“nobody does it better” LJ Hooker Shelley – Willetton

On Saturday 19^th July 2014, the entire team at LJ Hooker Shelley – Willetton attended the annual LJ Hooker awards night, “Night of the Stars”.

This year the theme was Brazilian Carnival and the whole office looked absolutely stunning in their colourful dresses and black tuxedos.

During the evening, our office was extremely proud to have been the recipients of the following awards for the 2013 / 2014 year.

• Franchise Owner of the Year – Victor Paz
• Number 1 Property Investment Management office in Western Australia
•  Number 1 most Productive Team in Western Australia

Congratulations to our Director and Licensee Victor Paz and the entire property management team. You have all worked extremely hard and you should be very proud to be recognised amongst your peers.

To congratulate Victor personally, you can contact him on 0413 644 202 or drop him a line at vpaz.willetton@ljh.com.au

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal and valued clients for their ongoing support. We are looking forward to an even better 2014 / 2015.

Staff and management

L J Hooker Shelley – Willetton

Market to sizzle through cooler months

With requests for property appraisals at an all-time high, the property market will continue to track well into the cooler months, LJ Hooker Shelley Principal Victor Paz said.

While Winter traditionally heralds a lull in property activity, Mr Paz said the fundamentals of record-low interest rates and heightened buyer activity would make this season different.

“Sellers traditionally hold off listing their properties in Winter, and wait until Spring,’’ said Victor. “But savvy sellers will realise that buyer appetite is strongest now because of the record-low interest rates, and they’ll want to take advantage of that buyer competition before the Spring rush comes around.’’  

The number of appraisals conducted by the LJ Hooker network were 57% higher for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year, with more and more sellers wanting to know what their property could potentially fetch in an enlivened market place.

Mr Paz said the strength of the first quarter was driven by all-time low interest rates, strong investor activity and a recovery in consumer confidence.

“Investors and upgraders have been focusing their attention on the property market since interest rates started trending down in November 2011, but activity really gathered pace over the last year.

“The demand from buyers far outweighs the supply; we are selling properties as quickly as we list them.

“We’ve received interest from First Home Buyers wanting to capitalise on the low interest rates and make the move into home ownership. Interest from First Home buyers is allowing existing buyers to upgrade.

“But we’ve also fielded a lot of investment enquiries from the marketplace, both from self-managed super funds looking to invest into the strong real estate market as well as from interstate investors, and I don’t believe that will change over the next season.

“This will be one of the busiest Winters we’ve experienced.’’

For more information please contact:

Victor Paz

Director and Licensee

LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton

0413 644 202 

It’s time for a bigger house

It’s time for a bigger house

08 April 2014

Over the last few years there’s been a lot of talk about downsizing and living smaller but the fact is; some growing families need more space, not less.

The lovely little starter home you bought years ago has serviced you well, but when you throw in the children, their toys (which probably need their own house), the new dog, and only space for one car (rock, paper, scissors anyone?) life is going to feel a little cramped.

What was perfect for two is never really perfect for more. People need space and families grow in all sorts of ways. Throw into the mix the growing number of ‘blended families’ moving in together and the need for more bedrooms, bathrooms, bigger back yards and more car spaces just got a whole lot greater.
Knowing when to upgrade is half the battle. You’ve likely been pondering it for some time. So when is time for a bigger house?

Here are a few signs that it’s probably time to consider the upgrade:

Your family is growing

Traditional living arrangements are a thing of a past and there is less and less a standard for is representative of the typical family.

The first reason most people chose to go bigger is the growing size of the family. From young couple to being first time parents, having more children, having step-children in all come into the picture. Children aren’t the only way families grow in size. You might have live-in parents or grandparents, or your teenage son or daughter a live-in girlfriend or boyfriend (damn those ridiculous University fees); our extended selves just seem to be getting bigger.

You can afford it

Before you know if you’re ready for a bigger home, spend some time researching mortgage rates and talk to a financial adviser to find out if taking on more debt is in your best interest. Like most in this situation, you may need to sell your existing home before you buy. The profit from the sale can go toward the upfront expenses on the new home including fees, deposit and moving / refurnishing expenses.

Real estate is and always has been a solid long-term financial investment and buying a bigger home when your family needs one can often be a savvy money move. If you determine you can comfortably afford the payment.

If you’re renting and ready to start investing in your own home instead of someone else’s the same guidelines apply. Research mortgage rates, talk to your bank and find out what you can afford to borrow and seek financial advice once you know your position. A good place is start is with your existing agent. They are well versed in the area, potential homes coming to market and you already have an existing relationship with them. It can make this process all the easier.

Your needs have changed

You have officially outgrown the two bedroom, one bath house you first called home. Whilst it holds many a fantastic memory it’s no longer the ‘dream home’ you once thought it was. Whatever the case, shifting priorities are a fact of life and they’re often the motivating factor for a move up buyer.

