It’s generally a good idea to protect and improve the sale value of your property, even if you’re not intending on selling in the immediate future. Continuing to invest in and develop the property so that it remains modern and well-maintained will help to grow its value consistently over time. There are, of course, plenty of different ways to enhance its value, but at the minimum, there are a handful of key strategies that are proven to be effective.

1) Develop the facade
The first thing that visitors see of a home is its front facade, and a great deal of value can be added to the property simply by making sure that those first impressions are positive. Consider the look of the building itself, the landscaping and the overall condition of the property. For example, make sure the roof is in good repair and looks great – filthy tiles or rusting metal is simply not a good look!

2) Keep the flooring modern
Fashions in flooring change frequently, for example carpeted or even lino floors were in fashion not long ago, but these days polished floors or stone is a much more attractive look. You don’t need to tear the floors up every time the fashion changes, but consider making a refresh to the flooring a high priority.

3) Make sure everything matches inside
Even if the house is not being sold with the furniture, the furniture that fills a space makes a statement and can help to inspire the creative thoughts in a prospective buyer. Mismatching furniture within a room can make it look busy, small, and unattractive to the eye. Consistency and style will create an open, calm atmosphere, which will inspire far more confidence in a buyer.

4) Raise the roof
The desire to have space is a timeless one, and the height of the ceiling can actually have a big impact on the perception of space in a room. If your property has low ceilings and it’s possible to lift them, do so in order to maintain that open, airy atmosphere that is so in vogue at the moment.

5) Focus in on the kitchen
It’s very likely that a prospective buyer now is a fan of shows like My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef! That means they are going to want a sizable and well-resourced kitchen to host their dinner parties. What are people looking for in their kitchens? Energy-efficient appliances (taps, ovens, fridges), plenty of storage space and cabinets, and plenty of countertop space.

6) Is there the ability to add more rooms?
Properties escalate in price rapidly as more rooms – especially bedrooms – are added onto the building. So, if there is the ability to renovate and add a bedroom or two, an extra bathroom, or additional living space, be sure to consider it. Renovations might have an upfront cost, but the return from that investment generally justifies it come sale time.

7) Sustainability is so hot right now
Increasingly, people want to live sustainably, and are willing to pay a premium in order to be able to do so. In addition, savvy home buyers are realising that the more sustainable a building, the cheaper it’s going to be for them in the longer term.

Ideas to consider include: solar panels, water tanks, thermal warming systems, and great insulation is a must.

Most of these investments can be made over the medium and long term, which is why it’s worth considering well before you’ve even started to think about selling your home. That way, when you do decide to sell, you’re not going to miss any opportunities by simply running out of time to “do up” the place.

If you need assistance financing your property renovations, remember we’re here to help. There are a variety of different ways to organise finance for your projects and we can help you to access the right option for your needs, so give us a call today.

If you are considering buying an investment property in the Joondalup area, research should be very important to you. We have a lot of home loan and property tools available for our clients looking for their next property purchase. Some of these tools are not available to the general public. Just one small way mortgage brokers beat bank branches for investors 100% of the time.

There is still also some great data readily available to everyone via REIWA and the property websites, like the link below. Keep in touch with Element Finance Joondalup via our Facebook page where we will release some of our private tools soon.

http://www.realestate.com.au/invest/house-in-joondalup,+wa+6027

After a long wait the residents of Girrawheen, Koondoola and Wanneroo have finally had their rezoning formally approved and can now start submissions for subdivision STCA (Subject to Council Approval). Quinns Rocks, Yanchep & Two Rocks are currently still in the consultation stage.

You can find more information on the City of Wanneroo website or by calling your Element Finance Joondalup home loan expert.

http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/info/20017/planning_and_building/50/residential_recoding

The autumn property market is proving to be very busy and full of opportunities for home buyers and investors. We expect lower interest rates will stimulate the market even further, so talk to us about getting your finance in place now!

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) met for its May meeting last week and decided to cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to just 1.75%. The move took many forecasters by surprise and brings the official cash rate to an all-time low!

The RBA decided to make the move in response to low inflation figures and a strengthening Aussie dollar. Forecasters do not anticipate another cut in the immediate future, however the RBA is likely to reserve this option in case it feels the economy requires further stimulation moving forward.

This is great news for property owners and buyers across the country. Property markets have been performing well, with plenty of housing stock available to buyers. Auction numbers have been quite high across all states, however clearance rates are not as high as last year for most markets, except for Sydney and Melbourne where they reached 74% for the last weekend in April.

Growth in home values has been good across all cities during April, except for Hobart where home values declined by 5.33%. Sydney home values increased by 2.40%, Melbourne 1.07%, Brisbane/Gold Coast 1.81%, Adelaide 2.03%, Perth 0.47%, Darwin 2.53% and Canberra 1.21%.

Following the RBA cash rate cut last week, lenders have already started to reduce interest rates, particularly on variable interest rate products for owner-occupier purposes. However, we are also seeing rate cuts across other loan product classes, so if you are looking to refinance, fix your interest rate or invest, talk to us and we’ll shop around to find the most competitive rate for your needs.

If you already have a home loan, please remember that when rates are on the move, it’s wise to check with your mortgage broker to ensure you’re still getting the best deal available for your needs. We don’t charge for a home loan health check, so please give us a call today!

We recommend that you seek independent financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this newsletter. It contains general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. Your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. Interest rates are subject to change without notice. Lenders terms, conditions, fees & charges apply. Information sources: Auction results: www.realestate.com.au. Home values: www.corelogic.com.au

Sincerely , Element Finance

One of the most exciting sporting events ever seen in Perth is returning and we have your tickets! International Ice Hockey Australian Tour are bringing their heart stopping, adrenaline pumping action to our Perth Arena this June and Element Finance have two GOLD STANDARD tickets worth almost $350 to giveaway.
For your chance to get close to the Ice, enter our competition in 2 simple steps:
1. LIKE the Element Finance Facebook page
2. Visit the Element Finance page and comment on this image with the name of the friend you would like to have cheering next to you at the match on 18 June.
But hurry, competition closes on 24 May. Winner announced 26 May. Don’t forget to get your mate to enter you in the competition too! For full T&Cs, please email mike@elementfinance.com.au