News
Overview
At Merrifield Real Estate we are enthusiastic to bring you the latest news and information relating to the real estate industry. This is primarily because we firmly believe that an informed client is the client able to make the best decision. Being aware of the laws governing real estate purchases, sales and rentals as well as your rights and obligations, ensures that you shall always be a happy buyer, seller, tenant or landlord.
In this section of our website, we will regularly post news items which we consider may be of interest to our readers. These items may include news relating to our office, our staff and the real estate industry in general.
Although we shall continue to provide our personal clients with up to date advice, news and information concerning all aspects of the real estate industry, through our normal one on one service whenever they commence a real estate transaction with us, we consider that some news is worthy of wider distribution, hence this section.
Grange Resources Update - February 2012
Jeremy Stewart attended the seminar presented by Grange Resources about their Southdown Magnetite Project last week. It was very informative and positive with future announcements in the coming months. Fantastic news for the region and buyers looking to invest in Albany.
Have you seen the SOLD stickers? - 2 February 2012
Summer is in full swing and it's great to see activity in the marketplace. You may have noticed this with a few more sold stickers around town. Properties new and old are getting new enquiry and things are more upbeat in the local real estate market since the start of the year. But what if you are a seller and you're not getting as much enquiry as you would like? There are plenty of people in this position but there are a number of things that you can do. They are:
- Have a positive attitude – Your beliefs create your reality
- Be proactive – Think of new ideas
- Present your property to the highest possible standard – First impressions count as most people drive by first
- Review the listing price. Is this in line with current market values?
- Look at what marketing is being done. Who is your target market?
- What is your exit strategy?
While reviewing the above might not lead to an instant result it will certainly help give you direction. A successful agent would have covered all of the above and will continue to work with you on these points. Know that they are working very hard for you in what has been a very challenging market over the last few years. The good thing is that every week that goes by you’re a week closer to achieving a result and a return to a better marketplace. You would be amazed what a positive approach can achieve.
A Positive Start to 2012 - 4 January 2012
The good thing about a new year is that you can start fresh. Numerous amounts of people look to the start of the year to move whether it be renting or buying. It is well known that summer is a busy time of year when lots of transactions are made. People move for all kinds of reasons such as work, lifestyle, climate and family. The great thing about this year is that entering into January there is such a large supply of property to choose from. You could be searching for inner city CBD properties to lifestyle properties on a few acres or vacant blocks of all sizes all over Albany or an investment property. Either way you can have the pick of the bunch.
Over the last month and a half there is no doubt enquiry has picked up and people are starting to realise that there is some good value in the marketplace. Buyers are looking at Albany and seeing the potential ahead with fly in fly out operations, new economic drivers and emerging energy industries leading the way. While Perth may be scorching in 35 degree plus temperatures here in Albany the climate is very pleasant. Surrounded by breathtaking beaches, wonderful facilities, a variety of summer events to attend and much more Albany is a great place to live.
To appreciate this when visiting other places around the world it makes you realise how good your own backyard is. Some places don't have the hospital or educational facilities we do, nor an entertainment centre, marina or excellent retail shops so take a moment to look at what you have and realise that Albany is a great place to call home and invest in. There is no time like the present to buy or rent so start 2012 on a positive note.
Welcome to 2012
Welcome to 2012 on behalf of Merrifield Real Estate. We look forward to being of assistance this year whether your buying, selling, leasing or renting.
Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012 - 7 December 2011
Investor buyers, landlords and sellers finally have some good news to look forward to going into 2012 after a tough 2011. Not only have we recently had our 2nd interest rate reduction in two months but Albany is about to become a major fly in fly out capital in regional WA with mining giant Rio Tinto announcing their are about to commence a fly in fly out program from Albany to its Brockman Operations in the Pilbara. Community Information Evenings happen this week and I am sure there will be plenty of interest.
Last month another ASX listed Gold Company looking at fly in fly out from Albany had an amazing response from locals to its expression of interest campaign and is exploring the option. With Grange Resources in the wings due to make further public comment on their Wellstead Mine in 2012 there is cause to be optimistic about next year. These economic drivers along with Woolworths new development at Bayonet Head which will create 100 jobs and a number of other potential major national tenants currently investigating Albany, gives buyers confidence knowing that we are starting to see some major signs of a change in sediment in the region and the marketplace.
My trip to the north west in September highlighted the impact mining and economic drivers can have on a region and I can tell you first hand that this kind of decision making by these companies can only benefit the region, the businesses who have found it tough this year and of course property investors, sellers and buyers.
As 2011 comes to an end I would also finally like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers of this page and wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
Ten Top Secrets to Property Investing
Are you interested to know the strategies of those who are investing in property successfully?
