Successful auctioneers Ryan Thompson and Darren Berley and their team have joined the ACTON Group, servicing the Southern Suburbs region. Mr Thompson is a strong supporter of auctions and has competed in the REIWA championships and twice has been a finalist....
ACTON South were the most successful office south of the river at the REIWA High Achievers Awards. They placed fourth in the Top Office category - the top three offices were all located north of the river. They also placed fourth in 2009.
“It really is an honour to be counted among REIWA’s top offices, and to be the number 1 southern office,” said ACTON South Director Craig Wildman.
“Our team has worked hard all year and it is great to see their efforts recognised. All 12 members of the sales team also earned REIWA sales awards, which is a reflection of their hard work, commitment and the strong reputation they enjoy in the area.”
The team sold 240 properties with a value over $196 million in the awards period. The average sale was worth $817,000. Last year they sold more properties, but at a lower value, with the average sale being worth $644,000.
“While this is a great result for our team, it also highlights the strengthening of the local market,” said Mr Wildman.
“The market may have been slow for a while, but prices have grown over that time. The market is fairly steady now and there are plenty of buyers around. However they are cautious and are influenced by price. As long as a property is priced correctly it will sell.”
ACTON has opened a new office to service the hills and foothills area. ACTON Hills will service Helena Valley, Guildford, South Guildford, Boya, Hazelmere, Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, High Wycombe, Maidavale and Forrestfield.
Experienced agent Dee Sheean has opened the office in partnership with Carlos Lehn and Robin Welsh, Directors of ACTON Mt Lawley. It is the first new office to open since ACTON changed their ownership model.
“Our new structure allows select agents to join us and run their own ACTON office,” said Managing Director Graeme Baxter.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dee on board. She is a very successful local agent, with a great deal of knowledge and a commitment to providing a high level of service. She is also building a strong team of professionals around her including Lil Modolo, Jacinta O’Brien and Mel Winterburn.”
Dee has been working in the hills and foothills area for over eight years and has earned a number of awards. 2009 provided a highlight in her career when she was recognised as a REIWA Grandmaster and was named the top selling representative for a large real estate group.
“I have a passion for real estate,” she said.
“It’s not about houses, it’s about people, and I really enjoy sitting down with my clients, discussing their wants and needs and working together to make the sale or find a wonderful new home.
“The Hills and foothills is a wonderful area to work in. There is such a great range of properties, from million dollar residences to well-priced family homes, there is something for everyone. It is also such an attractive area – it’s still close to the City and airport, offers such a fantastic lifestyle, and there is plenty of room to move with large blocks still available.”
With the market moving a little more slowly at the moment, Dee offers the following tips for people looking to sell.
• Work with your agent. They are there to help so make sure you give them as much information as possible and listen to their advice – they are your link to the market. • Price is important. Buyers are price conscious and there is a fine line between over-pricing and setting the best possible price. • Choose a local agent. They know the area, they know where buyers come from and they know local pricing. • Present your house well. Buyers have a lot to choose from and you want your property to make a good impression.
Highgate enjoyed a significant 38.1 per cent rise in its median unit in the year to June. The median sales price of units in the trendy inner-city suburb grew to $428,250. ACTON Mt Lawley real estate representitive John Ible said the demand for units in the suburb had always been constant....
With one economic forecaster predicting the Perth median price will rise to $600,000 in two years you might think you’d be better off waiting for your property’s value to increase before selling. Not necessarily......
Wanting your home’s value to rise is understandable, but if you are considering moving to a larger home or upgrading to another suburb, then it would be wise to do so now rather than waiting for prices to increase.
The traditional adage is to buy while the market is low and sell while the market high.
This is wonderful if you can afford to hold onto your old property while waiting for price growth to reach the dizzying heights of 2006. However most people are not in that situation and instead of waiting for prices to surge, hoping to realise a higher price for their home, they would be better off selling now when the market is relatively stable.
