Realmark Real Estate - What's Next

IN Birds of Tokyo

2013-03-25T11:28:00.004+08:00

Before skinny leg jeans and sailor tats became laissez faire, “indie” meant independent.

With no record label to its name, Birds of Tokyo worked hard to secure its place as one of Australia’s top touring acts.

Right now the five-piece is touring their fourth record, ‘March Fires’, around Australia.

We spoke to keyboardist and newest member, Glenn Sarangapany during the Perth leg of the band’s national tour.

Was there conscious thinking behind the shift in sound on this album?

There was never an idea to change sounds just for the sake of changing sounds, but we did have a lot of discussions about what we wanted the album to say.

I think art is about having a conversation or expressing a feeling. And real human feelings are very complicated.

Sometimes we take pride in being lost. Sometimes we cherish being lonely. It was an amazing challenge to try to capture that mess of emotions in a song!

We had to expand our musical palate well beyond our comfort zones.

What’s the dynamic like between you guys?

We’re at that slightly creepy level of closeness. I reckon any one in the band could pick what I was going to order off a menu. And I mean a three-course meal with drinks and desert.

We live in separate states so our time apart is spent quite far apart. But our together time can involve sharing undies. Yuck.

You guys are known for putting on an intense live show. What can audiences expect this time round?

We’ve been working very hard on our live show. It’s sounding big and it’s looking big. We want people to come to a gig and experience something that is uniquely Birds. Something they can’t get anywhere else.

A lot of you have said goodbye to your hometown of Perth, where are you now and how is the place treating you?

Kenny is in Melbourne. Westy is in Brisbane. And Sparky, Berney and I are team Sydney.

I’m digging Sydney. Turns out I live in the same suburb as Leo Sayer. What a neighborhood! I haven’t seen him out and about yet.

Band comps and Australian Idol make it seem like becoming a professional touring musician is an accessible dream for young artists. What’s your perspective on this?

Everyone should follow whatever path they want to take but I do think that shows like that focus more on entertaining viewers rather than artist development.

There’s a bit of Pretty Woman syndrome going on. Not every prostitute with a heart of gold is going to end up marrying Richard Gere. But it’s nice to have the dream I guess.

What do you like to do when you’re not touring?

I’ve just started playing golf. It’s so addictive. So far I’ve only been to the driving range and even that’s been great fun. Our bass player Berney is going to take me out for my first game on a course when we get home after this run.

This album had roots in France, LA and Australia – are there plans to break into any international markets?

We’re always trying to reach a wider audience. It would be nice to get back to the states some time this year. We enjoyed our time there and met some great people. The idea of doing a long tour in the US is really appealing right now.

Rumour has it that when you booked your first sold out tour everyone bought a house, is this true?

Hah! I wish! When I went away for the first sold out tour, I had to beg the education department to give me a month off from teaching kids how to play Sweet Child of Mine on guitar.

I wonder where these rumours came from. It would be great if we bought a house and lived in it together like The Monkees. Ah the hi-jinks we would get up to...

Our mag is mostly read by people in their thirties. Any advice for them?

Anyone born in the early 80’s knows everything that they need to know about life. If you can “stop, collaborate and listen” and you know which turtle is a party dude, there is very little advice anyone can give you.

‘March Fires’ is available at all good record stores.

IN Settlement Agents

2013-03-25T11:24:00.001+08:00

Heard about the fellow who came home from holiday to find his house had been sold?

Thanks to changes in legislation, a seller’s identity must now be verified before a property can be registered to new owners.

The goal of this new regulation is to prevent scammers from fraudulently selling property.

That’s just one of the interesting facts we garnered from Liz Earnshaw, principal settlement agent at Sure Settlements.

Ms Earnshaw explained to us exactly what a settlement agent does.

“The main task of a settlement agent is to get a property legally transferred, most commonly from the seller to the buyer under a contract of sale,” she said.

“But it can also be in the case of a marriage split, deceased estate, refinancing or other circumstances.”

From speaking with real estate agents and banks to liaising with solicitors, finance brokers and other interested parties, a settlement agent ensures the entire settlement process runs smoothly.

Ms Earnshaw highlighted how a small oversight can cost big if settlement is not conducted correctly.

“Being a settlement agent involves attention to detail, for example, a misspelt name can mean settlement does not go ahead, which results in extra costs for the client and inconvenience,” she said.

A settlement agent cannot provide clients with legal advice, and doing so could result in their license being revoked.

Ms Earnshaw recommends searching for a settlement agent that has an independent, in-house legal counsel or access to legal advice.

Also consider whether your settlement agent is a member of a professional association such as the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA (AICWA).

To speak with Ms Earnshaw contact (08) 9274 0544 or email liz@earnshawlawyers.com.au.

IN Perth Bars

2013-03-11T11:16:00.006+08:00

The Dutch call it gezellig. Gezellig is the romance of a lampshade’s low-cast light, a room made cosy by intimately set furniture or a song that nestles itself in the moment like an old-friend. It’s atmosphere and ambience and so much more.

And while there is no equivalent to this word in the English language, maybe there should be, because more than a handful of small bar owners in Western Australia are bringing that extra something special to their bustling establishments.

Thanks to changes in liquor licensing laws, a plethora of Western Australian publicans have come out of the landscape previously known as ‘Dullsville’. We checked out five little venues with big personalities.

The Precint, 834 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park.

It might be on the main strip of East Victoria Park’s town centre, but you may still be forgiven for not noticing The Precinct.

Such is the mystery of this sophisticated yet quirky den, loaded with attitude, not to mention a thoughtfully considered wine list and edgy, flavoursome cuisine.

Owner Sarita Leal explains her own love of seemingly hidden places.

“I find these types of places become a favourite haunt that you feel comfortable visiting on a regular basis,” she said.

“I hope our customers feel they can step off the busy strip into a cool, funky, intimate venue, and even given the size, still snap up a great seat in a quiet spot.”

We think this hidden treasure just might be one of our favourites too.

Hula Bula Bar, 12 Victoria Avenue, Perth

If you dream about drinking out of a monkey’s head in a tropical paradise then the Hula Bula Bar is a must-see.

Sure, the head is as false as the plastic palm trees and totems that adorn the South Pacific wonderland, but that’s all part of the charm.

Known for it’s outrageous cocktails (think eyeballs, little umbrellas and twirly straws) the Hula Bula Bar was a small bar before there was a small bar scene.

So if you haven’t visited it yet, get cracking. It’s a treasure trove of 60’s beach rock and the perfect medicine for rum-loving pirates everywhere.

el Público, 511 Beaufort Street, Highgate

A bright neon donkey sign surrounded by bottles of tequila and top-shelf spirits is the first thing punters notice when they step into el Público.

Then there’s the mouth-watering traditional Mexican menu proclaiming, ‘Mary gave you hands to eat taco with.’ And after eating their tacos, perhaps she did.

In fact, el Público’s delectable share-food has made it a firm favourite with Perth foodies. So much so that even those without a penchant for tequila are giving it a try.

As co-owner Aron Paul puts it, el Público has many dimensions.

“el Público has interesting artwork, great music and exciting Mexican cuisine with flavour profiles many have not experienced before,” he said.

“People love the freedom of just popping in for a drink and a quick bite, or sitting down for a shared meal with friends.”

el Público is open seven days a week.

