IN our city

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.