The following example illustrates the benefit of upgrading in the current market.
If you sell your first home in today's market for $500,000 and buy a new home for $650,000, you will be extending your investment by $150,000. If you ignore settlement and selling costs, but take into account stamp duty of $24,890, the total cost to upgrade would be approximately $175,000.
However, if you decide to wait until the market surges before you sell, the upgrade would actually cost you more.
Let’s say the market improves by a reasonable 10 per cent. The home you want to buy would now cost $715,000. Your home would sell for $550,000. The difference between both is now $165,000. When combined with stamp duty of $27977.50 it comes to an approximate expenditure of $193,000.
In this instance the decision to wait until the market improved has cost you an extra $18,000. Plus you may need to extend your home loan and repayments on an extra $150,000 are less than an extra $165,000.
Current market conditions offer an excellent opportunity for people wanting to upgrade their home.
Price growth has been very reasonable in recent months, offering buyers good value for money. Sellers can expect to make a realistic return on their home and to pay a good purchase price for their next property.
If you are thinking of selling speak to your local ACTON agent for a free appraisal of your home. You should also speak to a mortgage broker to review your borrowing capacity. LoanCom offer an obligation-free evaluation of your financial situation. They can be contacted on 9386 9211
The new financial year brings a new era for the ACTON Group which, after 40 years of corporate ownership, has decided to move in a new direction. "ACTON enjoys a very strong market presence that is recognised Statewide and over the years we have had numerous approaches from agencies wishing to be part of our brand....
People watching, coffee drinking and loads of interesting shops on your doorstep. It's no wonder property close to Perth bustling cafe strips is keenly sought. Buyers are competing for penthouses, apartments and townhouses that are close to cosmopolitan centres.....
Proposed changes to zoning in the City of Belmont are good news for property owners.
The changes will see some areas rezoned to R20/50/100 to allow for higher density living, particularly around the Belmont Forum. Others will be zoned R20/40 and R20/60 to allow for some development, especially close to major transport routes.
Under an earlier planning scheme Belmont was zoned R20/40 allowing for some subdivision, usually on a first come first served basis and allowing no more than 50 percent of a street to be developed. A desire to attract more families saw the most recent scheme take the zoning back to R20. There were still some strategically located R20/40 areas, however the lower density tended to be preferred.
“Belmont is an affordable, in demand area,” said Robin Welsh, Licensee of ACTON Mount Lawley and area specialist for the City of Belmont.
“It’s close to the city, has access to several major transport routes, has plenty of schools and open space, is close to the Swan River, and is a major employment centre. As a result the population is growing. However there isn’t a lot of undeveloped land available for release, so the Council needed to find another way to provide land and housing for residents.
“Belmont has a lot of older houses on 700m2 to 1000m2 blocks and rezoning allows the property owners to consider subdividing, or developing the entire block. Rezoning will also make blocks more attractive to developers.”
Mr Welsh expects the changes to have a positive effect on prices, particularly for properties close to the Forum.
“I recently appraised a house on Acton Avenue that could be listed now for $500,000, but under R20/50/100 it could be a five unit site and has the potential to sell for up to $850,000.”
While aiming to increase housing density the area will retain its family friendly focus.
“While the City of Belmont is looking to increase housing for aged and dependent people and provide more single bedroom homes close to the City centre, R20 will be the preferred zone for land around schools, while land close to public open space will be R20/40.
“This will allow for larger blocks more suited to family living,” said Mr Welsh.
The proposed changes were published shortly before the redevelopment of Great Eastern Highway was announced. They are open for public comment until August 23.
Some property agents have welcomed a proposal to rezone areas for higher-density living in Belmont, particularly around the Belmont Forum Shopping Centre. ACTON Mt Lawley Licensee Robin Welsh said...
Tighter restrictions on foreign ownership of residential property in Australia have not dampened sales, with almost a quarter of May sales at ACTON's Applecross office coming from overseas buyers. The office recorded 20 per cent of its residential sales in May.....