The Classroom, 1/356 Charles Street, North Perth

With Principal’s Specials and an award winning cocktail list based on school subjects, The Classroom is an educational drinking and dining experience.

The bartenders (known as teachers!) can whip you up a science themed cocktail using the perfect blend of scientific methodology and classic bartending principles.

If you’re peckish, then head to the tuck shop! (A bit fancier than the average choc milk and cheesy.)

Choose from a delectable fig carpaccio made with goats curd and apple crumble. Or a classic back to school burger, with lamb, a fresh lemon yoghurt dressing and onion rings

According to co-owner Andrew Bennett the completely immersive theme is all part of the small bar’s appeal.

“We’re positioned as a class room theme, so everything, from the school desks and chairs to the chalk boards and lockers behind the bar fits in with this,” he said.

“On top of this, we wanted to create something fun and entertaining with some surprises in store.”

Next time you’re in the area, stop in for a history lesson. Just make sure you play by the rules!

R Bar, 57a Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham

Winning Best Small Bar of the Year in 2012 from the Small Bar Association is a big feat for a small bar, especially one outside the big smoke of Northbridge.

But R Bar isn’t your average Rockingham bar.

Run by a bunch of girls whose mission is to make sure everyone has a great time, R Bar has attracted the likes of high-profile women like the PM herself.

Maybe it’s the old-school way they remember your drink, or the sophisticated, modern décor that makes drinking before sundown classy, whatever it is, R Bar has the attention of locals, tourists and even naval base employees.

Co-owner Siobhan Gavin goes some way to explaining the venue’s far-reaching appeal.

“We went for a design that can be appreciated and atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all,” she said.

“We are on the beachfront so maximising the inside-outside feel was a must and is a great draw card.”

Whether you’re a local or not, consider a relaxing sundowner at the R Bar. You might even get to talk politics with Ms Gillard herself.

IN Mortgage Broking

2013-03-11T11:07:00.001+08:00

Hiring someone to help you secure a loan seems a little silly at first. How hard can it be? Find the best interest rate, walk into the bank and sign across the dotted line.

Unfortunately, many people do make bad decisions when it comes to home loans. And it’s not due to lack of research. As Perth property broker Mr Mark Thomas puts it, it’s smart research that makes a difference.

“The advantage of a broker is that they have access to many loans from a variety of banks, so they have the ability to find the most suitable loan for your personal needs,” he said.

Mr Thomas has been in the mortgage broking profession for only a few years. Despite this, he has secured a loyal client-base that continues to grow steadily.

We asked him about the biggest mistakes people make when looking for a home loan.

“Although important, the interest rate is not the only feature you should be looking for in a home loan, and it'd be a mistake to only look at this when choosing a home loan,” he said.

“You need to be fully aware of the fees involved, and the loan needs to be structured in a way that works best for you, now and into the future.”

Mr Thomas believes that a good mortgage broker is defined by the after-care he or she provides. This support varies according to the client’s needs.

“Many first home buyers find the process rather daunting, so I ensure these clients are given extra support,” he said.

“I ensure that those investing in property are provided with a non-complicated loan that will help progress their property portfolio.”

If you think a mortgage broker will make your life a little easier, Mr Thomas recommends getting in touch with one several months before going forward with a purchase.

And if you’re thinking of leaving your job, wait till you are settled on your new property as a premature departure may delay your ability to finance a property.

But aside from the elements we can control, what about the impact of market conditions? Mr Thomas gave us his insights.

“It is very difficult to pinpoint where the market is heading however we are certainly seeing some very promising signs,” he said.

“I believe that the client's current and projected future is more important than the perceived market conditions, because you cannot control the market, however you can tailor a loan to accommodate the path in which the client is heading."

If you would like to speak with Mr Thomas from Sicuro Finance Group about securing a home loan, call 0413 333 118.

IN Lifestyle

2013-02-25T10:35:00.001+08:00

Passionate foodie, storm chaser, Turkish soap star and hard hitting journalist are just some of the talents Sally Ayhan brings to her new role as Channel Nine’s weather presenter and reporter.

While some of these talents – Turkish soap star experience included – have been left in the past, the adventurous Ayhan brings a vibrancy and warmth to the Channel Nine team.

We asked Ms Ayhan what she thought of her newfound hometown.

“I love it,” said Ms Ayhan.

“I’ve got a real outdoor lifestyle so it suits me to a tee.”

As a weather presenter with years of forecasting experience, it’s not surprising that Ms Ayhan turns the conversation to weather.

“I must admit I was a little bit nervous about the weather before I came over because even though I’m a weather presenter, I’d see 35 degrees and think oh my gosh how am I going to manage that heat,” she said.

“It’s actually so much more bearable because it’s dry, beautiful fresh clear mornings, rather than the humidity of Sydney.”

When asked whether she would consider buying in Perth, Ms Ayhan does not rule out the option.

“I was thinking of buying in the Freo area at some point, but I’m not sure.”

Fremantle is a much-loved area for the reporter who also frequents Mount Lawley and Leederville.

“I love the farmers markets and I’m a big fan of community events, festivals and things like that,” she said.

“So I guess the inner hippy in me is drawn to Freo, but I’m attracted to any place with a community buzz.”

Ms Ayhan’s appreciation for vibrant, cultural hubs may go someway to explaining why she chose Bondi as the location for the Sydney restaurant she opened recently with her husband. Sefa Kitchen serves Middle Eastern fare with a modern twist.

With a new restaurant and a widely read blog called The Food Anthropologist, Ms Ayhan’s passion for food is more than the usual My Kitchen Rules’ fan, a passion she blames on her husband whom she met in Melbourne ten years ago.

“We tended to bond over food and he would teach me about cooking traditions, Turkish breakfast was a big deal for us,” she said.

“I think over the years I learned a passion by osmosis and really enjoyed the pleasures of sharing food, not just eating it.”

After finishing her studies in Turkey, Ms Ayhan became feature writer at a Turkish magazine. But thanks to limited work opportunities for people who could not speak fluent Turkish, Ms Ayhan explored less conventional work.

“I appeared in the odd soap opera and commercial in between my journalism work,” she said.

“It was a little bit intense for my liking – a lot of dramatic people, famous actors getting fantastic treatment but perhaps not quite appreciating it.”

When asked how her soap opera stint compares to Channel Nine, Ms Ayhan laughs good-naturedly.

“Channel Nine is much more exciting!” she said.

“I have a lot more freedom to create my own work and do journalism as well as presenting the weather, so it’s multi-faceted and a great role for that reason.”

As a multi-talented woman for all seasons, we couldn’t help but ask Ms Ayhan, summer or winter?

“Spring,” quips Ms Ayhan with a laugh.

“I do love my sunshine, but I also love the freshness of the morning.”

For a reporter who pleasantly refuses to fit into most boxes, it’s no surprise her answer doesn’t either.

Watch Ms Ayhan present the weather week nights on Channel Nine and check out her blog at www.thefoodanthropologist.com.

IN Property Investing

2013-02-25T10:28:00.002+08:00

Investing in property isn’t new to Briony and Brett - the young couple have bought and sold separately twice and three times respectively.

You could say the pair is quietly confident about building their investment portfolio, an increasingly common trend among thirty-something’s.

Their most recent acquisition is a Balcatta property, just three streets from the house they sold. But keeping moving costs to a minimum wasn’t the only motivator for the sale.

“We wanted to get in a better and more comfortable financial situation,” said Brett.

