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Mar 15, 2024

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency to Sell Your Property: A Guide for Landlords

There comes a time in every investor’s journey where they consider reducing their property portfolio to either free up some capital or reduce debt. This question is probably best answered by your Accountant. And although marketing a property for sale, whilst continuing to receive an income from rent is very appealing, there are a few extra considerations to take into account when you have a renter in place and you are thinking of selling. As a landlord considering selling your property, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right real estate agency to represent you. With various agencies vying for your business, it's essential to weigh your options carefully to ensure a successful sale. One common question landlords often face is whether to stick with the company already managing their property or explore other options. In this video Joanne Danckwardt of One Agency JD Property Agents discusses the factors to consider when making this decision and provide guidance to help you choose the best agency for your needs. [youtube id="YSiDUdBZGLg"] If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Evaluate Experience and Expertise When assessing potential good real estate agencies, consider their experience and expertise in selling properties similar to yours. Look for agencies with a proven track record of success in your local market and expertise in handling investment properties, with superb negotiation skills. Determine whether the agency has experience working with landlords and understands the unique challenges and opportunities associated with selling rental properties. Review their marketing strategies and resources to ensure they have the capabilities to effectively promote your property to potential buyers Seek Recommendations and Reviews Ask for recommendations from fellow landlords or trusted professionals in the real estate industry. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights into the performance and reputation of different agencies. Additionally, research online reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge the satisfaction level and experiences of others who have worked with the agency. Schedule Consultations Take the time to meet with representatives from potential real estate agencies for consultations. Use these meetings to discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess the agency's approach to selling properties. Pay attention to how responsive and attentive they are during the consultation process. Choose an agency that demonstrates a genuine interest in understanding your needs and objectives. Evaluate Communication and Transparency Clear and transparent communication is vital throughout the selling process. Evaluate how effectively the agency communicates with you and their willingness to keep you informed every step of the way. Ask about their communication channels, frequency of updates, and how they handle feedback and inquiries from potential buyers. If you choose to sell the investment property whilst still tenanted, it is important to remember there are strict rules that must be adhered to. It is important to be aware of the legislative requirements when selling a tenanted property. In our experience, it works best when - The renter is provided with plenty of notice, it helps them to get organized. The process is clearly explained to the renter right from the start and it is adhered to throughout the campaign The property manager has a good relationship with the renter and is the one who initially gives them the confirmation that the property is going to be sold. They can then reassure them if they have any concerns. The selling agent takes the time to introduce themselves and sits down with the renter to create a plan to minimise the disruption to their lives as much as possible Potential buyers are made aware of the conditions of the current lease agreement eg the notice periods required if they wish to move into it themselves Both the selling agent and the property manager are “on the same page” and understand what all parties are trying to achieve. This will give both the owner of the property and the renter confidence in the process. If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Choosing the right real estate agency to sell your property is a significant decision that can impact the success of your sale. While sticking with the company already managing your property may seem like the easiest option, it's essential to carefully evaluate all your choices. Consider factors such as experience, expertise, potential conflicts of interest, recommendations, and communication when making your decision. By selecting a reputable and reliable agency, you can confidently navigate the selling process and achieve your desired outcomes as a landlord. If you are thinking of selling your investment property, contact us today. We can provide insights tailored to your specific market, and run you through how the process would look for your investment, including any potential obstacles that need to be navigated. With the right approach and timing, you can capitalise on the advantages of selling your investment property in the current real estate market. If you feel you could benefit from our experience with buying and selling, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, or you know of anyone who may benefit from our real estate services, we’d love to chat. Our number is 0426 264 771. We look forward to talking to you soon.

