Article by Liza McKilliam, Licensed Real Estate Agent.
It can be hard to see the act of moving house with rose tinted glasses on. It's stressful, emotional, and will likely involve tears (not just from the children). But it's also exciting, adventurous and full of promise!
Nevertheless, how do you manage to maintain order in the process of moving house with young children? Some days it can be a challenge even to get them to pack up their toys! I'm not going to lie; it's a tough gig. But it IS doable. With a little forethought, thorough planning and a firm grip on how to approach several potentially emotionally charged situations, you can get to your new home with minimal breakages and next to no (unhappy) tears!
The first and most important thing to address is how to break the news of the move to your children. It's critical to get this right from the offset as it will determine how they view and act throughout the entire process of relocating. While babies may be blissfully unaware of any changes as long as there are minimal interruptions to their routine, toddlers and children under the age of five may need some strong convincing.
Consider reading them books about moving house and telling them (positive) stories about your previous moving experiences. Make sure you always appear upbeat and excited about the move whenever you discuss it. In those moments where you need to stamp your feet, cry out a few select curse words and pull your hair (we all have them!) ensure that this is done out of sight of your little ones. It's no secret that small children can be very perceptive, and will catch on if they know you're stressed about the impending change.
If you have the chance, take your children to the new house before you move and get them excited about decorating their bedroom. A little exploration of the parks, library and grocery shops around the neighbourhood may also be a good idea! Cultivating a sense of enthusiasm and reassurance around the moving process will help to ease tension and make the process much smoother.
If you are hands down exhausted by the time baby goes for a nap or you put the kids to bed, packing while they're asleep isn't feasible. And don't forget that you need a decent rest too! When you're boxing everything up and decluttering as you go, having someone there to mind the kids while you do so can be a real godsend. Whether this is a hired babysitter, a friend or a relative, it'll allow you to get on with the job while your children are merrily occupied.
If the kids are old enough, you may even like to give them a few crayons and put their artistic skills to work drawing the items that are packed on the boxes they're in. Just remember, everyone needs a little help when moving house, and it's usually no issue if you're more than happy to return the favour when the time comes!
Ensuring that all boxes are correctly labelled is a no-brainer. But don't forget to separate the things you will need straight away, from the things that can wait to be unpacked. Put aside a suitcase for all the essentials which will be required on the first night you get to your new home. These may include basic kitchen utensils, clothes, toiletries and all the necessary baby care items. Make sure you leave aside your children's favourite toys so that they have something familiar with them at all times during the moving process.
The packing process usually starts at least a week before moving day. And it can often lead to the house being strewn with half-packed boxes just waiting for someone to trip and fall over them, or items to be taken out and displaced. Things which would usually be in cupboards with child-proof locks may be out in the open, tempting the inspection of curious little hands. The last thing you need is a trip to the hospital! To avoid these situations, pack one room in the house first (perhaps the study, guest room or garage) and then designate it as the 'packed and ready to go' room that's out of bounds for the kids. This will not only allow you to rest easy knowing that everything is safely out of reach, but it also means that once those boxes are in that room, there'll be no unpacking until they get to the new house. We all know how kids like to squirrel toys away when (they think) you aren't looking!
Have a plan for moving day that everyone in the family, and everyone helping with the move, is aware of. Moving on a day that the kids are in daycare, or having a fun visit to Grandma and Grandpa's organised, will relieve you of a lot of stress. It'll also allow you to concentrate on setting up the house so that the children will feel comfortable on their first night there.
Know what rooms you intend on assembling first; the kitchen is always a good place to start! Unbox sentimental items for the children's bedrooms that will make them feel at home (a nightlight or two will never go amiss!). You can always leave a special box for them to unpack so that they feel a part of the process. Remember that having a plan is fantastic, but if something goes wrong, it isn't the end of the world (though it can feel like it after minimal sleep). Keep a level head, make sure you get your morning coffee and a few moments of respite throughout the day, and most importantly remind yourself of the exciting reasons you're moving!
