listed-admin, Author at Listed and Sold Real Estate

Innovative Architectural Design Strategies Using Wood

listed-admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 08:18:35 +0000

Everything old is new again, and wood is no exception. While wood has been used in buildings for thousands of years, but it lost favour in the recent past when steel and concrete became fashionable. However, societies are now more aware of the impact of other building materials on the environment, so wood is making a comeback. Believe it or not, wood is now seen as the ‘material of the future’ and it has architects and designers abuzz with the possibilities. But timber as we know it has changed a lot since your grandfather’s time. It’s now engineered, and some say this new miracle natural product is so strong, clean and versatile, that it’s the ‘new concrete’.

With almost 60 years of real estate expertise, Listed & Sold is the family-friendly agent you can trust – Our second-generation family business specialises in achieving the sale or purchase outcome you’re looking for.

The Benefits of Wood in Architecture

Wood is a durable material. Take the Horyuji Temple in Japan which was built 1,300 years ago and still stands. It’s the oldest wooden building and was designated is world heritage listed by UNESCO. As a material that ticks a lot of environmental boxes (pardon the pun), wood is right up there because as a tree it extracts greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere and churns out oxygen. Timber is a renewable product as well and it reduces the noise and disruption of building sites. Although research on it is sparse, some say buildings made from wood make us feel better. Whether it is old fashioned or ‘engineered, wooden buildings may lower your heart rate, reduce stress; children are believed to be calmer in wooden, classrooms and recovery of patients in hospitals is said to improve – all of which seems intuitively possible. Other benefits include wood’s durability. Engineered wood is a kind of ultra-plywood, called cross-laminated timber (CLT). This is durable and strong, insulates sound, heat and cold.

Whether it’s realising the value of your family home, purchasing off-the-plan, or finding the perfect home to raise your children, our Listed & Sold family is there for your family.

Newer Structures Designed With Wood

After exporting game-changers globally (think Ikea and Scandinavian minimalism) the Swedes are now the front runners with a new design pitch based on wood architecture. Sweden is now seen as the epicentre of the wood architecture movement because architects are kept interested in playing with the new technology. For instance, there’s a research project trying to make transparent wood that looks like glass! Architects are mixing experience and innovation and coming up with designs for the future. There are now numerous examples of innovative and interesting wooden structures worldwide, including:

Frostaliden: This new garden district in Skövde, Sweden is one of the largest wooden projects in the country with 1200 homes and 4000 inhabitants. All homes have the walls and flooring built using CLT (cross-laminated timber) with boards cross-glued making a solid wooden construction.
Forté, Australia: An apartment building constructed with cross-laminated timber, standing 32.2 m tall. The building’s credentials include the fact that it’s a massive benefit to the environment since it stores about 761 tonnes of CO2.
Sunnyhills, Tokyo: A Japanese pineapple inspired cake shop called SunnyHills in Tokyo is a perfect example of wood used in innovative architecture, designed by Kengo Kuma, the Japanese architect. The shop is made from 5,000 narrow timber slats forming a cloud-like, latticed mass wrapping around the three-storey building. The shop looks like a giant bamboo basket, and was made using the Jigoku Gumi technique of using glue and nails to fix the slats together.
Tamedia Office Building, Zurich, Switzerland: This seven-storey building was constructed with wood. An innovative design aspect is the thermal barriers which allows for air to be extracted for heating and cooling.

Types of Wood Used in Architecture

There are many kinds of wood used in construction and architecture, but some are more popular than others for the benefits they bring, including:

Cedar – lightweight, dense, resistant to decay.
Pine – inexpensive, attractive.
Oak – durable, insect-resistant.

Listed & Sold Real Estate are specialists in Stonnington, Monash and Glen Eira. From the moment we first visit your property, we will establish an open and ethical relationship with you. As our client, you are our number one priority.

Listed & Sold Real Estate, services the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, are experts in the following property markets:

Call Arthur and Myrian Bourantanis today on 03 8563 9418 or email us arthur@listedsold.com.au or myrian@listedsold.com.au.

