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Sep 28, 2023
Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Home Buying: Why Engage a Buyers Agent in Perth?
Are you on the hunt for your dream home in Perth? The real estate market in Western Australia's capital can be a rollercoaster ride, with fluctuating prices, competitive bidding, and a multitude of choices. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about making the right decision. That's where a Buyers Agent comes in as your trusted ally in this real estate adventure. In this blog post, we will delve into the compelling reasons why engaging a Buyers Agent in Perth is a game-changer and how it can benefit you as a purchaser. Local Expertise: When it comes to real estate, location is everything. Perth's neighborhoods can vary significantly in terms of property values, lifestyle, and future growth potential. A Buyers Agent in Perth possesses an in-depth knowledge of the local market, enabling them to guide you towards neighborhoods that align with your preferences and budget. Access to Off-Market Listings: The best properties in Perth often sell before they even hit the market. Buyers Agents have access to exclusive off-market listings, giving you a competitive advantage. These off-market opportunities can help you secure a property that perfectly suits your needs, without the intense competition found in the public listings. Negotiating Power: One of the key benefits of hiring a Buyers Agent is their negotiation skills. They act as your advocate, negotiating on your behalf to secure the best possible deal. Whether it's price negotiations or contract terms, their expertise can save you thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind throughout the process. Time Savings: Searching for a home can be a time-consuming process. A Buyers Agent takes the burden off your shoulders by conducting extensive research, attending property viewings, and shortlisting homes that meet your criteria. This saves you countless hours, allowing you to focus on your daily life. Objective Advice: Emotions often run high when buying a home. Buyers Agents offer objective advice, helping you make informed decisions based on market data, property evaluations, and your personal goals. This ensures you don't make impulsive choices that you may later regret. Industry Connections: Buyers Agents have a vast network of industry connections, including real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and property inspectors. They can recommend trusted professionals to help facilitate a smooth buying process and ensure you're working with the best in the business. Cost-Effective Investment: While you may think hiring a Buyers Agent is an additional expense, their services can actually save you money in the long run. Their expertise in identifying value and negotiating favorable terms can result in a more cost-effective investment. Engaging a Buyers Agent in Perth is not just a wise choice; it's a strategic investment in your future. Their local expertise, access to off-market listings, negotiation skills, and time-saving abilities can transform your home buying journey into a stress-free and successful experience. When you partner with a Buyers Agent, you gain a trusted ally who is dedicated to helping you find the perfect property at the best possible price. So, if you're ready to embark on your home buying journey in Perth, consider enlisting the services of a Buyers Agent and unlock the secrets to your dream home. Contact Mi Casa Property Boutique today to learn more about how our Buyers Agent services can benefit you and lead you to the doorstep of your dream home in Perth.
Jun 30, 2023
Applecross Real Estate: A Treasure Trove for Perth Homebuyers
For homebuyers seeking an enviable lifestyle in one of Perth's most popular real estate destinations, Applecross Real Estate offers a particularly enticing option. This charming suburb is a treasure trove, featuring a bustling café culture, esteemed educational institutions, and much-loved local attractions, each contributing to the allure of owning a property in Applecross. Let's dive into some of these lifestyle offerings. Applecross Cafés: A Treat for the Tastebuds The café scene in Applecross is a coffee connoisseur's dream come true. Our recent article titled Applecross Cafés - absolutely spoilt for choice! paints a picture of the area's rich café landscape. From your daily caffeine dose to social outings with friends, the variety of cafés in Applecross is sure to elevate your coffee experiences. A property in Applecross brings you closer to this café cornucopia, enhancing your lifestyle with an array of culinary delights. Applecross Schools: Securing a Bright Future An investment in Applecross real estate extends beyond owning a stunning home; it's also an investment in quality education. Our post titled Opportunities: Applecross Real Estate and Local Schools emphasises the suburb's reputable schools, both state and private, that cater to diverse educational needs. For families, a home in Applecross offers an opportunity to secure an outstanding educational future for their children, adding immense value to their property investment. Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve: Applecross's Green Heart For families seeking recreational spaces you simply cannot go past Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve as one of Perth's favourite playgrounds with sweeping views across the Swan River. In our post Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve: A Family Centred Playground in Applecross, we explore this picturesque oasis offering a wide range of activities, rich history, and natural beauty. Buying property in Applecross means this serene and verdant sanctuary is practically in your backyard. The appeal of Applecross real estate goes beyond beautiful properties. It's an investment in a vibrant lifestyle that includes a thriving café scene, top-tier schools, and abundant natural beauty, all within a short drive to the Perth CBD. Contact Mi Casa to find out how we can help secure your dream home here and invest in a lifestyle that is as diverse as it is enriching.