As a part-time physiotherapist, Pilate’s fan, ballet dancer and mother to 17-month-old Katia, Briony is not afraid of a challenge. In fact, ‘renovator’ may soon be added to her list of achievements.

“By purchasing a cheaper property with renovation potential, we saw an opportunity to make money,” Briony explained.

“And we decided to sell to use the equity in our home to decrease the mortgage on our new home.”

Like many sellers, Briony and Brett chose to use an agent to streamline the process
“The agent made the whole process as stress free as possible,” praised Brett.

The benefits of having a great agent are not lost on Briony either.

“A good agent that you feel comfortable with is important,” she said.

“No question was ever too silly for our agent and he had a good eye for who was seriously interested and who was not.”

But not every agent is ideal. Briony described how one agent built a great rapport with her as a seller, but lacked experience and market expertise on the buyer side.

“One agent I encountered was lovely when she came to appraise, but I had previously been to a home open she was running and she was abrupt, judgemental and pushy, which put me off using her,” she said.

So what advice can these seasoned sellers give to others wanting to follow in their footsteps?

Brett encourages people to be realistic about the fees involved while Briony has sound advice on making a property appealing to potential buyers.

“An overall good first impression will capture attention,” she said.

“Decrease clutter, clean your property, make sure it’s well lit and maintain temperature at a comfortable level.”

Briony and Brett are just one of many couples in WA choosing smart investment strategies over long-term renting. And with rental prices increasing, and the median sale price on the rise, more and more West Aussies are dipping their toes in the market.

When it comes to getting premium results, choosing an agent that understands the market and knows how to effectively communicate with buyers is crucial.

If you need help selling, buying or investing, talk to Realmark.

IN Burlesque

2013-02-13T09:27:00.001+08:00

With sultry pseudonyms like Ruby DeLure and tantalising performances that make removing a glove feel simply provocative, you might think burlesque was just for the blokes. But according to Melanie Bruyer of Perth Burlesque troupe Sugar Blue Burlesque, the reality could not be further from the truth.

“Women love burlesque because of its romantic element of illusion, not to mention the glamour and gorgeous costumes,” she said.

Ms Bruyer, AKA A’dora Derriere, is Sugar Blue’s sole business director. She is also a performer, costume designer and mentor to Western Australia’s most renowned burlesque troupe.

The troupe brings the art of tease to the Perth Fringe Festival this month with The Chronicles of Burlesque, a show which pays homage to burlesque dancers through the ages.

“Watching burlesque is particularly romantic, especially when watching the classic acts, as you can be taken into another world for a moment or two,” said Ms Derriere.

The always-controversial Dita Von Teese and infamous Betty Page are just some of the burlesque performers that inspire the show. While Sally Rand, famous for her ostrich feather fan dance, is an icon from earlier days.

According to Ms Derriere, burlesque began as a social commentary or parody. The working classes would mock the upper classes by spoofing operas, plays and other aristocratic forms of entertainment.

Eventually, burlesque became a spectacular stage show featuring wondrous costumes, props and chorus lines. It was in the 40’s and 50’s that burlesque changed.

“Burlesque became all about men’s entertainment and eventually it had to go into underground nightclubs as some states in the US outlawed it”, said Ms Derriere.

Thanks to performers like Dita Von Teese, burlesque experienced a revival in the 1990’s.

“It was a feminist revival, with a feeling of empowerment,” muses Ms Derriere.

“Any woman could be a burlesque dancer, no matter what size or shape they were, and still, a lot of the performances were based on comedy.”

The bombshell vintage glamour of the past remains a strong element of contemporary burlesque performances. But many modern performers like to add their own creative flair.

“Some take on a more ‘Neo’ approach, going as far as ‘gorelesque’ with very dark and gothic themes like vampires,” explains Ms Derriere.

“There is an audience for all styles performed today.”

So what can audiences expect from The Chronicles of Burlesque? According to Ms Derriere, the show is very beautiful, with gorgeous performers, costumes and choreography. And of course, a touch of comedy.

If that isn’t enough, Sugar Blue Burlesque also hold burlesque classes for beginners and seasoned performers. Classes give women the opportunity to express themselves with no boundaries.

“The feedback we get off a lot of women who attend our classes is that it gives them a new found confidence,” she said.

“They find it truly liberating.”

For those of us content with sitting back and enjoying the timeless glamour of burlesque, check out the The Chronicles of Burlesque at the Perth Fringe Festival.

The show runs from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd February. Tickets cost $30 and are available through www.fringeworld.com.au.

IN 2013

2013-01-29T14:53:00.001+08:00

The talk in real estate circles recently has predicted a year of strong growth for the Perth property market in 2013.

Some are tipping average house prices to rise by as much as seven per cent over the next 12 months, far outweighing potential gains in most other State capitals.

It follows a strong end to 2012, with median prices growing by 0.8 per cent, after getting off to a slow start.

While the figures bode well for another strong year, predicting what the market is likely to do can be a perilous business.

So let’s leave the number crunching aside for the moment, and focus on the basics.

For home owners, the upswing is undoubtedly good news because property prices will once again continue on an upward trajectory.

Buyers certainly won’t be in short supply either.

Population growth on the back of the mining boom shows no signs of slowing down meaning more and more people seeking property in Western Australia, and more specifically, Perth.

Combine this with record rental prices, low vacancy rates and low unemployment and conditions are ripe for a very strong year, indeed.

But what does this growth mean for those looking to enter the property market? Have they missed the boat? The short answer is: No.

The window of opportunity is well and truly open for first homebuyers, especially with interest rates at historic lows - and tipped to fall further this year. However, you need to make your move soon.

Some analysts have forecast growth of close to 20 per cent over the next three years, meaning the median house price could rise from $470,000 at the end of last financial year to $580,000 by the same time in 2015.

With this in mind, I would encourage people thinking of buying their first home - or re-entering the property market - to take the plunge in 2013.

IN Kids Cooking

2012-12-04T16:04:00.000+08:00

Cooking is fun for the whole family and is an activity kids can easily take part in too over the summer.

The Mirmikidis children will probably remember their time in the kitchen as some of their fondest memories. At least their dad hopes so.

Dad Athan says the up-coming holidays are a perfect time to spend some time in the kitchen with your kids, teaching them basic recipes which they’ll always be able to cook.

The father of three has been cooking for as long as he can remember. His grandfather was a chef and his mum taught him to cook when he was little, something Athan started passing onto his own three from the moment they could put on an apron.

The first dish Athan learnt was a classic spaghetti bolognaise, a perfect one to use with summer beef. He says that beef offers plenty of easy recipes for parents to try with their kids including favourites in his house like gourmet burgers, chilli con carne, nachos and a Greek dish called keftethes, which are savoury meatballs made with mince, garlic, onion and parsley.

“Keftethes are perfect for kids to be able to mix and roll into balls. It’s like playing with play dough,” says Athan. “You can eat them as a meal or have them cold as a picking dish.”

Athan’s Greek heritage means that dishes like keftethes are staples amongst all his family but cultural exploration also plays a big part of life in the Mirmikidis home. What better way to do it than with food from around the world. It’s a perfect way to teach Jasper, 9, Amelie, 7 and three-year-old Rosie about different countries.

Athan is the managing director of catering company Heyder & Shears and says it’s a Saturday morning ritual to take his children to the commercial kitchen to watch others cooking as well as going to the butcher.