If you're looking to sell a home in Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Pullenvale, Fig Tree Pocket or Brookfield contact Liza McKilliam today. Liza is a second generation real estate with over 18 years of experience selling local homes, and above all, she is passionate about finding the perfect buyer for your home.
Looking for an experienced real estate agent with a focus on real relationships and real results? Contact Liza McKilliam today on 0418 158 501.
So the kids have left the nest, retirement is creeping closer, and downsizing is in sight. Or perhaps you're just sick of the suburban lifestyle, and you want to move closer to the city. Either way, downsizing is a common step in the lives of most Australians. It's a great incentive to declutter and look forward to doing exactly what you want when you want. But like any big decision and financial investment, there are always pros and cons. If you're considering downsizing there are some important things you need to be aware of before choosing your next home.
Are you considering leaving your three-bedroom home in the suburbs to experience city living? Before you start looking, you'll want to do your research on what types of properties (and their locations) you can and can't afford. Remember, it's often the case that the closer you move to the city in most areas, the more property prices increase.
Just because you've bought a smaller property, it doesn't mean you'll be paying less in fees. While you'll save money on the amount of electricity and utility bills, you'll have body corporate fees (if you opt for apartment living) and other potential long-term maintenance costs to consider. The 'smaller is cheaper' trap is one which many people fall into so make sure you get financial advice and make an all-inclusive budget for your potential purchase.
Whether you're selling your family home or your first property, selling a home can take a huge emotional toll. It's not just about leaving the property and the memories it holds. But also the years of accumulated belongings. To overcome this emotional burden, make a plan and write a list of what you need and ideally would like to take with you. Having a plan will allow you to sort through your belongings in the right mindset and with a purposeful end goal.
A lot of people think the best way to deal with excess belongings is to store them in a paid container. Although this may be a great idea, you'll have to weigh up how much a storage container costs and if it is really worth the extra money. It could be more worthwhile to sort through your belongings systematically and decide whether you'll use the items that you want to put into storage.
Just like anything else in life, if you fail to plan your downsizing, you'll most likely end up in a sticky situation. When downsizing, you'll incur a variety of selling fees including conveyancing and agent costs. The best thing to do is be aware of all the fees you know will pop up, and plan for them. You'll also want to ensure all your utilities and services are switched off. These include phone lines, home and contents insurance and internet. Making sure you're are on top of all of these will mean you won't have any nasty financial surprises pop up after you sell.
Just because you're selling your home to buy a new, smaller property doesn't mean you don't have to budget. Take the time to sit down and make a realistic budget and check with your real estate agent to ensure you include all your selling costs.
There's no way to sugar coat it- sorting through your home is going to take a lot of time so don't leave it until the last minute! The key to downsizing is to plan well in advance what you want to do and how you're going to achieve it. It's important to give yourself a realistic timeline to sell or give away furniture and belongings that you won't need in your new home. If it feels like an overwhelming task, take it one room at a time.
Whether it's your home that needs renovating to achieve maximum sale price or the new apartment that needs some TLC, you'll want to budget for any unforeseen maintenance costs or renovation touch-ups.
Like any property sale and purchase, having the right agent by your side is essential to your success. Research any potential agents and find one you are comfortable with. It's also paramount to your success that you find a local agent with market knowledge to maximise your sale price.
If you're looking to downsize and want to sell a home in Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Pullenvale, Fig Tree Pocket or Brookfield contact Liza McKilliam today. Liza is a second generation real estate with over 18 years of experience selling local homes, and above all, she is passionate about finding the perfect buyer for your home.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RE/MAX Profile Real Estate, the Global RE/MAX network or it's agents.
Finding the perfect property for your family is not easy, but it helps when an area has everything you need in close vicinity like the suburbs in the postcode 4069. The western suburbs, home to the 4069 postcode, are considered to be some of the most prestigious in Brisbane. So what does make the area so unique and why is it the perfect place to raise a family? Keep reading to find out.