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Planning Your Move – The Ultimate Moving Checklist

listed-admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 07:11:32 +0000

Moving house is renowned as the second most anxiety provoking thing in life apart from a death in the family, so do yourself a favour and plan your move months ahead if possible. A well-planned and thorough moving house checklist is crucial for a stress-free relocation of your family and all your belongings, whether you’re moving to the next suburb, around the corner, interstate or overseas. Using a comprehensive moving checklist makes packing so much easier. You can write your own using the tips provided here. So, no matter whether you’re using the services of a removalist or doing the job yourself, here are some tried and true tips from those in the know to help you prepare and pack your worldly belongings fast, easily and as safely as possible.

With almost 60 years of real estate expertise, we’re the family-friendly agent that you can trust. Our second-generation family business specialises in achieving the sale or purchase outcome you’re looking for.

Standard Moving and Packing Tips

There are some general truths about moving house involving packing. You’ll find clothes and ‘stuff’ you haven’t seen for years, so follow the decluttering rule that says if you haven’t used it/worn it in a year, toss it (unless it’s an expensive antique or something you cherish). Give your unwanted items (providing they’re in good condition) to your local charity. You’ll be surprised at how free you’ll feel without the burden of owning so many useless things. And while you’re packing, keep in mind the volume of items to be moved so you can give the removalist an estimate. Make sure you pack things properly to lessen the risk of damage to your treasures.

Tips on a Nutshell:

If you pack early, it means you can do a little every day, rather than a mad dash the day before you have to move. It makes unpacking at the other end a breeze.
Label and pack each box with items from each room, e.g. think bathroom, kitchen, etc.
Use plenty of bubble wrap for breakable items and label the box FRAGILE.
Think about the removalist’s backs. They have to lift heavy boxes so don’t overload them, and do make absolutely sure they’re taped well, so the box doesn’t break open.

Whether it’s realising the value of your family home, purchasing off-the-plan, or finding the perfect home to raise your children –
Our family is there for your family.

Things to Add to Your Checklist

The following reminders will be invaluable;

Arrange car transport for boats and trailers and caravans etc.
Lock in your removalists.
Book pet transport.
Get on top of paperwork and your budget.
Spring clean.
Organise power, gas, NBN connection and disconnection etc.
Use up the food in the fridge.
Make sure your belongings and new home will be insured.

Book your removalist company early so you can choose the right one for you. Shop around for a reasonable price, but book well in advance. If you’re doing the move yourself, book some hefty friends and family to give you a hand and pack the vehicle by starting with the larger items, using small things to fill in the gaps. Make sure you keep a bag handy of things you’ll need, including toiletries, medications, phone chargers, e.g. Don’t forget to leave behind some cleaning products, cloths, a mop and bucket and vacuum to do your last clean. On moving day, keep your energy levels up by having plenty of snacks and water. If you’ve bought a new house through Listed & Sold, send a thank you card or gift to the agent and make sure you leave a sparkling clean house for the next occupants. Celebrate your successful move with a house-warming party for your friends and family, especially if they gave you a hand moving.

It’s likely your property is your most valuable asset, so when it comes time to sell, you need to feel safe in the hands of someone you can trust. And equally, you want to know that person is experienced and understands the local market. From the moment we first visit your property, we will establish an open and ethical relationship with you. As our client, you are our number one priority. Call Arthur Bourantanis on 0423 781 694 or email arthur@listedsold.com.au or Myrian Bourantanis on 0413 957 653 or email myrian@listedsold.com.au.

Listed & Sold Real Estate Location Services

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Investing In Property? Your 10-Step Guide to the Purchasing Process

listed-admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 08:45:53 +0000

You might want to invest in the property market for extra income from monthly rental payments, or for capital appreciation. No matter what your reason is, it’s in your best interest to know why you’re doing it so you know how to get where you want to go financially. Use the following 10 tips to guide you through the maze of the investment property purchasing process.

1. Location is Key

The location of the property you buy as an investment is crucial. For instance, rentals in the outer suburbs or regional areas can offer high yields. However, inner-city properties usually bring in strong capital growth rates. You’ll also find there’s a higher rate of appreciation on the price of a house than an apartment – but apartments also offer high yields.

With almost 60 years of real estate expertise, Listed & Sold is the family-friendly agent you can trust – Whether you’re a first-home buyer or investing in property, selling your home, or purchasing off-the-plan, our family is there for your family.

