Most people acknowledge that real estate, especially residential, is the best and safest investment of all. But, how will you know when to make a start? Statistics show that most Australian property investors are ordinary wage earners, generally with families, preparing for their retirement. A typical couple might start on the path to property wealth when they buy their own home or apartment for say $180,000. Depending on income, it ...read more

Houses have changed a lot since the 1940's. So has the way we live in them. The emphasis is on space and flexibility with kitchen/living areas flowing onto rear gardens or terraces. Houses have turned back to front. The focus is no longer on a formal "front parlour" or how the house looks from the street. Increasing density of living has made people more aware of the need for privacy. The result? Living and entertaining areas are now ...read more

How do vendors know whether their agent is showing their property to the right people? Some vendors complain that their are not enough inspections - others think the property has been shown to unsuitable people. For example, Mr & Mrs Vendor with steep stair access to their home might question their agents wisdom in bringing the elderly man with a walking stick or the young couple with the toddler in a stroller. Professionals agents...read more

It's truism to state that the main thing a home seller wants from a real estate experience is the right buyer. But how does the seller know which real estate agent has the most genuine buyers? Consumers selecting a real estate agent are entitled to be offered something more concrete than promises to go on. Experienced home sellers report that many agents simply offer the anedotal "We have lots of buyers waiting." Very few show references ...read more

Many vendors like to restrict purchaser access to their propety, some to certain times of the day, others to just one or two dys a week. Professional agents understand that busy vendors don't want to keep their home picture-perfect all day and that they want buyers to view the property at the time of the day when it looks best, but most will advise against severely restricted access. Most offices have a lot of walk-in traffic and expe...read more

For the first time on record, Brisbane's median house price has exceeded the Gold Coast with an astonishing increase over the September quarter 2002. Brisbane median house price has risen to $247,000 in the September quarter, representing a 7.4% increase from the previous quarter while the Gold Coast's median rose to $244,000, an increase of 5.2% over the quarter. In the regional property markets, Cairns saw healthy growth of 4.6% in the...read more

Who can you trust? Unfortunately, not all agents are going to give you their best, but if you do your homework first, then you've taken the biggest step towards a successful sale. There are a few simple things you should do before signing an agent. Firstly, ask are locally - speak to family and friends who have bought or sold in your area; an enthusiastic and hard-working agent will always leave a good impression. Look through your ...read more

Selling a home or property can be a daunting task, whether it be your first or your tenth!To make this event smoother, Professionals Real Estate have put a step-by-step guide that will make selling your home an exciting and stress- free process. IT'S ALL IN THE METHOD.... There are many ways to sell a property, but in selecting a selling method, you need to keep in mind that not all of them will achieve the best possible price for your...read more

There is nearly always a surge of buying and selling activity in the property market in the new year. More people are making lifestyle changes - in educational institutions alone people are taking on new jobs, being transferred; moving closer to their children's new school and so on. Even for those not changing jobs or schools, the Christmas and New Year holiday period means enough leisure to make plans for the future; and the landmark...read more

Two thirds of reported injuries to children under five happen at home. Children under five years of age are particulary susceptible to injury. More boys are injured than girls. Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that only 14% of home owners kkep their medicine in child proof cupboard; 79% have hot water enough to scald a child; 55% have no smoke detectors, and only 22% have an electrical cut-off switch to prevent e...read more