“They learn about cooking, get more familiar with a kitchen and get to know other people who know how to cook. Jasper can deliver a dinner for the family. Of course his first dish was spaghetti bolognaise. I think it’s all the kids’ favourite meal.

“The older ones already appreciate a good cut of beef which we’ll serve with some kind of relish rather than tomato sauce.”

Being able to help in the kitchen can do wonders for a child’s confidence, says Athan. That sense of accomplishment and pride as well as being a little creative is great for them.

“Kids will try and mimic their parents and I think learning to cook is a fantastic habit for them to have as well as a great pleasure.

“My kids have never eaten from a fast food outlet. They know that the food from home is healthy and developing good eating habits in them is important.

“When we’re in the kitchen together the kids ask why we do something and it forces us to get back to basics too and think about what we are doing step-by-step. We see it through new eyes because of that.”

For information on Heyder & Shears Catering, visit www.heydershears.com.au

IN Rent vs Buy

2012-12-04T16:00:00.001+08:00

"Rent or Buy – that is the question"

We’re hearing of reports about increased first home buyer activity in the market again due to a shift in market conditions.

The median house price has no doubt fallen and remained relatively flat for a protracted period, providing a window of opportunity for renters wanting to move to property ownership.

Recent statistical data suggests that currently there is little difference between monthly mortgage repayments and rental payments providing that much-needed incentive for first home buyers.

The October RP Data Buy vs Rent report found it was cheaper to pay a mortgage than it was to rent in 388 suburbs across the country, with 44 of those in Western Australia.

These statistics can be exciting news for people who’ve been renting but aspire to own their own property, and up until now haven’t been able to afford it. Initial purchase and ongoing affordability is the key issue in this consideration.

However, before you jump into a mortgage of your own there are a few important aspects to take into account.

The first, and the most important is knowing what stage of your life you’re at and what style of life you’re after.

Owning a home is both an investment and a lifestyle choice and comes with a certain amount of responsibilities. Home buyers must take into account their own personal situation and assess each and every aspect of home ownership because both renting and buying property has its perks.

For those thinking of buying for the first time remember to consider other costs such as capital gains if you are an investor plus stamp duty, finance establishment costs, statutory outgoings plus strata title fees for apartments and villas.

There are other costs of home ownership such as upkeep and maintenance which all add to the cost of buying - as opposed to renting, where none of these costs are a direct issue.

The suggestion that buying is cheaper than renting is somewhat true but in reality not everyone wants to own a property.

Renting has its fair share of benefits and these include its limitations. Increasingly people are choosing renting as a long-term option and approaching renting with a different attitude , for example taking long-term lease periods and set rent reviews to provide security and certainty.

Not being tied down to a mortgage for say 25 years can be what makes renting so attractive because it can facilitate more flexible lifestyle choices which is what many people are after.

Putting all the data and academic debate to one side, it is a choice between the heart and the mind, and the right choice is what suits the individual depending on their aspirations and life stage. Notwithstanding seeking the advice of an informed property professional can assist in making the right choices.

IN Starling

2012-11-14T12:36:00.002+08:00

She’s a nurse, a mum, a wife, an excellent cook and a businesswoman who is determined to bring nature back into all aspects of life.

Nadine Lee Morris is a perfect example of someone who walks their walk and talks it too.

Having things handmade inspires her, which is why she’d rather support an individual who has put love and substance into their products, hence the creation of her own range of bed, bath and home products called Starling.

“Starling is my stand against mass-produced, chemically-laden products,” says Nadine. Starling’s products are natural, organic, chemical free, have not been tested on animals and are handmade by the Perth mum.

Her Perth home is her warehouse, the kitchen her workspace and family her willing guinea pigs. Right out of her suburban kitchen Starling produces organic aromatherapy soy candles, massage oils, room/linen/body sprays, herbal teas, bath salts and body care for health and well-being.

While she trained as a nurse and once worked as a welder, Nadine has always dabbled creatively and been secretly jealous of artistic friends and family.

“I became interested in natural remedies when I learnt how regular products are laden with chemicals,” she explains. “I read an article recently that spoke about this issue and how everything we put on our skin can end up in our bloodstream. That’s scary! So to control this to a certain extent I bought some books on essential oils and aromatherapy and began to experiment. Not long after family and friends were getting plied with samples and being happy guinea pigs for my products.

“When my boys were born I also started thinking about all the chemicals I slathered on their skin when it came to things like creams,” Nadine says. “So I started experimenting with making my own body products.”

Starling was born and is gaining a dedicated following around Perth as Nadine sells her products at local markets and online through Etsy.

While her products may be all about being natural, this attitude also extends into her personal life. Nadine and her husband, musician and author Adam Morris are vegetarians, eat organic where they can and otherwise eat as unrefined as possible.

“We just got really conscious about where our food came from, what had been done to it and what we were doing to it. The boys, Finn who is five-and-half and two-year-old Atticus, have been brought up this way, which I think is important.”

Nadine says while the shift was easy because they wanted to do it, eating and living this way takes more preparation time. Equally though, it’s a lot of fun because she feels like she is always being creative and exploring new products or how to create new dishes.

The Morris family are now in the middle of planning a move to Albany, which will allow Nadine to extend her range thanks to the eventual construction of a larger kitchen in their next home.

IN Snow

2012-11-02T16:07:00.001+08:00

Though he discovered the snow as an adult, Perth’s Matt Robinson is proving he’s a force to be reckoned with on a board.

It was less than a handful of years ago that Matt Robinson took his first steps in the snow. When he got on a snowboard he flat out fell in love.

It started an affair which he hopes will take him all the way to Russia and the Winter Paralympics in 2014.

Born and raised in the Perth suburb of Forrestfield but now living in Melbourne because it’s closer to the snow, Matt is a para-snowboarder with arthrogryposis. He has only been riding for a few years but has been tagged as one of the country’s up-and-coming adaptive snowboarders.

Arthrogryposis is a rare congenital disorder which is characterised by joint contractions and muscle weakness.

“I’ve always lived by not having a disability,” says the 27-year-old who also keeps himself fit by running and skating to work and going to the gym. “I grew up playing footy and I’m really good with my feet.

“I don’t know any different, I might take a little longer to do something or look a bit weird but I’ve always just adapted. When I first went snowboarding I couldn’t do up my boots but then I figured out how to do it – swap the straps.

Being in the snow is good for my soul. I’ve never felt so much freedom. Amongst the trees, it’s such a beautiful place and I get to ride on it. There’s something so unique about it. The first time I saw the snow it was the prettiest thing I had ever seen.

That is until he met girlfriend Gecel, who has proved to be a tower of strength alongside a hugely supportive family and group of friends.

Coach Peter Higgins met Matt at a talent identification camp a few years ago and says he immediately stood out as a talented prospect. When the announcement came through that the Russian city of Sochi would be including the sport of snowboard cross (SBX) as part of the 2014 games, Matt was up the top of the list of prospective athletes. Matt and a couple of other athletes have been instrumental in helping pioneer Australia’s first SBX program.

“Matt has the mental prowess to understand what needs to be achieved and the drive within him to persevere until he succeeds,” Peter says. “These traits combined with a natural ability to ride a snowboard have and will take him far within the sport. He dedicated his full time and attention to training over this past winter and the effort he put in resulted in an exceptional rate of development. We look forward to the years ahead of Matt leading the charge toward SBX competition glory.”

