Why do so many people love coming to Sandgate?  Is it the people, the proximity to the coastline, Brisbane City, airport, transport or is it the laid back lifestyle, boating, golf, sailing, bike riding, walking, etc!  Regardless, I believe the main drawcard for those that visit is the wonderful history of our area and the character and heritage of our homes.  And why not!  Back in the mid 1800’s Sandgate was proclaimed and commenced development.  The train line started bringing people to the area and from there Sandgate became the connection to the sea.  There was no looking back as homes started popping up and our character was created.

With the purchase of our cottage in Second Avenue, we have been doing some historical research to learn more about the home.  We have discovered that our streets and landmarks were named after locals.  An example is the Avenues - the original name for First Avenue was Petty, Second Avenue - Wilson, Third Avenue - Cooksley, Fifth Avenue – Henry and Sixth Avenue – Tulley.  There is no record of Fourth Avenue.  In 1913, there was a change to many Sandgate street names, and another in 1938. 

While our past is evident, the future of Sandgate is where we want to look.  We saw a good number of buyers out and about at open home inspections over the weekend.  This could be due in part to the media showing interstate markets are becoming unaffordable for the average person.  We have recently had a number of visitors from interstate enquiring about the availability of homes in our area. 

As you drive down Second Avenue, have a look at our new cottage and see the difference two weeks can make.

State of Play

Experts are finally indicating that our area is the location to buy in!  With  interest rates lower than expected, it’s a great time to buy, and it’s such an affordable location.  However, if buyers can’t find a home to buy within a reasonable time, they will look    elsewhere.  While our 4017 area has seen a trickle of homes come onto the market in the last month (169), pretty much the same as last month (170) (sourced www.realestate.com.au), there are indications that some suburbs are improving more than others—it’s still a slow, if not flat market. 

Stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases and QLD is still cheaper than other states.  However, for most people, stamp duty is that “unknown cost” associated with purchasing a home.  Stamp duty is payable 30 days from contract date or at settlement, whichever occurs first.  This tax varies accordingly to the actual purchase of the home, and differs according to whether the  property will be owner occupied, a first home or an investment.  If you are purchasing, ask the right questions of your lending body and ensure they make allowances for the tax when discussing your borrowing capacity. 

You all know that we recently purchased and are now renovating our cottage, which appears to date back to the late 1800’s.  As part of the process we have researched the history of the home.  This will be an ongoing task but we have already discovered some interesting facts.  Did you know that “the Avenues” were not always called their current names?  Originally, these streets were named after locals—First Avenue was Petty, Second was Wilson, Third was Cooksley, Fifth was Henry and Sixth was Tulley.  There doesn’t appear to be any record of Fourth Street.  These names were changed in 1913.

With the character and heritage of our homes, building and of course people, history is such a big part of our community.  Even in days gone by the popularity of our area was evident with some prominent people choosing to reside in our resort location.  Even today, known people can walk down our streets and be recognised without being recognised, if you know what I mean!  That’s what draws people to us!  We don’t follow other trends, we create our own!

Renovating Has Its Rewards

For those that don’t know, we’ve purchased new premises and will be moving a hop, skip and jump over the road to 10 Second Avenue.  This little cottage has been enclosed for as long as I can remember and our wonderful builder, Bruce Connelly, has started peeling back the layers.  It’s been exciting to see the original cottages hidden charm exposed and we believe it was built around the early 1900’s, or so the newspapers found under the numerous layers of lino says! 

This cottage is the second character home that we have transformed and although it takes money, and lots of work, I can appreciate why there is such a love of the history of these homes.  In the end, it’s worth every cent and I think you’ll agree it’s so important to hold onto the character and heritage of the homes in our area. 

We visited Melbourne recently and enjoyed the welcoming feel, buzz and eclectic mix of the numerous shopping precincts created in the outer suburbs.  They were busy, exciting and I could not help but feel that we have the same potential right here on our doorstep - BUT some planning is needed.  If you’re keen to discuss this further and put some wheels in motion, please call and let’s get together?  Maybe a town meeting would help?  Sandgate is the perfect destination for visitors and for its survival, or potential boom, we need to band together and put some effort into making it awesome.

We’ll be moving from our current premises on 30 June and reopening across the road on 1 July with new opening hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm.  If you’re breezing past, pop on and check out our new abode!

Don't Be Misled!

Normally we sow seeds to watch things grow, but each day we are brainwashed by advertising and marketing, and in some instances, we don’t even know that we have been brainwashed at all.  Now this isn't always a bad thing, but in some cases, it’s downright wrong!  And these are not the seeds that we want to see planted!

