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October 2008- Maintaining your property to ensure it retains its value
The family home is the biggest investment that most people will ever make. Maintaining your property is important to ensure that it retains its value. Here are five simple suggestions that will help you maintain your property to keep it looking attractive and, ultimately, appealing to prospective buyers.
Install water saving devices. Agents report that buyers are increasingly choosing properties that feature water saving devices − such as rainwater tanks, grey-water systems and water efficient showerheads − for both economical and environmental benefits.
Install energy saving devices. Buyers understand the link between energy use, greenhouse gases and the size of their power bills. For today’s buyers, energy saving devices are now a factor that can help make a property stand out. And, naturally, the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy or gas hot water are yours to reap until you sell the property.
Plant a garden that will be attractive all-year ‘round; it’s like a facelift for your property. Planting low-maintenance natives that require little watering is one way to ensure perennial appeal – and your garden is less likely to be affected by water restrictions.
Install insulation. Energy- and water-saving devices aren’t the only way to reduce domestic utility bills. Insulation can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home.
Implement a program of cyclical maintenance. Homeowners frequently neglect to perform ongoing basic maintenance on their property and, consequently, waste a lot of time performing onerous maintenance tasks just before the home goes on the market. This complicates and delays the sale process, and may also result in increased costs. Keep an eye on exterior timber work, guttering, window frames, fencing and garden features, in particular. A program of cyclical maintenance will simplify the process of placing your property on the market.
October 2008- Rental vacancies remain critically low
The extremely low number of vacancies is having an impact on rents. Office of Housing data reveals that rents for two bedroom apartments increased 13.5 per cent over the year ending March and REIV research reveals that compared to this time last year almost half of all agents surveyed reported an increase in rents being paid late.
The low vacancy rate and spiralling rents highlights the importance of increasing the number of homes that are available for tenants.
REIV research also reveals that for the first time in twelve months the outer suburbs of Melbourne have recorded the metropolitans’ area’s lowest vacancy rate, with 0.9 per cent of rental homes available compared to 1.6 per cent in July.
REIV analysis of vacancy rate data has revealed a worrying trend. For almost three years, while there has been cyclical tightening and easing of vacancy rates, there has not been a month that the vacancy rate has been at or above two per cent, a level traditionally regarded as the lower end of a balanced market.
October 2008- First Home Owner's Grant
The REIA provided its support to the Government’s initiative to double the First Home Owners Grant on existing property, and triple it for new housing.
‘This initiative will provide encouragement for first home buyers, and is something that the REIA has been advocating for some time’ said REIA President Noel Dyett.
‘This decision, combined with last week’s reduction in interest rates, should provide a much needed impetus to first home buyers who have been waiting to enter the housing market’ continued Mr Dyett.
‘The decision should also see a positive response by the home construction industry in increasing the production of new dwellings’said Mr Dyett.
‘Whilst the decision is welcomed we should not lose sight of the need to address the many factors that affect housing affordability’
‘We hope that the initiative will be the catalyst for all governments to seriously consider a number of longer term measures such as reductions in stamp duties and land taxes.’
In concluding Mr Dyett said ‘The REIA would urge the Government to ensure that a careful review is made of the impact of this initiative before reducing the payments to the previous level in June next year as has been proposed.’
October 2008- Hot tips on negotiating a deal in the current cooling market
Over the past year, the Australian property market has shifted from a ‘buyer’s market’ to a ‘seller’s market’ after substantial capital growth was achieved across all capital cities. So how can you take advantage by knowing an investment bargain when you see one?
Savvy investors are cashed up and raring to take advantage of the better buying opportunities - gone are the runaway price tags where properties sold for hundreds of thousands above the vendor’s reserve under heated emotional competition from a swarm of buyers.
How to spot a bargain
You can’t buy a bargain unless you know one when you see it - and it all comes down to doing your homework.
Location, location, location
Successful investors search for property with a proven track record and do not consider speculative investment areas: in all states, focus on the inner suburban ring of three to 10 kilometres around the city.
Features and qualities
Savvy investors focused on long-term wealth creation not only concern themselves with choosing the right suburbs, but also focus on ensuring the chosen investment property has desirable features and qualities.
How to tell if the seller will negotiate
While not everything in life, and in real estate for that matter, is negotiable, experienced negotiators can secure top-notch deals in any market. In the current cooling property market, those who can negotiate can pick up some real bargains.
Good negotiators will track down vendors that need to sell and are motivated to sell. I call them ‘D’ vendors who are Desperate to sell due to Death, Divorce, Debt (or financial hardship) and Disaster (business/work hardship).
Questions to ask
Finding out as much as you can about the vendor’s position provides real insight into whether the property is worth bargaining for. Ask questions such as:
- Why is the vendor selling?
