Home grant lift to boost sector: HIA

Australia's largest building association says measures announced by the federal government to boost the economy will support the housing market and increase activity.
The government said on Tuesday it would invest about $1.5 billion in the housing market over 2008/09 and 2009/10, as part of a $10.4 billion package to help Australia counter the global economic crisis.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) said a doubling in the first-home owners grant, announced as part of the plan, would stimulate construction activity.
The payment under the first-home buyers scheme will be doubled from $7,000 to $14,000 and first-home buyers who buy newly-constructed home will receive an extra $7,000 taking their total grant to $21,000.
HIA managing director Ron Silberberg said the plan would boost new home building by 15,000.
"It is appropriate that the measure targets assistance for new housing to meet underlying and effective demand," Dr Silberberg said.
The building rate of new houses has been falling and has widened the gap between the supply and current demand for dwellings, the HIA said.
The announcement by the federal government would lift the subdued activity in the residential building sector and in the Australian economy, Dr Silberberg said.
"This measure will provide an immediate stimulus for new housing and help restore business confidence across the sector particularly in the building manufacturing sector," he said.
However, building of houses needed to be cranked up by 45,000 a year to cover present demand, but this proposal is a step in the right direction, the HIA said.
Meanwhile, Mortgage broker Mortgage Choice Ltd said the federal government's decision to increase subsidies for first-home buyers was a bold move that will greatly benefit the property market.
"I would think the majority of housing industry participants - from buyers to builders, real estate agents, lenders and mortgage brokers - will be excited and pleased by this historic initiative," Mortgage Choice managing director Paul Lahiff said.
"Australia's growing population, increasingly tight rental vacancy rates, slow release of land and the rising cost of building materials are all contributing to a demand for housing that is not being met as well as it could be," Mr Lahiff said.
"The doubling of the first-home owners grant for all first-home buyers and a tripling for those who purchase a newly built dwelling, along with the recent significant decreases in interest rates, should provide a much needed boost to the Australian housing market."
"The great Australian dream of owning your home is still very much a part of our mindset, and those desiring their own piece of this country will be grateful for all the assistance they can get," he said.
Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/

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REAL ESTATE TESTIMONIAL

We want to thank you both for the very impressive management of the sale of our country property. Situated at Tarwin Lower (South Gippsland) we had been on the market for two and a half years, having tried a number of other agents. We were naturally looking for a fresh approach as we had become very frustrated with the inconvenience and the ongoing marketing costs - and all to no avail. You both impressed us with your professionalism, you listened and advised, explained your methods and showed empathy and understanding. We immediately felt confident that as a team, you knew from experience what was required to give us the best chance of making a sale. Josh, your photography was just great, lovely sharp pictures that were admired by all. Michelle, we appreciated the way you pulled all the elements together to create a cohesive marketing plan You were thorough, professional and always responsive to our concerns. You displayed a can-do attitude with integrity. And so, here we are after utter despair our property has been sold, and it only took thirty one days from listing to contract. Are we impressed? well, why wouldn't we be. Thanks to you both we are now able to move on with our retirement and now look forward to fulfilling our plans.
Our best wishes to Multivision Real Estate

Brian & Shirley Dwyer

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AGENT OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATION - Small Player, BIG Winner

I wish to nominate Joshua Callaghan of Multivision Real Estate for this fantastic award due to the relentless effort displayed in both pursuing a purchase of and secondly a sale of property for me in the last year.

I have dealt with many real estate agents over a long period of time and formed an opinion that they all do a pretty good job. In contrast to this however, Josh exceeded my expectations in all ways. He was extremely helpful in the purchase of our property and when it came to selling a property recently he really did shine.

He went out of his way to produce a marketing campaign which was not only economical but made interesting viewing on realestate.com.au. He monitored the campaign daily and proactively made changes to improve the potential of attracting a buyer. Josh kept me well informed with regular feed back which provided a great feeling of confidence. Finally he closed a deal which both my wife and I were very happy with.

I know Multivision is not a huge player in the market but I could not be happier with their performance and would recommend his business to people I know. My honest view is the Real Estate industry is in fine shape with people like Josh Callaghan being a part a of it and I wish him well in this competition, but know he will do well regardless.

Max D., VIC

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40 JAMIESON COURT, CAPE SCHANCK

Wow what a property. I have just recently listed this fantastic executive style home for sale.

The residence is located in the 'blue chip' location of the RACV Cape Schanck resort and neighbours the National Golf Club.

The home is built to the highest of standards with a sweeping roof that resembles the roar of the ocean.

The property has amazing views to the ocean, bay and Melbourne CBD ckyline.

For more information, visit http://www.multivisionre.com/ or contact me via email joshua@multivisionre.com or direct on 0418 595 719.

QUALITY NEW HOMES TO BE CONSTRUCTED

I have just recently sold 5 lots in Moonah Links of which the new owner is going to start construction within the coming months of stunning double storey residences.

Each residence with a nice outlook will consist of 3 bedrooms, 2 down and master upsatirs. Open plan living upstairs with kitchen, meals & living all enjoying a wonderful outlook and opening onto private balcony area.

The fixtures and fittings will be of a very high standard including stone bench top in kitchen, stainless steel cooking appliances, high ceilings, remote garage, etc.

We haven't set the price on the dwellings as yet but will be in the viciinity of $500k - $600k.

If you would like more information on this project or other properties that I have available in Moonah Links, please send me an email at joshua@multivisionre.com or contact me direct on 0418 595 719. Visit our web site at http://www.multivisionre.com/

Spring is here & Interest rates are going down...?

With Spring here, traditionally this is a time when many eager home sellers place their property on the market capitalising on the thriving gardens and sun drenched days, providing a flood of new listings on the market. The interesting thing here will be to see how the market reacts in an already 'down' market with many homes on the market and interest rates at the higher end. The recent talks of a possible interest rate decrease I believe will provide positive market sentiment but wont turn the market into a buying frenzy so to speak.

The important thing to remember that traditionally in Spring and especially Summer on the Mornington Peninsula there are more homes for sale which increases the competition for a seller to achieve maximum sale price. As a seller you need to focus on the basics in 3 areas:

1) Your real estate agent (the individual, NOT the company)
The mistake that I have seen many sellers do is focus on which company they are going to engage to sell & market their property. It is not and never will be about the company. In this day and age every company in terms of buyer reach is on a level playing field with the internet. It's always, always about the individual agent acting on your behalf. Interview the individual on their beliefs, strategies and successes.

2) Your presentation
First impressions count. That's true. When placing your property on the market, never have the attitude of 'if they want it they'll buy it' - They won't, at least not at the price you would love to get. Put your buyer goggles on and look at your property from a buyers point of view. Make sure your presentation from the front fence to the rear fence to the top of your roof is at it's best.

3) Your marketing
Be guided be your agent (CAREFUL). Marketing is the absolute essence in not just selling your property but giving you the best chance to achieve maximum price. You need to spend money on advertising - simple. However, each property is different and may require a different than standard approach. Too many agencies are focused on marketing their brand and not the clients property. The interent now is the biggest dominator for marketing a property. However just having your property listed on a portal such as realestate.com.au isn't what internet marketing is about. It's about understanding the online buyer and the way they buy. This is one factor that will start defining your individual agents as most do not understand online marketing.

If you're considering selling on the Mornington Peninsula and would like a free no obligation appraisal of yor properties value and are interested in how I may be able to help you, then please contact me direct on 0418 595 719 or by email jc@multivisionre.com

Visit my Real Estate web site: www.multivisionre.com