Unlike himself, many of the athletes Matt has now come in contact with weren’t born with their disabilities and he says it has been eye-opening and rewarding to work with these athletes. Working and training with them has taught Matt to embrace his own disability that little more completely.

“For the first 25 years I didn’t want to have anything to do with disability stuff because it felt like it was labelling me. In the past year-and-a-half I have come to the realisation that I have a responsibility to be a bit of an ambassador for people with physical disabilities. I used to shut up about it, now I realise I have the character and the personality to be able to help.
"I talk quite a lot to other athletes, some of whom only inherited their disability a year ago. I know I’ve been given an amazing opportunity so I want to use that to inspire people. I figure if they look at me and think ‘if this bloke can do it, why can’t I’? then that’s good."

Matt works for the City of Melbourne as an information management officer and as there’s no government funding or subsidy for this alpine sport, he’s also been busy raising money and securing sponsorships to get overseas to compete in the pre-Olympic trials.

Disabled WinterSport Australia is the country’s peak body which promotes and fosters the advancement of participation by people with a disability in winter sport both in Australia and overseas.

To sponsor Matt or make a donation, go to the DWA website at www.disabledwintersport.org.au

IN Perth Property Market

2012-11-02T16:05:00.001+08:00

Destination unknown – or is it?

There’s a lot of talk at the moment about the direction of Perth’s property prices. Forget the noise (and there’s a lot of it) and look at the signs. They’re there for all to see and they’re pretty clear.

The ingredients are ripening for a positive shift.

Figures released recently show over the past five years Perth property prices have stabilised, rising by less than three or four percent in most Perth suburbs. In fact, some areas have experienced negative median price corrections. Another important indicator is a sharp drop in the amount of for sale stock available on the market.

This indicates relative affordability has improved in the metropolitan area and Perth is on the threshold of a resurgence in buyer activity once a buying trigger is introduced.

That trigger could be a number of things – I anticipate it will be further cuts to the interest rate.

Economists are predicting it could fall by up to 2.5% by next March, with the Reserve Bank warning at its October board meeting that the outlook for growth in Australia has weakened as the mining sector had slowed down sharply. A great example of that locally is Fortescue Metals Group with FMG announcing it was pulling back on expansion plans and cutting hundreds of jobs. Balanced however by the recent reports that the WA economy is the strongest wealth generator State in Australia.

So what does all of this mean for you?

Three words: surf the curve.

When the property market moves, it can happen very quickly so being ahead of the curve and riding with it can be a potential game changer for you.

As I’ve said before, money will always follow value. Regardless of your budget, you must always look for an advantage – in other words, an area offering positive amenities such as transport, good schools and lifestyle. These features bring security and growth.

If you’re looking to benefit financially from anticipated improvements in property values, I would avoid any area which tends to be a bit bland in character or appeal as they will probably always be sluggish in the market. And, be wary of anything that has experienced rapid price gains in recent times. When investment buying stay close to the median price point in the market.

The signs are definitely indicating a swell in activity ahead of the next property price wave so to avoid being left behind in the wash up, astute property investors will be preparing now to dive back into the Perth market.

IN Good Dharma

2012-10-22T10:41:00.001+08:00

Shop well and feel good about it? It’s a dream come true, thanks to a newly opened store in High Wycombe.

If Carol Wittenbaker isn’t careful, her house will be filled with furniture and homewares which should be in her new store. She just loves it all that much.

Separation anxiety aside, Carol figured that the beautiful objects she couldn’t resist would be things other people couldn’t go past either.

But here’s the rub. When you buy something from Good Dharma approximately 50% of profits from all purchases go directly to carefully selected local and international charities.

“The Good Dharma brand blends my desire for sharing good fortune with others and my love of all things stylish and unique,” Carol Wittenbaker explains. “It’s a little out of the box but the end result is me being able to run a business and help others at the same time.”

With an eye for detail, like an intriguing free-standing basin crafted from million-year-old petrified wood or arresting sculptural lighting, products have been sourced from all over the world including India, Belgium, the UK and Indonesia. Carol is also committed to supporting local artists and offering them a platform to showcase their work.

Homewares with heart, this unique feature for a store of this type is Carol’s desire to provide an ongoing source of funding for charity and keep her social conscience connected. Ensuring every dollar spent in store will give something back in a positive and meaningful way, charities which will benefit from the proceeds include Cystic Fibrosis WA.

I’ve sourced some beautiful cushion covers from India made by women who are trying to rebuild their lives and each one comes with a story. I love that and it’s something which really switches a light on for me. I hope it does for other people too.

Carol and her husband of 27 years, Ray, have run a successful specialist welding business for years but this is her first foray into retail.

Three years in the making, which started with building the High Wycombe premises, the store owner sees this as a perfect opportunity to give something back.

Every day the name Good Dharma, which is based on the word that means natural law in Indian religion and philosophy, resonates with Carol as a way to restore balance to the world in some small way.

“Ray and I are just happy to be able to do what we can to play a small part in the bigger picture,” Carol says. “There are so many worthwhile causes in the world I want to help where I can.

“I’ve always admired people who make their living doing something they are passionate about. Finally I’m going to be one of those people. I’ll also be able to do something useful and powerful. Maybe it will inspire others to do things a little differently too.”

Good Dharma is located at 1/1124 Abernethy Road, High Wycombe. The store is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm and for private viewing by appointment. www.gooddharma.com.au

IN Good Health

2012-10-05T15:46:00.002+08:00

Feeling sluggish after the winter and want to make sure you enjoy summer? We’ve got some tips which will have you bouncing into the rest of the year.

The sun is out, the weather is starting to warm up and the weekends are glorious enough that you just want to get out and move about. But what if you’ve let yourself go a little and are finding it hard to kick that sluggishness which winter can bring on?

Adam Hansen believes that health is our greatest asset and as such we should make it a priority in our lives. The naturopath, personal trainer and masseur says without good health so many other things in our life will be much harder to achieve and enjoy – including an active summer.

“So many people forget that our bodies function optimally when we give them the best ingredients,” Adam says. “Fresh, nutritious food, water and exercise, as well as non-toxic relationships are all important foundations for making sure the body is in great shape.

“During winter, when the weather is bad, it’s easy to ease up or forget exercise altogether and spend plenty of time on the couch. Cooler temperatures also mean we tend to go for lots of starchy and carbohydrate-heavy foods which, without adequate exercise, can stack on the kilos.”

If you’re keen to put some enthusiasm back into your step and get your health back on track after winter’s hibernation, Adam suggests these six tips:
Get out in the sun:

Get out in the sun: Your body needs a minimum of 15 minutes of sun exposure on your face and arms three times a week to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. This little vitamin also acts as a hormone which plays a vital role in shedding those winter kilos. Don’t forget to be sun smart though.

Detox your liver: During the winter months we tend to consume more comfort foods which tend to be higher in fat and sugar, all of which make the liver work harder. To give your liver a helping hand and fire your metabolism, eat plenty of broccoli, carrots and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Your liver will love you for it.

Drink more water: Being locked away indoors all winter, we tend not to be as thirsty but our bodies still require plenty of water. Consume 6 – 8 glasses a day and an extra litre for every hour of exercise. Once you’re hydrated, many common ailments like headaches, constipation, muscle stiffness and fatigue will disappear.