2. Count the Cash

Before you search for a property, you’ll need to calculate how much you have in your savings, or how much you can borrow. Then you need to work out if you can afford the ongoing costs of owning an investment property. It’s easy – just list all your assets and income and work out how much it costs you to live, making sure you don’t over-commit. Lenders like you to have at least 20 per cent as a deposit. Try to get as much investment property loan information as you can and apply for pre-approval from your lender so you can inspect properties with confidence.

3. Hidden Costs

You don’t want your investment to end up a rod for your own back, so make sure that investing in property is doable financially. Plan for the hidden and upfront costs such as stamp duty, but there will also be regular payments down the track for maintenance and repairs, council and water rates, insurance and property management. These costs should be covered by the rental costs. However, you need to be prepared for any vacancies which could be a few weeks every year. If you’re ready, the vacancies won’t affect your budget.

You’ll immediately feel the family difference at Listed & Sold Real Estate.
There’s the integrity of our sales process and genuine care to ensure we help you find the property that’s perfect for you.

4. What’s Your Borrowing Power?

The amount you can borrow will be the arbiter on the type of property you can afford to buy. Use a borrowing power calculator to help you estimate how much you can comfortably afford. You can also talk to your bank or lender about the investment loan that suits you and whether you ought to choose an interest-only or principal and interest. Do you want a fixed or variable rate or half and half? The advice you receive will depend on the economic environment, but always get professional advice before you commit.

The relationship you’ll have with Arthur and Myrian at Listed & Sold Real Estate will give you peace of mind whether you’re buying or selling.

5. Consult Your Accountant

There are tax implications involved in buying investment properties, and you should understand them. Your accountant knows the ins and outs of taxation so ask for clarification on the following:

Negative gearing and depreciation allowances on new buildings.
Is it wiser to buy a new or old building?
If in partnership, whose name should appear on the contract? (This could affect future land tax, stamp duty and any tax benefits).
Ask your tax agent how much they think you can afford each month on investment loan repayments.
What are the tax implications on the mortgage amount?

6. Searching For Your Property

Remember, you’re not buying a home for your family, but an investment property and the two strategies are different. Investors look for properties that appeal to tenants, avoid high maintenance properties, and seek out those with off-street parking, lots of storage, and excellent transport links. Talk to agents including Listed & Sold about the location you’re considering and ask about the demographic, recent sales and history of the area. Ask about prices and how long properties stay on the market. You need to know about amenities such as shops, schools, and universities. Trawl real estate sites and buy with your head, not your heart. Remember it’s an investment. You need to concentrate on your rental business and how to maximise your capital.

7. Get a Lawyer or Conveyancer

When you’ve found the property you want, ask the selling agent for a copy of the contract of sale. Also, ask how much rental the property can bring in and have written estimates to show your lender. Some lenders take the rental income into account when you apply for an investment loan. Engage the services of a reputable lawyer or conveyancer and give the contract to them to make sure there are no tricky conditions, clauses or caveats. If the property is being auctioned and you’re the highest bidder, you also have to know how much deposit you’ll need, so ask the agent.

At Listed & Sold, we take the time to give you a realistic and clear property evaluation – We optimise the open for inspection process and happily do all the hard work for you.
Best of all, you will benefit from our flat-rate sales fee.

8. Get Pest and Building Reports

To check whether the property you wish to buy is structurally sound and free from pests such as termites, you need to hire independent pest and building inspectors. The building inspector will check for significant defects like cracking or movement in the walls, a faulty roof or rising damp. A pest inspection will find borers, termites and other nasties. If your reports show problems you can have repaired, then you should bargain for a better price. Ask for a strata report to make sure the body corporate is financial if you’re investing in a townhouse or apartment.

9. Make an Offer/Exchange Contracts

With your investment loan pre-approved it’s time to make an offer. If your offer is accepted, then your loan will have to be fully approved. Then both you and the vendor must sign a copy of the contract of sale which is then exchanged between your conveyancers or lawyers. This is the stage where you pay the deposit, and if the sale is by private treaty the amount is usually 10 per cent of the sale price, but that depends on what is in the contract.

10. Settlement Day

It can take from six to eight weeks after contracts have been exchanged to reach settlement. The property is transferred into your name during this time. While you wait you can check out property insurance to make sure that on settlement day your asset is covered. There’s also landlord insurance which offers a broader range of cover for investors. On settlement, you will pay the stamp duty, legal fees, rate and utility adjustment costs.

