal conditions – a stiff 18 – 25 knot breeze. Darren’s favourite spots include kiteboarding at Cottesloe, Scarborough, Safety Bay, Lancelin, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Augusta and Margaret River.

In recent years, developments in technology have meant that kiteboarding is no longer just a sport for big strapping blokes. In fact, women are taking it up in large numbers because it builds strength and has a high fun factor.

“It used to be a very bloke-oriented sport, attracting 25 – 35 year old single males. Now we have people in their 60s, teens and many more women. The biggest growth area is with women. Instead of just sitting on the beach and watching, they’re doing it too.

“It’s not like surfing, which is very solitary. Kiteboarding is the sort of sport where you rely on a bit of assistance and it brings people together. The business throws family days too so that also helps build the community.”

What’s attractive to newcomers and is driving up participation rates is that you don’t have to wait 10 years to become good or even just competent.
“The kites have become very light and easy to control and you can have little muscle and no fitness and really enjoy it at a high level straight away. With a few lessons, in a couple of weeks you can be riding and jumping.”

Always keen for a new challenge, Darren has also started teaching people to stand up paddle (SUP). He says it’s also something which takes no time to learn. If you can stand, walk and use a broom, then you’re mostly set.

www.australiankiteboarding.com.au

Realmark Wins Two Australian Business Awards

2011-08-02T11:43:00.002+08:00

Realmark has enjoyed success once again after winning two Australian Business Awards.

Our team took out the award for E-Business and Product Excellence and was nominated alongside some of Australia’s biggest and most well-known companies.

These awards recognise the innovative and strategic direction that Realmark has taken to offer a superior service.

This is a huge success for Realmark and reflects on the dedication of the entire Realmark team. It is also great encouragement that we are having a positive impact on the property market.

Being recognised at this level confirms that we are on the right path and providing service solutions that really connect with today's real estate consumer.

Perth real estate.

John

IN Charity House

2011-07-28T11:15:00.002+08:00

By Ara Jansen

A soon-to-be-built house in Banksia Grove is more than just a family home. It will be raising funds to help young people.

When the home at 6 Saxicola Road eventually goes under the hammer, the people who take possession of the keys will be the link which closes a chain in the life of a building which has a wonderful back story.
The house in Banksia Grove is the 2011 Youth Focus Charity Home. It is being built as a fundraiser for Youth Focus, an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting vulnerable young West Australians and their families through a range of free mental health services to battle issues associated with suicide, depression and self harm.

The Charity House provides an important source of revenue for Youth Focus with all profits from the sale going directly to help maintain their services. The first home was built in 2005 in Baldivis and a second was built in Mandurah in 2008. This year 101 Residential and long-term supporter Scott Park are once again supporting the Charity House project alongside the Banksia Grove development.
Offering the opportunity for young people to help each other, the construction of the Charity House allows apprentices to become involved in building the house. This not only offers them the opportunity to gain experience and skills, it also provides a sense of satisfaction by assisting those in need.
Youth Focus business manager Warren Mahoney says in the construction industry, mental health is an important issue, so it’s a perfect relationship.

“Young people involved in this industry face many challenges,” Warren says. “For most, having money and freedom yet significant responsibility for the first time can create stress. To its credit, the industry has recognised this and we are starting to work with various players to better educate supervisors to have a deeper understanding of triggers and symptoms related to poor mental health. “The construction industry is very relevant as research clearly indicates that young men are disproportionately more likely to suffer mental health issues and not get help compared to young females. Young men just don’t raise these issues with each other and they are statistically more prone to suicide and depression as a result. This project is a great way to raise awareness so the support from 101 Residential and Banksia Grove is very important to us.

Building has commenced on the site at Saxicola Road and once the property opens as a display home towards the end of the year, the public will be invited to view it. Warren says Youth Focus will have a presence at the house in order to share information about their services. The family home will be auctioned early in 2012.

“Working with apprentices on this house and then with people coming to visit, it’s a great way to access young people or their families who might need our services.”
Check out www.youthfocus.com.au

20 Year Milestone in the Property Industry for Realmark Consultant

2011-07-21T15:33:00.001+08:00

When Daniela Ligovich joined Realmark back in 1991, she probably didn’t expect to still be working with us 20 years later.

Back then Daniela accepted a receptionist job with Realmark when it was just a team of two; myself and my wife Anita. Today she is our senior residential property manager in our Leederville office

“It just so happened that while working as a receptionist I started to learn more about property and became quite interested in it all. After getting my certificate in property management I found myself in the role of residential property manager,” Daniela says.

At a time where one in six people are leaving the property industry it is great to celebrate Daniela’s personal achievements over two decades with Realmark and that she continues to enjoy her job and being with Realmark.

Daniela has stayed with the Realmark team as we have grown and gone through many changes.

And as Realmark as a company has grown, so has Daniela’s portfolio, with many people working with her for their investment property portfolios and even some past tenants who have come back to Realmark to buy their first home.

This loyalty from clients speaks volumes for Daniela’s dedication to her work and for Realmark’s approach to real estate.

Realmark is lucky to have people like Daniela on board and we look forward to continue working with her into the future over the next 20 years!

John.

Renovate then sell?

2011-07-18T10:44:00.002+08:00

At this time of the year, many real estate agents are finding that some home owners would rather stay put in their homes and renovate than try and sell in the struggling market.

For those who choose to renovate, it’s important they are aware of the value of their property and know that any major structural renovations will not have an immediate effect on the property’s value but will add to it over the next 10 years or so.

It is common for home owners to be hesitant about selling in a dull market; however there will always be people out there who need to sell or need to buy and as real estate professionals, it’s our job to inform home owners of all the alternative options.

When giving advice to home owners, it’s important to remember that many other factors come into the decision of selling up and moving on.

While some may believe the rational thing to do in a tight market is to hang onto what they’ve got, others will see the benefit of selling up and moving to a property that better suits their lifestyle.

Although home owners might be afraid of not getting the maximum amount they could in a good market, they should also remember that the market could swing in their favour when buying their next property; however if they wait too long for the market to pick up again, upgrading to a bigger house or different neighbourhood might not be achieved as easily.

By talking through the different options for home owners in a clear and transparent way, they’ll be able to make the best decision for their situation and will appreciate the unique Realmark approach to real estate.

It’s always important to remember that what might be the best solution for one client, won’t necessarily be the best solution for the next.

IN Beaux Arts

2011-07-18T10:39:00.002+08:00

Dress-up, put on your dancing shoes, shake off any winter blues and indulge in a bygone era at the first Beaux Arts Ball in Perth.

A passion for film and the aesthetic of the pre-World War II period has led Kat Black and Jasper Cook to bring fashion, art, theatre and film together for a night of celebration.

Better known in Perth as VJzoo, they’re the organisers of the first Beaux Arts Ball – an evening paying homage to the 1920s and 30s and taking its cue from the balls and salons held in Europe and America at the time.

“It was such an important and exciting time culturally,” Kat Black says. “Modernism was forming – Cubist artists like Picasso and Surrealist’s like Dali. There was so much experimentation, especially with young art forms like film. Man Ray laid household items like pins directly onto negative film and exposed it to create abstract art films while Paris was the heart of the avant-garde movement.”

For the pair that dovetails perfectly with their love for old films and their VJ work. They’re passionate about anything from the late 1800s through to the 1950s but Kat and Jasper’s very favourite period is 1929 – 1934, after the development of the talkies.

“It was a crazy time where pretty much anything went. Movies like Flying Down to Rio with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Busby Berkeley classics like 42nd Street or Cecil B. de Mille spectaculars like Cleopatra with Claudette Colbert. They were huge, dramatic, fantastical pictures – escapism for depression-era audiences whose lives could not have been further removed from the opulence shown on the silver screen.”

Entertainment at the Beaux Arts Ball will include Perth’s premier jazz artists led by Graham Wood of The Ellington, with guest vocalist Gina Williams, Michelle Smith playing jazz harp and Zoe Kikiros from the West Australian Opera. There will be also plenty of opportunity to dance – from the Charleston to swing.

One of the attractions of the ball will be 50 Living Works of Art. Some of Perth’s hottest young artists, designers and stylists will be creating costumes that blur the line between art, fashion and performance. There will be a grand procession of these Living Works of Art in the tradition of the original Parisian artists’ balls and the winners will be judged by a panel on the night.

VJzoo will be projecting some of their favourite scenes from movies of the era to complement the live acts. Some of the footage will be obscure – like the fabulous scene of a costume ball on a zeppelin in Cecil B. de Mille’s Madam Satan and a scene from Fashions, featuring more than fifty fan dancers in the 1934 Busby Berkeley film plus the classic scene of girls dancing on biplanes from Flying Down to Rio.

“We’re film nerds and we’re really looking forward to showing off some of our rare footage. We usually work in nightclubs and while we love bringing film history alive to a new audience there, it’s also great to be able to play to fellow enthusiasts of the period occasionally too.”

Be ready to escape and immerse yourself in another time, another place at the Beaux Arts Ball. While this won’t be a perfect historic recreation, VJzoo are aiming to capture the spirit of the Jazz Age – glamorous, wild, creative and free.

The Beaux Arts Ball at the Perth Town Hall on August 6. Tickets from BOCS. Ticketholders have access to free workshops to create their own head-dress and other costume pieces.
Check out http://thebeauxartsball.com for details and the latest news.

IN Wallpaper

2011-07-05T16:10:00.002+08:00

Winter might be a time for snuggling, but it’s also a perfect time for warming your walls with images, colour and texture.

In some countries you’d probably start a trend if you chose to paint a wall rather than wallpaper it.

In Western Australia where painted walls have become the norm, we’ve once again started to look at wallpaper as a different way to decorate and use it almost like furniture – a chance to express a love for colour, pattern, and texture or just shout about our personality. It’s not that we’re unfamiliar with wallpapering; it’s just that it has taken a long time to become really groovy.

Wallpaper designer and creator Ann-Louise Jansson – better known as Lollo – has a passion for turning walls into flat works of art, totally bucking the notion that wallpaper is even remotely old fashioned.

“For the last few years people who have been using wallpaper have put it behind the bedhead or television as a feature but now they are starting to talk about putting it on three walls and wrapping it around windows to tie a room together,” Lollo says from her Jolimont studio, Scandinavian Wallpaper & Decor.

Her made-to-order wallpaper can turn your bedroom into something an astronomer would be proud to sleep under or have you convinced you really do live on a white sandy beach when you gaze over from your couch.
There are murals of historic landmarks like the popular Eifel Tower and the view across the Brooklyn Bridge or collages of words, pictures and objects which infer a place or simply a stand of trees to offer a quiet moment of contemplation.

Because the wallpaper is custom-made, instead of framing all your holiday photos, consider turning them into a display, frieze or strip of images and let the wall become your photo album. Or just choose one photo and blow it up to take over a wall. A shot from your phone or camera of about five megapixels will be enough for a good-sized wall.

“People often come in with something traditional in mind but when they see the big wall murals they often change their minds. I think they want a little more personality, so they might choose some family photos in black and white to go on the wall in the television room. It’s also a great talking point.”

Smartly chosen wallpaper with the right images, can also be used to create a feeling of space and can extend a small room, making it feel more like a window than a wall.

“I think wallpaper makes a home more interesting and is another way of people showing who they are. It’s another way to add art to your home by being an alternative to art.”

In terms of trends, Lollo says people often choose a design based on how long they are planning to stay in the house. If you’re only planning to stop for a few years, something more neutral is usually chosen, while those looking to stay for five years or longer are keen to have images which truly say something about how they live or what they love.

“The up-coming collection includes paper that looks like raw wood panelling and concrete walls so it will give the effect rather than needing a cedar wall. Some of the paper is textured and you can personalise text on top of the designs. It’s generally very strong and you can also wipe it down.”

Check out the designs at wallpaperdecor.com.au and mrperswall.com.au.

IN Work Ethos

2011-06-20T13:30:00.002+08:00

Work doesn’t need to be dull. A West Perth business has taken a leaf out of Google’s book and is a perfect example of working hard and playing hard.

The next time you see a group of blokes walking through West Perth in pyjamas and Mickey Mouse slippers or dressed as superheroes, check out if they’re smiling. Then make sure you ask if you can snap a picture with them – because that will make you smile.

Pyjama Monday is just one of the creative management techniques Matt Lambie and his business partner Adam Fitzgerald have endorsed for their custom software company, The Frontier Group.

Matt, the group’s chief information officer, has been friends with Adam, the company’s CEO, for 13 years. They met at university, decided to start a business and the first person they employed was a uni friend.

When they started The Frontier Group in their share house, they were clear they wanted a certain aesthetic and culture which would make them want to work and go to work. The result is a company philosophy which uses some unusual techniques but equally demands a standard of work excellence.

“A big part of how we have set up the office is what people in this industry expect,” says Matt. At 30, he’s one of the oldest in the office, with most of the 22 employees being in their early to mid-20s.

“We don’t have the same budget as Google and I was lucky enough to visit their offices and it’s as crazy as you hear about – people working in tepees or with stars hanging over their desks.”

The Frontier Group’s translation of that includes having an open-plan office, regularly having two programmers work on a project simultaneously with two keyboards, daily meetings standing in the round to discuss yesterday’s work or problems and even advice from the in-house stylist. They do charity and pro bono work and on Friday afternoons everyone can work on a project of their choice, but the catch is that it must be potentially beneficial to someone.

Matt says they have proven that if you demand creativity and productivity from your people, then they must have an environment in which to thrive. Punching a time card and grinding away lacks inspiration and lifestyle.

“We don’t want our people here all night and on weekends. It has to be a great place to go to work but you have to want to leave too. We’ve tried to balance it. I think our culture is quite tangible. It’s partly because we wanted to build something we’re proud of but also because we want to come to the office, so it had to be a cool place.”

Of primary importance of course is that every quirky thing they do serves to support impressive and innovative work, not detract from it.

“We don’t have to crack the whip and I completely trust people to do what they need to do. It’s great that the staff really are embodying the whole ethos. Working this way makes them happier and more creative. It makes them proud and gives them a sense of identity.

“The benefit is that they get up in the morning and want to be here. In this day and age there are a lot of offices you can’t say that about.”

regaining confidence in the market

2011-06-20T13:23:00.001+08:00

For many, the 2010 / 2011 financial year has been a turbulent one for various reasons.

Natural disasters, political uncertainty and a volatile economy have all contributed to the current trends we are seeing in the property market and consumer sentiment in general.

