Rental Scams On The Rise

Scam messages coming through your phone and email are becoming an almost daily occurrence and while it's easy to spot most of them, criminals have a way of getting the better of some people, usually at times when they are feeling most vulnerable.

If you're in the market for a rental property, here's how to recognise an offer that isn't genuine:

Australia's Rising Rental Scams

A common scam is targeting people via Facebook Marketplace.

You might happen to see a listing for a beautiful property in the right location, for around $100 less per week than you would expect to pay. When you check out the address on google maps, you'll see the property doesn't exist.

Whoever responds to your enquiry will tell you the property is available but the owner is out of town and you will need to take it without having an inspection. However, there is a lot of interest so could you please pay a deposit on the spot?

t's easy for the excitement of securing a good rental property in a great location to take over. This, combined with the stress of missing out to someone else, overrules the alarms that would normally be going off in the back of your head.

Most people realise they have made a mistake as soon as they have handed over the deposit. The scammer disappears and it's very difficult to get the money back. It usually turns out that the property photos uploaded online were old listings from genuine real estate agents who have no way of knowing their advertisements have been copied in this way.

Sadly, some victims also hand over personal information such as photo ID, payslips and bank information. This opens them up to even further loss or identity theft.

Don't Get Scammed

The general rule of thumb with scams is that if it seems too good to be true, it is. Here's how to avoid falling victim to a fake rental property listing:

Be wary of any situation where you are asked to pay in an unusual way, such as with money orders or gift cards.

Look out for situations where you are being pressured to act quickly. The scammers don't want you to have the time to stop and think things through.

Be wary of people who say they can't meet you in person. No genuine real estate agent would pressure you to take a property without viewing it first.

If you must rent a property sight unseen because you are interstate, for example, only do it through a reputable agent and request a live walk-through via video call

Use trusted platforms such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au or look directly at a real estate agent's website for rental property listings.

Make sure you speak to someone on the phone, and call the agency's office directly if you are not convinced you are speaking with a legitimate property manager.

If you want to avoid being scammed, connect with a local property management provider. These licenced agents are qualified to ensure your rental arrangement is legitimate.

WHAT IS RIGHTSIZING?

The new term in property is "Rightsizing". This has arisen as people look for more suitable or cost-effective dwellings.

Rightsizing can be an exciting way to solve your property problems. Take a look at what's involved and how rightsizing may work for you.

Rightsizing Means...

Rightsizing means selling your home or giving up your lease and switching to a new property that is more suitable for your needs and lifestyle.

Some people rightsize by selling their family home and finding something smaller and more manageable. It may be in a new location or close to where they already live. This strategy works because it can release equity, reduce mortgage costs and cut home maintenance expenses.

Others rightsize by finding a home that meets the needs of their family. It doesn't always have to have more bedrooms but it can include separate living spaces so teens have a separate area to relax and be with friends.

Older couples who rightsize sometimes find they still want extra bedrooms so they can accommodate visitors, but they can achieve this with a smaller unit or townhouse instead of a freestanding home.

You have the option to rightsize by selling a larger home and buying a place in the city as well as out of town. This way you can divide your time between locations. A strategy like this can work for empty nesters or professional couples who don't have children at school.

Rightsizing can also be about facilities and convenience. For example, an apartment with access to a gym and a pool can be a more suitable lifestyle choice than a freestanding home.

The final option for rightsizing is to buy two properties on one title. This way, you can lease the granny flat or second home as a way to generate income, or you can use it as a separate accommodation for family members.

How To Know If It's Time To Rightsize

It's time to rightsize if your property is no longer serving its purpose for you.

There is no point paying mortgage on rooms you never go into. Even if you own your home outright, if you sell to rightsize you can give yourself some more financial flexibility.

The first step to rightsize is to start having a look at what's out there.

Attend some inspections and start picturing what life would be like in a different place. Often, you'll start to see the benefits and get excited about the possibilities.