Now you can find tenants and start making money!

When you buy or sell through Listed & Sold Real Estate, you are not just a number, but our top priority. You can trust us every step of the way. Call Arthur Bourantanis on 0423 781 694, email arthur@listedsold.com.au, or Myrian Bourantanis on 0413 957 653, email myrian@listedsold.com.au.

Listed & Sold Real Estate Location Services

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The Technology That’ll Save You Money At Home

listed-admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:42:35 +0000

It’s common knowledge that many Aussie householders are feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise. People are tightening their belts, whether their income is from a working wage, retirement savings or government benefits such as pensions (1). The December 2018 quarter saw a rise in the cost of living for the following (2):

Pensioner and beneficiary households up 0.7 percent
Other government benefit recipient households up 0.9 percent
Age pensioner households up 0.4 percent
Wage-earning households up 0.6 percent
Self-funded retiree households up 0.5 percent

Data from the 2015-16 Household Expenditure Survey (3) shows that between 2011-2017, the cost of energy swelled by 26 per cent across the nation, which meant householders were paying $190 a week more than in 2005. Now, the growing pressure on their finances in 2019 leaves some families feeling bewildered, but if you are among them, there’s plenty of new technology to help you manage.

Ways to Cut Power and Water Costs

To save on your quarterly power bill, you can install energy-efficient lighting that switches itself off when not in use. Also, there are power boards that automatically turn off any appliances connected to them when you’ve finished your work or leisure activities. This technology prevents your sound system, TV and computer from draining energy by remaining in standby mode all night. Apart from power saving gadgets, there’s some smart technology available to help you save money. Leak alarms alert you if a tap is left on or needs a new washer, which helps to save household water and lower your domestic energy bills – a leaking hot water tap can send your power bill sky high.

As a client of Listed & Sold, you are our number one priority.
From the moment we first visit your home, we establish an open and ethical relationship with you.

Solar Panels and Smart Home Devices

You can set your home environment up so that it is communication-friendly by investing in a home assistant such as Google Home, Alexa or any of the other brands, including a local one called Wattcost. These smart home devices synchronise with your smartphone, so you get reminders if you’ve left the refrigerator door open, forgotten to switch off the gas stove, or left a light on unintentionally. Home automation can save you money by controlling household items from pet feeders to blinds with a simple voice command or by pressing a button on your phone. You can use your device to set up a lamp to switch on or off, which is not expensive, but others such as surveillance cameras can cost you more. Needless to say, if you install some inexpensive solar panels in your home your energy costs lessen over time by up to 30 per cent. Solar is a fabulous long-term solution, especially if you’re in a state where you can access a government solar rebate.

At Listed & Sold, we take the time to give you a realistic and clear property evaluation, listen and explain the sales process in clear language and optimise the inspection process.
Best of all, you benefit from our flat-rate sales fee and total transparency that brings you peace of mind.

Apps Control the Home Smart Tech

Apps offer portable and convenient ways to use smart tech around the house (and when you’re not at home), so you can control everything from lights and temperature to locks and security that saves you money. Apps can also prevent unexpected costs (as anyone who has had a freezer go bung can attest). The cost of the wasted food is enough, but if the fridge is faulty as well, that can result in a big electricity bill. However, if you install a wifi connected fridge monitor, you’ll get a warning message on your phone if the temperature drops. Such a message might be the difference between spoilt food and a quick repair to save the day and your finances.

Your home is most likely your most valuable asset, so when you want to sell it, you need to feel safe in the hands of someone you can trust, who is experienced and understands the local market. The relationship you’ll have with Arthur and Myrian at Listed & Sold Real Estate provide all of the above and more. From the moment we first visit your home, we establish an open and ethical relationship with you. As our client, you are our number one priority. If you’re thinking of selling your home, contact Arthur Bourantanis, 0423 781 694, email arthur@listedsold.com.au, or Myrian Bourantanis, 0413 957 653, email myrian@listedsold.com.au today. You won’t be disappointed.