Suburbs in the 4069 postcode are located on average around 15 km from Brisbane CBD. The suburbs are bordered by the Brisbane river running along the south, Mt Coot-tha to the north, and semi-rural areas further west of the suburbs. The population of the postcode 4069 is predominately Australian-born families with children. The area is characterised by a population of 31,951 with the majority of residents aged between 40 and 60. The western suburbs are fantastic for families with an incredible variety of housing, convenient access to necessities and an incredible community lifestyle.
Located in an area surrounded by Brisbane's beautiful nature, the postcode 4069 has a uniquely leafy but suburban lifestyle with easy access to all the necessities a family could ask for. The distance to the shops are also kept at a minimum, with Kenmore and surrounding areas a short 20-minute drive into the heart of Brisbane, and 5 km to Indooroopilly and Toowong shopping centres. The area also has a community feel with an ever-growing supply of restaurants and cafes.
Transport and education offer unbeatable convenience with a local bus route and a short drive to Indooroopilly train station, making trips to other areas of Brisbane a breeze. Younger families will also feel at home with a fantastic mix of primary and secondary schools, along with easy access to The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
The house prices in the area code 4069 on average range from $700,000 to $1 million.
According to Your Investment Property Mag, over the last three years, Brookfield has shown investors an 8.80% return.
Chapel Hill median house price has increased by 3.35% throughout the past year.
Over the last year, property investments in Fig Tree Pocket increased in capital gain by 27.68%.
Throughout 2017, Kenmore had an annual capital growth of 3.22%.
Over the last year, property investments in Pullenvale increased in capital gain by 1.24%.
As you can see, there's never been a better time to buy or sell in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Experienced real estate agent Liza McKilliam is focused on real relationships and real results. As a second generation agent, with over 18 years of experience, she's the 4069 expert. Contact her today on 0418 158 501.
If you choose the right agent, this step should be easy. Firstly, it's important to know how your agent will choose to market the property, and through which avenues. Something as simple as discussing the prospect of marketing to potential buyers, through both online and newspaper, can be helpful. It may seem like a simple issue, but targeting both demographics can be the turning point to achieving a premium outcome. After all, the more people who know the property is on sale, the greater the opportunity to find a potential buyer!
Article written by Liza McKilliam.
There are few things in life you'll sell that are as important as a house. Whether you're selling an investment property or a lifetime home, achieving the best outcome doesn't have to be a pipeline dream. With a combination of the perfect agent and the right marketing techniques, you'll be on your way to success.
Just as you would research a property or location, it's important to research agents to find if they're the right fit for you.
Find an agent who knows the surrounding area and properties. An agent with local knowledge will have a better understanding of your competition. They will also have local connections that can enrich sales offers.
The right agent should know the area's demographics, transport, local hotspots and schools for buyer information.
Selling a property involves many honest conversations, so it's important to choose an agent you feel comfortable enough with to ask anything.
Choose an agent who will sell your home like it is their own; someone who is passionate about finding the best buyer for your home.
A real estate agent with more than 15 years experience and who grew up in the area will have an exceptional amount of knowledge and contacts. They will also be able to tailor the property to the buyer's needs with their extensive knowledge of the area. From setting up an open home on a budget to having access to a pool of buyers, the right agent and home staging could mean the difference between an average or premium outcome for your sale.
Rate My Agent: Are You Making Big Financial Decisions Based on Online Recommendations?
Have you ever heard of Rate My Agent? It's basically the Zomato or IMDb of the realty world. It's a website where buyers and sellers can rate their real estate agent for the public to see, which can be really helpful for sellers who are searching for the perfect agent.
However, the public needs to be aware that Rate My Agent isn't the be all and end all of real estate agent referrals. Many agents are referred by word of mouth or through other platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. And just because an agent rates highly, with many positive reviews, doesn't mean that they're the right fit for you.
Just because they're listed, doesn't mean they're the best.
Sellers should be aware that just because an agent has a lot of good reviews doesn't necessarily mean they're the best of the best. Many agents offer incentives for their clients to review them online. Furthermore, many choose to focus most of their attention on Rate My Agent rather than other reviewing platforms such as Google or Facebook.