Aug 30, 2022
Staging your home for sale
How to Stage a House ready for Sale (While Living In It) Staging a vacant house is easy because you have got a clean slate and can choose the style, but staging a house for sale while still living in it can prove to be more difficult. We are going to use our knowledge and expertise to help you successfully stage a house to sell while you’re still living in it. Even though staging a house for sale while living in it can be a challenge, it is worth the effort because a well-staged home is listed with a top real estate agent because it opens the potential for faster sales and higher offers. When you’re staging a house for sale, you want to showcase a clean and spacious space where buyers can visualize the property as their future home. Does Staging Help Sell Houses? Yes, staged homes sell faster because they provide a strong first impression and stand out from the other properties on the market and it allows buyers the opportunity to visualise themselves in the property. Staging can also impact the amount that buyers are willing to spend on a property. It can also greatly decrease the amount of time a home spends on the market. In addition to this, TV programs have noticeably impacted buyers’ expectations of a potential property. More buyers are expecting homes to look like homes staged on the tv shows they are bingeing on, causing more disappointment in how homes appeared. If you have a house that satisfies their expectations, you’ll be the one to get the offer! Can You Stage a Home While Living In It With Kids or Pets? Even if you have pets or children, you can still stage a home for sale while living in it. And you should! Many buyers only take seconds to decide whether they are interested in your home or not. First impressions count. Here is a guide that will provide you with the tips to confidently list a staged home while you’re still sleeping, eating, and living there. How Do I List My House While Living In It? In today’s market, many people don’t have the option to move out during the sales process so are trying to sell their house while still living in it. People moving up in house, downsizing, or moving to a new location often list their house for sale while still living in it. To successfully sell a house while living in it, follow these six steps: Mentally move out Declutter, declutter, declutter Deep clean Stage Keep it tidy with quick cleans Stay busy outside of the house 1. Mentally move out Even if you’re physically living on the home, if you’re listing it for sale, you need to mentally “move out.” Change your mindset from this being your home to this being someone else’s house. This is the key goal after all. By mentally perceiving your house as the next project to become someone else’s house will help you more easily: Use these key points to “move out” of your property and get it ready for sale: take pictures off the walls and shelves pack away treasured collections remove children’s artwork from the refrigerator 2. Declutter Many people think of adding things to help stage a property, but removing things (aka decluttering) is actually a key step in successfully staging. You want your home to have just enough furniture and decor for buyers to see themselves living there, putting their feet up on the couch by the fireplace, enjoying the peaceful front patio or back deck, and sleeping in the cosy bedrooms. What to do with the rest of the stuff? Pack it away in neatly stacked boxes, somewhere like the garage, or even better at friends’ houses or a storage unit. You want to be able to showcase the space, so potential buyers can envision their things and future memories in your staged space. How to involve your kids This is a big step for them too, so make sure you keep them involved in the process. Allow kids to pick a few of their favourite toys to keep out during this time your house is on the market and available for home opens. When it’s time for home opens, have a designated shelf or spot for them to put away. Allow kids to pack up special artwork for the next house and put it in a special box so they know it’s not going to be lost or left behind. After mentally moving out and physically removing a lot of your items, you should be left with a house that looks like someone lives in it and has neutral decor. Then it’s time to add the finishing touches, light sheer curtains, a fresh front door mat, and fresh flowers or plants are easy ways to freshen your house ready to sell. Next, you’ll want to make sure the house shows well in pictures and for showings by making sure it is really clean! 