Next, it's time to reach out to a real estate agent who can give you some advice about how easy it will be to sell your property and the price you can achieve. The good news is there is plenty of demand for homes in Australia at this point of time and many are selling within a matter of weeks after being listed online.

Your selling agent may also be able to recommend your next place, depending on the location you are looking to buy in.

Most people who rightsize say they feel an immediate sense of relief because their new home makes so much more sense for their lifestyle.

BUYER OBJECTIONS & HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

When you're preparing to sell your home, the goal is to have multiple buyers competing with each other to secure it. This will push the rice up and give you a fantastic result.

While your agent will do everything they can to bring the maximum number of buyers through the door, if it is a quiet week or there are other quality homes for sale in the area, you may only end up with one interested party who wants to negotiate to see if they can score a bargain.

Here are some of the points buyers may raise in their efforts to reduce the asking price:

1. Structural Issues

The most common negotiation points relate to physical and structural issues with a property. Motivated buyers will request an independent property inspection and receive a long report from an expert who has gone through with a fine toothed comb.

Issues raised can range from cracks in walls to mould and leaks in the bathroom. Property inspectors may identify a pool fence that is not up to safety standards; this is usually because regulations change over the years.

It's important to be awear of as many structural issues as you can before you go to market. If you don't have the funds to fix them, you can at least be aware that a buyer will notice them and potentially use them to justify a lower bid.

2. Look & Feel

Outside of structural issues, buyers will point out things that need cosmetic work, for example an older kitchen and bathroom. They may also say they like the house but have issues with the layout or lack of storage.

Before you sell, take the steps to maximise the first impression, e.g. by giving the kitchen a bit of a facelift and styling the home so the floor plan makes more sense. If you can add built-ins or air-conditioning, you'll reduce the opportunities to object. These can be relatively cost-effective investments and can help to sell your home for more.

3. Apples VS Oranges

The other big negotiation factor is the other properties in the area and the amount they are selling for.

Buyers and buyer's agents sometimes try to negotiate down to the square meter size of the property. If a large home has sold for less than you are asking, they may raise this as an argument for paying less. You and your agent have to be prepared by knowing the market. A quality agent will be able to counter something like this by pointing out that your home is in a quieter location or is closer to the train station and shops.

It's important to check out the local competition and see what homes are selling for. If you can up the 'wow factor' on your place, you'll have more competition from buyers who are excited to secure the home without fussing over small details.

Before you choose your agent, ask about what buyers might not like about the property & what helps homes in the neighbourhood to sell for more. This way you can make a plan and be prepared to overcome objections.

Allow your agent to negotiate on your behalf. They have experience and know what to say to achieve a win-win outcome.

Events On In Tamworth This May

3RD MAY - WE WILL ROCK YOU

We Will Rock You is a jukebox comedy musical based on the songs of Queen with a book that was written by Ben Elton. Winning a variety of awards over its many international performances, the musical takes place in a future age on a planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation…rock music is unheard and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance-an alliance of rebel Bohemians.

Time: 7:30pm - 9:40pm

Cost: $35.00 - $53.00

5TH MAY - GREAT NUNDLE DOG RACE

Dog lovers throughout New England North West, NSW , Locals and widespread visitors gather at Nundle for a fun, family day of events for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Races for mongrels and house dogs, high jump, steeple chase……we’ve got something for everyone.

The day culminates in The Great Nundle Dog Race for working dogs. Lots of entertainment, kids activities and great food.

Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm

Cost: $2.00

14TH MAY - TAMTALKS

This series will feature a wide variety of interesting speakers from Tamworth and the wider community. These community talks will be an excellent opportunity to meet UNE academics, alumni and the team at UNE Tamworth. Light refreshments will be served after the event for people who have registered their attendance.

A uniquely powerful marker of ethnic, gender, and class identities, scent can also overwhelm previously constructed boundaries and transform social-sensory realities within contexts of environmental degradation, pathogen outbreaks, and racial politics. In this TamTalk, we will hear from Dr Gwyn McClelland a Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies who will discuss his recent (2023) co-edited book with Penn State University Press that critically examines olfaction in Asian societies with the goal of unlocking its full potential as an analytical frame and lived phenomenon. He will talk about durians and kopi, a Hong Kong movie, origins of discourse about smell in poetry and manuscripts, and contemporary discussions of aroma and odour out of Asia.

Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Cost: Free

18TH MAY - SCOTTISH CELIDH

Originally the word Ceilidh (kay-lee) descended from the Gaelic word for ‘gathering’ or ‘party’… However, these days when people think of a Ceilidh, they think of a fun filled night of wild dancing, good music and great company!

Join The NSW Highlanders Pipe Band and the Tamworth Pipe Band for an evening of Scottish fare, Pipe Bands, Scottish music and dance, 3 course traditional Scottish dinner, sing-a-long with fun and games and of course come and sample the Haggis. Bar onsite.

Time: 6:00pm- 11:00pm

24TH MAY - PALE BLUE DOT

A captivating new comedy about aliens, alienation and the terrifying and comforting thought that we are not alone. Pale Blue Dot, spins the majesty of space science, the comedy of alien conspiracy theories and the terror of domestic relationships into a stellar theatrical yarn. A captivating new comedy about aliens, alienation and the terrifying and comforting thought that we are not alone. Pale Blue Dot, spins the majesty of space science, the comedy of alien conspiracy theories and the terror of domestic relationships into a stellar theatrical yarn.

Audiences are welcome to B.Y.O drinks and nibbles.

Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Cost: $25.00

28TH MAY - A BOY CALLED SAILBOAT

Acclaimed guitarists Slava & Leonard Grigoryan have expanded their creative output by crafting and recording the soundtrack to the award-winning movie A Boy Called Sailboat. Sailboat brings love and hope to a family who have forged a simple but proud life in the drought-ridden Deep South. One afternoon he brings home a “little guitar”. From this moment, Sailboat and his little guitar are inseparable, and when his ill grandmother requests he write a song for her, Sailboat meanders through adversity to deliver the unimaginable – the greatest song ever written

Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Cost $35.00 - $54.00

30TH MAY - SYDNEYS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Be swept away as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra presents the music of beloved Australian composer Nigel Westlake, including the award-winning song cycle Compassion featuring singer-songwriter Lior.

Based on ancient texts, Compassion unites singer-songwriter Lior’s energising vocal range with acclaimed composer Nigel Westlake’s (Babe, Paper Planes, Miss Potter) orchestral writings. Moments of ethereal beauty and lyricism give way to harmonic innovations and dazzling percussion, as we’re swept up into that rare realm of artistry and collaboration that crosses cultural and emotional divides.

Time: 7:30pm - 9:10pm

Cost: $35.00 - $6.00

31ST MAY - LOVING YOUR LATER LIFE EXPO

Ideal for those over 60, caregivers, and support people, this two-day lifestyle expo is not just an event; it’s a celebration of life beyond 60, offering opportunities to mix, mingle, and meet new people, and listen to some great entertainment and presentations. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Under one roof, you’ll find an array of exhibitors ready to introduce you to products and services to add more shine to your later years. It’s a full program designed to entertain and inform you about aged care services, travel, exercise, community clubs, nutrition, health, and so much more

Whether you’re keen to pick up new hobbies, explore avenues for an active lifestyle, or simply gather information along the ageing journey, the Loving Your Later Life Expo is more than an event; it’s a community gathering that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of life after 60.

Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm

NEW LISTINGS

5 Borrowdale Close, North Tamworth

6 bed / 3 bath / 3 car

Contact Agent
Land size 646sqm

38 Mathews Street, West Tamworth

3 bed / 1 bath / 1 car

$445,000

Land size 670sqm

190 Goonoo Goonoo Road, South Tamworth

4 bed / 2 bath

Contact Agent
Land size 1220sqm

1 & 2/38 Coorigil Street, Hillvue

3 bed / 3 bath / 2 car

Contact Agent
Land size 847sqm

Professionals Tamworth Monthly Newsletter - May Edition

3RD MAY 2024 ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY

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