“Our Backyard”

Darren Brimacombe

Days on the Market Clearance Rates have been the best for 15 months, with the locals commenting on the extra sold signs around and that there has been an increase in sales activity. Although it kicked off in the budget to median end of the market, activity is growing in the higher valued properties. Our clients are having the greatest success in selling, achieving an excellent clearance rate through our office in the last 3 months.

Our properties have been attracting high inquiry activity with some sales attracting multiple offers.

With our unique marketing through web and the weekly 37,000 distributed property guides through the free Surf Coast Times, our vendor’s are discovering the benefits. A truly exciting feeling for our sellers, confidently knowing they are capturing more of the market than any other agency. Knowing their property is continually presenting itself to all buyers’ streams.

Successful marketing Campaigns require specialized skills and a lot more energy, but are well worth the extra effort. The time on market is generally shorter and prices higher. Contributing factors to our higher clearance rates are our weekly formal marketing/negotiation training attended by all sales staff.

With 2, 3 or 4 buyers left over from each sale there are many buyers on our books waiting for new properties to become available. I would be pleased to hear from anyone with a property for sale or planning to sell.

The release in our market is the new exciting 4 townhouse development “Salt Water” exclusively for sale through our company. Salt Water offers 2 story environmentally friendly townhouses with 5 star energy rating, double glazing, town water also with water tanks and full toilets etc. Stone bench tops, Euro appliance and timber flooring all with ocean views, are just some of the features.

If you are buying a property with the view to sell in the short term then there are several ways you may consider on how to increase its value.

Or, if you currently own your property and want to add value then the following tips may help.

There are a range of things that increase the price of a property. Some of these are views be they green or water, gardens that are low maintenance, kitchens and bathrooms and of course location.

If your property already has ocean views or if you are able to add a second floor extension that will avail your property full ocean views then this will add approximately 20% to the house value. A partial view will increase your value by 15%. A green view such as mountain ranges or a park next door can add up to 10%. Many properties in Apollo Bay, Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Torquay are afforded ocean views.

Green features such as solar hot water and water tanks should increase a homes value in the future.

Kitchens and bathrooms add value. One billion dollars is spent annually replacing approximately 90,000+ kitchens in Australia.

Gardens are great way to add value to a property, preferably native gardens. There are many native plants that flower beautifully in winter. And they are low maintenance. Seek out your local gardener and you might be surprised by the selection open to you.

Xanthorrhoea – Grass Tree

www.steveryan.com.au

Considered to be a first in Australian real estate Great Ocean Road Real Estate has combined with local business Mohbe.com in giving house hunters the option of viewing their real estate properties via a mobile phone using QR Code technology.

Great Ocean Road Real Estate and its four agencies in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Aireys Inlet and Torquay will include a QR Code in their print media. This will enable browsers to scan the QR code and go directly to the advertised property. From here the house hunter can view up to 26 images including floor plans, Google Maps, auction dates, inspection times and pricing. Other features include a live click to call, sms or email the agent.

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is 2 dimensional barcode. When scanned using a mobile phone it will reveal the information hidden behind it. In Great Ocean Road Real Estates case it will be a live web address that the browser can click on and go directly to that property.

Scenario
A couple has arrived in Torquay from Melbourne for a holiday with the view to purchasing a holiday home. They are reading the Surfcoast Times real estate lift out. They are looking at properties advertised by Great Ocean Road Real Estate and notice the QR codes. Now they can view up to 26 images and contact the agent directly.

Is my mobile phone enabled to scan a QR Code?
Firstly, the QR Code/barcode scanner may already be in your applications folder. If you own an iPhone go to “apps store” and type in either neoreader, 2Dsense or beetagg. These are free applications which you can add to your iPhone.

For all other mobiles open your browser and type in get.neoreader.com This will identify your mobile phone and prompt you to download. This is a free application.

How do I scan a code?
Open your scanner application and focus the camera on the qr code image. In an instant the application to should reveal the information embedded. From here you can click on the link and go straight to the web page.

Using an iPhone open your application and photograph the qr code image. Then press decode to reveal I alive link to the revealed web address.

235 Hiders Access, Yuulong, Vic
House For Sale – $475,000

- Glorious location overlooking the Johanna beach within easy access to Melanesia beach
- A three-acre ‘slice of paradise’
- Opportunities for small acreage here are rare indeed
- A nice combination of cleared area with native vegetation
- That piece of Victoria that many look for – Pure serenity!

View Listing

2/13 Cawood, Apollo Bay, Vic
Unit For Sale – $319,000

- Large open plan living / dining / kitchen
- Small backyard area
- Low maintenance
- Single lock up garage
- High ceilings
- Solid brick
- Ideal investment for either holiday or permanent rental
- Electric IXL heating
- 200m to the water
- The perfect location, close to the beach, shops and Pub!

View Listing