During times of uncertainty the psyche in people changes; some people feel wary about making changes in their life such as buying or selling property, while others reassess their lives and take a ‘live in the moment’ approach.

In the WA market, uncertainty and subsequent action deferral is more accentuated because Perth enjoyed a major and prolonged boost in the market ahead of other Australian markets throughout 2005 and 2006. However, this was followed by a dramatic slide in property values.

Nevertheless, we are now aligned with other capital city markets and analysis of historic trends suggests we are approaching the bottom of the curve and can look forward to a more stable and positive market. It’s important that we look beyond the immediate moment and see the medium term potential of the market.

Perth has already seen some correction in the market; and although it will be a slow and steady return to a more energised market it’s a positive sign for WA and feelings of uncertainty regarding property will begin to subside as people gain confidence in the market fundamentals.

While we endure this sluggish market, it’s important to have confidence that it will find its own equilibrium consistent with the demand and supply. It is also a time to seriously consider opportunities provided by the market now and take advantage of strategic buying ahead of the crowd.

Realmark featured in BRW

2011-06-14T09:36:00.001+08:00

Wow! Realmark featured in BRW - check it out on our website (http://t.co/yvdZRQn) or pick it up at your local newsagent (p.44).

IN Food & Wine

2011-06-07T11:30:00.003+08:00

Indulge yourself at the Good Food & Wine show and take some time to enjoy some of the finer things in life.

Perth’s obsession with food and wine is no secret. Cookbooks, gourmet stores, smart restaurants, wineries, fresh produce and a passion for celebrity chefs are part of our regular menu.

What better place to indulge and celebrate all these things in one place than at this year’s Good Food & Wine Show in July. Last year the show attracted more than 20,000 visitors and this year the show turns five in WA.

It’s an epicurean’s delight and the chance to explore, indulge and sample food, acclaimed local produce, enticing chocolates, luscious cheeses and of course award-winning Western Australian wines. All up, there will be more than 150 exhibitors with delicious products to try and learn about.

Highlights of the show include the Fisher & Paykel Celebrity Theatre where George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Manu Fieldel and Anna Gare will be cooking up a storm. A show favourite, it’s your chance to watch leading chefs in their element.

“This is a really good opportunity to see your favourite Australian chefs live and them actually cooking,” says exhibition manager Claire Back. “People like Gary and George have been working with us since before MasterChef. For these guys it’s a fun chance to get away from TV and their restaurants for a while.”

Learn the art of wine tasting and food matching in the Riedel Wine Theatre or slice up some cheese know-how with the Cheese Matters Discovery Class, a 45-minute tutored tasting which celebrates regional producers, explores premium cheese samples and savours expertly matched wine.

The show has been hugely popular with families and Claire says while it’s an opportunity for the curious to explore, for those wanting to go deeper there are also specialist classes.

“We have some visitors who go to every class and take notes and want to meet all the stall holders, taste and talk about their products. Then there are other people who want a fun day out and might learn how to cook a piece of meat on the barbecue.”

The much-loved celebrity chef book signings continue this year as well.

“As people are becoming more time poor they still want to be able to entertain at home or for those people who come home after work and still want to be able to cook well, the show offers plenty of great ideas for both.

“This explosion of interest in food has made people more adventurous in their home cooking too. For everyday cooks through to people who want to do something just a little differently, this is an opportunity to pick up one or two new tricks.”

The Good Food & Wine Show is on at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 15 – 17. Check out www.goodfoodshow.com.au for more information. Tickets from the website, Ticketek or at the door. Some classes cost extra on top of general show entry.

The Backyard Dream

2011-06-07T10:08:00.002+08:00

The backyard dream represents a lifestyle that many Australians continue to desire; but is it what we need or is it simply reflective of an earlier era?

Perth is the most isolated city in the world where land is aplenty, but services such as water and energy supply are not. Perth is also an elongated metropolis growing along four lengthy urban corridors and transport spines, which in turn accentuates the competition for near and inner city accommodation.

As Perth develops, it increasingly offers two distinct lifestyle choices; high density apartment living or a family home with a backyard in the suburbs. The latter comes with a price tag attached which continues to climb.

We are already seeing many of the larger lots in Perth succumb to developers plans with lots becoming significantly smaller in order to fit more in and offer the ‘dream’ to more people. There is also pressure from Government to convert backyards with urban in-fill development.

It is predicted that by 2030 Perth will have a population of 3.5 million, which will see some people from the next generation wanting to buy homes and finding their traditional home expectation financially and physically out of reach.

That doesn’t mean the dream of owning a family home complete with a backyard and picket fence will disappear, as the desire and expectations will continue. What it does mean however, is that the backyard dream is becoming an increasingly challenged dream to achieve. With this in mind, perhaps it’s time for us to accept that alternative living solutions need to be offered to change the way society views property.

People need to wake up to the realisation that obtaining the dream family home is only one part of the mission. The ongoing rates, maintenance and household costs tend to be the forgotten factors. Not to mention the questions of affordability and the increasingly difficult to finance property purchases. We need to get realistic about housing sustainability and let go of the idealistic lifestyle choice.

As real estate professionals we can constructively contribute by empowering our clients by offering them all the options for their future home. Once buyers know what options are available to them they can then make a well informed decision which may better suit their complete lifestyle and their finances.

Realmark raises just over $3,000 for Breast Cancer

2011-06-02T14:56:00.003+08:00

As a company which is predominantly made up of females, it was important to me that Realmark supported the Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk for breast cancer.

At Realmark we have about 140 staff. Just less than 100 of those are women.

It’s safe to say that breast cancer affects everyone in some way; mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces and friends. It has no preference for just one ‘type’ of woman.

The Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk event is not only a great opportunity to recognise Mother’s Day but also a fantastic way for people to give something back to the community and show support to those who have gone through, or are going through breast cancer.

All proceeds from the Mother’s Day Classic are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which has raised $7.8 million dollars since it began in 1998. We encouraged all family and friends of staff at Realmark to join us in taking part, whether it was in walking or through donations.

Thank you to everyone who was there on the day (39 of Realmark staff, family & friends) and to all who made donations. Without these generous donations we would have not achieved the awesome fundraising result of just over $3,000 - THANK YOU! It was great to see people coming together to make a difference.

IN our city

2011-05-23T15:17:00.001+08:00

Perth is still one of the most liveable cities in the world and we’d like to keep it that way. Meet a group who want to make sure we’re prepared.

We may be one of the most isolated cities on the planet but there’s much to celebrate. While Perth can only get bigger, we must also make sure our city grows with a clear and united vision to make the most of our natural and human resources and our geographic location.

Committee for Perth argues creating the Perth of the future should be done in a smart, planned and co-ordinated way. We need strong transport, housing availability and affordability, a thriving cultural and arts scene and educated citizens. That way we will reap the benefits of the dynamism of a bigger city and continue to be residents of a city we love.

Started in 2006, Committee for Perth is an independently-funded, apolitical think tank of business leaders which advocates preserving the best things about Perth and encouraging smart planning for the challenges of tomorrow.

The group’s CEO, Marion Fulker, says Perth still ranks highly on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Index and they want to make sure it retains that mantle.

“We have to have a compelling reason for our citizens to stay and an international awareness about coming here in the first place,” she says. “We have a long-term interest in Perth and want to offer a collective vision for it. We want the world to know we are here and who we are. “Ultimately, we want a city which welcomes a variety of ages, genders and ethnicities to make a place that we all want to live in and not have people leave screaming, saying ‘I don’t think I’ll be back’.”

Originally from Sydney, Marion settled in Perth more than two decades ago. She has become a total convert to our lifestyle and sees so much of our future potential.

“Perth has a reputation for some things but many of them are not differentiated from other places. What is it about Perth when you are making a decision to come here that would compel you? That’s why we were founded.

“We all know it’s a great place to raise a family but there’s also economic opportunity and other things which make it liveable and vibrant plus globally competitive.”

While the group works with government and business, it also does intensive research on subjects benefiting the future of city planning like the possibility of a light rail system, local government reform, the Perth waterfront development (an artist’s impression is pictured on these pages) and a world centre for indigenous art and culture.

For example, Marion says many expanding modern cities have realised light rail is essential to smart rapid mass transport and have either implemented it or upgraded existing services.

Given the population of Perth is now around 1.66 million and the public transit infrastructure that was developed when the population was at 1.2 million is already straining under the weight, what will happen in 2050 when it’s anticipated the population will hit 3.5 million?

Marion welcomes the announcement of a light rail system being in the planning stages and says the already overcrowded railway lines are testament that West Australians will use efficient public transport.

“But success will quickly turn to failure if our public transit infrastructure fails to keep pace with growth and it’s evident the Joondalup line is already falling victim to a lack of continuous investment and improvement, less than 20 years after opening.

“The overcrowding of commuter trains and park and ride facilities that are full by 7.30am are all signs that public transit does not start and end with the construction of train lines. As a city we need to be on a path of continuous investment and improvement to keep pace with growth and not wait until our existing systems can no longer cope with demand.”

A Right Season to Sell – Is it a Fact or an Excuse?

2011-05-23T08:55:00.002+08:00

Real estate agents have long debated and even advocated that there is a ‘right’ season to sell property, with some arguing that summer time is simply too busy and others arguing that homes don’t look their best in the midst of winter or buyers are distracted by the football season. While many WA agents advise potential sellers to defer selling until the Spring, there will always be people ready to act.

Seasons will influence those who are just window shopping at a property with no serious intention of buying, but there are always people out there who need to buy a new home regardless of the season. It’s these people we need to focus on.

While Perth has recently enjoyed some enjoyed some cooler temperatures, it has made no difference to properties the company has listed and sold. It is not about the weather it is about the craft marketing and selling that engages buyers regardless of the season.

It’s all about going into sell a home with the right strategy, the right focus and the right attitude. If someone believes it’s not the right season to sell then things are automatically off to a weak start.

WA real estate agents need to remember regardless of whether it’s the mythical ‘ideal season’ to sell or not, there will always be people ready to buy property and we just need to connect with them for our sellers and get the job done.

Humble Home Buyers

2011-05-16T16:08:00.002+08:00

Realmark managing director John Percudani provides the following comment in light of Premier Colin Barnett’s views that first home owners need to take on a more modest approach in their home ownership expectations.

There appears to be a right of passage way of thinking among first home buyers, who believe they deserve or are expected to have the standard 4x2 home. But is this actually what they really need? Or are people buying into a social stereo type by buying the house that they think meets others expectations?

The fact of the matter is that many first home buyers cannot afford the homes that many of them are securing and as a result their lives are being put into disarray by being faced with a debt that they can not financially manage.

And this cost does not just stop at the mortgage payments. As many first home buyers quickly find out, it also involves the ongoing costs of maintaining a home, paying rates and energy. Even increased building costs relating to green considerations are increasing housing building costs with questionable returns.

The Federal Government’s first home buyer post GFC incentive merely distorted the market stability and lured buyers prematurely into the market resulting in more loan defaults further down the track.

As a society, Western Australia needs to make a change to the housing supply and the structure of homes to offer first home buyers something they can afford.

IN Wicked

2011-05-10T09:07:00.001+08:00

Wicked makes its long-awaited arrival in Perth and brings with it a home-grown star.

When Lucy Durack left Perth to take up the sparkly role of Glinda in the musical Wicked, she was a WAAPA graduate with some solid national experience. Three years and more than 900 shows later, Lucy has become a bona fide Australian star.

Now, after such a successful national run, the award-winning musical comes to Perth next month. Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz, long before Dorothy and Toto dropped into the picture and follows the unlikely friendship of Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

“I am so excited the show is coming home,” says Lucy. “The role was something I wanted really badly so I was hoping it would run for a few months, but with what’s happened, of course I am thrilled. I got my wish and it has really let me sink my teeth into the role.”

Lucy’s skyrocketing profile has also opened up other opportunities including singing at an AFL Grand Final, Flemington and one of the big Christmas carol concerts.

“I feel extremely fortunate that I ended up in a huge show that has been around for a long run and that I have been able to go with it and have a great time.”

The actress, who now lives in Sydney, considers herself blessed to have also had a character with so many dimensions to explore for a long run.

“She’s not all bubblegum pop and not just funny,” says Lucy of Glinda, who has almost become her alter ego. “She has a great emotional journey each show and the character expands which is what makes it really interesting. I’m still finding out new things about Glinda. No matter what kind of day you are having, there’s always a bit of her character you can use as a cathartic experience.”

While she makes as many visits back home to Perth as possible, Lucy says when she’s here, she always has to indulge in her favourite local activities. Top of the list includes shopping in Fremantle plus window shopping and the odd purchase in King Street. Lucy virtually grew up on Trigg Beach, so she makes sure she spends some serious time along the coast, close to the water and goes swimming at Leighton Beach.

With her family having recently moved to Subiaco, Lucy is planning some long lunches at local eateries and can’t wait to check out the newly revamped Boulevard Hotel and the new Clancy’s in City Beach.

Wicked starts it’s Perth season on June 19 at Burswood Theatre with evening and matinee performances. Tickets from Ticketek.

IN Mother's Day

2011-04-27T08:34:00.002+08:00

Spoil and indulge your mum this Mother’s Day with a selection of affordable and indulgent ideas and presents she’ll treasure.

When it comes to gift-giving, let’s face it, some people are just better than others. With Mother’s Day coming up we wanted to make sure you were armed with some great ideas to show your mum just how much you appreciate her.

So we asked someone who knows a lot about gifts. Rachel Gardiner from Perth’s Finest Occasions & Events knows when less is more or when nothing but a large splash will do.

“The list we’ve created is something which you can do on a budget or splurge with,” says Rachel. “There are gifts for kids, teens and dads to choose from. A present for Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive and in most cases it really is the thought that counts. Give it a little bit of thought and gift mum something she would really like or enjoy, rather than what you would enjoy.

“A mum who is really time poor will appreciate some uninterrupted, relaxing time away from her responsibilities while a mum who has a knee problem won’t want to be gifted a bushwalk!”
25 excellent ideas for Mother's Day

Make your own card
Young children can make mum a personalised Mother’s Day card or a drawing she’ll love to keep. If you’re handy with crayons, big kids can do this too!

eCard
If you can’t celebrate or see your mum on the day, an eCard is a special emailed greeting card. It’ll let her know you’re thinking of her and haven’t forgotten this special day.

A bunch of flowers
Whether you pick a bunch of flowers from the garden or buy a bunch, flowers will always be a welcome gift.

Breakfast in bed
Surprise mum with breakfast in bed to show your appreciation.

