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The RealWay Team Service Difference Is REAL
REAL because you will be served by our very experienced sales and property management teams, experts in property in their regions.
REAL because they live and invest in their communities. So they know where the opportunities are to assist you in your lifelong property journey. From your first rental home to your dream home and even growing a property portfolio.
What is REAL is we continuously update our cutting-edge property technology and systems across all aspects of our business operations.
In combination with our innovative property marketing, we can achieve the REAL RESULTS you want.
This is the key to our REAL SERVICE because these systems provide our teams more time to REALLY LISTEN to your personal property needs and deliver the service you want every time.
This is the REAL Difference with the RealWay Team.
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Nature strips and the mow-go areas
The maintenance of the humble nature strip can often create confusion between tenants (renters) and their landlords (rental providers). Best described as the strip of land between a residential property boundary and the road, the median strip is owned by your local council. But it is the responsibility of the resident/owner to ensure it is kept in a safe and tidy condition. In the case of a strata complex, it may be the case that it is the responsibility of all owners to maintain the nature strip. Checking the owners corporation’s plan of subdivision should determine if it is common property or within an individual owner’s lot boundary. What is their purpose? Besides providing a flat space for the collection of waste and recycling bins, nature strips usually contain a number of underground services (such as street lighting, gas, water, sewerage, phone and internet) and also permit sufficient space for opening car doors for foot, wheelchairs and pram traffic. They also allow increased “line of sight” visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians near driveways and at intersections or curves in the road. They also deliver practical benefits, such as absorbing rainwater and softening the visual effect of the concrete surfaces around them, including roads, footpaths and driveways. That’s why councils insist that nature strips remain fit for purpose and not deteriorate into a public eyesore. What can be done with nature strips? Some people choose to extend their garden onto the nature strip, but it varies from council to council if this is possible under local by-laws. And for good reason. If you’re considering constructing gardens, be sure to tread carefully as insurance issues could arise that may affect your liability if someone were injured as a result of unauthorised changes to the nature strip. Needless to say, obtaining council approval would be prudent before proceeding with your grand plans. It’s likely there are permissible works, but structures such as box gardens, swings or treehouses are usually not allowed. Keep in mind that utility companies may require access to the nature strip, but they are generally only required to backfill with soil and then seed with grass. Should you be concerned about remediation work for your plants, mulch and gravel, it is best to deal directly with the utility company before they begin work. No parking Parking on nature strips is prohibited in most, if not all, areas as it may cause damage to the services below ground if there is subsidence. It can also block pedestrian access and create trip hazards if rubbish or materials for recycling are left in place outside of the designated collection times. It is the responsibility of the resident/owner to rectify any damage on the nature strip. If in doubt, contact your local council for further information. If you are renting - get in touch with your RealWay Property Manager....
How to succeed at auction
Whether you win or lose in an auction environment, your success rate depends on how you play the game. Employing smart strategies and displaying ongoing patience are two key steps to ensuring that you will succeed at auction, regardless of whether or not you secure the property at bidding time. Do your research From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, doing your homework is an essential component of building or enhancing wealth creation. Auction research means investigating not only median house values in your region, past, present and projected, but also conducting first-hand research for the real estate on offer. Pay particular attention to nearby amenities and future developments. Is the big picture for schools, community centres, transport networks and business centres in good shape? Talk to local council members to assess what’s on the drawing board for public buildings and other essential developments in your neighbourhood or region. Alternatively conduct this research online via available local council communications. Consult the estate agent or property representative You may be able to glean not only the reserve price but also the agent’s expectations for the final sales result. Find out if the vendor is amenable to prior offers and what figure might be acceptable, in terms of market value and successfully securing the property before the fervour of auction fever takes hold. Read the fine print It is essential that you seek qualified legal advice when reviewing and before signing any real estate contracts. From a legal standpoint, lawyers and conveyancers can highlight any leverage that you can use to your benefit during the lead-up to auction. This includes the possibility of longer or shorter settlement periods, reduced deposits and any personalised terms and conditions. What to do on auction day If you are a first-time bidder or simply an anxious buyer, would you be better off employing a qualified buyer’s agent? Doing so can bring a wealth of knowledge and product services to the auction equation. Buyer’s agents typically seek out properties that meet their client’s criteria and negotiate the purchase of the property chosen, whether by private sale or auction. They may focus on a specific property, or an entire portfolio, depending on the client’s investment needs. If your heart is set on the property in question and you’ve conducted due diligence, many buyers would be wise to engage a buyer’s agent. The chief aim of a buyer’s agent is to bid on behalf of the potential buyer at auction. This is because bidding at auction can be intimidating and emotionally daunting — so it can help to have someone objective to represent your needs in the heat of the moment. Lastly, if you are employing a buyer’s agent, sit back, relax and trust in their expert guidance and auction strategies. If you are doing the bidding, prepare to stick to your game plan, no matter how high the stakes are raised. Exercising caution and control will stand you in good stead for auction success, either immediately or at the next auction....