References:

Listed & Sold Real Estate Location Services

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Warning Signs of Pest Infestations to Look Out For While House Hunting

listed-admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 07:06:12 +0000

The worst nightmare for anyone who has just bought a house would be finding it’s riddled with termites. So if you’re looking for a home to buy, the answer is to go to inspections or open house days fully prepared. Make sure you don’t choose a termite infested house in the first place by keeping your eyes open for signs of these wood munching critters in all the places you look at. Of course, any home you buy should be inspected for all kinds of pests by a licensed professional, but you can save yourself time and money by choosing a home with no signs of infestation. However, you do need to know what to look for and there are unmistakable signs evident to the keen of eye.

Termites and other pests can cause structural damage to a home and left untreated an infestation can cost homeowners many thousands of dollars in repairs. Pest control, treatment, and costly repairs are extra expenses you don’t really need after the huge cost of purchasing a home. However, if you find a property you can’t live without, an inspection for pests will confirm whether there are termites or not, and if there are, you may be able to negotiate the price to cover treatment and repairs.

We treat our hard working team at Listed & Sold Real Estate like family,

So whether it’s realising the value of your family home, buying a property off-the-plan, or finding the perfect home to raise your children, we do our very best to ensure that our family is always there for your family

Signs of Termite Pests

Termites are everywhere in Australia, so there’s no getting away from that fact, but they can be controlled and there’s nothing surer than that these pests need to he treated and controlled or they can eat your house. Termites are extremely destructive, and as mentioned earlier, their staple diet is wood and wood products, that means any vital timber structures including your wooden furniture is at risk. Termites can also cause damage that could pose dangers to you and your family so it’s wise to be aware of the signs, which include the following:

Mud tunnels anywhere in the house or yard
Visible holes in walls or floors
Sagging floors
Wood that sounds hollow it you tap on it
Wings that termites shed
A termite swarm
Faecal pellets that resemble sawdust
Doors or windows that stick

Our people at Listed & Sold Real Estate understand families and we know and understand what families need in real estate – We live in the local area and can identify with our clients and what they want

Where to Look For Signs of Termite Pests

When searching for a home to buy, being armed with knowledge and recognising the signs means you’re one step ahead of the pack. Learning to identify the signs isn’t hard if you know what to look for in the house or yard. Termites build mud tunnels because they don’t like the light, so if you see any you can be sure there is a current pest infestation on the property, or there has been one in the recent past.

Termite pests are good at hiding their presence, but if you have a keen ear and there’s no extraneous noise, termites can actually be heard chomping on walls or furniture. Mind you, in the dead of night is the optimal time to hear them and nobody expects you to do an inspection that late. But you can look for signs in doors and wooden window sills, and if there’s any dampness it will attract termites because they need moisture. If you see drill holes in cement around the property it’s a pretty sure sign it’s been treated previously for termites, which is a good thing, providing follow-up inspections and pest control was carried out regularly.

Always ask the estate agent for a copy of reports that show measures have been taken regularly to control or treat termites and other pests and also ask for recent pest and building inspection reports.

Listed & Sold Real Estate are specialists in Stonnington, Monash and Glen Eira. We also service the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, and we’re experts in the Malvern, Malvern East, Hughesdale, Glen Iris, Murrumbeena, Carnegie, Ashwood, Chadstone, Oakleigh and Bentleigh East property market. Call Arthur and Myrian Bourantanis today on 03 8563 9418.

Listed & Sold Real Estate Location Services

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A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Home Loans

listed-admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 06:32:49 +0000

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your very first home, you’ll no doubt be feeling excited and a little apprehensive, but if you go into it knowing as much as you can about the processes you’ll be more confident. We have some great first-home buyer tips and things you should know, from being aware of what is required by lenders before they’ll approve a loan, to the various government grants available for first-home buyers. For example, an important aspect is around what eligible applicants are entitled to and it includes two important benefits – stamp duty exemptions and a cash grant, depending on the state in which you’ll make your purchase.

With almost 60 years of expertise, Listed and Sold Real Estate is the family-friendly agency that you can trust – Our second-generation family business specialises in achieving the sale or purchase outcome you deserve

Choosing a Home Loan

Securing your first home loan can be a bit daunting with the proliferation of different home loans now available that it’s hard to know which one to decide on. Lenders are offering different loan lengths, benefits, fees and interest rates so you need to know exactly what you need and can afford, especially now that banks are tightening their lending standards. However, there is now also a lot of helpful technology and property investment information online to help first-time buyers. There’s a home loan calculator so you can estimate your borrowing capacity and your home loan repayments plus a handy stamp duty calculator.