Chocolate gift hamper
Indulge your mum’s love of chocolate with a gift hamper filled with gooey gourmet delights.

Gift card
Surprise mum with a gift card from a store she really loves.
Babysitting
An ideal gift for teenagers – offer to look after your baby sister or brother for a few hours and give mum a well-deserved break.

Bubble bath
Run a bubble bath and leave mum alone for a couple of hours to relax and pamper herself. No banging on the bathroom door!

Book
Choose a great book you know mum will love. Pick her favourite author or grab a copy of the latest best-seller. It will go perfectly with a long bath.

Picnic
Pack a delicious picnic basket and head to the river for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Gold Class movie experience
Spoil your mum with a Gold Class movie experience. With a film, food, drinks and service, she’ll feel like a queen.

Slippers
As winter approaches, surprise mum with a soft pair of cosy slippers.

Dinner
Give mum the night off! Cook her a special dinner and choose all her favourite treats. If you’re not a master chef, surprise mum with a meal at her favourite restaurant or one she has wanted to try.

Day spa
Spoil mum with a trip to the day spa and indulge in any combination of a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure.

Jewellery
A stunning piece of jewellery will make mum smile. A pair of earrings or a stylish bracelet is a thoughtful gesture and show of love.

Jewellery box
A beautiful jewellery box to keep mum’s precious pieces and watches safe is a special gift.

Handbag
Select a handbag which is functional but also transports all her worldly possessions in style.

Perfume
Find a tantalizing new scent that captures the mystery and sophistication of your mum.

A CD & DVD
Find a CD or DVD she’d enjoy spending the afternoon with.

Digital photo frame
Every picture tells your story. Share your digital photos with family.

Gym membership
Gift fitness! A gym membership will speak to mum’s mind, body and soul.

iPad
For the electronically-savvy mum, choose an iPad. She can do everything from reading and watching movies to enjoying music, playing games and accessing endless web content.

Shopping spree
For the ultimate indulgence, take mum on a shopping spree and splurge in King’s Street.

Hot air ballooning
For the adventurous type, feel the magic of soaring high over the land at sunrise, suspended in a basket under a glorious hot air balloon.

Theatre tickets
Present your mum with tickets to the theatre where she can dress up and enjoy the very best in drama, opera, ballet, dance and music.

Realmark takes home two REI Awards

2011-04-27T08:23:00.003+08:00

We are thrilled to announce that Realmark has been recognised at the highest level after taking out two categories at the national Real Estate Institute of Australia awards.

Realmark surpassed some of the fiercest competition in the real estate industry to win the National REI of Australia Award for Excellence in Communication for property marketing and best Commercial Agency of the Year.

Not only is this a fantastic reflection of the dedication and hard work by the entire Realmark team but shows our ability to get results through the highs and the lows which are typical to the property market.

Realmark was nominated as the WA finalist in four categories; Large Residential Agency of the Year, Commercial Agency of the Year, Communications Award and Innovation Award.

This success highlights the level of marketing and transactional expertise available to WA clients and also shows the beneficial outcomes of career opportunities at Realmark. The innovative approach Realmark takes to marketing and sales is rewarded by successful sales and happy clients.

The real estate industry is one of constant change. The way in which real estate agents adapt to this change is fundamental to the ongoing success. The selling strategies Realmark employs and the proactive approach in communicating clearly with clients is having a positive effect on the property market. It has recently been a time of uncertainty in the property market, however Realmark has continued to proactively look for new ways to enhance our service and increase our sales.

And it has paid off. Realmark is bucking the trend and where sales are down across the state, Realmark is seeing a positive shift across the board in both lettings and sales results.

So what is it that sets us apart from our competitors? Firstly, Realmark does not believe in treating every client the same. We understand that each client has different needs but all clients have one common goal – to be treated fairly and achieve a good outcome. We believe that to achieve this for our clients; we need to be completely transparent in our communication with them. We tell them what they need to know, not what they want to hear. And in the end, our clients are happy because they can take that information and make the best informed decision to their best advantage.

These awards encourage us to strive even further and set the bar higher for real estate and the culture of the property industry.

We are looking forward to what the rest of 2011 brings.

License Launch

2011-04-18T12:01:00.002+08:00

Realmark has welcomed high profile real estate advisor Mark Sinclair to the team as an independent consultant with our new business solutions license launch.

This is yet another great way in which Realmark is proactively searching for ways to offer our clients a better service and we can’t wait to see the results of these exciting and innovative new business solutions.

Realmark Agent Elected

2011-04-14T16:41:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Realmark’s Nicola Morris who has been elected for the REIWA Property Chapter Committee for the third year running. Nicola will be a great asset on the committee and we look forward to hearing what she takes on board.

This is a great achievement and we are proud to have someone of Nicola’s calibre on our team here at Realmark.

REALMARK VOTED BEST MARKETERS, BEST COMMERCIAL AGENCY

2011-04-12T16:53:00.000+08:00

The Realmark team has beaten some of the best in the business and brought home not one but two REIA Awards.

This is the highest possible level to be recognised at and we are thrilled to receive the award for Communications Excellence for best real estate marketing, and beat some of Australia’s largest commercial agencies in the category of Commercial Agency Excellence.

These awards highlight what we already knew here at Realmark – that we have the expertise and dedication to set the bar high and achieve great things in the real estate industry.

John.

IN Saltimbanco

2011-04-12T09:02:00.002+08:00

by Ara Jansen

With a timeless story to tell and majestic acrobatics to amaze all ages, Cirque du Soleil returns to Perth with an arena season of Saltimbanco.

Cirque du Soleil’s Zbigniew “Zibi” Bachor says no matter how long he has been with Saltimbanco, he never tires of the show’s colour, performances which celebrate the joy of life and the flying acts using every possible bit of space.

Born in Poland the 46-year-old performs with the Chinese Poles and Russian Swing act of Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco. He’s been doing it for more than 14 years and is the oldest acrobat in the house troupe and probably one of the toughest.

Zibi has travelled the planet with Saltimbanco under the Big Top. Now with the arena show set-up, he returns to Perth this month for the first time in more than 10 years.

Saltimbanco, translated loosely from Italian, means to “jump on a bench”. It’s one of Cirque du Soleil’s signature shows exploring the idea that diversity offers hope in an urban metropolis with costumes to delight and amazing acrobatics.

As a result of performing the same jumps each show, retaining the same character and being very meticulous, Zibi is now also the Russian Swing coach for this Saltimbanco troupe. He says a combination of age, experience and training have made him tough.

“There are many more things too,” Zibi says. “Taking care of yourself is very important, not only physically but also mentally. Nutrition is also key; too many people neglect this aspect. I think what is tough about me is that I prepare the same way for every single show.”

The performer says he continues to bring fire and enthusiasm to his role because each show is different and performing in different countries keeps things fresh. “We have some room for improvisation in our show and we always have to adapt to our audience.”

Even after playing the same character in Saltimbanco for years Zibi knows it is possible to keep getting better. After every show the artists watch their performances to see ways in which they can improve. “Every single Cirque show is recorded and we also constantly receive notes about our performance from the artistic director on tour.

“You cannot be bored performing for Cirque du Soleil. If you are, you shouldn’t be there and it wouldn’t be a good sign. I don’t act like it was my first show every night because I have much more experience and I have learned a lot through the years. While it’s the same sort of routine, I’m still learning every week performing in the show.”

The father of two, who used to have his family on tour, sees himself as a mentor and motivator to those who want to last in the industry. He answers a lot of questions from younger artists, though he laughingly says they are not only about the show!

While he’s in town, Zibi says he’ll be enjoying Perth’s restaurants again and hopes to find sushi as memorable as he ate on his last visit.
Saltimbanco is at Challenge Stadium from April 21 to May 8.

IN the Valley

2011-03-28T14:56:00.002+08:00

By Ara Jansen

Thundering hooves and mallets hitting balls with a loud thwack means it’s time for Polo in the Valley.

Fierce but fun is how Glen Gilmore describes polo. The 40-year-old Queenslander will still be riding to win when he mounts his horse to play on a team as part of Barbagallo Polo in the Valley.

The dramatic sport of kings will be kicking up the grass at the private estate of Duncraig Stud in Middle Swan in April. In what promises to be an exciting day, it’s also a perfect introduction to those who have never seen the sport live before.

A polo game is divided into six chukkas, each lasting seven minutes. Players in teams of four and mounted on ponies (which are really thoroughbreds), use long mallets to drive a ball into their goal.

For spectators, a day at the polo is of course never complete without the Divot Stomps, a la Pretty Woman, plus a male and female dash, fashion parades and best-dressed competitions.
Glen has been a professional polo player since he graduated from university at 22 and has made his living in the fast-moving sport.

“I play polo for a living and also represent Australia, which is an amazing opportunity,” says Glen, the captain of the Australian Polo Team for the last 10 years. “At the same time I also play for other teams around the world.

“I get paid to play. The people who own polo teams tend to be wealthy individuals that use polo to keep fit but also to have a lot of fun with.”

Glen is based in England for about half of the year and has recently competed in China, Thailand and Melbourne and says the game continues to offer a busy circuit. He can play up to 150 games a year and rides everyday, even if there isn’t a game to play.

“The audience for polo is really growing and it has become a lot more accessible for people who want to watch – and we certainly want people to come and watch. Not only do we want people to play but we also want more people to come and see what for many of them is a new sport. It might even get some people into riding.”

Just to make it a little harder on himself, Glen often acts as commentator during the game at the same time as playing.

Barbagallo Polo in the Valley happens on April 17. For tickets and more information: www.polointhevalley.com.au

WA, a two sphere economy?

2011-03-28T14:50:00.002+08:00

It’s fair to say the Western Australian property market is facing some pretty tough challenges right now even though there is renewed strength in the State’s economy.

We often hear the term ‘two-speed economy’ whereby the resources sector continues to flourish while other industries struggle.

Investors may well feel there are two spheres inside WA itself and these concerns stem from mining projects that fail to provide a broad flow-on effect to other sectors. The property market is one obvious area where this is not occurring.

If the mining and resources industries are doing so well then wouldn’t property, our major personal asset, reflect this? There is not one single factor but rather a number of related reasons that are driving the WA property cycle.

What we can say is that the market is currently still in the midst of a correction from liberal lending practices that overly stimulated the local market for a protracted period. The resulting post GFC fall out and the multiple government interventions into the market throughout both periods have also caused various market distortions. Right now we are going through a necessary period of stabilisation and realignment.

The good news is that this stabilisation is steadily occurring which is evidenced in the renewed activity by first home buyers, improvements in the rental market and positive activity from investors. Affordability is increasingly coming back to the property market which is a good thing. Stock levels currently outweigh demand but sellers are increasingly realising that price adjustment is a reality and if buying in the same period then it is all relative. Something positive is happening and it’s this positive economic force being driven by the mining industry which is continuing to build momentum and will progressively touch ground into the broader economy.

However, despite a lack lustre market place, opportunity is awaiting. The economic momentum being generated in the mining and resource sector will progressively begin to filter into the property market. Besides the shift in wealth into WA there will also be a considerable growth in population estimated at about 50,000 per annum. So despite immediate oversupply in the residential market right now, it is very likely we will see demand outweigh supply again in the medium term. Demand will increase, capital growth will adjust accordingly and rental returns will strengthen.

Another structural shift in the property market that will generate new opportunities is the concerted efforts by both industry and government in building property capacity in the major regional centres, especially Port Hedland and Karratha. Through the ‘Royalty for Regions’ scheme the WA Government has an ever increasing capacity to inject a lot of cash into infrastructure that will turn these areas into connected, meaningful and growing communities.

Banks have also shown more confidence in the WA property market after being very cautious in the sector for a long time. Lending criteria is becoming more favourable, and this is a key element in any positive change to the property cycle.

We are in a very unique position because we can literally see the positive fundamentals lining up for the future and although many projects are yet to fully ramp up, this is an ideal position to be in for a buyer. Right now, we have good value and choice in the market place, strong employment, growing population, massive economic build up with reasonable interest rates and increasingly favourable lending criteria. The time is ripe to focus on purchasing a home or investment.

The true impact of this next period are yet to be fully seen, but with WA being something of an economic powerhouse it seems it’s a sure thing. If you wait until everyone else is thinking of purchasing you will probably be too late to maximise your advantage.

My advice? Do the research and act with confidence ahead of the curve.

IN Landscapes

2011-03-15T13:17:00.000+08:00

A fascination with the West Australian landscape has taken one photographer all over the State to capture the spirit of our land.

Next to her trusty cameras, Frances Andrijich’s most valued possession is a ladder. She spends a lot of time up it. Nope, she hasn’t taken up painting in her spare time; the West Australian-based photographer uses it to visualise the perfect angle for a photograph.

Though she’s worked as a photographer for decades, being based in Western Australia has meant landscapes couldn’t but become part of Frances’ photographic story as she worked shooting photographs of other things, like people or vineyards. Frances has travelled the State extensively looking for different views, a new perspective or simply stunning locations.

“Ultimately, these photos are about giving us a sense of place,” Frances says. “For people viewing them, they have either been there so it sparks a memory or the image is arresting that it captures the imagination. I’m able to give them back that memory of having been there, which I think is very soulful.

“These landscapes are a considered impression of a place. That’s where I come from – shape, form, simplicity and evocativeness. It’s about invoking a feeling.

“What I love about WA is that it’s so diverse. You can be in the Central Desert and then in the lush pastures of Margaret River and you’re still in the same state.”

During her career, the award-winning photographer has worked on books, including one with Kate Lamont and another on the wine region of Margaret River. Frances has also exhibited in Australia, Los Angeles and Croatia and sells landscape prints to people who want their own precious and unique piece of WA. You’ll also see her name attached to theatre programs, magazine spreads and some of the most iconic photos of notable faces like author Tim Winton, actors Ernie Dingo, Hugh Jackman and the late Heath Ledger and sportsmen like Matt Giteau and Adam Gilchrist. Wineries have also become a specialty, which includes working with brands like Cullen and Moss Wood.

“I’ve been doing this for long enough that I am usually close to anticipating what I will get when I plan a shoot – but then I am always surprised. I still get so excited. When you get to the site you are taking pictures at, there is always something that will trigger where and how the picture gets taken.”

Frances says while there are thousands of images in her professional collection which were planned, there might almost be as many unplanned. An early morning walk at a lake while in the south-west to photograph a winery and its vines yields atmospheric photos of birds at a lake or a misty clearing.