38 Ashmore Way, Canning Vale

You need less of a court-yard and more of a backyard – how else can you enjoy a good game of backyard cricket or a kick of the footy. Maybe you want space for a pool one day or better yet, a garden that comes with a pool. Perhaps the children need a dedicated study space or the younger ones a ‘playroom’ to keep their worldly treasures. Maybe you’ve just started your own business and are in desperate need of a study space or have a son or daughter at university needing the same. It’s time!

You love the neighbourhood

Whether you love your existing neighbourhood or you dream of moving to another, finding the right location for your big move is a huge decision. If you’ve done your research and your certain you’ve find the perfect haven for your growing family then aim to achieve that.

Good schools, accessibility to the city, beach or river dependant on you love most; a thriving community and well planned infrastructure are all important tick boxes. No matter what your budget, be careful that you don’t overpay for a place just because you can afford it. On the flipside, if your budget is tight do not be persuaded into paying more than you can afford simply to buy in your ‘ideal’ area. Have some flexibility with your priorities and continue to use your agent as your research surrounding or similar areas.

So; as you move forward with researching and planning your big move; maybe use times such as the Easter school holidays to assess your place of residence. Look at the family together in the home, what you would improve if you could, what are the problem areas, where are you really getting under each other’s feet? When you’re all together is the best time to get a feel for what kind of an upgrade you may potentially need.

Have a great Easter!

The Team at LJ Hooker Shelley -Willetton

ANOTHER INTERESTING ARTICLE WRITTEN BY THE WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER 10TH MARCH 2014 REGARDING SELF MANAGED SUPER FUNDS

AN INTERESTING ARTICLE WRITTEN BY THE WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER ON MONDAY 10TH MARCH 2014

 

 

Kristy Clymo sets sight on joining elite group of LH Hooker top performers

Media Release February 2014 After a successful 12 months, Kristy Clymo has been invited into the prestigious LJ Hooker Captains Club for the 6th consecutive year. This is a group consisting of LJ Hooker’s highest achieving performers throughout Australia and New Zealand. With this one of her major goals, Kristy’s exceptional business management skills means she joins an elite group of Business Systems Operators (BSO) within the Captains Club from across LJ Hooker’s 700-plus offices in Australia and New Zealand. Established in the early 1990s the Captains Club is designed to reward exceptional achievement and draw on the experiences of its members to lead others into excellence. L. Janusz Hooker said, “Kristy rightfully takes her position in the Captains Club after reaching the level of success required to be considered for this elite group. “As Australia’s best known and most trusted real estate brand, Kristy has cemented herself as one of the group’s top BSOs, illustrating his/her exceptional business administration skills at LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton. “Playing a key role in managing the technology systems that allow the sales and property management teams to service their clients, Kristy has shown how valuable he/she is to the overall success of the office.” Once inducted into the Captains Club membership is granted for 12 months. To retain membership, Kristy must meet the required criteria set around performance, as well as continued professional development in 12 months time. “I am extremely honoured to now be a member of the Captains Club. This has been a career goal that I can now proudly say that I have achieved,” said Kristy For further information please contact: Victor Paz, Principal,  LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton Tel: 08 9457 9955

Win $25,000 CASH and a $5,000 interior design session with Darren Palmer.

Getting the most out of your investment

Investing in property is a big decision, which is why it is surprising that most landlords don’t regularly seek a property appraisal.

In fact, leaving a rental appraisal until the property is vacant could be costing landlords thousands of dollars per year.

Principal Victor Paz of LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton says landlords often left it too late to consider improvements which could add value to their rental property and, in turn, increase returns.

“Landlords often leave it until their tenants have moved out to do an appraisal with their property manager,’’ says Victor.

“The property manager can identify additions or improvements to the property which could add value and rental income to the investment.

“However, depending on the nature of the improvements, it will take time to complete the works – from sourcing quotes, to finding available tradesmen, completing the works and cleaning. Value-adding is an investment and it can be disruptive to a landlord’s revenue stream.

“By conducting an appraisal while the property is still tenanted it allows landlords to budget for the proposed additions, source tradesmen or materials required, and then reduce the amount of time the property will be vacant.’’

Victor said an appraisal was free, easily organised, and could be completed almost immediately.

“Really, it’s easy to organise an appraisal and it allows investors to understand the potential of their investment property.’’

LJ Hooker, Australia’s number one real estate brand, has launched a competition valued at $30,000 for homeowners who have their property appraised by their local LJ Hooker office by 31 March 2014.

The prize comprises an impressive $25,000 in cash and a $5,000 interior design session from leading interior design expert and myLJHooker ambassador Darren Palmer who is regularly seen on Channel 9’s top rating show ‘The Block’.

