Ray White's CEO of Growth Market Update

Please see below and update on the Australian Market from Ray White's CEO of Growth, Mark Mcleod

Consumer sentiment continues to be heavily influenced by both the macro-economic environment and local area market conditions. An official rate cut became virtually a certainty when lower than expected inflation figures were released last week. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported inflation was just 0.1% for the first three months of this year, following no change in the December quarter and taking annual core inflation to just over 2%.

A news.com.au article said the inflation result caused a fall in the Australian dollar which may help local industries competing in international markets. In a bonus for property owners, the low result increased the likelihood that the Reserve Bank would cut rates by at least .25% on Tuesday. A Sydney Morning Herald article said the result now means Australians can expect a series of rate cuts. Stephen Koukoulas, as economic consultant who until recently was an advisor to the Prime Minister said the RBA got it wrong by underestimating how weak retailing and construction really were and should have cut rates in February and April.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee the banks will pass on all or any of any official cut. News Corporation reported Westpac boss Gail Kelly has refused to speculate on whether the lender would pass on any cut, echoing other bank executives in saying wholesale funding costs are now higher than they were throughout the global financial crisis. However, the associated article said the major four banks source only around 20% of their total funding from off-shore markets, down from 40% three years ago.

In the property market, a Herald article said sellers and agents are hopeful that talk of an interest rate cut will bring out more buyers after a patchy few months with fewer transactions. Australian Property Monitors said they expect final sales figures to show a drop of 8% for the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

The latest finalised auction results showed a slight rise in the overall clearance rate, with Sydney at 54%, Melbourne at 58%, Brisbane at 30% and Adelaide at 39%. Volumes in other capital cities were too low to yield meaningful volumes.

Open for Inspections on the 29th April 12

Curious as to what to expect at home opens? This weekend was great with increasing buyer presence at our many home opens. The busiest property received 18 groups through the home within 30 minutes. My home opens in Southern River and Canning Vale received the following numbers
Canning Vale - 10 groups
Southern River - 9 groups
Canning Vale - 10 groups
Southern River - 4 groups

Plenty of active buyers looking to buy homes and with news of rate decreases, fingers crossed it keeps going :)

Housing Construction expected to surge!

In an article online today, it was reported that on the back of increasing population and increasing demand for rental property, construction would increase around 11% since last financial year. Around Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Southern River we are seeing big demand for vacant blocks with the only complaint being the some of the sizes of some of the blocks.

New Property Team Viewing

Great opportunity every Wednesday morning for the sales team here at Ray White House Team viewing some of our new properties coming to market.
This morning on the list

- 39 Southacre Drive Canning Vale
- 11 Bluegum Road, Thornlie
- 85 Sandringham Prom, Canning Vale

With only 3 to view this morning inspections were done with quickly. The sales team have now walked through these homes are are now able to quote, refer or recommend these homes to buyers we are working with or buyers we meet in the course of our normal week. We often sell homes where one agent from the office has a buyer for a property another agent from the office has taken to market. We are also able to refer to more properties when we meet buyers on the weekend at home opens who may describe a house that we have for sale in a different suburb or location in the same general area. This is often the case around Canning Vale with the large number/selection of homes for sale.

It's Trendy, Modern and ready for You

11 Leschenault Blvd, Munster

http://rwht.com.au/wa/munster/771953/

Looking for a change of lifestyle? Want a trendy low maintenance home set across a parkland and close to schools and shop? Call now and book your viewing on this lovely 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home.

Built by Chestingon homes, this 2008 home has been well looked after and loved by the current owners. Excellent location and practical layout home.

Features include :
*Master bedroom located upstairs with access to balcony, recessed roof, split system air con, walk in robe and an ensuite with double basin, spa, double shower and tiled to ceiling.
*Double door entry to home with wood floors through to living.
*Down stairs study, formal lounge, theatre or gym.
*Upstairs second living area or home office
*Bedroom 2 with mirror robe
*Bed 3 good size with mirror robe
*Bed 4 with double mirror robe
*Down stairs bathroom with double basin
*Powder room/separate toilet.
*Stunning kitchen with Granite bench tops and double pantry
*Electric log fire heater as a stunning heater and feature
*Split system air conditioning
*High ceilings in living area
*Large double garage from...show more rear with extra ceiling storage
*Rear alfresco area with easy care rear yard

For an inspection on this lovely home, please contact agent Robin Ram on 0401 888 444

Hot Hot Hot

206 Harpenden Street, Southern River

http://rwht.com.au/wa/southern-river/771851/

With all the creature comforts, little extras and novelty features, this home is built to impress and house you in style, security and comfort.