Feb 23, 2024

Local story: Mass For You At Home TV series

Did you know Australia's longest running commercial television show Mass For You At Home is filmed right here in Fairy Meadow? The television show, which started in 1971, was moved from Melbourne to Wollongong when the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong won the tender in 2021. The 54-year-old show is filmed at the St John Vianney Co-Cathedral in Fairy Meadow four times a year over the span of a week. However, this year the show nearly didn’t go ahead. Executive producer/director Daniel Hopper shares why... Why did Mass For You At Home start? It was done out of Melbourne for 30 years prior to us. My understanding is they would film it at the Docklands Channel 10 Studio. They would film the entire year in January because, with the cadets and all the trainees, Channel 10 would use that as their training base for all their crew. They would shoot it all in three and a half weeks for the entire year. The whole purpose of it is for those that can't get to Mass - and this is way before the internet. The main audience has always been those in prison, in nursing homes and in aged care facilities - those that can't be in their parishes and can't get to church. It wasn't to replace the Mass... it was for those that couldn't be there, giving them some spiritual solace. It’s been going for 54 years now. How did the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong come to produce it? In about 2020, the crew responsible for the production handed it over to the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference, which is the ACBC - the peak body for all dioceses. That's when COVID hit. We started doing our Bishops Masses online. So when COVID hit, we couldn't go to church - we weren't allowed to during the lockdowns - so we started filming our Bishops Masses online and putting them up. We were one of the few that did pre-records instead of livestreaming it. We could do a three-camera shoot, and we could do it properly at the co-cathedral in Fairy Meadow, which is a nice church. We would do that each week. We would usually just shoot two a fortnight. Then when Melbourne said they couldn't do Mass For You At Home anymore, and they were only going to do it up until the beginning of Easter 2021. They'd seen what we'd done with the Bishops Masses and they said, "Would you consider taking this on or tendering for it?” I said, "Well, personally, it would be awesome. I can get the gang back and we get to do this, but it's a lot of work to do on top of your already full-time job”. I hadn't done broadcast TV before. It was another situation with God, saying, ‘Well, if you open this door, I'll walk through it and we'll see where it leads’. We won the tender and then we started. Our first one was on Easter Sunday 2021. How regularly do you film the episodes? We used to shoot five times a year, whereas now we do it four times a year. It takes a week for each of those. The whole thing was that if it truly is a national ministry entity, it shows around the entire country – in every regional station in Australia and every capital city. So I wanted to make sure that it's representative of that (by having priests flown from around the country). Is there a reason for the St John Vianney Co-Cathedral in Fairy Meadow? There’s a couple of things with that church – it’s aesthetically pleasing, which is why I chose that church. There's a tabernacle in the centre - so there's always a centre point of Jesus in the tabernacle. So every angle you're shooting from, you've always got that as a reference point in the background. So when you're shooting between three different cameras and you're editing, there's always a crossover and you're always in that same space. And then theologically, having Christ in the centre is always good. We bring our own lights in, but it has a lot of ambient light... so we can actually use the natural light. The carpet on the floor is better for sound. And the light-coloured background - a lot of churches there are a lot of dark woods and I didn't want that to be the face of what the church is. We want it to be welcoming. It doesn't feel closed in. It feels nice. It's welcoming. And it's reflective of what we're trying to do and what the mass is supposed to be. So the choice of that church is quite intentional. I's part of the Cathedral Parish. You’ve got this, for instance, we have the Xavier Cathedral here (St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong), and that's a co-cathedral. That's very rare. There are not many co-cathedrals in Australia. Fairy Meadow is bigger. For larger events, they couldn't fit everyone in there (Xaviers), so they use that one. But it means also that it's not used all the time. If you want to book it out for a week, it's easier to do with minimal disruption to them. There's many of those days where we can do a Hollywood wrap, which means just leaving it as is, walk out, walk back in the next morning. Do you receive much feedback from viewers? Our whole funding model is on fundraising. It's not cheap to do this. We do the production on the smell of an oily rag. We rely on people... donating to us. We get a lot of feedback from letters, phone calls, comments on our socials and on YouTube. The bishop then gets a lot of letters, and he gets a lot of letters from prisoners. I get emails all the time from children saying their parents had just passed away, but they'd watched the show every single day. It was their comfort, their solace, and their last thing to do before they died. For the first years - 2021 and ‘22 - we went over our fundraising target. It was like, this is brilliant. I thought, how good are we? Then last year, with the interest rate, with the cost of living... we were behind by about $100,000 at the end of last year. Then come early December, we got a letter out of the blue - someone giving us $96,000 in their will. That meant we could do it again. The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong will now continue until its contract runs out at the end of the year, with no plans yet set for the show’s future. Mass For You At Home airs on Sunday at 6am on Channel 10 and Foxtel, and and is repeated five times daily and repeated episodes on Ten Play. To learn more about buying, selling or leasing a property in Fairy Meadow and surrounds, contact Joanne on (02) 4285 7400. Do you want to know what your property is worth in the current market? Search your address for a Online Property Report.