“There are those shots which you just bump into while working on something else. They have their own sense of beauty and that’s what I love about them. I have seen so many sunsets and they’re still exciting to photograph.

“The most exciting thing about photography is when you are not expecting something. I shot a massive storm coming across South Coogee because I happened to be there for a picnic and at another time I set-up a handful of women standing in a salt flat in the Wheatbelt and a kangaroo happened to hop past.”

www.andrijich.com.au

IN Pets

2011-03-02T09:40:00.002+08:00

When you love your pets like family, you want them looked after with the same care, even if you’re away from home.

You might not think Jenny Hodder is the first person to call if you ended up in hospital unexpectedly. But if you’re worrying that your dog is home alone and needing to be fed, she’s perfect.

As a pet sitter, Jenny is on-hand when people go on holidays but she’s just as likely to be called on after an emergency which means budgies need to be fed, dog’s washed or cats kept tabs on. If your pet falls ill on the eve of leaving them with the neighbours, sometimes alternative arrangements are no longer possible and it’s time to draft someone in.

After spending decades of her career working in the media, when Jenny decided to change her life, she went back to her first love – animals. Wanting to get involved in something she felt thoroughly passionate about, Jenny started West Coast Pet Stayz, an affordable pet and house sitting business where pets are looked after in their own environment while their owners are away.

A pet owner and mad pet lover, Jenny says one of the most important cornerstones of the business is that sitters care for each home and pet like they are their own.

“I know a lot of people won’t go on holidays often – or at all – if they can’t leave their pets with close friends or family,” says Jenny. “Let’s face it, sometimes it can be really hard to keep imposing on those people.

“This way, the pets get to stay at home and get excellent care from someone who actually wants to spend time with them. A lot of people really pamper their pets and want nothing less when they go away. Not only do the pets get to stay at home and have a fabulous time but the added bonus is that the property is taken care of.”

Jenny has also met a number of people who have had to give up their pets when downsizing and she’s loved helping them re-connect with animals.

“Some retirement-style villas and homes or even rentals don’t allow pets, so house sitting can be perfect for someone who wants to get their pet fix for a week or two at a time.

“While you don’t get paid, it’s also perfect if you just want a change of scenery or want to holiday in a new suburb and house. I have sitters on my roster who are sick of paying rent, saving for a holiday, building or are just in between homes. It can be a really cost-effective solution if you’re willing to make a furry new friend and love a new home for a while.”

Most recently Jenny has taken on some country sits and one of her first clients has three sheep, chooks, two miniature horses and three dogs.

Rental Market Clarity

2011-03-02T09:37:00.002+08:00

Many investors with rental properties are in the midst of a challenging market right now. This can mean a stressful or confusing time for them.

Our property management division is working with many clients who are finding the current climate difficult and I thought it appropriate here to talk about what I see the future may hold for the rental market.

The rental market softened significantly over 2010 and these early parts of 2011. This means rental returns have also softened and investors with residential properties for lease need to have a very realistic view of the market in order to keep their properties leased. Right now, investors need to keep informed and in touch with the market and cannot over estimate their returns, being realistic is absolutely key in these sorts of conditions. Some investors need to understand that rental pricing is set by market conditions and not by an owner’s loan servicing needs.

Yes, this means that you need to price your property competitively and if you don’t you may find your property goes uninhabited until you meet the expectations of tenants. This may sound harsh, but the news is not all bad for investors because the right fundamentals are lining up for an increase in rental demands.

The thing is, the right economic and social factors are lining up in this state. Unemployment is low, the mining and resource sector has a strong outlook and people are continuing to migrate to WA in impressive numbers. Interest rates are also a major factor and while they are not great news for investors in the cost of money sense, they do mean many people need to rent, rather than buy.

For investors, the rental market is likely to see a sustained and solid growth in demand in the medium term. The good times are not here yet and I’d say we still need to see out the first half of 2011 before we see a meaningful shift.

The thing about property is that it runs in cycles, it goes up and it comes down and each different part of the cycle has certain benefits and challenges depending on what your exposure is. Investors need to understand this and they need to have a long term outlook on property. An investment strategy based on the expectation of overnight boom conditions and extreme capital growth is not realistic.

So investors, I’d say the order of the day is to remain cautiously optimistic. Be realistic now and do your best to secure a good tenant to ride you out until the positive conditions consolidate. Embrace the advice of your property manger, make the most of the market knowledge they hold. Take this advice and I think you will find it will pay solid future dividends.

Need and investment Property Manager?

Contact either:

Verity Hodge 0408 004 459

OR

Jessica Featch 0404 493 771

IN Words

2011-02-14T10:06:00.002+08:00

The Perth Writers Festival brings together writers and readers for four days of sharing.

Next month, dozens of writers – and hundreds of keen local readers and thinkers – will spend the weekend roaming the University of Western Australia for the Perth Writers Festival.
If you love words and ideas, finding yourself among the like-minded and even being challenged a little, the Perth Writers Festival is the place to be over the next long weekend.

Festival program manager, Danielle Benda, says there’s so much to do for booklovers of all ages during the annual four-day festival.

“The written word is performing the role of engaging people with ideas,” says Danielle. “It’s about questioning your ideas, thinking about why you think what you think and engaging the community in a broad sense about what it means to be human and live in this society.

“I also think sometimes that people get the idea that a festival like this is very stuffy, heady and about people with grey hair and glasses. Sure, there is a bit of that, but it’s so much more because the notion of words and ideas attracts people from all walks of life who are ostensibly dealing with many of the same questions and ideas.”

The festival is a collection of paid and free events in a variety of modes from talks, workshops and readings to the hugely popular Family Day. From politics to the politics of the heart, local, national and international authors across a wide variety of genres will be speaking, reading and discussing their work. They include Armistead Maupin, Andrew O’Hagan, Philip Adams, Tariq Ali, Robert Drewe, Sandy Fussell, Joanne Harris and Jeff Lindsay.
Sunday’s always-busy Family Day is aimed at kids from one to 13. They’ll be able to have fun at readings and workshops, play games, have a book signed or ask a burning question about favourites.

Dubbed a bacchanalian feast for the body and the mind, Saturday night’s Feast of Words is an adults-only night under the stars. Three hundred people will dine on three courses while specially-chosen authors deliver delicious, witty and moving readings.
If you can’t wait to get a jump on the festival, the website contains suggested reading lists on all sorts of topics from art and holiday reads to book club must-haves plus a selection for children and young people.

“There really is something for everybody,” says Danielle. “We hope to open people’s minds to the wonder of words through this group of fascinating writers. There are also many free events each day and we encourage people to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds.”

Part of the Perth International Arts Festival, the Perth Writers Festival is on from March 4–7. Session details at www.perthfestival.com.au

Ara Jansen will be chairing three panels during the festival – Fantasy Affairs, All In A Day’s Work and Setting It Up.

IN Hard Knocks

2011-01-31T15:08:00.001+08:00

By Ara Jansen

Time hasn’t dulled Joe Cocker’s passion for life and his career. He returns to Perth next month with a new album in tow.

“Buckets of it” is how Joe Cocker describes the enthusiasm he still has for his career. After five amazing decades in music, the one-time Mad Dog from Sheffield still gets a thrill performing and recording.

Known for songs like Feelin’ Alright, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Up Where We Belong and With A Little Help From My Friends, the 66-year-old singer recently released his 22nd album, Hard Knocks.

On the album, Joe worked with in-demand producer Matt Serletic (who came to prominence through his work with Matchbox Twenty) as the pair set out to create a “classic Joe Cocker record” which would be played on radio around the world. The result is 10 songs – ballads and rockers – which show off Joe’s gravelly white soul voice against a modern backdrop, after a couple of Joe’s recent albums have featured more classic rhythm & blues.

Joe (who has an OBE) and his wife, Pam, live in the small remote mountain community of Crawford in Colorado. When he’s at home, he loves tending his tomatoes, reading, playing snooker and walking in the wilderness which borders the Mad Dog Ranch.

The couple have also created the Cocker Kids’ Foundation which has raised close to $700,000 for local kids in support of arts, sport and education. Among their activities, the Cockers have opened their home for tours and Joe performed a local concert.

The singer’s mobile doesn’t work in Crawford either and this isolated world is a perfect foil for the business and chaos of touring and making a new album. With the release of Hard Knocks the singer says he will be on the road for much of the year, especially when the summer festivals start in Europe and the US. He says he’ll be definitely making as many trips to his mountain home in between.

“There are times when I am away from home for three months. Someone told me to ‘get over it’ but I have travelled the world and been to most places a dozen times and these days, three months is just a little long. Two months is okay but three is just a little long. I think you become a little dehumanised at that point, no matter how nice the hotel rooms are.”

Joe Cocker is joined by special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Diesel and The Dingoes on February 19 for a concert in Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth.
Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Thanks to Sony Music Australia we have five copies of Joe Cocker’s Hard Knocks to give away…
To go in the draw, simply become a fan of Realmark on Facebook at

facebook.com/realmarkre

A rough start for many Australians

2011-01-31T14:48:00.001+08:00

For many Australians, 2011 has got off to a very challenging start.

Queensland has been hit the hardest, but some parts of northern Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria have also been dealing with devastating floods. I’d like to begin by first acknowledging those who have been impacted by these natural disasters, our thoughts are with you all.

As well as the dreadful human toll these floods have taken, the damage is well into the billions of dollars and there is no doubt this will impact the country economically. Considering this new financial load, I do think the RBA may choose to hold interest rates when they meet in February.

Being a member of the property industry I can’t help but think about what this means particularly for Queensland’s property market and those agencies who operate in devastated areas. There are so many issues to weigh up, so many homes and properties have been damaged, some even swept away or completely destroyed. Will people want to live by these water courses anymore? Also from a property management perspective, how will agencies deal with all this devastation, what does it mean for leases and tenants etc? What about those who have lost their livelihoods, how will the banks be managing defaults due to the damage?

The answers to all of this will surface over coming weeks and months as QLD and other affected areas continue the long and arduous task of cleaning up. While the initial impact of these disasters always makes the news, it is often the ongoing recovery we don’t see and that in itself can be a long and scary battle.

However, Australians (no matter which state they may reside) always seem to shine when things like this happen and there has been many an inspiring story to accompany the chaos around the country. Something good to take from some really tough times I guess.

To donate to the Queensland Flood Appeal visit

www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate

IN Resolution

2011-01-17T10:56:00.003+08:00

If you’ve tried to make changes to your life before and haven’t succeeded, try looking at it from a different perspective.

It’s a new year and with it comes the promise of a clean slate and a second chance. Change seems easy and so the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution remains popular.

The top three resolutions we make regularly are to lose weight, pay off credit cards and quit smoking. Laudable goals, but the fact is that only 5 – 10 per cent of people who made a New Year’s resolution will actually achieve it.

Susie Vergers, business coach and founder of Change Creators, says the reason why New Year’s resolutions commonly fail is due to the mechanics of the change process used.

“Failure in achieving goals and resolutions is not due to a lack of will-power or commitment,” she says. “Doing things the same way over and over again and hoping for a different result is the problem. True change requires you to approach the things you want to change in a significantly different way than you have done before.”

Susie suggests three ways to better achieve your resolutions:

Think differently about what you really want to achieve: If you think you need to lose weight, stop smoking, drink less or go to the gym more, better health, more vitality or more energy is probably what you really want. Once you understand your deeper motivations take another look at how you can achieve the goal. For example, if your new goal is being healthy, then there are a range of options available to achieve better health. Options that are best suited to your lifestyle, budget and personal preferences have a greater chance of working in the longer term.
Stick with the tension: In any change process there is a conflict set up between the new way and the old way. You have set a goal for a stronger financial position but the part of you which loves the comfort of the old way says “just charge it, it’s only $50”. This tension is a natural – albeit uncomfortable – part of change. While this tension can doom a change effort, be patient and persistent. When the inner conflict and the tension it creates are overcome, change can come quickly.
Learn about change: Most of us have never been taught about the mechanics of change. When you understand there are normal progressions in any change process you can avoid the pitfalls. The following books might well help: Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard (by Chip and Dan Heath), Path of Least Resistance and Creating (by Robert Fritz) and Heart of Change: Real-Life Stories of How People Change Their Organisations (by John Kotter and Dan Cohen).

So this year try thinking differently about the things you want to change, because you never know what true change you might achieve!
www.changecreators.com.au

keeping the balance in 2011

2010-12-21T15:19:00.002+08:00

It seems we have hit the ‘business end’ of this year and to see 2010 out, I’ve put together some points on how I see early 2011 playing out.

The market will remain challenged as stock continues to outweigh demand, interest rates will also be a factor.
However the market won’t be ‘dead’, stock will still sell. Not at a rate high enough to clean out the excess, but I think people will still see value in the market and take advantage.
Value will remain in the market, astute buyers will act.
When selling, we need to understand that buyers are going to be very price sensitive. Over valued pricing will be of great detriment to sellers.
Days on market will be the enemy of sellers. Sellers and agents need to attempt to sell homes within the optimum period of one month to achieve the best results. Those homes that languish on the market will be negatively impacted.
We are experiencing the fall out from the Government’s stimulus packages that were very successful economically, but used up future demand. While uncomfortable, this is a period of letting the market find its own equilibrium which is important in allowing for a sustainable market.

Let’s finish with some tips:

Sellers should only appoint an agent for a period of 60 days max. This will ensure they remain focused.
Don’t over value your home, consider ‘no set price’ sale methods (Auction, Realmark’s Set Date Sale) that allow the market to communicate to you what value buyers put on your home.
Sellers don’t be scared of the market, but understand the challenges, choose an agent wisely and do your best to get it right from the beginning.
Buyers, act ahead of the curve if you are in the right financial position. There is value to be had!
Understand that the property market is a place of ups and downs. This is all just part of the ride and everyone (including my business) needs to find ways to adapt and ride it out.

Finally, from everyone at Realmark we wish all our readers a very happy and safe festive season! We look forward to sharing with you in 2011!

First home buyers and their mini mansions

2010-12-13T08:56:00.002+08:00

John Percudani is the lead story on wangle.com.au today.

"Once again an increase in the First Home Owners Grant is in the headlines.

While this is certainly a way to assist first time buyers into the world of home ownership (also a good way to create some extra energy in the economy), I do worry about what our first home buyers are buying and building.

We really like to use first home buyers. We used them to help save us from recession..." visit the site here to read more

About Wangle:

"wangle publishes opinions from prominent and every day Australians. wangle also features other forms of writing, slice of life stories, a splash of fashion, reviews, photography, art and much more."