How to find qualified tradespeople for your home maintenance
A home or investment property is an owner’s pride and joy, so it pays to maintain its quality in a manner befitting both style and return on investment. But when handiwork is needed at your property, how do you find the most qualified, reliable and affordable tradesperson for the job? The answer is to be found by either word of mouth from a trusted source whose standards match your own — or homeowners can turn to trades listings agencies that specialise in recommending merit- and experience-based handypersons near you. Handy Man Near Me and the Airtasker portal collectively offer hundreds of thousands of qualified tradespeople in your region who fit the bill and are close at hand to take on most repair jobs and home improvement projects. Why seek registered agencies? Established, reputable companies that represent handypersons and other domestic services are well equipped to pair your needs with the most suitable and cost-effective candidate. They do so by only endorsing qualified tradespeople who have been professionally screened and tested in order to gain registration. Experience levels, job suitability, testimonials and client ratings/endorsements are important components for tradespeople not only aiming to lift their game but in doing so increasing their demand for specific jobs in your region. The choice is yours Too much choice is never enough in the home improvement arena, particularly for the customer. By offering multiple quotes and a reliable price range for all home repairs, users of registered agencies are assured of finding the best handyperson for the right price. It is all too easy to slip into the costly trap of letting small repair jobs snowball to such an extent that work hours and repair bills can quickly add up. We often prolong the task, not due to cost or procrastination but rather attributed to indecision through a lack of knowledge. That is why it’s crucial to put your trust in the experts who can provide service specialists for your home improvements as the need arises. This strategy is certain to minimise time, stress and expense — and forge a professional relationship with the proven applicant. How do you go about hiring your handyperson? Simply register your interest, with contact details, including your region, with home improvement agencies. This is designed to put you in touch with a range of qualified candidates in your locality....
Mistakes to avoid as a first-home buyer
Whether it’s a new apartment or an old one – or even a house in the outer suburbs – finding an affordable home isn’t easy for anyone starting out. And in all the excitement of house hunting, it’s all too easy to make mistakes. The following tips are designed to put first-home buyers on the path to achievable and manageable property acquisition: Gain pre-approval Just knowing you qualify for a home loan is not enough. Before you start looking at properties, go to lenders and find out how much they are willing to lend you. This will help you focus your attention on houses you can afford, so you can avoid the disappointment of finding your dream home and then learning you can’t have it. Understand your mortgage options Getting a home loan may be easier today than it was in the past when you had to save for years for your deposit. But it’s also riskier and can be more expensive. A no-deposit loan comes with the added cost of mortgage insurance. You might like to ask yourself: would I be better off making a deposit and saving on the ongoing cost of mortgage insurance? Get advice from a variety of lenders and discuss all your options with them. Don’t borrow beyond your means Sometimes first-home buyers make the mistake of borrowing beyond their capabilities. This can stretch your finances to the limit and will not allow you to make improvements to your property when you move in. Worse still, you might not be able to afford to enjoy life in your new home. If you face unforeseen financial problems, it could mean having to sell your house before you have substantial equity in it. Be proactive Many first-home buyers will benefit from being proactive and doing independent research. In addition to getting in touch with professional real estate services, you can find auction results and past sale prices online. If you narrow your searches down to the suburbs and even streets where you want to buy, you can find out what properties are selling for. When a vendor’s agent, who will always be acting on their client’s behalf, gives you a price, you will be in a position to make a realistic counter-offer. Get a pre-purchase inspection report Some of the best real estate deals are older homes that need minor or cosmetic repairs and renovations. Some of the worst deals are older homes that need costly major repairs. Those major repair jobs might be hidden from view. Saving a few dollars by not getting a pre-purchase inspection report from an independent building inspector can cost you thousands of dollars after you move into your home. To be on the safe side, have a pest inspection carried out as well. Don’t underestimate additional costs When you buy a home, you pay more than just the cost of the house. Some additional costs include: home insurance moving costs inspection reports stamp duty council rates transfer fees Know your costs and budget ahead of time and you won’t be losing sleep when you move into your new home. Remove emotion from the equation Buying your first home is an emotional experience, so it’s too easy to let your emotions blind you. Take your cue from lenders to home renovators, who think of only one thing when they buy a house: “What will my return on investment be?” If a professional doesn’t think a house offers a good return on their investment, they walk away. If you are in the process of looking for your first property, give one of the RealWay Team a call so we may be of assistance. Property is our profession....
