Happy Halloween!

We wish you all a night full of frights and a bag full of delights. We hope you all get lots of trick - or - treaters this year!

From all of us at Professionals Happy Halloween

Whats On In Tamworth This Month

Sunday 6th - The Yarn Bombing Project

In association with Arts North West, Tamworth Regional Gallery is excited to be hosting a community engagement workshop to deliver our own Yarn Bombing!

Aimed to promote social cohesion, town beautification brightening up public spaces, and aid in the boost of regional tourism, yarn bombing is the process of wrapping trees in bright-coloured crochet and knitted scarves or “bombs”. Take part and let your creativity run wild as you are taught simple knitting processes such as French Knitting using a loom and the creation of Pom Poms. Be part of a larger project to help in the beautification of Tamworth – the home of the National Textile Collection.

Cost: Free

Where: Tamworth Regional Gallery

Monday 7th - Line Dancing Class

Monday nights at the West Tamworth League Club come alive with the vibrant energy of line dancing, led by the enthusiastic and talented Chris Watson. Adults can join in the fun for just $15, while children can participate for $8, making it an affordable evening of entertainment and exercise for the whole family. The sessions are structured to cater to all skill levels, starting with beginners at 5:45pm, followed by improvers at 6:30pm, and concluding with intermediate dancers from 7:30pm to 9pm. This progression ensures that everyone, from novices to seasoned dancers, has the opportunity to learn and grow in their dancing abilities.

Cost: $8-$15

Where: West League Club

Saturday 12th - Keepit Commando 2024 Obstacle Run

Located at beautiful Lake Keepit in the North-West of NSW, the ‘GHFC Keepit Commando’ course will provide a challenging but fun event around the Lake Keepit State Park. The event will start with a trail run with a giant slip ‘n slide and some team challenges on the way, and end with an obstacle course of mud pits, climbing objects and some fun obstacles to navigate. This event is perfect for sports teams, groups of friends, individuals, gym junkies, families or boot camp fans. You can also walk the event, or choose to miss the trail run and join in later at the obstacle course.

You will also be able to view the Resilience Project’s digital presentation of “developing Resilience”. All profits made from the event will be going towards developing and expanding the work of the Resilience Project in the Gunnedah Shire. All tickets include a $5 donation to this cause. We are hoping this event will raise awareness of the need to Exercise, the need to be outside, and the need to connect with others as part of a mental health plan.

Cost: $35-$99

Where: Lake Keepit

Saturday 19th - Fiesta La Peel

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Tamworth’s cultural diversity at Fiesta La Peel. This unforgettable one-day event brings together music, art, food, and community to celebrate our region’s various cultures.

Cost: Free

Where: Bicentennial Park

Key Upgrades Before You Sell Your Home

It has been another interesting year for the property market, but after many months of bumper results, Core Logic is now reporting that national home values are beginning to settle. Quartlerly results showed half the growth of the same period a year earlier, which demonstrates that the market is finally showing signs of favouring buyers.

If you are planning to sell your home or unit, don't let this put you off. As soon as you sell, you will become a buyer yourself and able to take advantage of a slower-moving market.

The goal of your sale is to achieve the best possible outcome in the market you're in. To achieve this, your place needs to stand out. The following upgrade will make the biggest difference to buyer impressions

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see when they arrive. Enhancing curb appeal can make a substantial difference in how your property is percieved. Consider the following upgrades:

- Fresh Paint: A fresh coat of paint on the exterior walls, front door and window frames can instantly uplift the look of your home.

- Landscaping: A well-maintained garden creates a welcoming atmosphere and gives the impression of less ongoing upkeep for the new owner. Trim overgrown plants, mow the lawn and add some colourful pot plants to add viberancy.

- Pressure Wash: This is such an easy win and can make your driveway, front steps and home look good as new.

Modernise The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and an updated kitchen can be a significant selling point. You don't have to go all out with a full renovation; Minoe upgrades can make a big impact. Consider these changes:

- New Countertops: Replacing old, worn out countertops will give your kitchen a fresh look

- Cabinet Refacing: Instead of replacing all the cabinets, consider replacing them with new door and handles. This is a cost-effective way to create a contemporary look that buyers like.

- Updated Appliances: Buyers want a modern stove, cooktop and dishwasher. Invest, and you'll impress.

If your struggling to make decisions about the look to go with in your kitchen, have a chat with your local real estate agent. They can tell you what has been popular with buyers in the area

Refresh Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another crucial area that buyers pay close attention to. A clean, modern bathroom can add significant value to your home. Here are some upgrades to consider:

- New Fixtures: Replacing old faucets, showerheads and cabinet hardwear with modern fixtures gives your bathroom a fresh look without the need for a full renovation.