Feb 15, 2024

Maximizing rental income: Is your Property Manager working for you?

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, the maximization of rental income stands as the cornerstone of success for property investors. As landlords, the question that often lingers is whether our property managers that have been engaged are skilled at navigating the complexities of the rental market to secure the best possible rent for investments. The competitive nature of the real estate market necessitates a proactive approach to rental management and rent increases. Beyond simply finding tenants, property managers play a pivotal role in orchestrating a delicate balance—assessing market dynamics, negotiation strategies, and tenant relations to ensure property investors reap the maximum benefits from their property portfolio. In this video, Joanne Danckwardt of One Agency JD Property Agents delves into the crucial considerations that investment property owners must weigh to assess the effectiveness of their property managers in optimizing rental returns. [siteloft_youtube video_id="UptiQO_GowM" autoplay="1" suggestions="1"] If you're ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Rental Market Analysis It is important to stay informed of the local rental market. A Property Manager conduct regular market analyses to understand current rental trends, vacancy rates, and comparable property rents in the area. Regular Rent Reviews A Property Manager should have a proven system and procedure they follow to ensure they actively engage in regular rent reviews for all their managed properties. This in turn, should lead to a discussion of the benefits of adjusting the rent to reflect current market changes and ensuring that the property investor receives the optimal rental income. For example, a rent review might be completed with every routine inspection, and a rent review should be completed at every lease renewal. Negotiation Skills One of the most critical aspects of securing the best rent for your property lies in the negotiation skills of your Property Manager. Negotiation is an art that goes beyond settling on a rental price; it involves a strategic and nuanced approach that can significantly impact your property's overall profitability. A property manager with excellent negotiation skills understands the dynamic nature of the rental market. They keep abreast of current trends, fluctuations, and demand patterns, allowing them to position your property competitively. By leveraging this knowledge, they can skilfully negotiate rental rates that align with the market's highs and lows, ensuring optimal returns. Effective negotiation is not just about finding a middle ground; it's about advocating for the best interests of the property owner. A skilled property manager will confidently represent your goals, whether it's securing higher rent, favourable lease terms, or other conditions that enhance the value of your investment. Negotiation isn't solely about financial transactions; it's also about fostering positive relationships between landlords and tenants. A property manager with strong negotiation skills can strike a balance that satisfies both parties, reducing the likelihood of disputes during the lease period. This positive dynamic can lead to longer tenancies and a stable income stream. Every rental situation is unique, and negotiations must be tailored accordingly. Whether it's addressing specific tenant needs, navigating complex lease terms, or managing unexpected challenges, a skilled negotiator can adapt to various scenarios. This adaptability ensures that your property manager can navigate complex situations with finesse, ultimately benefiting your bottom line. Effective Marketing Strategies When an investment property is vacant, having a robust marketing strategy to attract a good tenant for your rental property will ensure plenty of exposure to attract the right and competition. Using various channels such as online platforms, social media, and traditional advertising to showcase your property effectively will ensure the maximum rental price is achieved for your investment property in the shortest possible time when your property becomes vacant. If you're ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST As property investors, the key lies in partnering with Property Managers who go beyond the conventional, actively engaging in regular rent reviews, maintaining properties to the highest standards, and ensuring that every negotiation reflects your best interests. By doing so, you not only secure optimal rental income but also foster positive, lasting relationships with tenants. So, as you assess your property manager's performance, consider the comprehensive picture we've painted. Is your property manager getting the best rent for you and your property? The answer lies not just in finding tenants but in fostering a strategic and dynamic approach to rental management that ensures sustained success in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. If you’re not a One Agency JD Property Agents client, but would like more information on our property management service – contact us on 4285 7400 or jdpropertypm@oneagency.com.au. We are always happy to answer questions and offer advice, or offer a free rental property appraisal. We hope these tips have been helpful. If you feel you could benefit from our experience with property management, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, we’d love to talk to you. Our number is 0426 264 771 or 0455 147 755. We look forward to talking to you soon.