IN Holiday

2010-12-03T16:47:00.001+08:00

By Ara Jansen

With the holiday season and summer almost upon us, we thought we’d help stock up the drinks fridge.

We’ve come a long way in our drinking tastes from the days of Chateau Cardboard.

Ric Skipworth has spent most of his life working in the food and beverage industry and says in the last four years alone he’s seen a serious shift in buying and drinking habits. Along with a push for fresher, tastier food has come an overwhelming interest to treat alcohol as an integral ingredient in the tastes of the meal.

“I’d like to think we’re drinking less but better,” Ric says. “We’re having less but we’re enjoying the full flavour of something. Much of that has filtered through from all these cooking and dining shows on television.”

He says encouraging the slow food movement also encourages the slower drinking movement.

“As with food, stay away from the meat in a can and buy some Italian sausage. Take your time and enjoy the experience, rather than the instant gratification. It’s not about the alcohol, it’s about the journey. Spend two or three hours in conversation with good friends and slowly enjoy the flavours an alcoholic drink offers.”

Ric suggests if you want to try something different, share a bottle of Denmark’s Mikkeller, a beer brewed with champagne yeast or Scotch whiskey from the island if Islay. He says there’s a wealth of new and interesting tastes across the drinking range and it’s worth the adventure to discover some you like.

Holiday drinking doesn’t have to be all about alcohol either. Keep a carton of bubbly mineral water on hand to sip with ice, make mock gin and tonics or add to fruit juice. It’s refreshing cold or at room temperature.

Stock your favourite fruit juice or try some of the many interesting flavours available. Have lime cordial, bitters, grenadine and soft drinks on hand or try the Italian soft drink chinotto.

Keep and eye out for specials too across the board, so you can save on the staples and favourites.

No matter how you drink over the holidays, please be responsible.

Fine Wine Partners state manager Bernard Hughes picks five wines to stock up on for festive and holiday celebrations:

Sandalford Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (around $38)
Ashbrook Semillon (around $23)
Capel Vale Debut Chenin Blanc (around $15)
Buy a case to always have on hand: Sandalford Margaret River Classic Dry White (around $17)
If you like bubbles, New Zealand’s Te Hana Reserve Cuvee (around $23) is the new kid on the block. Just launched in WA, its name means “to shine” and is proving an instant hit.

Wine consultant Zach Nelson says he’s chosen wines that “remind me of the holidays and are suited for our climate and our food”. His favourite bottles of holiday cheer are:

Pol Roger NV Epernay for special occasions (approx $75)
Yellowglen Bella or Bella Bianco for all-round holiday cheer (approx $17.99)
Brookland Valley verse 1 Chardonnay 2009 (approx $19)
Always keep room in the fridge for Valley of the Giants Crisp Dry White (approx $14.99 but specials can be $9.99)
A lovely food wine for hot summers, try something new in France’s La Vielle Ferme Cotes de Ventoux (approx $17.99)
Go the Spanish reds, particularly Torres Sangre de Toro (approx $17.99)

The Holiday Season

2010-12-03T16:43:00.003+08:00

“Should I bother trying to sell my home over the holiday period?”

There is a perception that selling a home around Christmas and New Year is a bad idea. It is a question that I get asked a lot. Yes, people have a lot on their minds, but believe it or not, there are a couple of advantages to selling at this time of year.

The New Year often brings with it new beginnings for many of us. Once we get Christmas out of the way we feel a sense of excitement and opportunity for the year ahead and if that involves purchasing a home, you will find people will use their summer holidays to get out there and get the process of finding ‘the one’ underway. Without fail, we see these ‘holiday buyers’ in the market each Christmas and New Year period.

Another reason why selling at this time of year can be a plus is the fact that like most industries, real estate agencies slow down at this time of year. Therefore home open numbers drop, many agents take holidays and don’t run listings until they are back on board.

However, we are currently operating in a market overflowing with stock, but I guarantee a majority will sit idle during the break, which may give rise to more opportunity for your home to get noticed. Perhaps making a move while the competition is on holidays will give you some edge?

But despite all this, selling is all about your specific situation and needs and when you decide it is time to sell, if you pick the right agent it won’t matter what time of year it is. Good agents provide solutions no matter what and if there is one thing I can leave you with as we launch into 2011, it is to be smart about selecting your agent

Happy New Year from Realmark

We would just like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very happy New Year! Best wishes for the year ahead.

The Realmark team.

The market is flat and we have to wear it

2010-11-29T15:59:00.002+08:00

I attended a REIWA event the other day and the outlook was that the market is probably going to continue as is for the next 12 to 18 months. And by continue ‘as is’ I mean it will remain challenged and overstocked.

While it is not very comfortable for some, we need this period to allow the market to find normality. Right now we are feeling the hangover of the GFC and the resulting Government intervention. The stimulus was necessary and it was effective in keeping the country out of recession, but it didn’t come cheap. Demand was pulled forward and now the market is trying to find its way without any outside intervention and we need to leave it alone.

When the market falls into this sort of plateau, people worry and those industries that are driven by the property market find it hard, but unfortunately it is just the name of the game. We need to leave the market to its own devices and that means the Government needs to resist any form of intervention

Just like it has before, the market will come back. We just need to let it do it on its own this time. History shows that when it finds it rights itself, it lifts rapidly.

John

IN Studio

2010-11-22T09:55:00.001+08:00

An exciting exhibition at the Fremantle Arts Centre over summer offers a glimpse into the homes and collections of 30 Fremantle artists.

Are the things artists like to collect anything like the art they actually create? Over the summer, you’ll find out by visiting Home Open at Fremantle Arts Centre.

This personal exhibition, with just a hint of nostalgia, is a unique concept where 30 Fremantle artists or artistic couples have chosen art and objects from their collections at home.

Each artist’s choices will be grouped in a tableau to give the viewer an idea of the kinds of things they are passionate about collecting and in turn reflecting the flavour of their home.

“Showing off the work like this gives it some context,” says Chris Hill, one of Home Open’s three curators. “The objects will give people an insight into the personal world of these artists, as well as the objects just being interesting in themselves.

“If you know the artist’s work, now you can also find out what kinds of things they choose to live with.”

Fremantle has always been a haven for artists and creative expression and the artists involved in Home Open are a veritable who’s who of the local and West Australian art scene. From newer artists through to celebrated veterans, they are painters, sculptors, graffiti artists, printmakers, textile artists, photographers and more.

Exhibitors include Brian McKay, Holly Story, Jane Martin and George Haynes, Jánis Nedéla, Max Pam, Megan Salmon, Pam and Tony Jones, Paul Uhlmann, Penny Bovell, Pippin Drysdale, Richard Gunning, Ruth and Trevor Vickers, Tanya Schultz, Theo Koning, Trevor Richards and Twenty Eleven.

The objects they’ll be displaying range from paintings which represent West Australian art history to a rock collection, erotic Japanese art or a map study. All the objects have some relation to their public and private worlds.

Together, the pieces share the story of the artists’ homes, their collecting history, explore why and how they were acquired and their significance.

The collections also reflect an interesting network of relationships. Many of these art collections have grown not just through purchase but have been gifted by friends and loved ones, swapped with fellow artists, are the works of family or have been found. No matter how they have come into their owner’s possession though, they are precious.

Home Open is a delicious, voyeuristic view into the diversity and energy of Fremantle artists and their homes, while sharing some rarely seen, stunning private collections.

“One of the things which struck me is the diversity of what people collect,” says Chris. “Hopefully that will be an inspiration to people who see the exhibition. You can collect – whether it’s expensive art or beautiful things from op shops or even found things. Then it’s how you display them that can make a home interesting.”

Home Open runs from November 27 – January 23 at Fremantle Arts Centre. Entry is free.

Join the Home Open opening party at the Fremantle Arts Centre on Friday, November 26 from 6.30pm. Entry is free but you must RSVP to rsvp@fremantle.wa.gov.au or 08 9432 9565.

IN Jazz

2010-11-08T11:08:00.002+08:00

Singer and fashionista Ali Bodycoat wouldn’t trade Perth for quids.

When she was a child the trills and grooves of jazz music washed through the Bodycoat house.

So it’s probably no surprise that Ali Bodycoat became a jazz singer rather than being beguiled by pop. She’s been performing for more than 15 years and Ali has become one of Perth’s most recognised and loved jazz singers.

Starting in hospitality, where she learnt from the city’s best about style and service, Ali did her first professional jazz show in 1995 and never looked back.

These days the glamorous singer is rarely spotted without her trademark bold red lipstick and never wears anything but clothes by celebrated local designer Aurelio Costarella, for whom she also manages Post Emporium, the label’s North Perth store.

Ali is the proud owner of one of Perth’s longest musical residencies – 14 years at The Subiaco Hotel – where her repertoire focuses on great songs rather than just expected jazz standards.

“I swore I would never do songs like Fever or Summertime because I wanted to take the approach of singing beautiful jazz that wasn’t outrageously overexposed,” says Ali. “I wanted to broaden the audience’s journey too. If it’s beautiful music presented well, then people will listen. That’s part of the fantasy and mystery of being an entertainer.

“There’s something about the romance of jazz and the writing for me. The lyrics and the contents are not ashamed to be romantic and even cheesy. “Cole Porter is my most favourite, alongside Johnny Mercer and Gershwin. The fact that most of them wrote both lyrics and music in those days in the style was quite phenomenal.”

Ali has worked in theatre, appearing in productions like Rent and Hair, but recently debuted her self-created one-woman cabaret show, Minor Major Marlene, which was part of this year’s Cabaret Soiree Carnival season Downstairs at The Maj. Her three-night stand was a sell-out and has opened possibilities to tour the show.

While most people consider not leaving Perth to pursue art elsewhere as some kind of failure, Ali has proven you can build a successful, thriving and engaging career here while enjoying the best the city has to offer. She’s gained respect, reputation and plenty of work as well as actively supporting the arts and volunteering for worthy causes like StyleAid.

“I think Perth really is striding ahead compared to other Australian cities. People are actually choosing to move here and that’s really cool to me. Whether it’s music or retail, ideas and styles are really blossoming here.”

Don’t ever tell her Perth is dull. She’s one of our biggest supporters, is outspoken about issues like why the West Australian Symphony Orchestra has no home and wants to encourage everyone to support the wide variety of activities on offer.

“I think Perth has the opportunity to become even more of a hub for all kinds of arts – from music and fashion to food. We’ve got a new theatre coming and newer venues like The Ellington and The Bird are showing people it’s possible.”

buy, buy, buy

2010-11-08T11:00:00.001+08:00

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – when the market is uncertain, smart people act.

Smart buyers start paying attention when they cross match underlying economic fundamentals with phrases like: Uncertain property market! Increase in days on market! Increasing stock levels! Low auction clearance rates! Basically when you are a savvy buyer, you know that there is good opportunity hiding behind negative talk and bad news.

Right now the property market is weighed down with uncertainty and it is showing in a number of different ways, houses are taking longer to sell, prices are fluctuating and stock levels far outweigh clearance rates. There are a lot of different reasons as to why this is happening and unless you have a crystal ball there is no telling how long it will last. What is certain is the fact that right now is a good time to step up and make an informed move.

Anti-cyclical buying is the very best buying there is, but it takes smarts. You have to be able to make the decision to press go despite the negative talk coming from all angles. You have to make the first move, you need to act before the herd (who are sitting on the fence). History shows that when the market turns it recovers very quickly and big gains are made by those already positioned in the market, and not by those playing catch up.

I always come back to the point that this state is staring down the barrel of a significant housing demand increase and as the population grows and employment improves the squeeze will again push buying and rental prices up, especially when you start to recognise the relative difference in property values in the WA market in comparison with other Australian markets.

This may very well be your chance for good buying, don’t waste it.

IN Music

2010-10-22T12:56:00.001+08:00

Marcia Hines has paid tribute to a favourite musician by recording the songs from the classic album Tapestry.

When Marcia Hines bought her first copy of Carole King’s Tapestry it was on vinyl. It was 1971 and she sat next to the record player and followed along with the large included lyric sheet.

“It was like she was just singing to me,” says Marcia, one of Australia’s most-loved singers.

The album went on to be one of the most influential in the singer’s collection and when Marcia was offered the chance to record the songs off Tapestry she jumped at the idea. The result is Marcia Sings Tapestry And the songs of Carole King, as they’ve added three more King songs at the end.

Tapestry – an undeniable pop classic – was released in 1971 by American singer-songwriter Carole King and features such classics as I Feel The Earth Move, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away and its marquee track (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. It remains the longest charting album by a female solo artist and has sold more than 25 million copies.

“When Carole wrote this album, she was a young woman and she spoke for all of us,” says the Member of the Order of Australia and former Australian Idol judge. “She had a lot to say and was living her life and it was the first time I had heard stories about women being on the road. She touched certain parts of our lives that people never spoke about. Something like Will You Love Me Tomorrow was a huge admission.”

When Marcia was first approached with the idea she thought “cool, that could be interesting”.

“I also thought it would be a challenge,” says 57-year-old Marcia, who this year also celebrates 40 years as an entertainer. “Tapestry is one of those albums steeped in tradition so you really have to harness lightning and decide what you are going to do with it.

“The album was released in 1971and there have been immense changes in music since then, so we wanted to introduce it to this century but keep it real.”

The singer says the warmth on the album has much to do with the fact that both she and the musicians were in the studio together. The results are a better sounding album than she could ever have hoped for.

“It’s funny to hear something a zillion times and never think that you are going to record it. I looked at it from a fan and an audience’s perspective. So I put the album on non-stop for a month just to feel it again and I realised how cool it was going to be to re-do. My family were very patient!

“There’s no one who sounds like Carole but I know putting my voice to it will change it, plus the instrumentation we chose will do that too. That’s the stamp we put on it.

“Keeping it real was what I wanted. This album is very conversational, not about how clever you can be with your voice.”

Marcia Hines Sings Tapestry is out now. See Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer perform at Perth Zoo on February 12, 2011.

WIN, WIN, WIN!

Thanks to Universal Music Australia we have five copies of Marcia Sings Tapestry to give away…
To go in the draw, simply become a fan of Realmark on Facebook at
facebook.com/realmarkre.

IN Modern Art

2010-10-11T09:59:00.002+08:00

By Ara Jansen

From Picasso to Pollock and Magritte to Mondrian, Perth is being treated to an international collection of modern art.

One of the modern art world’s most fascinating characters also had an enviable collection, which Perth art lovers can indulge in over the summer months.