Signs are good for the $1 million plus market with ACTON's May sales figures showing a 25 per cent increase compared with a year ago. The company recorded 60 per cent of sales in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. April sales also were higher than in April 2009....
John Coleman Chief Executive Officer ACTON Group. Whether you are working at the lower end of the market or the higher end of the market, the fundamentals remain the same. You need a buyer, you need a seller, you need to be well priced and well marketed, and you need to present your property in its best light.....
Eagle Bay is home to some of WA's most luxurious residences, but it is this modest three-bedroom beach shack that could break the sales record for a house in the upmarket South-West town is if sells for its $6.9 million asking price...
Highway widening is expected to revitalise a run-down section of 'the gateway to Perth'.A $225 million project to upgrade Great Eastern Highway to six lanes between Perth Airport and the Graham Farmer Freeway will revitalise Rivervale and boost property prices....
Signs are good for the $1 million plus market with ACTON’s May sales figures showing a 25 per cent increase compared with 12 months ago. 60 per cent of sales were in the $1 million to $1.5 million price range. Sales in April were also significantly higher than in April 2009. “This section of the market was hit fairly hard by the financial crisis, but has been showing positive signs over the last few months,” said ACTON Managing Director Graeme Baxter. “Last year the first homebuyer market saw strong growth following the Federal Government’s incentives and lower interest rates. This has taken some time to flow on to the second and third homebuyer market, but these buyers are now making their presence felt. “Second and third homebuyers are looking at upgrading and the demand is for properties closer to the City, River or ocean, and prices are naturally higher in these areas.” Mr Baxter says buyers are very price conscious at the moment. “We are seeing a lot of buyer activity, but they do their research and visit a home several times before making an offer. They want to be sure they’ve made the right decision. “Unfortunately industry statistics and our experiences are now showing a decline in first homebuyer sales. This reflects the reduction in the First Homebuyers Grant and recent interest rate rises. “This month’s announcement to leave rates unchanged was good news and I believe we need a period of interest rate stability to allow the market to consolidate. We need to encourage first homebuyers to return to the market to maintain the flow-on effect between price brackets. There are some good buys out there and first homebuyers need to feel more comfortable about buying.” An interesting trend is the increase in overseas enquiry. “In the last month the Applecross office made 20 percent of its sales to overseas buyers, and Dalkeith has been getting a lot of enquiry,” said Mr Baxter. “Potential buyers tend to come and investigate schools and suburbs during the northern summer. Based on past experience we've found that they start looking now for future transfers to Perth.”
The West Australian - Peta Waterman, wife of former West Coast Eagle player Chris Waterman, is returning to the real estate industry. After a short break, Mrs Waterman has joined ACTON North in City Beach... Full article below
Robin Welsh, Director of ACTON Mt Lawley and area specialist for Ascot, Belmont and Rivervale welcomes the upgrade to Great Eastern Highway.
"It's been in need of an upgrade for years so it's good that the funding has finally come through.
"Widening the Highway will improve traffic flow and also provide a more attractive aspect for visitors leaving the airport and driving into town," he said.
Increasing residential development and greater traffic from outerlying suburbs has seen traffic congestion increase, slowing travel times and increasing the risk of an accident.
"That section of Great Eastern Highway is not particularly user friendly, for example there is no right turn arrow from Hardey Road onto the Highway. People heading towards Tonkin Highway in peak hour take great risks to turn onto the Highway, with several going through the red lights, just to make the turn," said Mr Welsh.
"Buses can also hold up traffic and there are no facilities for cyclists.
"The good news is that major intersections will be upgraded, there will be u-turn bays in the central median strip to allow access to and from local businesses, and there will be dedicated bus and cycling lanes."
The project will see Great Eastern Highway increase from four to six lanes between Tonkin Highway and Kooyong Road. Stage one is set to commence in mid 2011 and will tackle Hardey Road to Kooyong Road.