Located on a corner position, access to rear for boats, caravans or trailers are much easier. No neighbours to one side giving you some freedom to entertain friends and family without too much bother on noise. Built to be grand from the entrance in, your inspection of this home is sure to satisfy.

Features include
*Master bedroom with feature lighting, wall mounted heater, roller shutter and ensuite with double basin and large shower.
*Theatre room with remote control blinds and projector screen. Behind the project screen in a flat screen TV should you want TV instead of the whole theatre experience. Decor of this room is perfect for movie fans with feature wallpaper and even an EXIT sign on the way out
*Massive ceiling on entrance with recessed colour lighting changing colour automatically.
* Ducted Vacuum system
* Tiled living areas
* Awesome and spacious kitchen giving plenty of room to move and create. Dishwasher, tiled floor and even light features at the bottom of cupboards for extra effect.
* High ceiling in living area
* Split system air con in Living area and theatre room
* Ducted air conditioning throughout home
* Wall mounted heaters in all bedrooms
* Large bedrooms
* Intercom system for all bedrooms and front door
* Security camera should you wish to see who is at your front door
* Wall mounted dryer in Laundry perfect for winter time
* Heated towel rails to main bathroom
* Reticulated gardens
* Shed/workshop with power
* Double garage with rear access
* Rear alfresco with high ceiling
* 1500L water tank
* Smart Wired house and Internet in each room

Hole in One

85 Sandringham Prom, Canning Vale

http://rwht.com.au/wa/canning-vale/772398/

Attention all golf lovers and families looking to get into Brookland Greens Estate and secure a lovely home as well.

This stunning home is well located and provides easy access ( a short walk ) from Gosnells Golf Club, bus routes, local shops and the beautiful lakes featured in this estate. This home has a lovely warm feel and was built and lived in with love.

Features include:
*Master bedroom with split system air con
*Ensuite with extra larger shower
*Double door entry with tiled flooring
*Sunken formal lounge room
*Large double garage with extra height and shoppers entry.
*Open kitchen area overlooking sunken Family room and meals area. Great for the family that like to be together.
*Alfresco area with fridge recess for unwinding with a few drinks at the end of the week
*Lovely gardens to rear for a nice outlook
*Good size bedrooms all with robes
*Extra storage room created in the ceiling
*614sqm block
*2000 built Ventura home. Well designed.

For further information or an inspection on this property, please contact Agent Robin Ram on
0401 888 444 or email robin.ram@raywhite.com

Vacant Homes are a great opportunity

Sometime amazes me that a vacant homes with no furniture or decorations take so long to sell. I would think that seeing an empty "shell" of a property would be positive and provide people the space required to mentally place their belongings and get a feel for the home. Often though, with little or no "feel" to these homes, they just stay on the market and sometimes end up selling for much less than comparable properties presented with someone living in the property.  This leads us to the question that can we justify spending considerable sums of money on "staging" a home with rental furniture? This is a growing trend and companies are emerging offering low cost furniture to decorate a home for a month or more if required.
If you are looking to achieve top dollar, presentation is vital and if your home is vacant, it may well be worth the investment. Staging of homes has been popular for a while in the upper end market but is not becoming more normal in more affordable price ranges. When looking at selling a vacant home, make sure you have the discussion with your agent. Looking for a good deal on a home? Why not check out a few vacant homes in your area and compare prices to ones fully furnished. You may be able to pick up a good deal.

Whats Happening in the City of Gosnells this month?