Blessed with a keen eye and excellent taste, Peggy Guggenheim was the niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim, after whom New York’s famed art gallery and foundation is named. Peggy’s father died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, leaving the 21-year-old New Yorker a $2.5 million inheritance.

In her early 20’s Peggy moved to Paris, became enamoured with the bohemian set and became friends with artists who would go on to become big names in art’s future.

She started selling, collecting and exhibiting art as well as promoting her friends and eventually moved to Venice. Her collection became one of Europe’s most significant examples of modern American art and remains so today.

On display now and for the next four months at the Art Gallery of Western Australia are 35 pieces from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice.

Titled Peggy Guggenheim: A Collection in Venice, the works show off the late Peggy’s strong affinity for surrealism and abstraction, two of last century’s key art movements.

The collection of European and American artists who transformed modern art includes work by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Piet Mondrian, Vasily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, Constantin Brancusi, Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock.

To offer a further insight into the woman herself, personal ephemera from the colourful collector and patron, including her famous sunglasses and pictures of her much-loved dogs, will also be on display.

This is the first exhibition in the Art Gallery’s annual series called Great Collections of the World.

Art Gallery of Western Australia director Dr Stefano Carboni says the Peggy Guggenheim exhibition and others in the series, which are exclusive to Perth and not travelling elsewhere in Australia, will share some of art’s most interesting treasures with West Australians.

“I think there’s an appetite for this kind of exhibition in Perth,” says Dr Carboni. “We’ve created something very unique here, because it’s not part of another show. These are masterpieces and I want to give the public a great experience that is both visual and educational.”

The exhibition also comes with a full schedule of activities for all ages which range from talks and after-hours master classes to student art workshops.

Peggy Guggenheim: A Collection in Venice is at the Art Gallery of Western Australia until January 31, 2011. Check out greatcollections.com.au for full activity list.

*Realmark is an active and enthusiastic supporter of the arts and has a close association with the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Our award-winning company was a sponsor of Starry Starry Night, a glittering fundraiser held in the lead-up to Peggy Guggenheim: A Collection in Venice.*

Realmark scoops REIWA awards

2010-10-11T09:48:00.002+08:00

This month, I am proud to announce to IN readers that Realmark won four categories at the recent 2010 Real Estate Institute of Western Australia Excellence Awards.

We received the following awards:

Best Large Residential Agency of the Year- for the second consecutive year
Best Commercial Agency of the Year - for the first time
The Communication Award - for the fourth time
The Innovation Award - for the third time

My fellow director and wife Anita, and myself, plus some senior staff members were at the event to accept the awards and it was an incredible feeling to be recognised by our peers across so many categories.

However, these awards are not mine, they belong to the entire Realmark team because without their hard work and commitment to the Realmark approach, this never would have happened.

What is also encouraging is that these awards are a sign that we are delivering on our promises to our clients and ultimately, that is why we all get out of bed everyday.

So I’d like to thank the entire Realmark team for all their work that has culminated in these awards, but I’d also like to use this opportunity to thank Realmark’s clients. Thank you for choosing and supporting our progressive approach to real estate, we wouldn’t be here today if you didn’t believe in us.

IN Motoring

2010-09-28T09:52:00.003+08:00

Indulge your inner car lover with a European trip which is all about driving, racing and a touch of glamour.

When Paul Blank started telling people about his holidays to Europe visiting car factories and going to the Monaco Grand Prix, they demanded he share his motoring passion and knowledge with them.

So he did just that and set up a guided trip to highlight some of the best motoring action available in Italy and France.

Based in Perth, Paul has been a motoring enthusiast since he was a kid and a motoring journalist and well-known classic car rally organiser as an adult.

He was also the first person in Australia to run car events exclusively for women, which now happen twice annually.

“There are a lot of women getting interested in driving in motor sport and having a go,” says Paul. “Many of the events don’t require special gear as they are one car at a time in a race against the clock.”

He’s visited the Monaco Grand Prix many times. Friends and associates were entranced by his stories and convinced him to share his passion and enthusiasm by being their trip guide.

Paul took his first group in 2005 and they have become an annual event with a maximum number of 16 participants.

The trip starts with Italy’s Mille Miglia, the world’s most famous road race which began in 1927. It attracts more than 360 cars which have to be the same models as those which competed in the early years. Celebrities and famous racing drivers are known to be part of the event.

You’ll also visit the supercar homeland – the Galleria Ferrari and Lamborghini’s factory and museum.

What’s cool about the trip too is the chance to drive your own convertible sports car – like a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi – rather than sitting in a tour bus being shuttled from place to place.

Paul provides a comprehensive and custom-created roadbook packed with directions and tips for sightseeing on the way, local road rules and etiquette plus personally-tested great places to eat.

Other highlights include going to Cannes, Monaco and the Grand Prix, Lake Como and an exclusive, can’t buy lunch with motoring expert and veteran F1 commentator Bob Constanduros.

It’s also not just a trip for the boys either. Paul says there are usually an equal number of women on the trip, not all of whom are car enthusiasts. He says the buzz and beauty of the places visited create an entertaining trip for all ages.

“The trip takes two-and-a-half-weeks and the driving is leisurely. All the cars have satellite navigation and people love having everything organised. They just have to worry about being somewhere by the end of the day.”

The Ultimate Grand Prix Experience costs $8,600 per person double or twin share and doesn’t include airfares and Grand Prix tickets. The next trip is May 2011.

For more information, check out
www.classicrally.com.au

Realmark scoops REIWA awards

2010-09-23T13:44:00.006+08:00

At last night’s Real Estate Institute of Western Australia Awards, Realmark took out four of the evening’s honours. We were announced as the winners of the below categories:

Large Residential Agency of the Year for the second consecutive year
Commercial Agency of the Year for the first time
Communications Award for the fourth time
Innovation Award for the third time

My wife Anita and I attended the ceremony and accepted the awards. It was a very proud moment for us and our entire team. We strive to bring a new, effective approach to what we do and being recognised by our peers for our efforts is an amazing feeling. Realmark wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for a hard working team of people, we share this moment with all of our employees and thank them for their efforts over this last twelve months. The next step is the Real Estate Institute of Australia national awards, fingers crossed we pick up our first ever national award.

The first to move usually wins

2010-09-15T15:54:00.001+08:00

Anyone who is working in, or active in the property market would know what I am talking about when I speak of the current sense of uncertainty surrounding the market.

I wouldn’t say things are dire out there but people, whether they are sellers, buyers, investors, landlords or tenants, are uncertain and when people are uncertain, they tend to stop and put off making decisions. Therefore the market is in somewhat of a holding pattern.

This type of market is just part of life in the property market and it will change at some point, nothing is forever in this industry. Therefore pull your head out of the immediate, be able to look ahead and if you are positioned correctly I recommend you be the first to move. Don’t decide to move when everyone else is, that is when the opportunities are diminished. Real benefits come from acting when everyone else is scared.

Something to think about no matter who you are or what your intentions are in the property market.

IN Selling

2010-09-13T11:14:00.002+08:00

There’s more to selling your house than just spring cleaning according to a local real estate agent who reveals the best way to get top dollar.

When you go for a new job it stands to reason you want to look your best at the interview. Well, it applies to your home too. If you’re thinking of selling, it’s the next owner you want to impress.

Smells of coffee brewing and biscuits in the oven have now become outmoded ways to snag a buyer...read the full article at realmark.com.au

Marketing matters to YOU

2010-09-13T11:09:00.001+08:00

We were very excited to again be recognised at the Australian Business Awards, taking out the Marketing Excellence category for the second consecutive year.

Marketing is something that is very close to my heart and to be honest, when you are selling a home, it needs to be close to your heart too. It is a major point of ‘make or break'...read the full article at realmark.com.au

IN Harmony

2010-08-26T10:05:00.002+08:00

Singing is not only wonderful to the ear, but it’s also food for the soul. Meet a Perth mum who revels in her chance to sing.
We’d all be blessed if we had 100 sisters, aunts, grandmothers and mums looking out for us.
Wembley mum Sam Auert says that’s exactly how she feel...read the full article at realmark.com.au

IN Cash's Shoes

2010-08-12T11:10:00.002+08:00

An Australian musical show celebrating the music of Johnny Cash comes to Perth this month.

Elvis might have had blue suede shoes but Johnny Cash wore black and was a rebel and a musician who stood against the system. He was also one of music’s most loved and controversial artists.

The man in black was 71 when he passed away in 2003 and during a bumpy and awarded career the singer, songwriter, actor, author and musician broke ground across style...read the full article at realmark.com.au

A night to remember

2010-08-12T10:22:00.002+08:00

July 23 was the first ever Realmark Recognition and Awards Night and it was a very important milestone in Realmark’s history.

Realmark directors John and Anita Percudani wanted to create an awards initiative that not only recognised performance in sales...read the full article at realmark.com.au

IN Bloom

2010-07-30T08:36:00.002+08:00

The magnificence of our local wildflowers pop with colour and texture in a new book out in time for the wildflower season.

A life-long passion for the natural world has led Stanley Breeden to his latest book which celebrates the wildflowers of Western Australia.

Along with his wife Kaisa, the pair’s Wildflower Country is a large format hardback book whose photographic images are so vivid...read the full article at realmark.com.au

Swan Lake on Ice

2010-07-20T16:02:00.002+08:00

Get ready to see moves which didn’t even make the Winter Olympics in Vancouver earlier this year when Swan Lake on Ice performs in Perth.
The 26 Russian skaters of the Imperial Ice Stars have won accolades for competitive skatin...read the full article at realmark.com.au

Real Estate - We need YOU!

2010-07-20T15:46:00.002+08:00

The world of real estate has changed a great deal since I first started out as a commercial agent and it has changed dramatically over the past ten years. In fact, this industry just never stops moving.

This constant change is something I love about this industry...read the full article at realmark.com.au

A dark new passion

2010-07-01T15:18:00.002+08:00

A south-west winemaker has swapped grapes for chocolate and found a dark new passion.

It was quite by accident that John Wade got involved in chocolate. While he was working as a winemaker for Denmark’s Rickety Gate Wines, the owners started discussing sourcing chocolate which would complement their wines...read the full article at realmark.com.au

TRADING HOURS – LET THE MARKET SPEAK

2010-06-23T12:32:00.001+08:00

Realmark Commercial director John Percudani says when it comes to trading hours, we should forget the referendums and simply let the market speak.

“When the issue of trading hours rears its head, there is always one fundamental that is left out of the conversation every time and that is what the market wants,” Mr Percudani said.

“Obviously there are stakeholders who are threatened by the extension of trading hours who are being protected by these regulations, however there is a lot of time and resources spent on this debate when if we just let the market speak, the people of WA would be getting what they want and the market would find its own equilibrium.

“It may be a crazy notion to some, but the fact is, if there is specific demand for extend trading in certain suburbs and strips, businesses that operate in these areas will profit from this and stay open. In areas where the demand isn’t strong enough to make staying open later or on Sunday’s profitable, those businesses will only be open when it is profitable to do so.”

“It is not a complex equation, it is just the way it is. We are trying to regulate something that really should be allowed to happen naturally, like it does elsewhere in Australia,” he said.

“Why are we telling people when and where to shop? The market should be telling us. The fact is consumers will go elsewhere, maybe online if they can’t find what they want, when they want it.

“In an age of every increasing consumer assess and individuality it is the consumer who should be dictating the trading hours agenda not politicians or retailers.”

Mr Percudani says more flexibility around trading hours would encourage more vibrant hubs throughout Perth.

“You can not artificially create the village centre, it is something that happens over time and it cannot be controlled by planning or regulating trading hours, we need to have the foresight to see that,” he said.

“I fear we are crushing creativity and opportunity by being lead by specific stakeholders on this issue. While some sectors will be impacted by opening up trading hours, so many will benefit and so will the people of WA.”

The art of coffee roasting

2010-06-18T09:21:00.002+08:00

Fans of good coffee take their brew as seriously as lovers of quality wine, cheese and chocolate. Local company Darkstar are showing drinkers what it’s like to enjoy a smartly blended coffee... read the full article at realmark.com.au

Leederville - Realmark's home

2010-06-17T16:31:00.002+08:00

I know it sounds a bit dramatic, but Leederville is almost the spiritual home of Realmark. Leederville was a forgotten city fringe commercial precinct when Realmark first opened its doors back when it was just my wife Anita and I running the show in a small shop font with some second-hand furniture. We have sure grown up since then, and Leederville has too... read the full article at realmark.com.au

Volunteering Holidays

2010-06-17T15:58:00.002+08:00

People travel for many reasons but now groups of travellers are giving back as well as taking in the scenery. Ara Jansen discovers a growing trend.

Catherine Wallace likes to travel but there was something missing in her adventures. So she found a group trip with a difference and headed to Vietnam. A year later she was in Tanzania.

The 29-year-old had discovered that by spending part of her trip working on a sustainable community project she was not only giving but receiving plenty too.

Catherine travelled with World Expeditions, a company pioneering community project travel adventures... read the full article at realmark.com.au

Beat the Crisis

2010-06-17T14:44:00.003+08:00

I sometimes feel I am turning into a broken record when it comes to the looming housing shortage we are facing in this State. It is a big issue and it is likely to be the fundamental that once again smashes affordability of housing in WA. So we need to keep talking about it.

There are many factors at play in this shortage, one issue surrounds what our first home buyers or young people are building. We need more homes to be built, that is a fact. But what we don’t need is oversized houses built in new subdivisions which are getting further and further away from the CBD. There is a mindset in WA that when you build a home, you need to build something as big as possible, with a theatre room, alfresco area and multiple bedrooms, but this mindset is actually just leaving us with... read the complete article at realmark.com.au

Experiment with a new look

2010-06-03T10:36:00.003+08:00

Just a quick message to post a link to a nifty little site I found... http://bit.ly/homestyler.

Good to have a tinker with some ideas or experiment with a new look for your favourite room.

Are clichés costing you thousands?

2010-04-20T12:58:00.002+08:00

The Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, wrote in a column a few weeks back something along the lines of, real estate agents get paid too much for what they do.

This comment was not popular within our industry because it is pretty scathing, but I think he has made not only a very valid, but very important point.

The thing is, selling a home is major financial decision no matter who you are, and the quality of the advice you receive at this time can impact you in the way of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So sellers, are you falling for the old clichés? Silent listings, buyer databases, a quick sale is a good sale and so on?