Whether it’s realising the value of your family home, buying off-the-plan, or finding the perfect home to raise your children, we do our best to make sure our family is there for your family

First-Home Owners Grants

All the Australian states and territories have their own style of first-home owners grant and they all differ with regard to amounts and regulations. In Victoria, eligible applicants can receive up to $20,000 if their first home is valued up to $750,000 and it’s bought in a regional area. If the home isn’t in the regions, then you may get a $10,000 grant. You will have to pay stamp duty (a.k.a land transfer duty) but could be eligible for concessions.

Exemptions and concessions:

You may be eligible for more than one exemption, price reduction, or concession on stamp duty in Victoria, and these include:

A one-off first-home buyer duty exemption for a principal place of residence (PPR) valued up to $600,000, or a concession with a dutiable value from $600,001 to $750,000
A duty concession for an off-the-plan property, either as a refurbished lot or a building package
A one-off duty concession or exemption for either an established or a new home valued up to $750,000 for eligible pensioners
A duty concession for a PPR that’s intended to be a primary home valued up to $550,000.
A one-off duty concession or exemption for family homes valued at $200,000 or less
A one-off duty concession or exemption for young farmers buyng their first farming property

Types of Home Loans

There are thousands of different home loans available from the various lenders but there are three basic types:

Basic

These usually come with low-interest rates and no features worth mentioning, but with limitations and fees. You can’t make extra home loan repayments.

Standard

There’s more room to move with a standard loan. There can be the choice of moving to a fixed rate or splitting the loan (half fixed/half variable) and often the ability to redraw extra payments.

Package

Home loan packages can come with Interest rate discounts, depending on the loan size and they can cost less than basic loans. Some come with a ‘no yearly fee’ credit card and a free transaction account. The downside: some fees for packages can be up to $400 a year.

Our people at Listed and Sold Real Estate understand families and the needs of families – We live in the local area and can identify with our clients and gauge what they want in real estate

Loan Fees

There are common fees and charges when taking out a home loan including a loan establishment fee. But remember, you can always negotiate for a better deal.

Common fees and charges:

Loan application: Lenders can charge an application fee and an establishment fee. Lender’s insurance: If you don’t have a 20 per cent deposit, many banks charge you to insure them against a loan default.
Lender’s legal and valuation fees: Lenders make you pay for their valuation of your property.
Ongoing fees: Check whether your lender is charging you an ongoing monthly or annual fee.
Exit costs: You’ll pay an exit fee to pay your loan out early, swap from a fixed rate, or change your lender. There could be a ‘break cost’ if you pay out early to cover the interest the bank has ‘lost’.

Fixed or Variable

Interest rates are at historic lows and have been for many years but nobody believes Reserve Bank rates will remain as low as 1.5 percent forever, so keep that in mind. Every bank or lending institution will have a different rate for their different products, but they range from around 3.8 percent to 5.00 percent and everywhere in between or higher. With rates so low, don’t be tempted to bite off more than you can chew with a new mortgage, and don’t choose a fixed rate with less flexibility. So, for first timers or those who need some home loan refinancing tips, or even investment property tips: only borrow the amount you know you can afford if the rates rise.

For all your real estate needs, contact Arthur Bourantanis at Listed and Sold in Melbourne on 0423 781 694 – email arthur@listedsold.com.au, or Myrian Bourantanis on 0413 957 653 – email myrian@listedsold.com.au

Listed & Sold Real Estate Location Services

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Top 10 House Exterior Design Ideas for 2019

listed-admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 08:00:58 +0000

Trends in furniture and home decor change like the wind, but the style of your new or existing home’s exterior ought to weather all the fads and fashions, and if chosen well, it will continue to grow its appeal over time. However, if your home is looking like it needs a bit of a facelift, don’t be daunted by the idea of a renovation or extension. A great exterior will set a homely atmosphere that your family and friends will enjoy coming back to for years to come – and there are ways to change the outside style if necessary. Taking on a renovation or extension doesn’t have to be daunting, however, if you choose experts to do the job, even if you need a renovation loan, the rewards will be worth it.