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The good news is you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a successful investor, says property expert Chris Gray from the hit TV show ‘Renovators’.
Let Us Do The Running Around For You - 11 November 2011
Last week I was in discussion with a potential buyer who visited my office to talk property. During the conversation the buyer asked me about other agent’s properties and the hassle of having to run around with a heap of different agents. You can just deal with one agent and they can show you all properties from other different agencies. My buyer at the time was unaware of this. He didn’t know this was possible and he was excited to know that this would save him a lot of work in his busy schedule and that we could do the research for him.
So as a buyer you can choose to select one agent and view other properties not from that agent’s agency. The advantage of this is that you can build a solid relationship and rapport with the agent, saves time, you will generally get a higher level of service and attention and you don’t have to deal with potentially 5 or more agents (depending on how many you visit). It streamlines the process and makes it easier. And by these advantages if you don’t happen to find what your looking for, the agent will be able to spend more time searching for a suitable property for you and get you what you want because you won’t be spending all day rushing around from home open to home open or agent to agent.
Alternatively if you don’t want to deal with just one agent then my advice is that if you are making an enquiry on property or buying to deal direct with the listing agent. This way you will know exactly about the property details and where everything sits.
Our Latest Newsletter
Merrifield Real Estate is proud to bring you the latest edition of Property News.
Read about what is happening in property in albany, an inteview with Rob Sleator, property management news and more.
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The Mining Driver - 11 October 2011
During a recent 3 day trip to the Pilbara Region promoting Albany and Albany property I met with various stakeholders and we spoke about the impact of what mining can do for a region. The money put into these areas by the state government and private enterprise was nothing short of amazing. The vibe for the whole region was positive and the outlook for future years ahead was full of optimism, however what was bought to my attention was that people weren’t buying. The reasons being the entry level was too high (generally over $800k to get a very average property) and that consumer confidence has been hit like the rest of the country (78% of buyers in the region are investors).
So this can give owners of property here in Albany trying to sell confidence that we aren’t in an isolated market and that even the so called boom regions are having their very own challenges in the property sector. Locally there are promising signs ahead include the agricultural sector having excellent crops, talk of potential interest rate reduction and Grange Resources continued dialog before making an announcement next year. Believe me the impact of mining to a local economy is massive and has to be seen to be believed.
When you compare Albany to the regions I visited what you do get here is an affordable regional town that has a wonderful lifestyle and climate, excellent facilities, diverse industry and much more. It was also a timely reminder of what we have and that there are always people worse off that have to make sacrifices. Yes the big bucks are made there but what we have here is very special. So all we need now is for Albany to be promoted to a level that attracts the same kind of development & investment that the Pilbara gets. Get behind the ACCI, City of Albany, GSDC and local business and assist and encourage them to promote because at the end of the day Albany no longer should be the best kept secret.
Referral Alliance Program
Merrifield Real Estate and First National Karratha have setup a wonderful initiative to assist all their clients. The referral alliance program is the brainchild of Principals Jeremy Stewart and Rob Sleator. Clients from Albany and Karratha can now have direct access to properties in these regions through these great companies. To find out more or how we can assist you email Jeremy Stewart at jeremy@merrifield.com.au or Rob Sleator at gm@kfnr.com.au.
Click on the photo, LIKE us today on Facebook and check out all the photos from Jeremy's recent trip to the Pilbara Region.
Albany Property Market Review - 4 October 2011
Investment/Industrial Development Opportunity
- 18 August 2011Features:
2 titles
4.05ha per title
Rezoning to industrial
Develop up to 25 lots
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home
223sqm shed
Prime location
Being offered either individually or as a packageConsider This Investment Today.
Great Southern Profile 2011 - April 2011
Regional Profile 2011 has recently been published by the Department of Regional Development and Lands. This report provides an overview of the region's economy and focuses on Albany as the second largest agricultural region in WA, premium wines and stable regional economy.
http://www.gsdc.wa.gov.au/fileadmin/GSDC/pdf/Great_Southern_Profile.pdf
Albany Chamber of Commerce Industry Development Awards. - March 2011
Merrifield Real Estate received the commendation of runner up for the 2011 ACCI Lincolns Awards after its business was reviewed and analysed by the selection panel.
http://www.albanycci.org.au/events/businessawards
... letter of support for ACCI Lincoln Awards from Hudson Henning & Goodman
Regional Plan 2020 - Feb 2011
The Regional Development Australia - Great Southern's mission is to support the growth and development of the region. It's Regional Plan 2010-2020 goes into great detail on the regions current population, industry, business sectors and natural environment. Importantly, it looks deeply into the emerging economic drivers, future opportunities, research and development prospects across the region.