"It is a massive project and will cause some inconvenience while the road works are taking place, but in the end the improvements will be of great benefit," said Mr Welsh.
Thursday (27th May) morning the team at ACTON Corporate, Currie & Reeves and LoanCom took part in "Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea”, serving a lovely selection of cakes, biscuits and savoury foods.
Funds raised during Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea go towards The Cancer Council research, prevention, education and support. A gold coin donation was requested on the day and donations are still being collected.
All staff were left with the feeling of a job well done and happy to have contributed to such a worthy cause. WELL DONE TO ALL.
This is one of Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia. Over $70 million has been raised since it first began in 1994. Funds raised during Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea go towards The Cancer Council research, prevention, education and support.
The official date is Thursday 27 May, but you can host an event any time from now to the end of June. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is easy to organise, fun and completely flexible to suit your office. Simply arrange a time and place and invite your guests to make a donation.
Applecross office are holding their morning tea next month, and once they have confirmed a date feel free to drop in for a cuppa and to raise some money for a worthy course.
If you would like any information on The Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea please contact Tanya Matheson 0411 166 712 or tanya.matheson@acton.com.au.
The Sunday Times Reports; "Units in Applecross are the hottest property within 10km of the CBD, according to a recent report from RP Data...."
Full article below
Congratulations to Tracy Reid of ACTON Mandurah, she has won the fabulous DELONGHI Dual Zone 46 Bottle Wine and Beverage Cabinet and a dozen bottles of Western Australian Red Wine in the ACTON Awards Program that was drawn earlier this week.
We had over 120 entries in the draw.
Tracy and Noeline Ross made the trip to our Corporate office this morning for a photo opportunity
The Cabinet will be delivered next week, however Tracy was more than happy to take the dozen bottles of red with her. Well done Tracy.
ACTON REWARDS PROGRAM
The next giveaway in The ACTON Group awards program for utilising the "ACTON SERVICES" is a fabulous APPLE IPHONE 32GB.
An iPhone is more than just a phone, it combines three devices in one: a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device. Conditions apply.
Last Friday 50 ACTON sales representatives and Licensees attended the South of Perth Yacht Club for the annual ACTON Group CPD Training Seminar.
The course topic was Selling Strata Titles and it was a very informative course that outlined the process to be followed within selling strata title properties.
The course facilitator Mr Steve Webster is confident that as the population grows in both Perth and in the larger regional towns that Strata Title sales will play an increasingly significant role in dwelling sales in Western Australia.
If you are like me, the timing of this "Obligatory CPD Training" is never right but at the end of the day I believe that everyone of the attendees (including me) came away having learned some valuable tips on Selling Strata Titled properties.
At the conclusion of the training session some of the attendees enjoyed a quiet drink while they watched the sunset over the Swan River at Coffee Point, Applecross.
Next Tuesday the 18th of May is the Property Managers turn and their CPD course is being held at REIWA Learning.
ACTON has just taken delivery of two “ACTON MARQUEES”. They are 6m x 4.5m in area and can be used free of charge by any community groups in your area.
We are sure they will be very popular at school fetes, little athletic carnivals, schools sports days, local swap meets etc.
We suggest they could be quite a hit at your next auction if the weather looks a little uncertain.
They are reasonably easy to install, however they will require a box trailer to transport them.
Perhaps offices might like to use the ACTON Courtesy Truck to transport them.
Please book with Anita Jarrett.
We continue to receive fantastic feedback from our many buyers and sellers on their "ACTON Experience" throughout The Group.
We received a particularly good testimonial during the week from ACTON South West. It is so good we've decided to reproduce it in full below ...
"We wish to thank Jason Dragstra and ACTON for the sale of our property. From day one Jason acted with true professionalism, his knowledge, helpfulness and attentiveness was beyond reproach giving one confidence in having the property sold.