Jan 26, 2024

Local Business: Villa D’oro moves into Fairy Meadow

The opening of Villa D’oro in Fairy Meadow brings its owner Claude Guido back to where his food story all began. Claude started as an apprentice at The Fraternity Club in the ‘70s and today has adapted his own 23-year business from one that caters for functions to now offering a cafe and at-home dining experiences. Over the years, it has transitioned from catering for balls, real estate fundraisers, networking events and weddings at the Flinders Street Function Centre to at-home dining picked up from the Croation Club in Figtree during COVID when functions were no longer possible. The business has kept up this pickup menu long after lockdowns have finished - but is now based in a new home, it's cafe at 12-16 Princes Hwy Fairy Meadow. Here is Claude’s story. When and how did the business start? We were well known for our function centre in Flinders Street. We had that for 23 years and then COVID hit in 2020 and that put a total grind to our business. Obviously everyone was starting to get concerned and staff were getting concerned and me being the owner, I was concerned for my family and our business. So we decided to sell some pastas to make ends meet for a little bit of time and that took off and here we are today. Out of COVID, a new business was born. What was your hospitality experience prior to that? I did my apprenticeship at The Fraternity Club in the ‘70s. I also managed Portafino in its heyday. I bought Villa D’oro in 2001 and was there till 2023, and then we got the sad news that (we had to move out of the venue). We had to think about what we were going to do and I was still umming and ahhing as to whether I still wanted to do functions or if I'd had enough of functions. Then out of the blue, this shop became a thought. We thought well, we've got six to eight months to kill and so we went to the Croatian Centre at Figtree. We kept doing our takeaways and our catering business out of there. That was handy and they were very good to us. They wanted us to stay there. We moved here (in November) and away we’ve gone. Why is at-home catering still popular post COVID? I think the products we were making were a good product for a reasonable price. We were probably fortunate that we've got a loyal clientele base and just kept coming – and still do. That at-home menu, which is our pickup lasagnes, cannellonis, veals, chickens, all those is still more than 60 per cent of our business. Why Fairy Meadow? I guess because the opportunity arose. I kept looking around this area because I thought what we wanted to create here was that someone would come in and order a fresh plate of pasta, we'd put it in a takeaway container and they can go home and eat it or sit outside and eat it. Then the idea of that panini was born and we're doing a fairly good trade of that as well. But it’s our lasagnes and cannellonis - people just walking in grab a tray of lasagna or cannelloni. The trade we’re getting from people just walking in, it’s quite impressive. You had been doing functions like weddings, graduations and balls for a long time at Flinders Street Function Centre. What do you now enjoy about catering? We didn't do too much catering. Not that there wasn’t a need for it, but we didn’t probably promote that area, whereas we promote it now because it’s part and parcel of our business. The catering is a huge part of our business now where we drop off food to people's houses, surf clubs, wherever they want us to. We did a wedding last Saturday for a beautiful couple at home and we do some corporate events at places, but most of the catering we do is just for mums and dads that might have 30-40 people over. How have you been finding the response so far? A lot of the community around Fairy Meadow has popped in to say hello to us. We’ve had a massive response from the businesses around Fairy Meadow. It was the pastor who said it to me that you realise a lot of the hospitality businesses are coming towards this area where we are. And I started to think and he’s kind of right, you've got Pizza Hut, you've got us, there's a cafe and a couple of pizza places. I think it’s location. It's easy in and out. You're just off Towradgi Road. Learn more about Villa D’oro. To learn more about buying, selling or leasing a property in Fairy Meadow and surrounds, contact Joanne on (02) 4285 7400. Do you want to know what your property is worth in the current market? Search your address for a Digital Property Report.

