LJ Hooker Kalamunda and Foothills

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

2012-02-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Hooker’s market expectations and predictions include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grant Winning, Principal

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

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

BUYERS SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN LOCAL PROPERTY

2011-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belinda Farrell Principal

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

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

WINNING ON COURSE FOR INTERNATIONAL AUCTION TITLE

2011-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information contact:

Grant Winning

Principal / Licensee

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Tel: 9454 5333

Mob: 0412 203 285

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

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Property Management Portfolio Soars!

2011-07-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact:

Belinda Farrell or the team at

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

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

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

Winter is a great time to sell!

2011-06-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact:

Mrs Belinda Farrell or the team at

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

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

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

RELATIONSHIPS PLAY BIG ROLE IN REAL ESTATE

2011-05-31T01:07:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OVER ONE MILLION RENTAL HOMES WON’T BE ENOUGH!

2011-05-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

An investment property purchase is an attractive option when the three elements of a solid financial footing, value in house prices and growing rental demand align, but it should be considered a long term commitment LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Belinda Farrell said.

“Owning an investment property may be a wise financial decision particularly because of the demand and it must be a sound strategic decision based on investor research.”

With so many factors to consider, it is a big call to ask even the most experienced Real Estate specialist to name her top five investment considerations.

Belinda suggests

Have 100 per cent commitment to a long-term strategy with consideration to cash flow to see you through even an unlikely series of short-term tenancies or unexpected maintenance.

Professional advice – from legal, financial and property specialists in sales and investment management – must underpin your strategy.

Seek the best financial advice, including how equity in your own residence or other investment properties can work best for you.

Know exactly where you stand on taxation benefits, including positive and negative gearing, and what records you must diligently maintain.

On the basis of financial and legal advice, consider buying an investment property with other people.

“We hear there are approximately 1.2 million investment properties already needed in Australia for people who don’t want to or can’t afford to buy their own home and that this number will likely fall short of need.”

“With correct research before buying, a long term view and ongoing attention to your strategy, property investors can confidently face their future,” said Belinda.

For more information please contact:

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Phone: 9293 0011 / 9454 5333

AGENTS ADD VALUE TO BUYER RESEARCH

2011-05-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just how well-informed are today’s Real Estate buyers?

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills Principals Grant Winning & Belinda Farrell says their team with its years of industry experience attests to the fact that the majority of buyers gather more knowledge about recent sale prices and trends than ever before.

“Buyers generally have put in months of legwork before they will make a decision, albeit a lot of their research is likely to happen sitting at a computer rather than attending auctions and open homes alone.”

“Many will be receiving regular market updates to their phones and computers based on their request profiles.”

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills currently send more than 1500 messages a week to its database based on buyer profiles and listed properties.

“It is a time-effective way to have the most up-to-date information about what is available.”

Grant said Gen Y buyers in particular were educated and responsive to buying at a good time.

“This age group is attuned to return on their investment, which we as sales agents, and our sellers, have to be very conscious of.”

“Our finance people, who are part of our team, are highly valued by Gen Y, and their input is invaluable in guiding sellers on pricing for the market,” said Belinda.

Contact the LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills team on 9293 0011 or 9454 5333.

For more information please contact:

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Phone: (08) 9293 0011 / (08) 9454 5333

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

SHELVES WELL STACKED FOR PROPERTY BUYERS

2011-04-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Market places have been part of human life since early civilization, a place of trading where ‘commodities’ were exchanged based on an intrinsic value of goods and services to purchases made following negotiations between buyers and sellers.

Real Estate specialist Grant Winning says the property market is a scenario where price negotiation remains the essence of the transaction.

“In our business of bringing people and property together, we are basically charged with the negotiation responsibility, working between our sellers and buyers.”

“I believe the best negotiators are agents whose aptitude is continually heightened through training and experience.”

As far as market places go, property is currently rated a buyer’s market.

“If the West Australian property market was a supermarket, it would be one with well stocked shelves by all accounts” said Mr Winning.

“We go into a week with an average of fifty properties available to buyers and because of their quality and marketing they attract buyers who appreciate choice.”

Grant says buyers naturally want to feel they have bought well.