A complete package, professional photo shoot ensuring that your home is well presented to attract buyers.
A formulated advertising campaign in the local paper together with priority internet listing guaranteeing your property is receiving maximum exposure for prospective buyers. A running comment and feedback on inspections and market updates keeping one informed of our prospects.
The co-operation and alliance in working with others in the office to sell the house is an attribute that instills ones confidence in getting the job done.
House sold but you are not forgotten by Jason Dragstra and ACTON. There is the icing on the cake of a refund of advertising costs and complimentary use of the courtesy truck. You can not ask for any more.
Again we are extremely grateful for the true professionalism given in the sale of our house and without hesitation highly recommend Jason and ACTON as the one to select for managing the sale of your home.
Thank you, Mr & Mrs C <full name supplied>"
Congratulations to Jason Dragstra from the ACTON South West Busselton office. You have set the new benchmark for customer service.
We caught up with Jason last Friday on a visit to the South West and presented Jason with a bottle of "VERVE" to celebrate both the testimonial and his recent bumper month of 29 sales in March.
This Sunday the whole of Australia will stop to celebrate ANZAC Day and honour those who have served this Country and to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in the name of peace for this great nation.
This day seems to be growing in stature throughout the nation and I trust that you and your family have the time to attend either a dawn service or the march in Perth or wherever you happen to be on this very special day.
All ACTON offices will be closed on Monday the 26th of April 2010.
The ACTON Group's success in the recently published REIWA results for the month of March again reflects on our standing at the forefront of residential agencies in Western Australia.
In the Top 30 offices in Western Australia ACTON had 7 of its offices featured, with ACTON Dalkeith leading the way, closely followed by ACTON South, ACTON North, ACTON Applecross, ACTON Mt Lawley, ACTON Fremantle and ACTON West.
Congratulations to all the offices that featured in the March results for sales by value. A truly remarkable result for Western Australia's Premium Agency.
Congratulations to Craig Brosnan, from ACTON Mount Lawley who has won the fantastic 50" Panasonic Viera Plasma TV and Blue Ray DVD player in the ACTON Awards Program that was drawn this morning.
We had over 150 entries in the draw.
The TV will be delivered to Craig & Penny’s home on Monday and will be fully installed for them. Peta Waterman called Craig this morning with the news and he was very happy and excited for the prize and also mentioned that it’s his birthday tomorrow and this has just made his day.
ACTON AWARDS PROGRAM
The next giveaway in The ACTON Group awards program for utilising the "ACTON SERVICES" is the FINE WINE COLLECTION complimented by a fabulous temperature controlled wine and beverage cabinet.
We are excited to offer the opportunity for all ACTON staff to win a DELONGHI Dual Zone 46 Bottle Wine and Beverage Cabinet.
The wild and woolly storm that hit Perth late on Monday afternoon this week certainly hit with a ferocity that Perth hasn’t seen for a very long time.
Our Central, South and Applecross offices were the worst hit with some unexpected water features being something that kept our staff rather busy.
Applecross had a mini Niagara Falls coming down the stairs and we believe it was somewhat similar at South.
Central and Applecross had the added experience of a ceiling collapse.
May I suggest we show our property managers a great deal of compassion in this particularly testing time as they battle through the numerous repairs inflicted by the wind, rain and hail of Monday’s mayhem.
Great work ladies and gents in the property management division.
Congratulations on the sterling work being carried out across The Group.
This morning 15 ACTON staff attended a breakfast at the Burswood Entertainment Complex for the "Strike a Chord for Cancer Foundation" with special guest speaker Sir Richard Branson.
Pat Mesiti was a keynote speaker and Glenn Capellli held a workshop session. The key word for today was ATTITUDE and how to deal with the ever changing environment as well as stripping business, success and life back to its raw elements.
They had about an hour long question and answer session with Sir Richard Branson, where he spoke about sending customers into space, his Virgin Group and also his colourful history.