Whether it’s realising the value of your family home, buying off-the-plan, or finding the perfect home to raise your children Listed & Sold Real Estate are specialists in Stonnington, Monash and Glen Eira

Where to Begin?

The first step is deciding on a design that will match your personal style and accentuate the best aspects of the home. From here, you’d need to think about materials for the facade, and don’t discount brick because while it’s traditional, it has style; it’s hardy, and now comes in so many different finishes you’re bound to find the right one to suit your home. Look for the textures and colours that resonate with you and choose the materials that you feel most comfortable with and blend them. Below you’ll find 10 ideas to inspire the exteriors of your new build exterior or renovation, from classic to contemporary:

With almost 60 years of real estate expertise, we’re the family-friendly agent that you can trust to find your dream home

1. Contemporary Red Brick

Red brick: beautiful when used in heritage buildings, and won’t ever date (even despite the overkill in the 1970s and ‘80s). Many people will be pleased to hear red bricks are ‘in’ once again and is even used in modern homes and buildings as a top class finish — not just for the entire house. Designers and architects are using red bricks in a sophisticated array to enhance the building’s structure with zinc and steel, for instance.

2. Grey Shades

Grey can make a statement in an exterior colour scheme, with the darker hues creating a bold ambience. When used in all its subtle shades, greys impart a softer, more relaxed feel that opens up a focus on all the architectural features of a building. Grey is so popular now that designers are using it in silvery timbers, grey pavers, stone cladding and concrete finishes. Tones from the rich charcoal to dirty grey; the industrial concrete-look to smoky, stone, warm or cool – it’s safe to say that grey is definitely in.

At Listed & Sold Real Estate we understand the local market – Our family is there for your family: Our trusted property agents, Arthur and Myrian, successfully run a property development business, so they understand the market from all perspectives – from first-home buyers to high-end property investors.

3. Perfectly Flawed

What’s really hot right now is the perfection of imperfection – borrowing from industrial chic, using bespoke, reclaimed, recycled, and slow, handmade materials. There’s a lot of satisfaction in making materials from twisted, knotted, well-used materials, making the end product uniquely charming.

4. Au Naturel

Despite the continuing romance with greys and black, there’s a soothing feel to natural-tone palettes and materials which continue to be popular both within and outside homes. Materials used on the exterior and also inside the house is a design technique. The natural palettes include a base of charcoal, off-white, bronze, pale greys, and grey-greens for a clean and sophisticated look.

5. Dark and Stormy

Darker shades can add a dramatic effect to any building. They’re used in many colder climate suburbs, with the dark bricks blended with a lighter-coloured hued render, and softer colours used on trims to accentuate the darker materials. Darker shades create a sense of strength, calm and privacy to the outside of the home, making it seem timeless and modern. Darker shade bricks can add a subtle sheen and aesthetic symmetry that’s pleasing to the eye.

6. Neutral, Sophisticated

Think taupe, stone and off-white for the neutral styles – all of which are still sought-after and add a touch of sophistication to an exterior. Team these with greys, stone, crispy white and concrete for a more textured look. For extra style, layer the materials and textures for more variation. You can’t go wrong with neutrals – it’s a safe bet that boasts a modern and calming appeal.

7. Industrial

Residential exterior designs are seeing influences from what is known as ‘contemporary rustic’ style, which use materials that give a raw, urban feel. With both new and recycled materials, such include exposed timber beams, exposed brick, polished concrete floors, copper pipes and even peeling paint. If edgy and modern is the angle you’re going for, then industrial exterior design options may be worth exploring.

8. Textured

Textured exteriors are shown with contrasts in materials, giving a sleek 3-Dimensional look. With this style becoming in more demand, gloss levels of the same material highly sought after. Incorporating a textured style was initially trendy for the interior of the home, but its mass appeal has made it a popular choice for exterior home designs as well.

9. Industrial Bricks

The popularity of incorporating warehouses and factories elements into modern industrial style housing for both residential and commercial purposes is growing, but sourcing quality recycled bricks that mimics the style is not always easy. To address these needs, manufacturers are now producing distressed, weathered bricks, to make the industrial effect that much easier to achieve.