Where are we coming from you ask?  Well, of late we have been advised by a number of sellers that they have been contacted by individuals saying that they have a buyer for their home.  Well this is great news, and in addition, the buyer is willing to pay a lot more than the average!  Wow!  Paperwork is presented for signing to allow the transaction to proceed.  In this instance, a seller would need to sign an appointment for four days only (not 90 which locks them in).  This allows more than enough time for a contract to be signed. 

If you honestly do have a buyer – fantastic, but by chance (and this is common), there is no real buyer, then this is a case of ‘Seller Beware’!  Don’t just get caught up in the high price, ask for justification of the price and why.  Proceed with caution as once you have been told a specific price, the seed has been planted and you probably won’t get it out of your head.  Then when you do get a price with justification, disappointment sets in.  Get realistic, honest advice from the start and you’ll always know where you stand. 

We’re so excited to be moving into our own premises at 10 Second Avenue, Sandgate.  The renovations will be starting soon so watch this old cottage blossom back into its original style, with a twist!

State of Play

With interest rates at an all time low and major financial institutions following the lead of the Reserve Bank, now is a great time to borrow and purchase property.  All we need is more homes to sell!

Our local market has seen a trickle of properties coming onto the market with 175 currently listed for sale in 4017 (sourced www.realestate.com.au), a decline from March 2014 when we saw 401 and March 2013 with 477.  Every suburb has seen a similar decline but we all know that with every down market, there’s usually an buoyant   return.  We are seeing growth spurts and our local area is showing signs of improving.  Lets just hope it’s worth the wait!   

It’s interesting to see how some folk dive in head first without caution while others sit back and wait.  Confidence has a lot to do with this, as does finances and circumstances outside our control like elections and the weather.  We adapt to the changes presented to us and its no different with the property market. 

As with every industry, real estate is governed by legislation and strict guidelines.  There are specific rules covering the advice an agent can give.  Sellers need to be mindful of the information they receive from an agent and ensure that it is backed up by current and valid facts.  If it sounds too good to be true or you are in doubt, don’t just take it as truth, seek further information.  

Buyers can also be well prepared and armed with all kinds of information but forget the simplest of things.  Do your research but make sure you also make use of free services such as Brisbane City Council, which is a fantastic resource.  If in doubt call them and talk to a Town Planner.  We all have a role to play—seller, buyer and agent, and we’re all accountable for our words and actions.  Rather than jumping in head first, sitting back and taking a breath is the best place to be.

We’re excited to announce we’ll be moving into new premises soon—just a hop, skip and jump over the road to 10  Second Avenue.   Some renovations are required before we take up residence and this quaint cottage will be transformed into what we believe will be a showcase for Sandgate! But for now it’s business as usual— and if you need us, we’re still available to help you.  Just call! 

Time to Move!

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by last week’s floods.  This appears to be an ongoing event that we hope we don’t see again too soon.  Unfortunately, I think we will! 

Can you ever prepare for this type of thing?  It’s supposed to be a 1 in 100 year event or we’ve even heard it said 2,000 years!  I don’t know about you but really!  This has now happened at least four times in the last 2 years.  Why?  It’s been said that back in the 74 floods, our area didn’t flood, and yes, that is true.  However, that was over 40 years ago and so much has changed - building codes, demand on style like low-set bricks, lifestyles, etc.  All these changes contribute to the natural water flow and where all the water goes.  All we can say is ‘be prepared’ for the next flooding as it will come! 

We have just gone unconditional on our new premises at number 10 Second Avenue, Sandgate, and after some renovations, this quaint cottage will be our new home.  We will be taking up residence from 1July 2015 so watch and see what can be done to this little cottage.  

Never Forget

Each year we stand to remember those that have fallen.  It’s a time of reflection to honour those that fought for our country, not just in one war, but all wars.  The ANZAC’s legacy to us. 

Here’s something to ponder - in 1914, the population of Australia was 5 million.  Of these, 416,809 people enlisted (57,705 Queenslanders) with a casualty rate of 64.8%.  Comparing these statistics to today – our current population is 23,794,573 and counting, just fewer than 2 million would have enlisted with around 1.3 million casualties.  Even though these figures are not to our liking, being able to acknowledge our ANZAC’s each year reminds us of a part of our history that we don’t want repeated, for us or future generations.

Somewhere along the line every one of us has been touched by the actions of past generations and what they gave up in order for us to benefit.  Taking a moment to put ourselves in their shoes and everything into perspective in today’s circumstances gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude and be thankful for the lives we live today. 

On Saturday in Australia, real estate agents are not able to make any transactions, and as such 2^nd Avenue Realty will not be holding any open homes and our office will be closed.