In today’s market your home will sell with or without an agent. The danger out there right now is underselling and missing out on sometimes tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In all honesty, many agents today are simply order takers, and they are getting paid big bucks for the privilege. If you handed over that cash to any other discipline (say a lawyer or accountant) you would have massive expectations around their service level, why are we not expecting the same from our real estate agents?

So I am in real estate, why I am I saying all this? At Realmark I know that we provide value in that we help people get more for their property, we help them make good decisions around their property. We provide proven processes and our results reflect this. We work hard to remain informed and in touch, we never push outdated methods. We don’t take our commissions for granted and those in our industry that do reflect badly on us, and let me tell you, it is frustrating.

Sellers you need to understand that old clichés cost you money and rob you of the transparency you deserve. Let your sale mature with buyers within the optimum 21 days, demand a high level marketing strategy, expect real buyer feedback and find an agent that offers process, not personality...don’t just appoint an agent because they are a neighbourhood celebrity!

Be a little more savvy and it will pay off, often financially.

Gumiyo... relevant?

2009-11-11T16:09:00.001+08:00

I recently provided comment to The West Australian which ran a story on the introduction of Gumiyo into our commercial business and our use of other marketing mediums. The Real Estate Institute of WA chairman Victor Sankey also provided comment and said the use of Gumiyo might not be as relevant to commercial as it was to residential property.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and getting two sides to every story is the name of the game in the media. And he may be right, innovative mediums may not be as relevant to commercial as they are to residential – but despite this, they do have a place and that is why we are launching this new initiative. It may not be typical of the commercial sector, but we are willing to try.

The nature of the commercial industry means that things tend to move a little slower than they do in residential, especially here in WA. But in business, those who follow are always left behind, it is about not being afraid to embrace something different, having enough confidence to do something that is perhaps a little outside the box. In the eastern states, commercial agencies are far more open to innovation and fresh thinking, things are a little stale here sometimes.

I feel that agents in WA have still not fully realised that they are no longer in control of the information feed and it is now firmly in the hands of the consumer. It is the consumer that will decide when and through which medium they will receive the data they want. I feel that those businesses that let go of control will in turn reach favour with the real estate consumer and be winners.

Here at Realmark we are not afraid to push the envelope, we are always open to and looking for, newer and fresher ways of delivering outstanding service and better solutions to our clients. Both residential and commercial. And the fact of the matter is, digital is the future and we want to be ahead of that curve, not playing catch ups.

Our ongoing research into new marketing concepts and technologies led us to Gumiyo and after looking closely at the technology, we realised that this would work well with our commercial niche.

Realmark Commercial provides a distinct alternative choice for clients who are looking for a non-corporatised style agency; we relate to those clients seeking an agency whose focus is not primarily on the CBD. And we think these clients will find Gumiyo a useful marketing tool. It won’t replace other marketing tools, it is just another string in the bow for our clients.

Gumiyo is convenient, smart and efficient and able to deliver data rich responses to consumers exactly when they want it via a mobile phone.

We’re proud to be the first commercial agency in WA to take it on board and the feedback we’ve received from clients has been positive. Of course only time will tell how this plays out, but as anyone in marketing knows, most good things are a gamble in the beginning.

Believe it or not, interest rate rise is good news

2009-10-23T13:22:00.005+08:00

Interest rate rises are never seen as good news, because for the everyday borrower they simply mean another cost to worry about. And while that is understandable, people need to realise that the first interest rate rise since the global financial crisis is actually a very good sign.

I believe the recent rate rise was a bold and wise move by the RBA, and it is also an indication that here in Australia we have managed to come out of the global financial crisis in a far better position than other nations. For us, the outlook is good. We are only the second developed nation to officially increase rates since the emergency lows.

What this really highlights is how strong both our economy and our banking systems are. And I think we need to understand how lucky we are to live in a country where the RBA is willing to make a move ahead of the curve to ensure our economy is not exposed to any further risk. Despite the fact it was never going to be a popular move.

This rise was necessary especially for WA. Why? Because with the Gorgon announcement and growing confidence there is a risk WA may slide back into a boom time mentality.

The increase will assist in protecting housing affordability here in WA by ensuring that the market isn’t fuelled by misplaced confidence. Gorgon may ignite the market somewhat and dropping stock levels are already threatening affordability, there is a significant risk that another housing ‘bubble’ may occur.

What I am asking people to see here is the bigger picture. When the cost of housing increases it causes a wide ripple of problems, rents go up and other living costs are affected. As a consequence, those most vulnerable in society are the hardest hit – this really is a social issue, not just an issue for borrowers.

In the short term rapid price increases favour a few people and businesses, in the medium term, unsustainable price hikes are actually detrimental to the overall strength of the market.

For all you borrowers out there who are facing bigger repayments as a consequence of the rate rise, remember to keep it in perspective. The three per cent interest rates were at emergency levels because there was significant risk to our economy, they were never going to stay there for long. At the moment interest rates are still very manageable.

The outlook for interest rates is that they will now continue to trend upward, so understand this and stay informed so you can make the best decisions when the time is right.

Agents must think laterally

2009-10-15T12:42:00.001+08:00

Despite the West Australian boom ending almost two years ago, some agents and agencies in this state are still living with a boom time mindset and are resisting the need to adapt to the needs of a new market and a new era in property and finance.

The past year has been a very challenging one in this industry, but we had the First Home Owners boost firing up the market. We are now facing a whole new range of challenges and those agents who cannot shake that boom time mentality are going to find survival very difficult and in turn find it very hard to deliver for their clients.

In WA, the most critical issue facing agents is plummeting listing stock. There is going to be a whole new level of competition in the market place and agents are going to have to fight for listings.

Agents should already be proactive in seeking listings. Often agents are only ever focused on the immediate and the ‘sale’, this is a serious mistake. Their focus should shift more heavily to an emphasis on business development, concentrating on that first part of the cycle and their role should involve aggressive and proactive measures to attract more sellers. This is the perennial challenge all real estate principals face through all phases of the property cycle.

The fact is competition will increase as fewer properties become available, creating a whole new playing field for agents. It will be the agent who thinks strategically who will score the new listings. Roll up your sleeves and sell yourself, or you are simply going to be left behind

In my opinion this situation will see some agents leave the industry, because if you are accustomed to easier times, these conditions will feel very difficult. What is interesting is the fact I’m seeing a high level of employment enquiries from people outside the industry who are looking to enter. We usually only work with experienced agents but we are starting to see a real opportunity in hiring inexperienced agents. The thing is these new agents haven’t been spoilt by the boom or practices that belong in another era. They’re fresh and ready to meet the demands of the new market, as opposed to some existing agents who will stick with old comfortable approaches and wonder why business is so difficult. Of course, we are also always on the look out for established agents who have the ability to shift with the market.

The way forward for agents is to rebrand themselves, they need to become seller managers, not sales agents. Sure the sale is a big part of what we do but the cycle begins with attracting listings and this needs time, energy and resources. At Realmark we promote this internally by building on the thing agents find easiest – the sale – and automating work flows in a way that automatically draws more and better sellers and listings to them.

There are two types of sellers; ones who are ready to sell today and others that will sell in the future. Too often the attention is on the immediacy of the seller for today, not on building long term working relationships with potential clients. Our business begins with the seller and many agents are just not putting enough effort into connecting with them in a meaningful and distinctive way over time.

As originally posted on Sold. The Magazine for Real Estate Professionals.

Realmark wins x 2

2009-09-30T17:06:00.000+08:00

Last week Realmark was announced as the winner of two major awards at this year’s REIWA Awards for Excellence. Voted Residential Estate Agency of the Year and taking out the Communications Award for the third time.

We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by our peers in this way. There is no doubt that these two awards belong to the people of Realmark, who work so hard everyday to ensure we are the best at what we do.

Next stop is the national REIA awards in Adelaide early next year, fingers crossed for a national win!

What comes next?

2009-09-21T08:57:00.002+08:00

As we edge closer towards the end of 2009 I think we may have seen the worst, but I don’t think that means everything is coming up roses.

The market is moving into a new phase which also means a whole new set of challenges.

Stock levels are plummeting. To date, new listings have dropped by 40 per cent. This is of major concern because together with other pending economic factors, such as looming interest rate rises, affordability will be the next challenge. It is likely that prices are going to be inflated by this shortage of stock and some potential buyers will again be squeezed out. This will also make it harder for real estate agents as the competition for new listings becomes tighter.

People will also start to find it difficult to borrow, banks have already started to tighten their lending criteria in preparation for interest rate rises. The cost and availability of money will be a big factor and it is likely to impact negatively on the participation of investors and developers, the two groups we really need to be more active at this time because they are part of the solution to Australia’s significant housing shortage.

We are also going to see the end of the First Home Owners boost at the end of this month and while first home buyer participation has already eased, it is still likely it will have some impact.

It will be interesting to see how these fundamentals come to play over the next few months. But there is no need for negativity or panic, there is just a real need to be prepared.

A spring in our step

2009-09-07T09:57:00.003+08:00

The recent and far-reaching decision to green light the Gorgon gas project off the State’s north-west coast has certainly injected some enthusiasm and faith into the economy.

In Greek mythology a gorgon was a vicious female monster with sharp fangs. One of her incarnations was Medusa, who had a head full of snakes and could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. A meeting with her certainly wasn’t going to be pleasant.

At the same time, images of the gorgon were placed over doors, on floors, on shields and coins to ward off evil. So perhaps that’s the preferable interpretation – an image to stave off bad things and offer renewed hope.

It’s been amazing to see how quickly people have taken up the Gorgon announcement as a symbol and used it to buoy their spirits. There’s a spring in our collective step again because we perceive something big is happening and feel there’s going to be a flow-on effect.

We’re closing in on the last quarter of the year and I think many people in WA anticipated some truly cataclysmic events this year. Yet, we’re still shopping and eating out.

We really are living in a very lucky place and feeling that life is pretty ok. Unlike previous cycles, particularly after the crash of ’89, when things shuddered to a halt, things are still flowing. Yes, the bump in the road rattled us, but we’re getting back on track.

Despite the scare, there’s little doubt we’re still a rather self- indulgent society and we expect life to draw us an easy but rewarding ride. When our political leaders are peddling the “nice life” line, who wants to argue?

There’s a lot of criticism of Gen Y but perhaps they are simply the obvious examples of where our world and values have moved to. They demand that everything should be ok tomorrow but they are also impatient. They don’t want to be humble – they just want to get there now. They’re expressing it bluntly, openly and directly.

So maybe if we are a little more honest we would admit how keen we are to embrace a gorgon in such a reactive manner! Equally, we need to keep good news stories in perspective realising it takes many successes to fully assure our future.

Gorgon great news, but don’t hold your breath for a boom

2009-09-07T09:42:00.002+08:00

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would have been reading and hearing a lot about the Gorgon project in WA’s north, and probably a few headlines around how it is tipped to push WA back into boom. There’s no doubt the Gorgon project is certainly a positive. It will definitely produce much needed employment and inject some strength back into our economy, but is it going to save the day?

As important as this project is to our economy, it is not the answer to all of our woes. It isn’t going to see us return overnight to the prosperous boom times, where WA in particular, reaped the benefits from the booming minerals sector. It is naïve to think the Gorgon project alone will have the same affect and return us to the same position we were in two years ago, there are so many fundamentals that come to play in a recovery.

The thing about the recent boom is it has given many people in WA unrealistic expectations and this longing for good times gone by. The boom was not real life and if you spend your days wishing it back you’re wasting time and energy in the wrong place. If you understand the situation you can react to it, if you’re living on false hopes you’re not doing anyone any good.

Ever since the economic fallout people have been grasping at facts and figures that may signal that everything will be A-OK, it is human nature. And the Gorgon story is just another example of this.

In saying all of this, it is worth noting how compared to other countries around the world, ours has experienced much less damage from the global financial crisis. WA in particular has been quite sheltered from the fall out experienced in countries like the USA and Japan.

So yes, Gorgon and the recovery of the minerals sector is positive news for us but keep it all in perspective and keep focused on the bigger picture.

Finding your spirit level

2009-08-18T15:12:00.002+08:00

Stop dreaming because of the recession! Too many people have put their lives on hold this year. Yes, it has been a good chance to take the lay of the land but it’s been an even better chance to change direction and look at fresh options. While we can be cautiously optimistic, we’re also living in promising times.

It’s fallacious to talk about the world “going back to normal”. The boom before the bust was by its very nature unnatural. What we should be doing is looking for a new spirit level; one which is sustainable and contributes to the betterment of the world today, tomorrow and next year.

A valuable thing you can have done over the past year is to take stock. We’d been running so fast and so hard, no one had time to stop.

So stop! Take a deep breath. Remember what standing in the sunlight for two minutes feels like. (Actually it’s quite energising!)

The boom and bust has made people realise firmly they can’t take bumper business for granted. There’s an end to gratuitous good times. We’ve seen and felt it.

There are now sensible decisions to be made and work to be done. Oh yes – work! That four letter word we kind of forgot about when business was so successful all we had to do was spend each day taking orders and not always caring about the quality of our service.

Work requires skill, application, energy and consistency – all the foundations that have been removed from our working world in recent years. Sheesh, just writing about it makes me feel like my grandfather sprouting old fashioned values. They STILL stand though; now more than ever perhaps.

While BC (before the crash) all you had to do was buy a ticket, stand in the marketplace and the work just happened. We can no longer take for granted the dollars will roll in.

Businesses cannot deal in sales platitudes and casual commentary. Our survival on many levels demands a return to meaningful information and solutions.

Are we missing the real crisis?

2009-08-14T11:00:00.002+08:00

It’s a fact we cannot ignore. Australia is in the midst of a national housing shortage which has the potential to cause major repercussions including driving new house prices up, affecting affordability.

Despite all the uplifting stories emerging in our news media about the property market’s resurgence, the bigger concern not being addressed is the shortage of homes.

Alarmingly, experts are predicting by 2010 the nation will be short of 200,000 homes, a fact we can no longer ignore.

The shortage is driven by Australia’s population explosion. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded a 1.9 per cent national population growth during the 12 months ending December 2008 and WA alone recorded a 3.1 per cent increase, the highest of all the States and Territories.

We have been too caught up worrying about the economy, and as a result we’ve neglected to address this very real problem.

It is fairly well known that these issues partly stem from the layers of bureaucratic red tape authorities have put in place which property developers must fight their way through to achieve any sort of progress.

It is hard and expensive to develop and approvals around it need to be simplified and improved.

Governments need to remove the hurdles put in front of property developers so that smoother processes can be put in place and more homes can be developed to meet the demand.

And this revamp of the system is a must do.