Nature strips and the mow-go areas
The maintenance of the humble nature strip can often create confusion between tenants (renters) and their landlords (rental providers). Best described as the strip of land between a residential property boundary and the road, the median strip is owned by your local council. But it is the responsibility of the resident/owner to ensure it is kept in a safe and tidy condition. In the case of a strata complex, it may be the case that it is the responsibility of all owners to maintain the nature strip. Checking the owners corporation’s plan of subdivision should determine if it is common property or within an individual owner’s lot boundary. What is their purpose? Besides providing a flat space for the collection of waste and recycling bins, nature strips usually contain a number of underground services (such as street lighting, gas, water, sewerage, phone and internet) and also permit sufficient space for opening car doors for foot, wheelchairs and pram traffic. They also allow increased “line of sight” visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians near driveways and at intersections or curves in the road. They also deliver practical benefits, such as absorbing rainwater and softening the visual effect of the concrete surfaces around them, including roads, footpaths and driveways. That’s why councils insist that nature strips remain fit for purpose and not deteriorate into a public eyesore. What can be done with nature strips? Some people choose to extend their garden onto the nature strip, but it varies from council to council if this is possible under local by-laws. And for good reason. If you’re considering constructing gardens, be sure to tread carefully as insurance issues could arise that may affect your liability if someone were injured as a result of unauthorised changes to the nature strip. Needless to say, obtaining council approval would be prudent before proceeding with your grand plans. It’s likely there are permissible works, but structures such as box gardens, swings or treehouses are usually not allowed. Keep in mind that utility companies may require access to the nature strip, but they are generally only required to backfill with soil and then seed with grass. Should you be concerned about remediation work for your plants, mulch and gravel, it is best to deal directly with the utility company before they begin work. No parking Parking on nature strips is prohibited in most, if not all, areas as it may cause damage to the services below ground if there is subsidence. It can also block pedestrian access and create trip hazards if rubbish or materials for recycling are left in place outside of the designated collection times. It is the responsibility of the resident/owner to rectify any damage on the nature strip. If in doubt, contact your local council for further information. If you are renting - get in touch with your RealWay Property Manager....
How to succeed at auction
Whether you win or lose in an auction environment, your success rate depends on how you play the game. Employing smart strategies and displaying ongoing patience are two key steps to ensuring that you will succeed at auction, regardless of whether or not you secure the property at bidding time. Do your research From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, doing your homework is an essential component of building or enhancing wealth creation. Auction research means investigating not only median house values in your region, past, present and projected, but also conducting first-hand research for the real estate on offer. Pay particular attention to nearby amenities and future developments. Is the big picture for schools, community centres, transport networks and business centres in good shape? Talk to local council members to assess what’s on the drawing board for public buildings and other essential developments in your neighbourhood or region. Alternatively conduct this research online via available local council communications. Consult the estate agent or property representative You may be able to glean not only the reserve price but also the agent’s expectations for the final sales result. Find out if the vendor is amenable to prior offers and what figure might be acceptable, in terms of market value and successfully securing the property before the fervour of auction fever takes hold. Read the fine print It is essential that you seek qualified legal advice when reviewing and before signing any real estate contracts. From a legal standpoint, lawyers and conveyancers can highlight any leverage that you can use to your benefit during the lead-up to auction. This includes the possibility of longer or shorter settlement periods, reduced deposits and any personalised terms and conditions. What to do on auction day If you are a first-time bidder or simply an anxious buyer, would you be better off employing a qualified buyer’s agent? Doing so can bring a wealth of knowledge and product services to the auction equation. Buyer’s agents typically seek out properties that meet their client’s criteria and negotiate the purchase of the property chosen, whether by private sale or auction. They may focus on a specific property, or an entire portfolio, depending on the client’s investment needs. If your heart is set on the property in question and you’ve conducted due diligence, many buyers would be wise to engage a buyer’s agent. The chief aim of a buyer’s agent is to bid on behalf of the potential buyer at auction. This is because bidding at auction can be intimidating and emotionally daunting — so it can help to have someone objective to represent your needs in the heat of the moment. Lastly, if you are employing a buyer’s agent, sit back, relax and trust in their expert guidance and auction strategies. If you are doing the bidding, prepare to stick to your game plan, no matter how high the stakes are raised. Exercising caution and control will stand you in good stead for auction success, either immediately or at the next auction....