Get a massage: If you’ve just started exercising to get in shape for summer or suffer stress, having a massage can be a life saver. Massage calms the mind, reduces physical and emotional stress, removes those stubborn knots, boosts immunity and increases joint mobility.

Move more: If you’re not a great exerciser, start with regular daily walks. Thirty minutes will do but consistency is the key. The more often you go, the faster you’ll get and the further you’ll walk. Plus those chestnuts like parking your car a little further from the office or the shops easily put more movement into your life.

Up for a challenge: Want a real boost for your health and well-being? Give up processed sugar for a month and see what happens. It can be a miracle if you’re tired, fatigued, overweight and always sick. The items you’ll need to lock away are cakes, chocolate, most types of bread, lollies, ice cream, pastries, soft drinks, cordials, alcohol and most other processed, sweetened foods. If you need sweeteners, experiment with Stevia or agave syrup, snack on fresh dates and make your own sorbet for a sweet treat. There are plenty of sugar-free treat recipes and ideas on the net.

IN Awards

2012-10-05T15:45:00.000+08:00

When we started Realmark, winning awards was the last thing on our mind...

When it happens, it’s always a very humbling experienced. So we’re thrilled to be able to share with you that Realmark has been recognized as the leading residential agency in Western Australia at the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia Awards.

We also scooped the pool in the property management section; Realmark’s Christine Smith won Best Commercial Property Manager for the second year running while Sara Young was recognized as Best Residential Property Manager. Gemma Timmins was given the special accolade of Best Property Manager, voted by the public.

We know that what we do at Realmark is different, so to have our industry peers recognize this in such a powerful way is really rewarding for us. It’s a massive endorsement of the unique and innovative approach we bring to real estate. We’re incredibly proud to be recognized in this way and so thrilled that our hard working team has been honoured.

Our team works very hard to deliver the best possible service in an industry, which is fast-paced and rapidly changing. Our approach is driven by innovation and we strive to deliver fresh and exciting methods of selling and managing for our clients. We do it because we know it is critical to getting the best results for you.

At the end of the day, the reason we do this is so that our clients get the best result, every time. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for you, so thank you.

IN Citrus

2012-09-24T10:55:00.002+08:00

Citrus plants seem to generate more questions than any other when it comes to home gardening. So Sabrina Hahn squeezes every last little bit of information into a new book to help.

“People take gardening a bit too seriously,” says Sabrina Hahn, a woman who has made it her life. “It’s really a lot of experimenting, having a go at stuff and learning as you go. If you’re too serious you don’t experiment. So this book gives people access to the knowledge to help them do that.”

The book she is talking about is Sabrina’s Juicy Little Book of Citrus, a pocket-sized but zesty bible for anyone who wants to grow healthy citrus in the garden. Packed with information it covers everything from propagation, pruning and care to pests and diseases. The book is handy enough to put in your pocket and take along next time you’re thinking of buying a citrus tree thanks to the section describing the different kinds of citrus for the home gardener, including a section on Australian bush tucker and native limes.

“I think there’s a good balance of technical information, fun facts about gardening and some of that mother’s wisdom.” The obsessive gardener doesn’t forget a dash of humour either, vital when you’re dealing with citrus.

Sabrina – who you’ve probably heard talking gardening on ABC Radio – says the only thing which should be overwhelming in your garden is its beauty. Equally, she considers them a constant work in progress as you learn, plant and prune. She says you don’t need to be the best gardener, just passionate about it.

Lime and lemon trees, in pots and in the ground, are a big feature of this Perth gardener’s own backyard alongside a decent vegetable garden. Sabrina is part of a wider movement of people choosing to grow more of their own produce and eat with the seasons.

“Seasonal cooking has been popular in Europe for a long time, particularly in France and we have the opportunity to do that here with excellent-tasting produce.

“I think it’s a combination of people wanting to be more self-sufficient as well as being concerned about food’s freshness and what’s being sprayed on it. They’re also more aware of the flavours of fresh food and looking at things and saying ‘I should be able to grow that in my own garden’.”

If it’s citrus, you’ve got a perfect guide in Sabrina’s book.

“We lost the last generation of gardeners and many small veg shops with the rise of the big supermarkets. With that we lost a lot of knowledge of how to grow your own food. My grandmother and mother were avid gardeners and I grew up with two generations growing their own food. Now it’s coming back around again and people are planting everything from small edible gardens and growing a citrus tree or two to full-blown fruit, veg and herb gardens.”

Sabrina’s Juicy Little Book of Citrus ($19.99) is published in October through Fremantle Press and available at all good bookstores.

IN Derby

2012-09-11T14:54:00.000+08:00

They’re fast, sexy and hell on wheels. Meet the women of the Perth Roller Derby League.

The women of the Perth Roller Derby League like to skate fast and make every lap count. But it seems that what they like to do even more is have fun.

While popular in the 1940’s roller derby began a modern revival in the early 2000’s as a women’s amateur event. There are now more than 1200 amateur leagues around the world and the roller sport is now under consideration for the 2020 Olympics.

Roller derby gals race on quad roller skates and Perth’s two home teams are The Bloody Sundaes and Mistresses of Mayhem. In keeping with the aesthetic of the sport, skaters choose names and outfits which are an eclectic and colourful mix of punk, rockabilly, third-wave feminism and usually take their skater names from word play, sexual puns or allusions to pop culture. They can range from Princess Lay-Ya Flat to Drag’n SlayHer, Night of the Rolling Dead and Perth’s own Bronte Sore Ass.

Flat track women’s roller derby is run on an oval track with two teams of 14, five of whom are on the track at any one time. Four are blockers and one is a jammer. It’s the jammer’s job to score the points by lapping the other team, while the blockers keep the other team away from her while continuously moving around the track. This means you’re playing offense and defence at the same time while trying to support your jammer to score a point and preventing the opposing jammer from scoring.

The women of Perth Roller Derby (PRD) range in age from 18 to 45 and are everything from teachers, scientists and tattoo artists to journalists, tertiary students and mums. PRD is a not-for-profit organisation which runs the derby bouts and co-ordinates travelling teams to play in other states.

They started in 2008 after a group of local women saw the documentary Hell on Wheels about the evolution of roller derby and wanted to start their own local league.

Lisel “Babeonic Plague” Avey is a lawyer and has been involved in Perth Roller Derby for the last three years. Never having been involved in organised group sport before, she couldn’t even skate when she started.

“It was a unique sport and looked like so much fun,” says Lisel, 26. “It took me about six months to become a confident skater and then I started adding in more of the contact stuff.”

Roller Derby isn’t a free for all when it comes to pushing and shoving. There are numerous rules about how you can connect to another skater but equally enough ways – like a hip or shoulder check – to get them out of the way.

The game is very fast-paced with a lot of stuff happening at one time. A lot of the game is about being able to take a hit, pick yourself up and push through when it gets tough. That determination is a really big thing, plus it’s meant to be fun as well.

Lisel says one of the attractions of the sport is playing something which is fast, highly athletic, allows for physical contact as well as the high fun quotient. The strategic and mental aspect of the game also appeals to her as the play is always changing and you have to think fast on your feet, at speed.

“You have to strategise and the team work is important. You play against your friends on the other team but you come up against them in a fun atmosphere.”

If you prefer your athletes on wheels than on a footy field, Perth’s two teams face off for the 2012 Grand Final on September 29 at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre on Chesterfield Road in Mirrabooka from 7pm.