Housing stocks need to be replenished otherwise we risk driving up the cost of new homes affecting affordability.

I must emphasise the importance of keeping homes affordable because if we don’t, we risk imposing a stalled market. We need to keep the market ticking over.

People need to be aware of what the bigger issues are here, the small statistics emerging about property may ease our anxiety in the short-term but the issue still remains, we have a serious problem with the shortage of homes in our country.

Go digital, grow your audience

2009-07-31T16:58:00.001+08:00

The rise of digital media has forever changed the way most industries do business. For some this change is frightening, for Realmark it is the way forward.

From our perspective, the most positive thing about the digital space is the potential to reach a far greater audience than we can manually. Today real estate agents cannot rely solely on contact with potential buyers in their local suburb, they need to have networks and communication tools that reach much wider. Digital media delivers numerous ways to tap into new audiences but more importantly, it gives you the power to target your communications so you know you are talking to the right people, not just any people.

This is why we recently introduced an e-version of Realmark’s IN magazine to the PerthNow website. PerthNow is the news choice for many West Australians and they will now have the opportunity to sign up to receive an email version of the magazine. This is good news for sellers who market their property in the magazine because IN will now be reaching an entirely new audience which has the potential to reach into the thousands.

Like anything, the key to digital success is strategy, there needs to be a solid strategy behind every move you make. And as I have said before it is all about finding the right mix, digital media needs to play a part in any business strategy, but it cannot override the fact that there is still a need to provide a high level of service that can only come from old fashioned face to face meetings. It is only one piece of the puzzle.

Sign up for the new IN magazine via the PerthNow daily news alerts by clicking on this link.

Find your technology mix - and stay human

2009-07-30T16:48:00.002+08:00

There are growing numbers of people who prefer technology to communicate rather than speaking to you. It’s unfortunate because it can be such an incomplete and inefficient communication method.

Have you noticed it’s a lot easier to be aggressive in an email, especially compared to talking face-to-face?

Sure, technology allows you to communicate news which isn’t popular and shields you somewhat from backlash. It can also be a coward’s way out. Breaking up with someone via text or resigning a job is discourteous and surely spits in the face of the relationship you have built up. Someone emailing you with a catch line of “call me” doesn’t engender you wanting to call them at all, does it?

This may sound like I am advocating moving back to life BE – before email. Far from it. We need to embrace all forms of social and business communication but must learn to use them in a way which gives us the most clout and still remembers the conventions of being human.

I want you to stay human. Don’t let technology take that away from you in your dealings with others, even if it is over the bandwidth.

If someone makes the first overture to you electronically, take their cue. If a client chooses to communicate this way, they have made a choice to be separate from you. They are looking for a little safety, if only initially. Push them too hard and they might disappear altogether.

In our business, we have the opportunity to leverage a mix of ways to interact with our clients. Using them properly – and targeting the audience who respond best to each medium – gets us the best results.

I encourage our sales people to email a client report on the Monday after their home opens on the weekend. No one has to wait for a posted document or a mutually convenient time to physically hand it over. The client can digest it and a follow-up call on Tuesday further cements the relationship and offers forum for discussion.

There’s a level of decorum which must apply to communication for it to be effective. Hide behind it to your own detriment, because when you are building relationships it can stop a lot of good communication simply because people aren’t necessarily deft enough with the written language.

We reveal so much more with things like body language and our tone of voice so at some point, there’s nothing like meeting belly-to-belly. People want to experience empathy, trust and understanding and you can’t do that in the same way via an electronic medium.

Looking someone in the eye, a firm shake of a hand or a round table discussion to ascertain a position can work perfectly in tandem with initial discussions done via email.

An expressive personality will want to do coffee right away but the analytical person will prefer an email to digest things before talking it through. Recognise the kind of person you are working with and use the communication tool which gets the best outcome. Not everyone is the same.

Ultimately, whether it’s Twitter, email or Facebook, they all have their strengths. There is a place for all of it but to engage effectively you have to understand them and find the right combination for you and your clients.

Like it or hate it, these days, it’s an essential part of your business equation.

The Set-Date-Sale

2009-07-22T16:04:00.003+08:00

In challenging economic times like these, it pays to think outside the square.

Penetrating an exhausted real estate market can be difficult which is why it is important to stay one step ahead of the game.

I believe understanding the current market situation and knowing what people are looking for in terms of buying and selling homes, is vital to business and vital to client needs.

In my experience fresh and innovative ideas in difficult times keep business alive, healthy and prosperous.

This is why we’ve developed a new concept in the world of real estate which, if early results are any sort of indication, is a winning formula.

Set-Date-Sale (SDS) has the characteristics of an auction (but without all the stale conditions associated with it such as deposits and cash payments) and the reliability of the trusty traditional sale.

And when we married the two concepts together we came up with a practical selling method to suit current market conditions.

The way SDS works is simple. After launching a marketing campaign to attract buyer interest, the property is then advertised with a buyer’s price guide or alternatively no specific price at all.

Now this may seem unusual, but in a market where it is difficult to price properties, potential buyers are able to present offers they deem fair and of market value, and sellers find out what the market is willing to offer.

The beauty of SDS is that control is entirely in the hands of the buyers and sellers. They determine the outcome of the sale.

Buyers are required to submit their offers to the agent by a certain date and unlike the traditional sale, the agent is required to present ALL offers to the seller who is then in a better position to negotiate and ultimately decide which offer best suits them.

The buyer has the confidence that their offer will be submitted for consideration and the seller has the freedom to choose which offer they like.

And because of the set date, the property doesn’t linger on the market for months on end. It is a quick and fair process where everybody wins.

This method of selling is exclusive to Realmark. We developed it because the current market demanded new, effective solutions for sellers.

SDS helps to attract and maintain buyer interest. It provides a higher degree of fairness to buyers and great transparency for sellers in comparison to the usual basic sale approach.

The injection of SDS into our business operations has given our clients another option when it comes to selling their homes and a boost I believe the market needed during these times.

The bright side of life

2009-07-22T08:43:00.003+08:00

Human beings are natural optimists and they react to people who don’t fear and offer solutions.

Recession doesn’t mean retract.

In fact this is the time to harness all that negative spin and energy and actually stand up and articulate yourself very clearly in a positive manner. That will help you stand out and hopefully be at the front of the next wave of rising fortunes.

We know what a recession does and feels like. Acknowledge that and let’s move on in positivity because that can also be its own self-fulfilling prophecy.

When people come out of their caves you want to be there. You want to be the one they see and you want to have some workable answers.

Have you noticed how fast marketing and advertising initiatives have been to respond to the new language of the downturn?

They’ve certainly figured out which consumer hot buttons to push. An increasing number of ads on TV, radio and in print are articulating a link to bad times and in turn suggesting that they and their products are your solution.

At the same time this amplifies and manifests a herd mentality and might well make people actually retreat into their homes and businesses, away from public spending and profile. Instead we must continue to nurture individuality and big ideas out of the box.

The world is moving so fast, that we seem to continually move in extremes. TV shows are almost turning into reality TV because they are being produced close enough to their airing times, we’re seeing all manner of up-to-the-minute references nightly.

All this is saturating our world and that makes it too easy to focus on the negative. “Everyone’s doing it,” you cry, “so I’ll be there with them.”

Think about it – why is the well-worn Aussie question “how are ya?” usually answered as “not too bad”. Why is 8% unemployment the figure always bandied about when that means there’s 92% employment?

Perhaps our psyche needs an overhaul as a way to see the bright side of life.

A balancing act

2009-07-13T16:58:00.003+08:00

How do we achieve balance in the property market? "The market needs balance", published on Sold Magazine's website on Thursday July 9, 2009 - http://bit.ly/i2oQl

We all need heroes

2009-07-03T15:22:00.002+08:00

It has crept up on us, but for a while we’ve been living in a society which doesn’t value quality as highly as it does quick solutions and immediate satisfaction.

Our parents and grandparents came from generations where you knew you had to do the hard yards to advance up your chosen ladder, personally or professionally. Reality TV introduced us to the cult of celebrity, teaching people they can be catapulted virtually overnight to the final rung just because they showed up.

The death of Michael Jackson and other great figures has shown us we all advance because of the greatness of things individuals do and by not by rewarding mediocrity and instant solutions.

Jacko’s amazing commercial and artistic success went hand-in-hand with a highly-criticised, turbulent and controversial personal life. Society often punishes that oddness – for good or bad – even when it may well be what fuels creativity in the first place. Ironically, it’s these people who can contribute so much to our everyday lives.

Despite his personal issues, would Americans have ever been able to dream of how great a nation they could have without someone like JFK? Popularity aside, John Howard always had a vision for our country and people responded by taking ownership of Australia and dreaming about what we’re capable of.

Human nature naturally has us looking towards someone or something to believe in; something that’s bigger than we are and by association carries us forward to be part of something good – and if we’re lucky, something great and life-changing.

That’s why we still need heroes in all aspects of our lives and why they need to be those who through quality hard work have shown their best. They help us be better people and strive for our dreams. They are inspirational; they empower us and offer the leverage to kick up to the next rung.

We need to remember to recognise quality. The cult of celebrity is like fast food – it tastes great now but the high doesn’t last long. Alternatively a lovingly home-cooked meal fuels dreams for the long run.

Nothing great comes without sacrifice. We’ve been lulled into thinking that as long as we buy a ticket and get on the train it will deliver us to the top of the mountain without effort. Sorry! You’ll have to expend some creativity and effort over time to get there.

You might not be able to do it alone either. Michael Jackson did some of his best work with other talents like Quincy Jones, I do it with my team when we are both looking in the same direction and successful companies thrive on collective creative effort with heroes to guide them.

We’d love to know who your heroes are. Are they famous or is it someone in your local community whose simple everyday actions are inspirational?

Where is the happy ending?

2009-06-30T12:01:00.002+08:00

It is human nature to want everything to be OK. That is why we love and crave a happy ending in a movie and always want our footy team to win. It is also why we are scrambling for a sign that the economy is going to be just fine, phew the hard times are over!

Well it is a bit early for that yet. There is plenty of talk in the headlines around the first ‘green shoots’ of recovery, but in my opinion we are not going to get off quite that easy. It is likely we will be feeling this global financial crisis well in 2010 and any talk otherwise might make us all feel good on the inside, but really it is just spin. When you look at the fundamentals the second half of this year is going to throw up a range of challenges, from rising unemployment, to increased interest rates and the final deadline for the First Home Buyer Grant. The recent economic fall out is like nothing we have seen in recent decades and we need to understand that the issues we face are not going to vaporize so quickly. The regeneration of the economy takes time.

I am not saying that now is a time for pessimism, it is simply a time for realism. Clasping your hands over your eyes and blocking out the reality isn’t going to do anyone any favours. But fronting up to the real situation and forward thinking is.

If you are in business, you always need to think beyond the present day. You need to put strategies in place and be ready and willing to make changes. This is nothing new, even when times are good, solid businesses plan for the down times rather than just letting them sneak up.

If you are selling your home, it is a time to be informed and it is a time to find the right advice. Don’t choose an agent who just tells you what you want to hear, choose an agent who understands the market and is realistic. If you are looking to buy, then ensure you don’t make decisions on what the rest of the world is doing. Don’t be tempted to follow the herd, look at the facts and again, be informed.

No matter who you are, keep your eyes open for the opportunities that present themselves in this current climate, because I assure you they are there.

And in finishing, I have to say it is refreshing to see a little confidence return, it just needs to be harnessed in the right way.

We're celebrating!

2009-06-30T10:34:00.003+08:00

Realmark has been recognised at the 2009 Australian Business Awards, winning the Marketing Excellence category http://pitch.pe/16846

The brave will inherit

2009-06-16T09:04:00.001+08:00

Is it just me, or are you feeling like a stand of bamboo which, if you believe the government, is sprouting the first green shoots of new growth after a dry season.

If that’s the case, it must mean there’s been plenty going on underneath the surface too if I’ve been capable of actually creating these tender leaves.

While I’ve been working hard at that, consumers have been feeling a little cocky with the infusion of money into the system, mainly through government stimulus. But that’s already starting to dry up and forecasters are shadowing Western Australia in particular, is yet to hit the bottom and truly feel the full effects of recession.

If forearmed is forewarned, then we can do something to smooth out the immediate future.

The boom that has passed and the recent period of government-subsidised activity has meant it’s been easy for even ordinary business people to do well because a buoyant economy has papered over any mistakes and naturally readjusted.

But no more. Because from here on in and for a little while, you will wear your miscalculations and the market won’t be hauling you out of it.

It’s time to act smartly to prepare now for what’s coming. If you’ve been a huge or solid success in your industry or your investments to date, don’t automatically assume that doing things as you always have will see you through.

If you consider until the GED your world was working at an arbitrary level of factor 12. Now perhaps your world is having to reset and operate more at a 7 or 8. This is still an excellent level to be at; it’s simply a matter of changing your mind-set.

There are more challenges to come and lifestyle and business MUST change. These changes will have some negative effects in the marketplace but with a little preparation, adapting practices and resetting your head space, you can address a constricting volume of opportunity successfully.

It doesn’t matter if you are a businessman, buying a new home or dealing with your personal life, it’s time to look in places you haven’t explored before. Use all the skills you have gained to date and refashion them to this brave new world paradigm.

People who don’t (or won’t) adjust haven’t seen the reality of the economy. Just as you let a bull market ride you to the top, it can also send you screaming down the rollercoaster into a dip.

Most people don’t like change or to be challenged. This market is showing us all who they are – and be it at your own peril if change is not understood and embraced.

History recounts some of the world’s most notable companies making their biggest headway during down times. They’ve done it because they’ve looked ahead, changed their ways and grabbed new opportunities.

Now it’s your turn…but it’s up to you!

Wise Words

2009-06-11T09:02:00.002+08:00

Yesterday morning I went along to hear Christine Christian of Dunn and Bradstreet speak as part of The West Australian’s Leadership Matters breakfast series. And it wasn’t pretty, she offered up a very frank account of the economic situation we are facing. Her opinions are very similar to mine in that despite what the headlines might be saying, I don’t believe we are seeing the beginnings of a recovery just yet. I am not sure that we are going to get off that easy. My sense is that we will be feeling this crisis until well into 2010 and talk of “green shoots recovery” may be a little overly optimistic feel good spin. I am not going to go into all of the finer details of the morning, but I have to say her last words were the most important. They went something like this ‘many businesses are going to realise and maximise the opportunities that are thrown up by this market and those businesses that do survive won’t act like victims.’ Wise words.