Jan 15, 2024

Preparing for a downsize or aged care move

The decision to downsize or transition a family member into aged care is a significant and sometimes challenging one. As you prepare, one crucial aspect is getting the home ready to sell and move on from. This process involves not only practical considerations but also emotional sensitivity. In this video, we guide you through essential steps to prepare for yours or a family member’s move to downsize or move into aged care, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition that prioritizes comfort and well-being. [siteloft_youtube video_id="HmRBzqP1CPc" autoplay="1" suggestions="1"] If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Declutter with Care Begin by decluttering the living space. Over the years, belongings tend to accumulate, and downsizing becomes necessary. Respect attachment to sentimental items while ascertaining what what can be donated, sold, or kept. Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable and manageable environment. Familiarity and Comfort When packing, prioritize items that hold sentimental value or are essential for daily life. Familiar items, such as photos, treasured possessions, and a favourite chair, can help create a sense of continuity and comfort in the new space. Pack Strategically Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier later on. Sort items by categories, such as clothes, personal care items, and keepsakes. If you have specific hobbies or interests, ensure these are still handy to enjoying them. Accessibility and Safety As you prepare, consider any mobility or safety concerns. Ensure walkways are clear, remove tripping hazards, and make necessary adjustments to accommodate any mobility aids that may be required. Keep Essential Documents Handy Gather important documents such as medical records, identification, insurance information, and legal documents. Having these accessible can help streamline the transition. Home Maintenance Arrange for any necessary home maintenance tasks, such as plumbing, electrical, or structural repairs. Leaving the home in good condition not only ensures its future but also provides peace of mind. Financial Matters Redirect mail, notifying relevant institutions about the change in address, and set up automatic bill payments if necessary. Emotional Support Moving from a long-time home can be emotionally challenging. Be patient and understanding whilst feelings are processed. Engage in open conversations about the move, and acknowledge emotions while remembering the positive aspects of the transition. Moving Day On moving day, ensure that the space is well-prepared with familiar items arranged thoughtfully. Arrange transportation and have a plan for unpacking and setting up the new space, making it feel like home from the very beginning. If you're ready to discover the secrets to being ready to sell your home, download our free insider secrets to being ready to sell checklist. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Preparing for a downsize, or moving a family member into aged care, involves a blend of practical considerations and emotional awareness. By approaching this process with care, open communication, and respect, the transition can be smooth and as comfortable as possible. Remember that while it may be challenging, well-being and quality of life in a new environment is a positive opportunity. If you are thinking of selling your home contact us today. We can provide insights tailored to your specific market. With the right approach and timing, you can capitalise on the advantages that the market holds for you. If you feel you could benefit from our experience with buying and selling, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, or you know of anyone who may benefit from our real estate services, we’d love to chat. Our number is 0426 264 771. We look forward to talking to you soon.