- Have they purchased another property?
- What settlement terms would be most preferred?
- How long have they owned the property?
- Was it an investment or owner occupied property?
- Is it tenanted?
- Have you had any offers?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- Are the vendors just testing the market?
Establishing an offer
Experienced negotiators know that establishing an offer is a fine balance; go too low and the vendor will get their back up, closing the door on your negotiating position. If you have done your research around comparable sales and asked the relevant background questions, you will be in a better position to make the right level of offer.
I
The professional advantage
With the uncertainty and unpredictability of the current cooling property market, it is important to seek expert advice before embarking on purchasing an investment property - one of the most major financial decisions of your life.
A professional buyer’s agent can provide the expertise and superior negotiation skills to guide you through the real estate minefield, and help you make a prudent investment decision that saves you time, stress and money.
Surround yourself with professionals experienced in the property market including an experienced buyer’s agent, mortgage broker, financial planner and accountant, and you will have the contacts to make your next property decision the right one.
Extract of Article written by Frank Valentic for Your Investment Property Magazine.
April 2008- REIA Australian Buyer's Agent of the Year
 After winning the REIV Victorian Buyer’s Agent of the Year Award, company director Frank Valentic was proud to be nominated for the inaugural Australian Buyer’s Agent of the Year Award.
The REIA Awards were held in Melbourne on Thursday 3rd April with the Advantage team attending to cheer on Frank who went on to win the REIA Australian Buyer's Agent of the Year Award. Frank was suprised but honored to win the award which he says "Is the highlight of my career to date."
The team celebrated late into the night and there were many sore heads in the office Friday morning. Congratulations Frank on your outstanding achievment!
March 2008- Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal
Once again this year, we held our Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal fundraiser. Another successful year saw many of our clients and business partners enjoying an evening of good company at our BBQ and wine tasting night.
Although we didn’t quite reach our goal of beating last year’s donation, it was a great effort by all who donated to reach the total amount of $2250, which we matched for a total donation of $4500! A special mention to Domenic Valastro (ADG Architects www.adg.com.au) who donated $500 and Max Waller ( Provincial Homeloans www.provincialhomeloans.com.au) for his donation of $250. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
December 2007- Christmas Function
To celebrate another record year, we held our client Christmas party at The Great Provider in St Kilda. An enjoyable evening was had by all who attended and it was a great
opportunity to catch up with our clients and for the team to thank them for their business during 2007.
Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to your support for another successful year in 2008!
October 2007- Farewell to Jessica Robbins
Late September saw the departure of our Office Manager, Jessica Robbins as she is now on maternity leave awaiting the birth of her second child. To wish her farewell, the Advantage Team spent a sunny Sunday afternoon at the St Kilda Bowl's Club enjoying a BBQ and a few rounds of lawn bowls. With the group divided into 2 teams, they battled head to head over several rounds and it came to a decider match with the scores at 2 games all. Matthew Robbins, Captain of the winning team, revelled in his victory over the team captained by Director, Frank Valentic. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all and we look forward to seeing Jessica back in 2008.
October 2007- The REIV Awards
The REIV industry Award's night was recently held in Melbourne to recognize outstanding achievement in a number of categories. The evening always proves to be an enjoyable one and the Advantage team were there with extra reason to celebrate, having been nominated as finalist for five awards including; Residential Salesperson of The Year ( Julie Knight ), Property Manager of The Year ( Inessa Kabaker ), Buyer's Agent of The Year (Frank Valentic), Residential Agency of The Year and the Customer Service Award. A great night was had by all with our company proud to be winners in the Buyer's Agent of The Year Award. We were proud and honoured to be finalists ahead of 1700 other real estate agents in Melbourne.
August 2007- Leader Business Achiever Awards
 Leader Business Achiever Awards -
The team at Advantage attended our first ‘Leader Business Achievers Awards’ and were blown away to win the award for excellence in Real Estate! We were excited to be nominated alongside the likes of Hocking Stuart, Buxton, Century 21/ Wilson Pride, Hodges and Woodards, and were honoured to be recognised as the industry leader amongst the finalists for 2007!
July 2007 - Staff Retreat
 The Advantage Property Consulting Team headed up to McCrae in the first weekend of July for their annual Staff Training Retreat.
All staff attended a training workshop on the Saturday afternoon and were treated to a trip to the Ashcomb Maze for team building exercises on Sunday.
 "Charlie's Angels' successfully beat the "Awesome Foursome" on points after drawing 2/2.
Inessa Kabaker, Anna Cross, Marianne Orr, Michelle Valentic, Angela Griffin, Julie Knight and Jackson Valentic (asleep in pram).