“I love nothing more than uncovering the inner beauty of someone’s home,” Mr Palmer says.

“I am thrilled to be working with such a trusted and respected brand such as LJ Hooker and I look forward to the opportunity of passing on my styling tips and professional advice to the competition winner.”

Mr Palmer said myLJHooker is a world-class, online property library providing everyone - from seasoned investors to first-time buyers - with tips and knowledge to realise their real estate dreams.

"Whether you are a seller wanting to learn about the process of an auction, a renovator who wants to avoid over-capitalising, or a first time buyer wanting tips to identify a property ‘lemon’, myLJHooker will provide you with everything you need to know in the one location," he says.

"It is, without doubt, is the best property library I have ever seen and will be a valuable resource for savvy homeowners and investors alike."

The competition terms and conditions be accessed by visiting www.myljhooker.com.au/win"

For further information, contact:

LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton

Willetton: 08 9457 9955

Shelley: 08 9354 7773

LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton takes home awards

LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton Principal Victor Paz has won the real estate network’s State award for working with LJ Hooker Home Loans.

Accepting the award at LJ Hooker’s Night of the Stars awards evening at Crown Perth on Saturday night, Mr Paz said the achievement reflected positively on the real estate market south of the Canning River.

It was a successful night for the entire Willetton office, which was also recognised as the WA LJ Hooker office which achieved the largest growth in its property investment management division.

“Sales service goes beyond selling the property. We want to make sure our customers also get the best deal on their home loan needs as well,” said Mr Paz. “We want to ensure every part of the transaction is a smooth, transparent process with no stress.”

Mr Paz also said the LJ Hooker Home Loan offering was a well-regarded and highly competitive offering attracting lots of interest.

“This achievement also reflects the confidence our customers have in us and a strong local real estate market,” he said.

For more information please contact

Victor Paz
Director and Licensee
LJ Hooker Shelley-Willetton
M. 0413 644 202
E. vpaz.willetton@ljh.com.au

Win 1,000,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

Home owners are unaware of their true equity.

From 1st August 2013 to 31st October 2013, anyone who has their home appraised by an LJ Hooker Willetton and Shelley will go into a draw to win 1,000,000 QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER POINTS! 

This applies for both sales and rental appraisals.

Most home owners are unaware how much capital growth their property has accrued, LJ Hooker Willetton and Shelley Principal Victor Paz said.

Unlike their share portfolio, superannuation fund or term deposit, homeowners rarely had an accurate understanding of how much their home was worth.

“Everyday people go online to check their share portfolio, savings or credit card balances, but they don’t have any idea of the true value of their home which, for many of us, is our biggest asset,’’ said Victor.

 “People normally don’t get an appraisal until they’re looking to sell, which is unusual when you think about the level of equity we seek to build in our homes to often fund retirement.
“Researching median prices in your suburb is a good guide, but for owners to really know what they’re sitting on, they need an appraisal from a real estate professional.’’

Victor said an appraisal was free, easily organised, and could be completed in a very short period of time, usually within half an hour. 

“Really, it’s easy to organise an appraisal and it allows home owners to understand how much equity they have in their property. It is money that property owners should know they have. 

“We can even go one step further and provide professional advice on how to best present a property for sale if the owner is looking at taking the next step by listing their home on the market. Our LJ Hooker touch-up-team can assist with mulching, gardening and high pressure cleaning plus we have professional photographers that will come to photograph the home.”

For further information, and to arrange your free market appraisal and go into the draw for the 1 million Qantas points, contact:

Victor Paz
Principal, LJ Hooker Willetton and Shelley
Ph: 08 9457 9955
Mobile: 0413 644 202
Email: vpaz.willetton@ljh.com.au

LJ Hooker Willetton Client Night 28/03/12

On Wednesday 28^th March 2012, LJ Hooker Willetton hosted an investor’s night to discuss the benefits of tax depreciation on rental properties.

The event was held at the Willow Pond Reception Centre, Canning Vale with Blake Currall from BMT Depreciation presenting the benefits of a tax depreciation schedule for new, old or newly renovated properties.

Did you know that if you have not already set up a depreciation schedule, it’s not too late?! Investors can claim the 2 previous financial years prior to the commencement of the schedule so long as the property was rented for the immediate 2 consecutive years prior. This was just one “top tip” that we all learned from the night.

State Manager Brian Reid also discussed the current state of the market sales v’s rentals which gave our customers a good overview of % growth of the past 12 months in both categories.

Thank you to Leoni, Shari and Cara from LJ Hooker Willetton for organising the successful event and to the entire team for their combined efforts on the night.

Keep an eye out for our next event!  If you have any topics you would like to know more about in regards to investing in real estate, please contact us as we welcome any suggestions you may have to cater to the needs of our past, present or future clients.