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Nov 3, 2023
How to impress your future landlord
Being a responsible tenant not only enhances your reputation as a long-term renter, but also increases your chances of being highly valued by landlords or rental providers. A role model tenant (one that impresses) pays their rent on time, respects their neighbours, takes care of the property, and minimizes maintenance costs. What makes you the best among the rest? To secure a desirable and long-lasting tenancy agreement, it is important to impress landlords or rental providers by exhibiting certain qualities. Rental providers aim to protect their property and increase their investment potential, so the best tenants are reliable, financially secure, and respectful of their rental property rights and obligations. Reputable tenants with good references and rental history also demonstrate character and trustworthiness. Being a responsible tenant involves adhering to both written and unspoken rules regarding the property and surroundings, such as reducing noise levels during socially responsible times. Respectful tenants show innate respect for their landlord, fellow housemates, and neighbours, which creates a positive word-of-mouth reputation. This can increase your chances of being chosen for your next potential rental, house purchase, or even job opportunities. Your icing on the cake Top off the above qualities with truthfulness and anticipation. Anticipation involves open communication via appropriate channels with the landlord, especially for domestic situations such as leaky taps or faulty WC, loose cupboard doors, or damage to walls or tiles. By reporting these issues promptly, you can help prevent further damage and endear yourself to your rental provider. Honesty is also a crucial quality of a desirable tenant. Tenants should promptly report any accidents or incidents committed by household members, including pets. For pet agreements, which vary from state to state and property to property, full disclosure and ensuring that the pet adheres to tenancy rules and agreements can endear you to your rental provider. If you have any specific queries about the requirements for a property or your rules and rights as a renter or rental provider, get in touch with our team.
Aug 4, 2023
Rental application: Tips for nailing it
To stand out among the competition and secure your dream rental property, it’s important to have an organised and fully complete rental application. Here are some tips to make your application process more efficient and effective so you’re ready for your next rental property inspection. Be organised with your paperwork Start by getting all your documents in order before attending any property inspections. This includes bank statements, employment letters, and references. Notify your references in advance that they may be contacted. Being organised beforehand saves time and prevents someone else from getting the property you want. Be thorough in filling out the rental application Fill in your rental application thoroughly and correctly. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and detailed, especially about your employment, to show rental providers and property managers that you are financially stable. This makes the sorting process easier and increases your chances of your application being considered. Be personal by including a cover letter Include a cover letter to add a personal touch to your application. Use this opportunity to explain why you would be the ideal person to live in the property. Additionally, when inspecting a property, introduce yourself to the agent to establish a personal connection and gain useful insights. Finding out the answer to the questions you might have will help with your future application. Be prompt and submit your application ASAP Apply for a property as soon as possible once you’ve found the one you like. Waiting too long can result in losing the property to other applicants. Ensure that your finances are in order, and inform your current rental provider of your intention to move out as soon as possible. Be smart and start searching off-peak season Generally, January tends to be a very busy time for people searching for rental properties. Competition is high so take advantage of the off-season to find a property. Instead of waiting for the peak rental seasons, start searching as soon as you’re ready. This can help you avoid the competition and secure a better deal. For instance, if you want to rent near the beach, start searching before the warmer months. Final words Being proactive and getting ahead of the game with your rental property search and application can improve your chances of success. To increase your chances even more, get in touch with our property management team and find out how you can quickly and easily apply for your next rental property. Smart Renting: Key Budgeting Areas to Think About
Jul 4, 2023
Smart property investment: a guide
Investing in property can be straightforward if you follow a few simple principles. Although buying an investment property is similar to purchasing a home to live in, it is essential to approach the decision with a strictly business mindset. "Smart property investment" means focusing solely on the bottom line and removing all emotion from the equation. Know the essential investment principles The key to successful property investment is a steady rental income and strong capital growth. Investing in an affordable, attractive, and well-located property can help to safeguard your finances for the long term. As tenants increasingly seek a certain lifestyle, it makes sense to choose a property that is close to amenities such as public transport, shops, restaurants, parklands, and schools. Additionally, it’s important to consider depreciation and reduced stamp duty when deciding to invest in new dwellings or off-the-plan developments. Define your desired outcome To establish a clear investment strategy, it’s crucial to determine your primary property financial goal. Do you want a self-servicing investment property that provides sufficiently high rental returns, or are you chasing capital growth? Negative gearing can help reduce your tax burden when rental returns do not cover the interest on the borrowed money or the expenses involved in retaining the property. This loss can be used as a tax deduction and varies according to your tax bracket. However, it’s important to be prepared for the potential adverse effects of interest rate rises or a prolonged period without a tenant. Take the best approach to achieve your desired outcome To ensure a successful and "smart property investment", it is important to take a methodical approach. Choosing the right investment strategy will dictate the type of property and location you should be looking for. As with any investment, higher returns come with higher risks. Therefore, thorough research, planning, and attention to detail in each step of the buying process will help minimise risk and stress. Seeking advice from industry professionals may also be necessary, but the benefits of peace of mind make it a small price to pay. Like a fine wine, an investment property requires nurturing and time to mature to reap the rewards. By following these simple rules, you increase your chances of investing wisely. It’s always advisable to consult your home lender, financial advisor, or bank for further investment advice.
May 19, 2023
Tips to make your home inviting for winter sales
Selling your home during winter can have several advantages. Firstly, there is typically less competition among listings compared to the warmer months. This means that the same number of potential buyers can have a better chance of seeing your property. Secondly, selling in winter shows that you are serious about selling as you are not relying on the appeal of blooming gardens or sunny weather. This can highlight the unique qualities of your home, making it stand out to potential buyers. Let’s have a look at some tips to help you sell your home quickly during the traditional season of hibernation. A clutter-free home is inviting One important tip is to clear your home of clutter. A clutter-free home creates the illusion of extra space and can help potential buyers imagine how they can use each room. Be ruthless when culling unnecessary items, and consider moving extraneous furniture and objects into storage. You can also hire an interior decorator to help you decide what to keep and what to remove. They can even loan or lease additional items to suit your decor, which can be a worthwhile investment in your sale. Useful tip - a clean outdoor is your edge In winter, many trees have lost their leaves and gardens can look sparse without leafy greens or bright blooms. However, you can still present your garden in meticulous detail by trimming hedges, pruning overhanging branches, removing any brown leaves and regularly maintaining weed control. If you have a swimming pool or outdoor spa, ensure that it is cleaned and covered at all times if possible. Mowing lawns and removing inappropriate outdoor furniture can also provide extra ground cover in your garden. A warm atmosphere is perfect for a cosy winter Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere inside your home is essential for both ambience and energy savings. Open fireplaces are a popular example of a feature that can inspire warmth, set the scene, and save on energy costs. You can also add the aroma of winter spices such as clove and cardamom, the scent of freshly baked goodies, and gentle background music to create an irresistible atmosphere for aspirational buyers. A professionally finished home is inviting Before listing your property, ensure that any DIY projects are completed to a high standard. Decking, painting, and landscaping projects should all be finished to create a sense of quality, style, and aspirational value. A professionally finished deck, pristine garden, or freshly painted walls can all enhance your property’s appeal. A well-lit space gets the spotlight Finally, it is important to showcase your home’s best features in winter. With shorter days and reduced natural light, effective lighting is crucial for highlighting key selling points. Open-plan rooms can be staged with zoned lighting to create different areas within the space, such as home offices, libraries, and children’s play zones. Large living areas and dining rooms can also be set up to show how they can be used for entertaining or relaxation. By shining a light on your home’s best features, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your property. If you need help selling your home this winter, get in touch with our team and find out how we can get the best result when selling your home.