April 2007 - Good Friday Appeal Annual Fundraiser
 On Thursday 5th April, Advantage Property Consulting held their annual BBQ fundraiser for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. It was a very successful evening and an impressive turnout from current and past clients, business partners, landlords, tenants, local traders, friends and family. 
Frank Valentic (Director) with Domenic Valastro (Client)
The Girls!
We would like to thank everyone who made a donation on the evening to help raise over $2,300! As promised, We not only matched the total amount raised but donated extra to make a grand total of $5,000!!!
Congratulations to all of our raffle winners, we hope you enjoy the fantastic prizes!
Justin Hocking (Advocate), Matt George (Mortgage Broker), Terry Wheeler (Client) and Frank Valentic (Director)
A special thank you to the local traders for their donations towards the BBQ and raffle prizes!
We look forward to seeing you all next year to help support such an important cause.
Feb 2007 - IT'S A BOY!
Congratulations to Frank and Michelle Valentic who welcomed their first son Jackson Lucas Valentic into the world on Friday, 9th February at 11:58am. Jackson weighed in at 8 pounds and measured 52cm long. Both Mum and baby are very well.
Dec 2006 -Christmas Festivities
To celebrate the festive season, Advantage were involved in organising an Elwood Street Festival which was a huge success. We provided free head & neck massages for the adults and free face painting for children and as you can see from the photos, many got involved in the spirit of Christmas.
Our client Christmas Party was enjoyed by many and it was a great time to catch up with ourclients and thank them for their business over the past year. To view the photos from these two events, click here.
Awards News
August 2008
City of Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards-Finalist
July 2008
Glen Eira/Port Phillip Leader Business Achiever Awards-Finalist
April 2008
REIA Australian Buyer's Agent of the Year award
October,2007
REIV Buyer's Agent of the Year Award-Winner ( Frank Valentic, who has also been nominated amongst 4 other Buyer's Agents across Australia for the REIA Buyer's Agent of the Year Award )
REIV Residential Salesperson of the Year Award- Finalist ( Julie Knight )
REIV Residential Property Manager of the Year Award- Finalist ( Inessa Kabaker )
REIV Customer Service Award ( Finalist )
REIV Residential Agency fo the Year Award ( Finalist )
August, 2007
Leader Business Achiever Awards - Winner
Excellence in Customer Service in Real Estate
June, 2007
Australian Achiever Awards - Highly Recommended ( 6th Year Running )
October, 2006
City of Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards - Finalist
October, 2006
REIV Industry Awards for Excellence
Finalist in three separate catagories
May 31, 2006
Australian Achiever Awards - Excellence in Customer Service
October 6, 2005
2005 Citipower Port Phillip
- Business Excellence Awards
Property and Business Sevices - WINNER
City of Port Phillip - Business Newsletter
"Join the Winners" article including Advantage Property Consulting
October 20, 2005
REIV Industry Awards for Excellence
October 7, 2004
Business Excellence Awards Winner
Editorials / Newspaper Articles
September 11, 2008
Your Investment Property Editorial
September 7,2008
The Sunday Herald Sun- Agent's TIp
September 5, 2008
Make the most of Melbourne's current investment hotspots-PRW
August 31, 2008
The Sunday Age-Market Wrap
August 17, 2008
The Sunday Herald Sun- The Key
August 17, 2008
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
August 14, 2008
Your Investment Property Editorial
August 10,2008
Sunday Herald Sun-The Key
July 26, 2008
The Age- Burbs up for 2030
July 25, 2008
Buying and Selling under the Hammer PG1
Buying and Selling under the Hammer PG2
July 18, 2008
Hot tips for negotiating property-Property Review Weekly
July 6, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun-6th July
July 4, 2008
Financial Review
June 27, 2008
The Big Questions-Property Review Weekly
June 22, 2008
The Sunday Age-Market Wrap
June 15, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun-The Key
June 1, 2008
Herald Sun- The Key
June 1,2008
The Sunday Age-Market Wrap
May 18, 2008
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
May 18, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun- The Key
May 11, 2008
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
May 4, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun- The Key
April 20, 2008
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
April 20, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun- The Key
April 19, 2008
The Age- Buyer's moving in closer as city prospers
April 18, 2008
Property Review Weekly- Busy bees in the Inner South-East
April 4, 2008
Real estate leaders hounered
March 21, 2008
Choosing the best investment property
March, 2008
Property Review Weekly- How to beat the competition at Auction
March 9, 2008
Sunday Age-Domain Part 1
Sunday Age-Domain Part 2
February 17, 2008
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
February 17, 2008
Sunday Herald Sun- The Key
January, 2008
Interest Rates Won't Deter Homebuyers
December 16, 2007
The Sunday Herald Sun- Market Report
December 16, 2007
The Sunday Age- Don't Wait, Buy Now!