Similarly, agents could have the highest amount of 5-star reviews on Google, but this doesn't mean that they're the best, either. There are so many factors to consider! An agent with clients of a mostly older demographic could rely on word of mouth reviews, because their customers aren't as inclined to leave a review online.
Furthermore, just because an agent's profile or review is listed up front on a suburb profile, doesn't necessarily mean that they know that suburb like the back of their hand. An agent could have lived and worked in a suburb for over a decade and be able to tell you the trends in the area, what buyers are looking for, how to showcase your home to reach your target audience etc., but not even be listed as a relevant agent for that suburb. Why? They may only be paying for the lowest marketing package on the website that doesn't include widespread coverage. They may not have a presence on Rate My Agent at all. Or they could be focusing on a different form of marketing through another platform.
How do you know if you're finding the right agent for you?
As a rule of thumb, any information presented on the internet always needs to be taken with a grain of salt and cross-referenced for authenticity. Don't forget agents can choose which clients they send review requests to for Rate My Agent. Just because they're reviewed by an external source, doesn't mean that the review isn't biased.
If an agent has many good reviews on Rate My Agent, cross reference these with their reviews on Google and Facebook. And don't rule out agents who have fewer reviews! Look at their website and gauge how much experience they have in the area you're selling in. Reviews don't equal experience.
The next step? Meet your potential agent. You're never going to know if they're the right fit just by looking at the stats. To find the right agent for you, a meet and greet is essential, and a friendly and approachable agent will happily agree to this. If your agent is hard to get a hold of, never calls you back and can't make time to meet you in person, this is a giant red flag.
Be wary, ask questions and make sure you consider the bigger picture. Websites like Rate My Agent might make it easier for you to find an agent, but may not help you find the RIGHT agent. And when it comes to such a huge decision like buying or selling, you want to make sure you do your research, not have an external resource who could have ulterior motives do it for you. Look for an agent based on experience, knowledge and approach. Reviews are only a small part of a larger whole that leads to great service!
What Makes a Real Estate Agent Number #1 in Their Area?
Number #1 in Their Area?
When selling a home in community-orientated suburbs such as Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Pullenvale, Fig Tree Pocket and Brookfield, it's important to enlist the help of a real estate agent who knows these areas like the back of their hand. Someone who has plenty of experience selling in your suburb and who has lived in the area for many years.
Here are the top things to look out for to ensure your home sells faster, for a premium price and with the sensitivity and full service that you deserve.
It's important to remember that sellers use real estate agents for their expertise and experience. If your agent has over 15 years of experience selling in your area, that kind of knowledge is simply invaluable. How so?
They will know all the hotspots in the suburb (the best schools, shops, restaurants and parks) and entice buyers with these.
They will have an in-depth understanding of competing properties and how to set yours apart.
They are knowledgeable about unique design trends in the area and how to accentuate these in your home to appeal to buyers.
What's better than an agent with selling experience in your suburb? An agent with selling experience who grew up in that area. If you are able to find a second generation agent – you've hit the jackpot! This is an agent who grew up with parents in the realty industry. The benefits of this type of agent?
They're aware of industry trends over a long timeline and can predict peaks and troughs in the property market for your suburb.
They have local connections that enrich sales offers for buyers. They can give personalised recommendations for home design stores, coffee shops and local home improvement services if the buyer wants to renovate.
They know things that others don't! They've explored every nook and cranny and can give buyers an exclusive preview of the suburb.
A real estate agent who has been in the industry and the local community for many years will have contacts to help you present the perfect open home. They will know who to recommend, from florists and stylists to painters, gardeners and cleaners. They will also be a part of the grapevine, AKA; they know people who know buyers and have a pool of buyers at their fingertips.
An agent who is invested in the area will be personally invested in finding you the best possible buyer for your home. They will really listen to what you're after and contribute their many years of experience to your requests. In short, they will sell your home like it's their own.