10. Landscape

A good exterior designer would not fall short in analyzing the overall look of the landscape – think garage doors, water tanks, sheds and fences. By integrating designs of the home with its landscape, the end result will be for a more well-balanced and stunning streetscape.

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Property Predictions: What It’ll Cost To Buy a Home In 2019

listed-admin — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 07:56:32 +0000

The housing market in Australia seems to be in freefall with Melbourne, Sydney and Perth continuing to lead the rest of the country as prices tumble by the week. But many people think now is the best time since March 2015 to buy property, according to Westpac economists(1). The last time property prices fell to this extent, mortgage rates were about 17 per cent, unemployment was six per cent (rising its way to 11) and the nation was falling into the recession of 1989(2), the one the then PM Paul Keating said ‘we had to have’. But how far prices will fall in 2019 is a moot point and it depends on who you ask. Some say the drop will ease through 2019 and rise again by 2021; Westpac(1) sees it as a market ‘correction’ and others are predicting a time bomb.

Whether you want to realise the value of your family home, buy off-the-plan, or find the perfect home to raise your children, Listed & Sold Real Estate are the specialists to choose in Stonnington, Monash and Glen Eira

House Price Forecasts

There’s a lot of confusion going on the state of the housing market, especially from the different standpoints shared by the media. Some questions many prospective home-buyers are having are: how far prices will fall, whether the prices will continue to fall, and how it will all of this impact the chances of owning a home. Some see the decline in property prices as a good thing because houses will be more affordable, especially for first home buyers. However, the recent uncovering of bad lending practices by the Banking Royal Commission have meant home-buyers will face more difficulty in attaining a bank loan. This will lead to an uneven balance of limited buyers to the boom in available properties (especially apartments), further worsening the drop in house prices. The latest decision (December 4, 2018) by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep rates on hold at 1.5 per cent marks the 26th month rates have been steady. Most experts believe this means rates will remain low at least until February 2019 – which is a hopeful contrast from the time of recession in the 1989 housing situation.

At Listed & Sold Real Estate, we understand the local market – Our family is there for your family and Arthur and Myrian also have a property development business so they understand property from various aspects

How Far Will Prices Fall?

If you combine all of the above with the uncertainty around the next Federal election (possibly in May 2019), with pundits believing Labor will win and bring in damaging changes to housing markets, then confidence in housing investments would inevitably suffer. Morgan Stanley’s most recent forecast has national property prices plummeting by up to 15 per cent. This means the market is looking at the largest price drop in decades. The company’s forward-looking housing model has fallen to the lowest level that has ever been recorded(3).

Figures from CoreLogic show(4) prices fell 0.7 per cent across Australia in November (2018). There was a 0.1 per cent drop in the regions and a 0.9 per cent tumble in the capital cities.

Melbourne – Property price reductions have been less so than in Sydney at 1 per cent in November, and 5.8 per cent from top to bottom. But Melbourne’s price fall began in November of 2017, which was four months after Sydney. In Melbourne’s inner east, prices have flopped almost 12 per cent and in the inner-south, 9.4 per cent.
Sydney – (n November, house prices fell 1.4 per cent, taking the city’s all-round top-to-bottom dive to 9.5 per cent — almost the same as the historic fall of 9.6 per cent in 1989 – 1991, when interest rates were off the wall and Australia was heading into the recession.

In contrast, interest rates in Australia are at historic lows, there’s healthy economic growth, and unemployment is now around 5 per cent.

2019 looks set to be an interesting year for home-buyers, where it takes an impressively knowledgeable expert to try and accurately predict what it will cost to buy a home. If you’re looking at buying property and don’t quite know where to start amidst the varying housing predictions of 2019, contact Arthur Bourantanis at Listed and Sold in Melbourne on 0423 781 694 – email arthur@listedsold.com.au, or Myrian Bourantanis on 0413 957 653 – email myrian@listedsold.com.au

References:

https://www.westpac.com.au/news/in-depth/2018/11/how-this-housing-correction-differs/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-01/property-values-drop-3.5pc-sharpest-decline/10454166
https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/selling/morgan-stanley-forecast-reveals-house-prices-could-fall-by-up-to-15-per-cent/news-story/c90f7f0982cc7781721e857060bf52b2
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-03/home-prices-record-fastest-falls-since-gfc/10576452

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