December 16, 2007
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
December 14, 2007
Property Review Weekly- Market Round Up
December 9, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun- Market Report
December 2, 2007
The Sunday Age-Market Wrap
November 25, 2007
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
November 25, 2007
Sunday Herlad Sun-Market Report
October 20th, 2007
The Age- Domain
October 14th, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun-Market Report
October 7th 2007
Under The Hammer!
September 23, 2007
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
September 23, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
September 22, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun- Market Report
September 16, 2007
The Sunday Age- Market Wrap
August 13, 2007
Western Australian
July 29, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
July 22, 2007
The Sunday Age - Market Wrap
July 22, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
July 15, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
June 24, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - House prices go "Off the Scale"
June 24, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
June 24 - 2007
Auction Action
June 22, 2007: FEATURE ARTICLE
PRW - It has never been a better time to be a landlord
June 17, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
May 13, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun- Market Report
May 6, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
April 28th, 2007
The Weekend Australian Financial Review
April 1, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
March 4, 2007
The Sunday Age - Auction Action
March 4, 2007
The Sunday Age - Leafy Streets an Evergreen Choice
March 4, 2007
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
December 17, 2006
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
December 10, 2006
The Sunday Age - Auction Action
December 10, 2006
The Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
November 26, 2006
The Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
November 19, 2006
Auction Action
October 22. 2006
The Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
October 8, 2006
The Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
September 24, 2006
The Sunday Age - High Scores in week before Footy Break
September 24, 2006
The Herald Sun - Early Heat in the Spring Market
September 15, 2006
The Age - Article of Buying for Celebrities
September 15, 2006
Property Review Weekly - Rate Rise Won't Deter Home Buyers
Frank Valentic Feature Article
August 13, 2006
Sunday Herald Sun, Market Report
Yesterday's Auctions: Clearance Rate Dips
July 23, 2006
Sunday Herald Sun, Market Report
Yesterday's Auctions: Lower End Show's it's Strength
May 2006
Frank Valentic - Feature Article in Property Investor Magazine
May 13, 2006
The Age, Domain - Cover Story
How will life in the Games village turn out?
April 13, 2006
Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Read how together with our clients we donated $3000 towards this fantastic cause
March 26, 2006
Sunday Herald sun - Market Report
Yesterday's Auctions: A hot day, in more ways than one
March 12, 2006
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
February 19,2006
Sunday Herald Sun - Market Report
Yesterday's Auctions: High Clearance Rate sets the scene
February 17, 2006
PRW - Article within Property Review Weekly. Written by Frank Valentic.
How to pick the right investment boom suburb
February 5, 2006
The Sunday Age (Auction, Auction by Alana Rosenbaum)
Games blamed for slow start to selling season
January 15, 2006
Domain (The Sunday Age)
Agents cut holidays short to bask in unseasonably hot market
November 27, 2005
Market Report (Article - Sunday Herald Sun)
November 20, 2005
Market Report (Article - Sunday Herald Sun)
November 13, 2005
Sunday Herald Sun, Market Report
November 17, 2005
Market Report (Article - Sunday
Herald Sun)
ON A SOCIAL NOTE...
 July
1, 2004
Advantage Property Consulting Team celebrates
opening of new office in Elwood
October 21, 2004
REIV Award's Winner
September 25, 2004
Let a Buyer's Agent do the negotiating
IN THE PRESS
 We
are also featured regularly in the press reporting our
views on the property market. Please see further details
below. (You may have also seen our company recently
on television, displaying our expert auction bidding
tactics on the national TV show "Hot Property").
June 6, 2005
The Age - Domain 'Speculation that house
prices will fall is having little effect on clearance
rates'
February 20, 2005
The Age - Domain 'Brisk business as auction
sales shake the jitters'
February 13, 2005
The Age - Domain 'Property Shortage hikes
up clearance rate'
November 14, 2004
The Age - Domain
October 24, 2004
The Age - Domain
September
14, 2004
The Melbourne Weekly - Bayside
April 26, 2004
The Median is the Growth Message
September 14, 2004
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Auction Action'
August 3, 2003
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Auction Action'
June 6, 2003
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Auction: The Pulse'
June 15 2003
Reaction
April 27, 2003
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Holidays, wary vendors
leave buyers waiting'
April 6, 2003
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Buyers ignore Reserve
Bank concerns'
April 6, 2003
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Buyers shrug off concerns
over war'
September 16, 2002
THE AGE: Home Price Guide - 'Spring is in
the Air' (Melbourne Edition)
October 20, 2002
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Listings, sales in a
trough'
December 12, 2002
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Patchy results keeps
crowds down'
December 8, 2002
DOMAIN: The Age - 'Buyers play the waiting
game in mixed market'
July 14, 2001
Herald Sun - 'Expats' homing instinct'
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