- Re-grouting Tiles: Over time, grout can become discoloured and make a bathroom look worn out. Re-grouting is a simple way to make the bathroom look clean and well-maintained.

- Improved Lighting: Upgrading bathroom lighting can make a big difference. Consider installing bright, energy efficient LED lights or adding a stylish vanity light.

Before you sell, have any leaks or dripping taps repaired. A building inspection will pick these up and could potentially give your buyers negotiating power.

Update Flooring

Flooring can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of your home. Replacing worn or outdated flooring can make a significant difference. Consider these options:

- Refinish Hardwood Floors: Treatment from a specialist can restore your floor's shine factor.

- Carpeting: New carpet can work wonders, especially in bedrooms and living areas with a lot of foot traffic. Opt for neutral tones that appeal to a broad audience

- Tile Or Vinyl: For high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom, repair or replace worn-out tiles or vinyl

Create A Neutral, Clutter-Free Environment

If your budget us extremely limited, remember that less can be more when it comes to a home sale. Creating a neutral and clutter-free envirionment will help buyers see themselves living in your home. Remove your personal items, declutter spaces and consider a fresh coat of paint in light neutral clolours to make rooms feel more inviting.

Need Advice To Prepare Your Home For Sale?

Your real estate agent can help you prioritise repairs and upgrades before you sell or they can connect you with a stylist to update your home's look and make it a space that buyers will fall in love wirh.

If you're getting ready to sell, invest some time and energy in having the place look more picture-perfect before the photographer arrives. Your online listing needs to stand out to get more people through the front door on open day.

Tips To Save You Time On Your Rental Property Search

With rental availability sitting at historic lows, searching for a rental property in Australia can be a time-consuming process. From scrolling through listings to attending inspections, finding the perfect rental home can take up all your weekend and a lot of your week as well.

However, with the right approach, you can streamline your search and save yourself a lot time. Add these steps to your strategy so you can secure a rental property sooner rather than later:

Define Your Requirements

The first step to saving time on your rental property search is to clearly define what you are looking for. Consider your needs and preferences, such as:

- Location: Decide on the areas or suburbs where you want to live. If your budget is tight, you might want to add to the number of postcodes where you're looking as prices can vary between suburbs.

- Budget: Determine your maximum budget for rent, keeping in mind additional costs such as utilities and internet and commuting.

- Property Type & Size: Think about the type of property that suits your lifestyle, whether it's a house, flat, or townhouse. Also consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need.

- Non-Negotiables: Make a list of must-have features, such as a pet-friendly property, air conditioning or a garage.

Generally speaking, you can choose to have money, space or time. For example, if you want a spacious place in a great location that's close to transport, shops and resturants, it will cost you more. If space is essential but your budget is limited, you might need to be a little further from the 'action'. Finally you can live somewhere convenient and close to the city or beach by accepting a smaller place.

Once you have your criteria and non-negotiables in place, you won't waste your time looking at unsuitable properties.

Utilise Online Search Tools

Take advantage of the various online search tools and platforms available to streamline your rental search. Websites like Domain, Realestate.com.au, and TenantApp.com.au offer listings and are updated regularly, Here's how to make the most of these tools:

- Set up alerts: Create customised search alerts based on your criteria, so you recieve notifications when new properties that match your preferences are listed. This way, you don't have to constantly check for updates.

- Use Filters: Make use of search filters to narrow your options. Filter by location, price range, property type, number of bedrooms, etc

- Save Favourites: Save your favourite properties to easily compare and keep track of potential rentals. This will help you stay organised and make quicker decisions.

- Register For Opens: Register to attend inspections so the agent already has your details

Some properties are listed privately for rent via Rent.com.au & Facebook Marketplace, But if you're not dealing with a real estate agency check that the home is definately for lease and you aren't dealing with a scam listing

Inspect Smart

If you are searching for a place with a partner, split up to look at places together. Agents are usually ok with you taking some photos at inspections (just ask first).

Another option is a virtual tour. If you’re very keen but can’t attend in person, you may be able to ask the leasing agent if they can connect with you quickly before or after via video call.

Finally, do what you can to get in ahead of Saturday morning inspections. Mid-week inspections are often less busy, so if you can rearrange your work day, this can be a good strategy.

Be Prepared

Being well-prepared can help you make swift decisions and be the ‘winning’ applicant. Here’s what to keep in mind:

- Have your documents ready: Prepare all necessary documentation, such as proof of income, proof of employment, rental history, references and identification in advance.