It was a very enjoyable breakfast with over 600 people attending and more than $160,000 was raised on the day for the "Strike a Chord Charity". The charity donates musical instruments and organises lessons for children battling cancer and it also provides financial support for families while their children have treatment.
Tonight Sir Richard Branson is the special guest at a poolside party at Burswood where the children who have benefited from the charities support and enjoyed the tuition on their musical instruments will be performing for the guests.
In the recently published REIWA results for the month of February The ACTON Group scooped the pool with ALL 9 metro offices featured in the “TOP 30 Offices” by Value of Listings Sold.
We believe this is the first time ever that any major Group has featured ALL their metro offices in the “TOP 30” and reinforces our position as the No. 1 Seller of Prestige Real Estate in Western Australia.
ACTON GM Graeme Baxter noted, " I suggest that ALL sales staff ensure that they print off the REIWA results and incorporate this information in their appraisal kit".
Congratulations to Craig Wildman and Jacquie Wyatt and their super sales team at ACTON South. The South office came in as Number 2 office overall and led the ACTON teams in the following order: South, Applecross, North, Fremantle, Dalkeith, West, Mandurah, Mt Lawley and Central.
Congratulations to Robin Welsh (Mt Lawley) who sold an impressive 8 properties for the month and Pamela Wilkinson (South) had the highest sales turnover for the month of February. Well done to all sales teams and support staff on a fantastic month.
Congratulations to the winners below of the Top 10 Sales Reps by both Sales Turnover and Volume for the month of February.
The reason we did the TOP 10 this month is that for the highest sales turnover for the month of February we have 8 ladies in our Top 10. WELL DONE LADIES on a fantastic result.
ACTON South West have also had a strong month and congratulations to their Top Rep for February, Lynda Broughton with 4 sales. Congratulations also to Vincent Marruffo for 8 listings and Steve Hopkins and Gavin Howlett both with 6 listings.
Autumn is already here but given the heatwave we are having it is a never ending summer, lots of activity still in the market and it seems even a rate rise has not dampened enthusiasm as WA leads Australia out of the doldrums of the GFC. Tourist and Visitor numbers have been stronger than ever with a 4% rise from last summer and the wealth of activities available for holidaymakers and locals to participate in increases.
Vacant Land at the moment is representing very good value but for how long as land sales are certainly on the improve in most price ranges.
John Coleman (ACTON Group CEO) received the following fantastic email from an owner last week (see next page).
The ACTON Group congratulated Lloyd Pieri by presenting him with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and the team at ACTON Central took Lloyd out for lunch yesterday as a reward for all his recent efforts in the Property Management department.
We have also found out that Lloyd’s partner is due to give birth to their first child on Monday the 1st of March – Labour Day!!
“I'm writing to you today to advise you of the outstanding service we have received over the last few years from your Executive Leasing Manager, Lloyd Pieri.
We have purchased a few properties over the last 10 years from Acton Central, and Lloyd has been responsible for their leasing for the last 3 years. We have always found him to be very professional, honest and very hard working. Nothing is too hard for him and his levels of customer service to assist us and our tenants are exceptional.
Just recently we have sold one of our properties through your Sales Team, and Lloyd has beautifully co-coordinated the communication between the tenants that he knows well and a new face they hadn't met before from the Sales Division. The sale of the property went through after one week, so the disruption has been minimal to our tenants.
We have thanked Lloyd personally but would be grateful if you could express your gratitude to him because he represents the face of your company for us.
I'm not sure if you have an employee of the month or similar but please understand your clients of 10 years, fully appreciate his work. A company is only as good as their staff. Kind regards Mr & Mrs C <Name Withheld>."
WELL DONE LLOYD AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Last Saturday ACTON West SOLD their auction property in Elizabeth Street, Cottesloe for $2.4 million.
Congratulations to Bev Heymans and her team on the day and many thanks to John Coleman who was the auctioneer.