“I own a Real Estate business but I am also a property owner and therefore a property investor.”

“Buying well is about satisfaction that the price you pay initially and the return in lifestyle, rent, capital gain or otherwise you can expect will meet your goals.”

“Waiting for a market to ‘turn’ won’t bring the goal posts any closer.”

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills has around twenty Home Opens this coming weekend.

Contact our Kalamunda office on 9293 0011 or our Foothills Office on 9454 5333

For more information please contact:

Grant Winning

Principal / Licensee / Licensed Auctioneer

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

0412 203 285

Autumn Brings Out Buyers and Sellers in the Kalamunda Shire

2011-03-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

According to Belinda Farrell of LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills the local Real Estate market is experiencing solid activity from both buyers and sellers.

“The New Year is well and truly in full swing and we are now seeing strong activity with an increase in listings and a spike in buyer interest,” said Belinda, Principal of LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills.

“Autumn is always a busy time of year for the Kalamunda Shire property market.”

“Many sellers make the decision to sell over the summer holiday period so by the time they get organised, sort their finances and choose an agent it is generally around March, April and May when they get their property listed.”

“The same goes for buyers who decide whose new year’s resolution is to buy a property which explains the buyer interest we’ve been experiencing.”

“This increase in listings is great news for buyers as there are more properties to choose from and sellers benefit with an increase in interest in their property.”

Buying or investing in property still remains at the top of many West Australians wish list for 2011.

“Bricks and mortar is still one of Australians most preferred investment options,” continued Mrs Farrell.

“I think with rents increasing and a squeeze on vacancy rates this means the desire to own your own property keeps getting stronger for more Australians.”

“People are more determined to save a deposit to buy their first property or even buy an investment property.”

For more information please contact:

Mrs Belinda Farrell

LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills

Phone: 9293 0011 / 13 SELL / 13 RENT

HOME SWEET HOME FOR LONGER

2011-03-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Are Kalamunda home owners holding on to their properties for longer than in the past?

Belinda Farrell from LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills suggests most home owners in Kalamunda who stay put do so because they are reluctant to move away from the excellent facilities at hand and the lifestyle it affords them.

“The emotional pull of the family home is another reason, and sometimes it is the children who don’t like to see ‘their’ home sold.”

“Now grown up with children of their own, or plans to have them, they are so taken with the place they grew up in that they want the capacity to bring their families ‘home’.”

Belinda said suburbs like Kalamunda, Gooseberry Hill & Lesmurdie probably contributed to a recent RP Data survey that found an increase in the average length of tenure of ownership in Australia over the past five years.

“Location and emotion may even have played a greater part in those figures than anything factored around interest rates.”

“That said, I am pleased to tell buyers that we are listing properties that allow them to establish themselves as home owners in the Kalamunda Shire and we have several homes open for inspection this weekend”, she said.

For information on the properties call our office in Kalamunda on 9293 0011 or High Wycombe on 9454 5333 or visit www.foothillsrealestate.com.au

“I understand why home owners are happy in the Kalamunda Shire and may not want to move too far; I live here myself!” said Belinda.

ASKING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH IS RESPECTED RESEARCH, NOT CURIOSITY

2011-03-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Few people hold a single asset worth more than their piece of property.

Residential property specialists Grant Winning & Belinda Farrell believe property owners benefit by knowing how much the market views the property in terms of its worth at any given point in time.

“We’ve found a lot of owners are reluctant to ask us where their home or tenanted property sits in a market-determined price range unless they are immediately planning to sell.”

“This should not be the case and they should be confident in asking for an appraisal at any juncture.”

They say pencilling a dollar figure on a property asset is as important in planning a financial future as any other asset bases, including share and superannuation portfolios.

“When someone contacts us for information on how the current market views their property, we don’t dismiss it as curiosity; we see them as a forward-thinker who is playing an active role in their own financial planning.”

“This applies to owners of homes they live in or properties they currently rent out to others.”

Contact Belinda Farrell or Grant Winning at LJ Hooker Kalamunda & Foothills on 9293 0011 / 9454 5333 or kalamunda@ljh.com.au / highwycombe@ljh.com.au where a Team of Sales, Property Management and Finance Specialists will welcome your research.