Please see below information from City of Gosnells Website on upcoming events

Just wanted to provide it here for your reference


Summer in the City 2012
Events programme January - April 2012



English Conversation Classes

Would you like to meet other people who are learning English? Do you want to practice your conversation skills in a friendly environment?
Join an English conversation class for adults at the Knowledge Centre. Sessions will be conducted by experienced professionals.
Wednesday 10.30am to 11.30am
Saturdays 11.00am to noon
Knowledge Centre @ The Agonis
Refreshments will be provided and bookings are essential.

For details and to secure your booking call 9398 2551.Garden History in GosnellsCity of Gosnells Community Art Award 2012
Opening to all emerging artists.
Categories include:
Overall $4000
Mixed Media & 3D Award $1000
Watercolours Award $1000
Oil/Acrylic Award $1000
Photography $1000
Pastels, Pencils and Pens $1000
Local $500
Student $500
People's Choice (sponsored by Maddington Metro) $100

Download an entry form here
Entries close 4pm - 20 April 2012
Enquiries: Arts and Culture Officer - 9397 3104 or ltrench@gosnells.wa.gov.au


Gosnells Community Cycling Day


A day of cycling activities, including a fun family ride, cycle skills information, basic bike maintenance, bike engraving and safety checks by Jet Cycles Bike Shop and Cycle Coaches.
There will also be a cycle skills course for new or rusty riders to build confidence and practical skills and a healthy morning tea and museum open day at the completion of the family ride.
Date:    Saturday 24 March 2012
Time:    8:30am to 11:30am
Venue:    Wilkinson Homestead Museum,
               Homestead Rd, Gosnells

This is a free event and pre registration is essential.
For details call Leisure Services on 9397 3107

City of Gosnells celebrates Australian Heritage week and showcases our heritage.

Local History Librarian Stephen O'Brien will deliver an illustrated talk on Garden history in Gosnells, explaining the changing nature of local gardens from the earliest European settlement to the present day.

Date: Saturday 21 April 2012

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Knowledge Centre @ The Agonis

Refreshments will be provided and bookings are essential.

For details call the Knowledge Centre on 9398 2551

Author Fiona Palmer @ Knowledge Centre

The Knowledge Centre, in partnership with Dymocks Carousel, will bring books to life as it hosts a talk by WA author Fiona Palmer.

Fiona Palmer is a bright new talent in outback rural romance and has recently released her new book 'The Road Home' about home, love, land and conflict. Fiona will sign copies of her books which will be available through Dymocks at the session.

Date: Thursday 12 April 2012

Time: 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Venue: Knowledge Centre @ The Agonis

Refreshments will be provided and bookings are essential.

For details call Knowledge Centre on 9398 2551

House types in Gosnells through history

City of Gosnells celebrates Australian Heritage week and showcases our unique heritage with an educational program of global changes in Gosnells.

Local History Librarian Stephen O'Brien will talk about the various house types from the Aboriginal shelters and early pioneer homes, using locally sourced and largely unprocessed materials, to the modern homes of today

Date:     Monday 16 April 2012

Time:    6pm to 7pm

Venue:  Knowledge Centre @ The Agonis

Refreshments will be provided and bookings are essential.

For details call the Knowledge Centre on 9398 2551

Easter Long Weekend

Down time for most buyers, sellers and even agents this Easter long weekend. With most properties being open by appointment, there have been less phone calls and inspections the last few days. Some exciting times ahead with some great properties coming to the market over the next few weeks in Munster, Southern River and Canning Vale ( Brookland Greens close to Gosnells Golf Club ) Keep an eye out on our website or facebook account for latest information. There are still great value homes for sale with the property at 17 Figtree Drive, Canning Vale recently having a further price reduction to $485,000 - $525,000 for a 4x2 with open plan living in Canning Vale. Aubin Grove is still getting interest due to its affordability, new homes and proximity to Kwinana Freeway and Cockburn Central for bus and train access. Stay safe and hope you have a relaxing long weekend :)

Home Open Response

Hope your weekend went well. We had a good response to home open this week with number ranging from 1 inspection ( 2x1 home in Huntingdale ) to 15 people for a property for sale in Canning Vale. The market below $600K is definately doing much better at the moment and most of our sales are between the $400,000 - $600,000 price bracket. Follow up time today too see if there are any offers/second inspections coming. I'm sure there will be a few :)