3. Deep clean Set aside enough time to deep clean your entire house. You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it, but make sure you get everything from dead bugs in the window sills to spider webs under the eaves. Dust Shelves, Furniture, & Surfaces Vacuum Floors, Window Sills, Rugs, and Garage Wash Windows & Mirrors Sweep Mop Wipe Down Counters Wipe Down Appliances Clean Toilets (inside & out), Mirrors, and Showers 4. Stage From our experience and knowledge, the most important rooms to be staged are the: Living Room Master Bedroom Kitchen Dining Room So if you’re limited on time and energy, make sure you focus on those four areas first. If you want to present the best property possible, here are staging guidelines to follow: Outside Make sure your home also has great curb appeal. A warm, clean, and inviting front of the house will invite more buyers to come in and want to view the rest of the house. Mow grass – including the verge Weed flower beds and lay down fresh mulch Fill in empty beds & window boxes with small shrubs & seasonal flowers (the colour is key) Freshen up the paint on window trim and front porch Sweep front porch & remove cobwebs Paint the front door and/or shutters a lively colour that coordinates with the rest of the home colours Replace your welcome mat Clean & arrange patio furniture – a couple of chairs on the front porch is always very inviting Replace cushions, if needed Pick up all pet waste Repair damaged deck boards & fencing Pressure wash the house & driveway Inside Inside, your goal is to showcase a bright, organised, and clean home, so before pictures & showings: Turn on all lights and lamps Open all blinds & curtains to let in as much natural light as possible Clean windows Open doors to bedrooms, offices, etc. Closet doors do not need to be opened, but closets should be tidy because buyers will look inside to see what space is available! Trust us, they do look. Living Areas Group furniture surrounding a coffee table and anchor with a rug Face the couch toward the focal point in the room or toward the first line of sight when walking into a room, as if to welcome guests to “come and sit for a while” Replace worn-out pillows and rugs Pack away personal items like photos and knick-knacks Remove extra furniture to showcase space Remove stacks of paper, magazines, mail, etc. Neatly stack books and simple decor on the coffee table and side tables Plants and flowers add colour and life to the room Hang light sheer curtains Bedrooms Make beds & fluff bed pillows Replace heavy drapes with sheers Clear nightstands of clutter. Pack away personal items & photos Leave or hang a few pictures with neutral tones Organize closets by colour Donate all clothes and shoes you no longer wear to showcase more closet space Kitchen Pack away rarely used small appliances and occasional crockery Go easy on buying groceries and use up items in your pantry to showcase more space Declutter countertops Before pictures and showings, tuck away soap, sponges, napkins, paper towels, and dishes Scrub counters, backsplash, and appliances Remove personal items like fridge magnets, photos, and children’s artwork Change outdated hardware for something more modern Consider giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift and brightening up your kitchen by painting your cabinets white Empty the trash often and before every showing. Funky smells do not help homes sell! Bathrooms Store daily items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap out of sight Put down toilet seats and lids Hang a simple, plain white shower curtain Keep a white hand towel and throw rug to put out before showings (not for kids to use!) Tidy up open shelves Put a fresh, small bouquet of flowers in a vase on the vanity 5. Keep your house clean & tidy Once you get your home show-ready, little things each day can help you keep it that way…or close. We know living with kids and pets can make this challenging, but being intentional and vigilant about a few simple routines will help your home stay looking staged even while you’re still living in it. Daily Routines: Make beds every morning Clean shower when you’re showering Wash dishes after every meal or run the dishwasher every evening Wipe down counters and bathroom vanities after use Schedule robot vacuum daily (or manually vacuum daily if you don’t have one) Tidy up morning and evening putting everything back in its staging place Involve kids in the clean-up as much as possible to share household chores. Explain the importance of a neat home for your family’s quest of selling the house! Empty litter boxes and pick up dog waste in the yard daily Use silicone bibs with a catch-all scoop for babies/toddlers to minimize food on the floor Open windows when the weather allows to let out unpleasant smells and let in fresh air 6. Get out of the house The more time you spend in the house, the more you, your kids, and your pets will undo the hard work of keeping it show-ready. What Should You NOT Do When Staging a House Don’t stage alone! Our agents love helping you get the most out of your home, so don’t be afraid to ask us for help. We’re eager to help you achieve your goals and we are pros in knowing what sells (and what doesn’t). Don’t empty everything out of the house. A well-staged home typically sells better than a completely empty home. Don’t take it personally! If you’re working with a real estate agent, your home sale is our job. Please don’t be offended if we offer to help stage or suggest things be removed, repaired, or replaced. Living in a home and staging a home for sale are two different things. Your goal is to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Following our proven methods will greatly increase the likelihood of your success. Home Staging Before and After Here are pictures from recent home staging before and after by our Mi Casa Property Agents.
Aug 14, 2022
Hilton underground power lines increase property prices?