How to find qualified tradespeople for your home maintenance
A home or investment property is an owner’s pride and joy, so it pays to maintain its quality in a manner befitting both style and return on investment. But when handiwork is needed at your property, how do you find the most qualified, reliable and affordable tradesperson for the job? The answer is to be found by either word of mouth from a trusted source whose standards match your own — or homeowners can turn to trades listings agencies that specialise in recommending merit- and experience-based handypersons near you. Handy Man Near Me and the Airtasker portal collectively offer hundreds of thousands of qualified tradespeople in your region who fit the bill and are close at hand to take on most repair jobs and home improvement projects. Why seek registered agencies? Established, reputable companies that represent handypersons and other domestic services are well equipped to pair your needs with the most suitable and cost-effective candidate. They do so by only endorsing qualified tradespeople who have been professionally screened and tested in order to gain registration. Experience levels, job suitability, testimonials and client ratings/endorsements are important components for tradespeople not only aiming to lift their game but in doing so increasing their demand for specific jobs in your region. The choice is yours Too much choice is never enough in the home improvement arena, particularly for the customer. By offering multiple quotes and a reliable price range for all home repairs, users of registered agencies are assured of finding the best handyperson for the right price. It is all too easy to slip into the costly trap of letting small repair jobs snowball to such an extent that work hours and repair bills can quickly add up. We often prolong the task, not due to cost or procrastination but rather attributed to indecision through a lack of knowledge. That is why it’s crucial to put your trust in the experts who can provide service specialists for your home improvements as the need arises. This strategy is certain to minimise time, stress and expense — and forge a professional relationship with the proven applicant. How do you go about hiring your handyperson? Simply register your interest, with contact details, including your region, with home improvement agencies. This is designed to put you in touch with a range of qualified candidates in your locality....
Mistakes to avoid as a first-home buyer
Whether it’s a new apartment or an old one – or even a house in the outer suburbs – finding an affordable home isn’t easy for anyone starting out. And in all the excitement of house hunting, it’s all too easy to make mistakes. The following tips are designed to put first-home buyers on the path to achievable and manageable property acquisition: Gain pre-approval Just knowing you qualify for a home loan is not enough. Before you start looking at properties, go to lenders and find out how much they are willing to lend you. This will help you focus your attention on houses you can afford, so you can avoid the disappointment of finding your dream home and then learning you can’t have it. Understand your mortgage options Getting a home loan may be easier today than it was in the past when you had to save for years for your deposit. But it’s also riskier and can be more expensive. A no-deposit loan comes with the added cost of mortgage insurance. You might like to ask yourself: would I be better off making a deposit and saving on the ongoing cost of mortgage insurance? Get advice from a variety of lenders and discuss all your options with them. Don’t borrow beyond your means Sometimes first-home buyers make the mistake of borrowing beyond their capabilities. This can stretch your finances to the limit and will not allow you to make improvements to your property when you move in. Worse still, you might not be able to afford to enjoy life in your new home. If you face unforeseen financial problems, it could mean having to sell your house before you have substantial equity in it. Be proactive Many first-home buyers will benefit from being proactive and doing independent research. In addition to getting in touch with professional real estate services, you can find auction results and past sale prices online. If you narrow your searches down to the suburbs and even streets where you want to buy, you can find out what properties are selling for. When a vendor’s agent, who will always be acting on their client’s behalf, gives you a price, you will be in a position to make a realistic counter-offer. Get a pre-purchase inspection report Some of the best real estate deals are older homes that need minor or cosmetic repairs and renovations. Some of the worst deals are older homes that need costly major repairs. Those major repair jobs might be hidden from view. Saving a few dollars by not getting a pre-purchase inspection report from an independent building inspector can cost you thousands of dollars after you move into your home. To be on the safe side, have a pest inspection carried out as well. Don’t underestimate additional costs When you buy a home, you pay more than just the cost of the house. Some additional costs include: home insurance moving costs inspection reports stamp duty council rates transfer fees Know your costs and budget ahead of time and you won’t be losing sleep when you move into your new home. Remove emotion from the equation Buying your first home is an emotional experience, so it’s too easy to let your emotions blind you. Take your cue from lenders to home renovators, who think of only one thing when they buy a house: “What will my return on investment be?” If a professional doesn’t think a house offers a good return on their investment, they walk away. If you are in the process of looking for your first property, give one of the RealWay Team a call so we may be of assistance. Property is our profession....