Dec 17, 2023

Local event: Sing 2 movie night in Fairy Meadow

Dream big dreams and sing with us this summer, as Wollongong is treated to a free outdoor screening of Sing 2 on a giant five-metre screen on Saturday, 20th January 2024, in Fairy Meadow. Hosted by One Agency JD Property Agents in Fairy Meadow, the free community event will give young and old a great night out nearing the end of the school holidays. Come dressed as one of the characters from the movie or bring along a favourite animal toy. One Agency JD Property Agents proprietor Joanne Danckwardt said after the success of the 2023 “movie under the stars – Kung Fung Panda” and the positive feedback received, the decision to host the event again in 2024 was an easy one. “The event was crafted as a complimentary offering to the community, with the intention of providing a free and enjoyable experience, especially in the summer school holidays,” she said. “Given the resounding success of last year’s event, there was no doubt in our minds about hosting it again.” The school holiday event will be held at Guest Park in Fairy Meadow at the Balgownie Road entrance. Patrons can arrive from 7pm, with screening of the movie from 8pm just as dusk hits. Fairy Meadow Rotary Club will provide a barbecue to raise funds for community projects. Bring a picnic rug or folding chairs, your friends and family, and enjoy an outdoor cinema experience. When Should You Arrive at Guest Park? The movie night will be held on Saturday 20th January 2024. While the movie starts at 8pm, come along from 7pm to give yourself time to set up, grab something to eat from the Fairy Meadow Rotary Club barbecue and find your friends. What Should I Bring? You’ll be experiencing the outdoors, so we suggest you bring along: A picnic blanket, pillow or folded chairs to avoid having to sit on the grass. If it’s forecast to be a bit chilly, bring along a blanket or oversized hoodie to keep yourself warm In case the mozzies are out, insect repellent is a good idea If you’re not planning on taking advantage of the food stalls provided, you can bring your own food and drink. What Is the Cost? This is a free community event for family and friends to enjoy. We know that nearing the end of the school holidays parents, grandparents and carers are looking for something to do with the kids. This is a great way to entertain the kids without the added cost. Will Food and Drinks Be Available? We have organised for the Fairy Meadow Rotary Club to set up a barbecue to allow you to purchase food and drinks on the night. While we encourage you to support the Rotary Club and their fundraising efforts by purchasing food, you are welcome to pack your own picnic to bring along too. How Do I Get to Guest Park, Fairy Meadow? Guest Park is located in Fairy Meadow. From the Princes Highway, navigate onto Balgownie Road. Parking is available near the Guest Park Soccer Fields. There are also bus stops along Balgownie Road. Check bus timetables for running times for that night. What Happens If the Weather Isn’t Kind? In the case of inclement weather, the movie will be postponed to another date. We will make this decision by 3pm on the day and announce it on our Facebook page. Please be sure to follow the page to keep updated on the day. Sing 2 movie night, screening outdoors at Guest Park, Fairy Meadow on Saturday, 20th January 2024 at 8pm.

Dec 14, 2023

How do you find a good tenant for your rental property?

Renting out a property can be a lucrative venture, but success often hinges on finding a reliable and responsible tenant. How do you know you're going to be able to find a good tenant for your rental property? Selecting the right tenant is crucial for both the landlord's peace of mind and the well-being of the property. As a property investor, it can be a bit of a concern, in knowing that you are going to get a tenant that is appropriate. In this video, Joanne Danckwardt of One Agency JD Property Agents explores key strategies to help you find the perfect tenant for your rental property. [siteloft_youtube video_id="7aHjIDoho38" autoplay="1" suggestions="1"] If you're ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Screening Process The foundation of a successful tenant search is a rigorous screening process. Consider the following steps: Rental Application – ensuring a prospective tenant submits a rental application is vital. A comprehensive application should include personal information, rental history, employment details, and references should be obtained. Tenancy Checks – review the applicant and their history on any National Tenancy Databases for any reported breaches. Reference Checks – conduct thorough checks and contact all supplied reference and referees supplied, including previous landlords and employers listed on the rental application. This will verify the potential tenant's rental history and employment status, and provides valuable insights into the applicant's reliability and behaviour. Clear Rental Criteria Set clear rental criteria objectives from the outset. This may include specific income requirements relating to a ratio of rent to income, and guidelines on the number of occupants. Effective Property Marketing A well-marketed property attracts a larger pool of applicants, hence more choice, helping to find a great tenant. Using online platforms, social media, and traditional methods to showcase the rental property with high-quality photos and a compelling description to make the property stand out. Realistic Rent By engaging a property manager you can be guided by their experience and market knowledge to set a competitive and realistic rental price. Overpricing may deter potential tenants, while under-pricing could lead to financial losses. Find a balance that reflects the property's value. Responsive Communication Prompt and effective communication is essential throughout the tenant search process. It is important to respond to inquiries quickly, provide clear information, and be available for property viewings. A positive and responsive approach creates a favourable impression on potential tenants and opens up the communication channels with prospective tenants to see how they manage the application process. Conduct Thorough Interviews In addition to a written application, conducting face-to-face or virtual meeting with potential tenants is important. This allows you to assess their communication skills, gauge their level of interest, and address any questions or concerns they may have. Trust Your Instincts While it's essential to rely on objective criteria, don't underestimate the power of intuition. If something feels off during the screening process, it's worth exploring further or considering other applicants. If you're ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Finding the ideal tenant for your rental property requires diligence, clear communication, and a systematic approach to screening. By implementing these strategies, landlords can minimize risks and foster positive, long-term relationships with responsible tenants. Remember, a well-vetted tenant not only ensures the well-being of your property but also contributes to a stress-free and profitable rental experience. If you’re not a One Agency JD Property Agents client, but would like us to manage your tenant selection process and property, or obtain more information on our property management service, contact us on 4285 7400 or jdpropertypm@oneagency.com.au. We are always happy to answer questions and offer advice, or offer a free rental property appraisal. We hope these tips have been helpful. If you feel you could benefit from our experience with property management, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, we’d love to talk to you. Our number is 0426 264 771. We look forward to talking to you soon.