- Know your market: Familiarise yourself with the local rental market to understand average prices and get an idea of how quickly places are being leased

- Get your finances in order: Ensure you have the funds ready so you can pay the bond and the first month or fortnight’s rent.

- Have a CV for your pet: It can take extra time to find a place to lease if you have a cat or dog so create a document to introduce your pet and include references for them if you can.

- Be flexible on contract terms: The landlord may appreciate you being open to signing on for a shorter or longer-term lease.

Generally, the landlord and property manager want the place leased as quickly as possible, so don’t hesitate to apply as soon as you find a place that’s suitable. The sooner you can sign the contract and move in, the better.

Make Friends With Property Managers

When you attend an inspection, chat with the property manager and let them know what you’re looking for. Ask if they can give you a heads-up about anything suitable that is coming up.

Once applications are submitted, the property manager will make a shortlist and the landlord/property owner will make the final decision, so be memorable (for the right reasons) and submit a quality application for review.

The Biggest First Home Buyer Errors To Avoid

Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone, but it takes a lot of time, planning and preparation. With prices at record highs and intense competition from buyers, you need to be well-prepared and be mindful of the potential pitfalls so you can choose a place that will work for you now and in the future.

Being aware of the following mistakes can help you make more informed decisions, avoif costly errors and get you into your new home sooner.

Here are the 7 biggest first home buyer errors to avoid!

Not Setting A Realistic Budget Or Having Pre-Approval

One of the first steps in the home-buying process is getting pre-approval so you know how much you can afford.

When you work with a lender or mortgage broker to figure out your budget, take into account the amount you can borrow and the other costs associated with buying, such as stamp duty, legal fees, building inspections and the cost of moving.

Not knowing exactly how much you can spend will waste your time because you'll be looking at places outside of your price range. If you don't have pre-approval, you may also find yourself missing out on places you like because you're not ready to make an offer.

Overlooking Government Grants & Incentives

Most state governments offer grants, incentives and schemes to assist first-time home buyers. Some buyers overlook these opportunities and miss out on financial assistance that could significantly reduce the overall cost of buying a home.

Take the time to research and understand the grants and incentives you are eligible for, as they can make a substantial difference in your home-buying journey. Your mortgage broker can be a good source of information in this regard.

Not Conducting Thorough Property Inspections

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a home that appears perfect on the surface, but hidden issues can lead to costly repairs in the future. A common mistake first-time buyers make is failing to conduct a thorough property inspection before purchasing.

A professional building inspection will outline potential structural problems , pest infestations, or other issues that may not be immediately apparent. Getting a report from a qualified property inspector can save you thousands of dollars, not to mention a lot of headaches after you've moved in

Not Considering Future Resale Value

While your primary focus may be finding a home that suits your current needs and budget, it's also essential to consider the property's future resale value, especially if you plan to use this purchase to leap-frog to a bigger or different place in the future.

First-time buyers someitmes make the mistake of purchasing homes that may be difficult to sell in the future due to location, size or other factors. Even if you don't plan to sell in less than five years, thinking about resale value is a smart financial strategy as it can increase your equity. Look for properties in desirable locations with good growth potential to ensure your investment increases in value over time.

Letting Emotions Drive Your Decision

Buying a home is often an emotional process, especially for first-time buyers. However, letting emotions drive your decision can lead to choices you regret.

Approach the home-buying process with a level head and focus on practical considerations, such as the home's condition, location and price. Try to separate your emotions from your decision-making process and choose with your head rather than your heart.

Not Considering Long-Term Needs

Many first-home buyers make the mistake of focusing solely on their current needs, without considering how their circumstances may change in the future. It's important to think long-term when purchasing your first home.

Will the property accommodate your future lifestyle? Are there good schools nearby if you plan to have children? Is there room to expand or renovate? Considering your long-term needs will help you choose a home that suits you both now and in the years to come.

Failing To Seek Professional Advice

Navigating the property market for the first time can be daunting, and failing to seek professional advice is a common mistake. A real estate agent, mortgage broker and conveyancer/solicitor will apply their knowledge to guide you to a successful outcome.

In many cases, your real estate agent will identify the right place for someone before they do. This is because they have many years of experience as a property "Matchmaker"

Real Estate Agents based in the area where you want to buy will be one of your best sources of information. Remember, they are here to help, so take the time to have some conversations and let them know exactly what you're looking for.

Professionals Monthly Newsletter -

October Edition