For more information and ticketing, go to www.perthrollerderby.com.au

IN San Francisco

2012-09-11T14:50:00.000+08:00

Words from the cutting edge.

Realmark’s Residential Agency Director Gayle Adams has just returned from San Francisco where she was representing Realmark, one of just two agencies from Australia to attend the acclaimed Inman Conference: Real Estate Connect.

This biannual conference is at the forefront of real estate marketing and technology and brings together the world’s top thinkers and leaders in this area.

So, we asked Gayle to list her main takeaways from the experience of mixing with the world’s best thought leaders, geeks and marketers in real estate today:

1.The power of the relationship with the consumer is KEY
2.We must earn trust through building a professional relationship and not one based on kinship or false rapport
3.Nurture trust by assisting consumers to be well informed on market activity
4.To initiate relationships online with consumers, however it’s most important to develop the relationship by taking it into the offline world as well
5.Print media still has a very important role to play in real estate awareness and marketing
6.The power of social media is important. There is much that can be achieved building or initiating relationships through facebook, twitter, Linked In and blogging
7.BUT … it’s not just conversation for the sake of it. It needs to be targeted, specific and tailored
8.The emergence of mobile mediums for accessing technology: cue the mobile video house inspection

It was both invigorating and fascinating to mix with and listen to the global thought leaders in real estate marketing and technology in San Francisco recently, Gayle told us.

“It’s exciting to hear of the possibilities of constantly evolving technology and social media and marketing tools and at the same time realise, that we here at Realmark in Perth are really keeping pace with these developments.”

All of this evolution places the real estate consumer in an advantageous position provided they utilise a real estate agency that is fully engaged in these evolving mediums of marketing and communication.

No longer are the sellers or investors best interests going to be served by the local corner shop agency or the local personality realtor, otherwise they risk underselling or under renting their property.

At Realmark, we place a great deal of emphasis and energy on a multi-medium- multi-layered marketing approach that provides property sellers, buyers and lessors with a huge advantage in the very competitive and busy marketplace.

IN Ice Hockey

2012-08-28T12:33:00.005+08:00

They’ve only played one full season but Perth’s first Australian Ice Hockey League team, Perth Thunder, made plenty of noise over the winter season.

They’re one of Perth’s best kept sporting secrets, but Perth Thunder – our first national ice hockey team – have had a phenomenal season in the world’s fastest team sport.

Twenty-four-year-old defensive player Riccardo Del Basso, known as Ric in the No 12 jersey on the ice, is the co-owner of Perth Thunder alongside head coach Stan Scott.

Perth Thunder are a not for profit, semi-professional team which is part of the Australian Ice Hockey League. Though established in 2010, this is the first year of the team’s full inaugural licence. Ric says the team have done extraordinarily well on the ice by already battling for the playoff position this season. They’re also garnering the interest of bigger sponsors, which is what supports the team’s travel and home series logistics.

The team train two nights a week on the ice, do their own fitness work and fly east regularly to compete against the other national teams or host local games at their home ground, the Perth Ice Arena. As they don’t get paid, every player has a fulltime job, including the imported talent.

The Australian season, which is played across our winter, also allows players to head to the northern hemisphere for their winter season to compete while still being able to play in the off-season.

Of the 26 players on the team, most of them were born in Perth with a handful of Canadians and another handful born in the US, New Zealand and England. They range in age from late teens to early 40s, though the majority are in their mid-20s.

Ric fell in love with the ice in his early teens and eventually spent a year in Canada skating everyday, which only reinforced his love for the sport. When he returned home he realised there were not many opportunities to compete in the sport and eventually set about creating one.

“I didn’t really want to leave Perth and go anywhere else,” says Ric, who is also an accountant. But he wanted to keep playing ice hockey at a high level, so he co-founded Perth Thunder in 2010 and after jumping through the regulatory league hoops, the team have been actively competing in their first inaugural season.

Living here is about a lifestyle, which is why the overseas players come here too. They want to play ice hockey and see Australia.

Across the winter season – which runs from April to September – Perth Thunder will have played 24 games, 12 of which were played in Perth. Ric says local support for the team continues to grow and it seems that fans are coming from all age groups.

“It’s a sport which welcomes everyone,” Ric says. “We’re already starting to see some strong development players coming up, which I think has something to do with them seeing there’s a place they can play and seeing the team be successful is great for young players."

For more information, check out www.perththunder.com
The Perth Ice Arena is located at 708 Marshall Road, Malaga.

In Auctions

2012-08-22T09:53:00.001+08:00

If you’re ready to sell your property, consider an auction rather than doing what everyone else does.

Around 97% of all properties in Western Australia are sold the same way – with a for sale sign on the verge. With sellers looking for ways to differentiate themselves, auctions are now gaining popularity around Perth, but they still have a way to go.

Phil Hayes is an auctioneer and associate director of Realmark Coastal who says the days of feeling that an auction is a combative way to sell your home is long gone. These days an auction equals communication and is a much more personal affair during the four week campaign where the seller is kept totally in the loop.

“When working an auction you virtually speak to the vendor everyday to update them on any changes,” Phil says. “It’s an intense campaign which is designed to climax with multiple offers at the auction at the end.

“The more available a property is the better, because we can bring more people through which creates more buyer engagement plus a buyer favourable time to consider the property and hopefully fall in love with it."

Realmark’s managing director John Percudani says if you’re going to auction your home, it’s imperative your agent understands how to run an effective marketing campaign.

“It requires a great amount of communication between the agent and the client and it’s imperative the client is given lots of the right amount of information,” John says. “When it’s done by the right person it gets a great result because the client is really getting information in real time about the market and understands their position in order to make a good decision.”

In the past a hesitation by agents in general to be confident in the process is why we don’t see as many auctions in Perth compared to cities like Melbourne, but that’s changing.

For a buyer, having the date of an auction gives you a known timeframe to decide that you want to bid on the house, ready your finances and do any associated homework. It also allows you to view the house numerous times as well.

“For the purchaser, the process is a lot more transparent,” Phil says. “Rather than making multiple offers you are able to compete as you know what the last bid was. Also, the time of the actual sale is compressed into the time it takes to complete the auction.”

Don’t be put off by the number of people who turn up at an auction either. Some of them are simply there to watch and others to take in what can be a rather entertaining and compelling 20 minutes.

“A good auction is quite exciting and entertaining. That’s why it gets a crowd, because it’s an event and people like the sport of it. If you have an engaging auctioneer, it’s even more entertaining."

IN Full Swing

2012-08-22T09:50:00.003+08:00

The upswing is in full swing.

In recent months, we’ve been seeing increasing signs that the residential property market is arising from its slumber and for those who’ve been standing on the sidelines; it really is time to take note of what opportunities are being offered up.

There are green shoots appearing in several sectors of the market. First home buyers are more active as are the so-called upgrade buyers. Investors are responding to higher rental yields and even the top end is showing modest but positive signs again.

Here at Realmark, we’ve been seeing some intense pressure on prices in the $400,000 - $600,000 band and that pressure is beginning to start spreading upwards of the $600,000 mark.

Investors are particularly focussed on properties below $600,000 and the apartment market is noticeably attracting their interest.

Realmark has also experienced a marked increase in properties being referred to its property management division from many renewed or new investors in both the residential and commercial markets.