Nov 30, 2023

Local Business: New owner for Fairy Meadow Newsagency

Kristy McGrath has taken ownership of the Fairy Meadow Newsagency, after years earlier walking through the business each day to go to school. The business was previously owned by Nick and Kate DiMaggio, who sold the business exactly 16 years after Kate started there. Kristy has been an employee for the past five years but a love of the business and its staff prompted her to want to buy it. Here are Kristy’s plans for the business... Have you had a long association with the newsagency? Yeah, I used to walk through here on the way home from school, so we used to walk through the shop. I've just always been coming in as a customer and known Kate and Nick the whole time they've had it. It's funny, because it still just feels the same. So much has changed, but it just always feels so familiar. Being able to walk through and walk out to the car park and through to Guest Park, it just all still feels the same. It’s weird that it’s come full circle. What prompted you to want to buy the Fairy Meadow Newsagency? I just have thoroughly enjoyed working here. We've got a lot of regular customers that we love seeing every day and the girls I work with are amazing, which definitely helped me buy it. We’ve just got a really great team here, so it was a no-brainer. What were you doing before you worked at the newsagency? I was in childcare before - a bit of a different field. But I worked in retail when I was a teenager too, so it's always been there for me. What’s the history of the newsagency? Kate’s auntie and uncle had it before (they owned it) for I think close to 20 years. I've got an old photo of it when it was down near where Cassa Mia, the bra shop, was. That’s the first place it opened in the 1950s. It’s pretty cool to know it's something that has just been here for so long and is part of the community. (Kate and Nick) they definitely left a good legacy here with customers. Customers are still always asking about them and how they are. What sort of comments have you received since people have found out that you've bought the business? Yeah, really positive. I think because I've been here already for so long, I know all the customers. For Kate and Nick to leave, everyone was obviously upset, but they're happy that's it’s staying the same - that we're all still here and the girls are staying on. Nothing’s changing too much. What do you like about Fairy Meadow in particular and that community? I grew up here, so this is my home. I grew up in Winton Place, so it just feels like home to me. So I'm very familiar with all the shops and the customers and everything like that. What are your goals for the newsagency now? I want to keep that community feel going and making sure we're servicing all our customers to the best of our ability and just bring in a few more gift items. I'm going to go a bit bigger with the party section, so still stay with the times and just bring some new products to Fairy Meadow as well. Has the party side gotten bigger, because it seems to be in a lot more shops? The decorating side of when people are doing events and stuff is getting bigger and bigger. People enjoy it. They like that we do the balloons and everything, so they don't have to go into town and find parking. You can learn more about the Fairy Meadow Newsagency via their Facebook page. To learn more about buying, selling or leasing a property in Fairy Meadow and surrounds, contact Joanne on (02) 4285 7400. Do you want to know what your property is worth in the current market? Search your address for a Digital Property Report.