Even Australia’s top banker – the Governor of the Reserve Bank – last month said that house prices weren’t unreasonably high and affordability is in fact much better than it has been in the past decade or so.

Whilst there are statistics upon statistics, when the person at the helm of all interest rate decisions in this country says house prices have declined to where they were in 2002 and that housing is now more affordable than it was four or five years ago then it’s truly time to sit up and listen.

And that’s when we go back to fundamentals that we now see: construction is down, interest rates are down, supply of houses is tight, rental vacancies are very tight and unemployment is historically low.

At the same time, savings and household income are on the rise, rental returns are strong and rising and buyer enquiries are up.

Add to that the estimated 1,000 or so people flocking into Western Australia each week for the work and the strong economy we have here, and it’s no surprise that the property market is heating up. And right now the market is transitioning from a buyers’ market to a sellers’ market.

So what does that mean for you? As an investment buyer, you need to focus on the quality of the asset, the yield on investment, security, facts rather than emotion and the options to exit.

As a seller, you must be very cautious not to “under sell” in the current environment.

Both buyers and sellers must work with an agent who takes the time to understand their individual needs and goals and then provides them with a selection of selling and marketing options.

In this time of transition, it’s never been more important to seek out an agent that uses the customised solution most suited to YOU.

At Realmark, we call this, My Agent, My Advantage – and it’s what we provide for YOU.

IN Spring Lamb

2012-07-30T10:24:00.000+08:00

by Ara Jansen

We’re not quite in spring yet, but it’s time to start thinking about lighter cuts of meat to celebrate the turn in seasons.

When the weather does finally start to warm a little, it’s going to be the perfect time to consider the lighter cuts of meat to grace your table.

Karl Osterberg is a butcher and co-owner of Ryan’s Quality Meats alongside Greg Ryan, whose father started the Jandakot business in the mid-1960’s. For the last two years the retail and wholesale butcher, in conjunction with beef producers A. O’Meehan & Co and V & V Walsh (meat processors and exporters) have been the exclusive Australian stockists and suppliers of premium Amelia Park Beef. This partnership brings together some two centuries of experience in supplying premium beef and lamb to West Australians.

Karl says when it comes to meat winter is the perfect time for warming dishes made of braised beef cheeks, lamb shanks and roasts. A married father with two kids and a wife who is studying means the
Osterberg family love a tasty casserole for their winter meals as a hearty, healthy and time-smart option.

West Australians don’t need much excuse to fire up the barbecue once there are some blue skies and a touch of heat in the air. Karl says that’s the perfect time to get into spring lamb, swapping over to lamb koftas, grilled lamb French cutlets or souvlaki butterflied lamb legs.

"I think we naturally just want to eat heavier food in winter and then somehow in spring we want to lighten up in preparation for summer, when it’s always about the barbecue," Karl says.

Shows like MasterChef and the popularity of celebrity chefs have made people a lot more adventurous and willing to try dishes and cuts of meat they may not have dared experiment with before. Of course it also helps to have someone knowledgeable behind the counter to make suggestions when you want to try something new.

“You can always tell when someone like Jamie Oliver has been on television because people come in with the same recipe that they all want to try. They’ll ask about what cuts of meat to use and I’ll suggest what I think would be best or what won’t suit the dish.

“I certainly get some good ideas from MasterChef.”

The butcher says because the company cuts and packages all their own meat, rather than just removing it from a pre-packed carton, they know the best of what’s around and through their relationship with Amelia Park and other local suppliers are able source quality produce.

www.ryansqualitymeats.com.au

IN Nutcracker

2012-07-13T15:29:00.003+08:00

by Ara Jansen

The Imperial Ice Stars have spearheaded a form of theatre which mixes sport and dance to bring timeless stories to life. They return to Perth next month with The Nutcracker on Ice.

When Tony Mercer saw the famous skating pair Torvill and Dean he was thoroughly charmed by them, but felt like he missed so much given the rink was large and he was so far away.

“They were beautiful on the ice,” remembers Tony. “But I couldn’t see enough of what they were doing. When they were three to four metres away it was great but when they skated away I lost that magical feeling.”

So when he set about establishing The Imperial Ice Stars in 1991 he made sure that the skaters worked in a smaller space and were much closer to the audience. Since then the group has made a name for itself performing classics like Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and Cinderella on ice. Their latest show is The Nutcracker on Ice, which will be in Perth next month.

Tony is the company’s artistic director and says when you really look at it, competition skaters tend to only use a small part of an ice rink and utilise the rest to gather speed for a jump. That’s why he says the Imperial Ice Stars can do everything a competition skater does and more. Not surprising though, given the cast of the Imperial Ice Stars are all former competition skaters, who both follow the rule book and throw it out to constantly wow audiences.

“People think that because of the space it’s going to be different. In a competition the magic happens in about four to six metres,” says Tony. “Ours is 15 by 15 like most theatre companies, but most use less space than that. As a choreographer I can fill that space and the skaters can still hit 25 – 30 kilometres an hour.”

Tony says this style of theatre has also seen significant changes in audience make-up and has recast how people see this sports-meets-arts entertainment. It started as mums and daughters coming to see classic stories staged on ice with dads and boyfriends dragged along. He believes the mix of sport and theatre, which the troupe spearheaded, is what keeps all ages coming back.

“We’ve changed the way people look at skating. It has become a dance genre in its own right. Early on people were staging a lot of ice shows and putting everyone in big costumes. I decided to take inspiration from sport and using the beauty of ice dance gave the characters layers to tell a story for the audience to take the journey with them.

“As with a phenomenon like Cirque du Soleil, we’ve cast something people know about in a new light. We’ve also been thrilled to see some of our moves making their way back into the sport of skating.”

The Nutcracker on Ice is at His Majesty’s Theatre from August 2 – 12. Tickets from BOCS.

IN Print

2012-07-13T15:27:00.002+08:00

Print media still crucial to property marketing.

In recent weeks we have heard a lot about the changing face of media in Australia and the subsequent large changes going on at companies such as Fairfax and News Ltd.

We’ve been hearing about the death of print and newspapers as we know it, driven the proponents say, by falling advertising revenue and readership.

As one of Australia’s leading real estate agencies in marketing and communications (we recently took out the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s national award for Excellence in Communication) we wanted to inject our point of view into the mix relative to property marketing.

We see it as crucial in the current market to utilise multiple forms of media to deliver messages plus alert and inform tenants, buyers and sellers in the property market. And for us, print advertising and editorial is still a very necessary part of that.

Indeed, by comparison to most mass real estate portal advertising sites, print media is a important format to differentiate your property in the marketplace and make it stand out to ensure buyer-tenant engagement.

Relying solely on a single pier of marketing such as the internet will not ensure the best outcome. For property sellers and lessors, confident results will only be attained when your agent utilises the correct media mix that reaches widely and deeply into the marketplace.

That’s why at Realmark we offer our clients a strategic mix of print advertising and editorial, online advertising, including our own customised dedicated micro sites showcasing your property, and premium property magazines, such as Realmark’s IN Property, which is available in both soft and hard copy versions.

At Realmark, we believe in providing the “complete” marketing solution. We specialise in understanding your needs and developing an integrated marketing campaign that maximises reach, frequency and layering to attract the maximum number of buyers or tenants to your property; which is essential to ensure you do not under-sell or under-rent your property.

Print media isn’t dead; it just has a lot of new cousins.