Works are currently underway for more than 500 homeowners across Hilton to have their power connected to underground power and old street poles replaced with LED street lights. Western Power had identified that the old street poles and overhead wires were of a significant age and risk profile. The works are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. When first announced back in October 2020 the total cost of the project was forecast at $8.5 million with Western Power paying $7.4 million and the City of Fremantle paying the remaining $1.1 million, proposing to recoup the costs with a levy in 2022-2023 rates notices. The levy can be paid off over seven years and discounts for some concession card holders apply. What are the pros and cons for homeowners? The Cons Naturally the installation of the underground power cables will cause some disruptions, including to traffic in the local area. It may also impact those seeking to sell their Hilton properties in 2022. The rates levy is another consideration as the City of Fremantle passes costs on to homeowners. The Pros Once completed the street scapes will be less cluttered with power lines no longer visible and new, modern street poles with LED lights will be in place. The removal of powerlines allows street trees to grow to a greater height and with a reduced need for maintenance and improved safety with less damage to power lines from falling trees (2014 Hilton Tornado). Mi Casa Property Group have noticed that suburbs where power is installed underground see an increase in property values. Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge spoke of the benefits of the project in December 2021 at a Hilton Precinct Group briefing. “This pilot project presents a unique opportunity for Hilton residents to access the benefits of underground power at considerably less cost than would normally be the case.” “Underground power not only provides a safer and more reliable power supply, it also improves the appearance of the street, allows street trees to grow to their full height and increases property values. “It also means there will be more capacity to cater for future demands like solar power and electric vehicles, and the area will get brighter, energy-efficient LED streetlights. “Representatives from Western Power and the City will be at the briefing to answer all of your questions, so I’d encourage everyone to get down to the PCYC on Tuesday and hear all about this exciting project.” For all real estate sales and leasing inquiries in Hilton contact Mi Casa.
Mar 15, 2022
Mi Casa - Who we are | What we do | Why we care
Mi Casa Video: Who we are | What we do | Why we care We are excited to share this video with you, it shows the passion that we have here at Mi Casa. The passion for our business, the passion for what we do and the passion for being agents for change. We hope you enjoy it. Click our logo to watch. Transcription: As a parent, I wanted a company that allowed me to do the things that were most important and that mattered, like school drop-off or school pick-up. That didn’t mean that I was going to work any less hard In fact, I probably work more I love coming to work (Mi Casa ) every day for our team, our people. The passion, the drive they have to be able to deliver the best service to our clients is what’s really important to me. Being an owner of the company, it’s important that I trust the people that I have on my team. The traits that we are looking for are honesty, integrity, authenticity within our team members, and going above and beyond for our clients. They allow you to be a mum and still work, or they might allow you to bring your dog into work if that’s what makes you happy. Mi Casa Package – All in one What’s been really important to Mi Casa as well is making sure we have the right skill set to support each of the individuals, whether that be marketing, finance, sales, or property management. We have all those things packaged up to provide a really high level of service and knowledge to our clients. The Mi Casa Experience Some of us are a little more mature and then we’ve got the younger ones coming in and I think it’s nice sometimes, as we work in a team. I’ve been working with Tom, one of our newer guys lately. His energy is amazing, and I think that makes our buyers and sellers feel at ease because they’re getting the different pieces of everyone that comes together to make the whole rounded Mi Casa experience. Doing what we love and helping people I guess one of the things I love about working with Mi Casa is about not just the directors, but the people It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. We help people every day of the week and we get to do what we love. Your family is our family I think it’s just us and our natural selves, the need to want to look after our clients as if they’re our own family. To look after them, do the very best that we can and get them the best results possible. We’re here to help them every step of the way and that isn’t just about getting the property sold or leased, it’s to hold their hand. We’re their soundboard, we are their everything throughout the whole process. Love what you do ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life’ A lot of people go to work because they have to work. I personally come to work because I love my job and I think when you come at it from that angle, you are providing a different level of service. You’re doing it because you want to and you want to help people. Our charity – Look forward; give back - For each of us, our true purpose is to help others. Mi Casa really genuinely care about each other, about our clients, and most definitely about our charity. St. Pats. St. Pats community center is an incredible organisation that supports people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. This year they had an amazing event in Fremantle town hall and we were able to be a part of that and brush up on our old waitressing skills. To us, it’s not just about giving money. It’s about giving time and effort and focus to those organisations in our community that need our support. For each of us, our true purpose is to help others. Everyone needs a home. Having our charity partnership with St. Pats is really important to us to allow us to help make a difference. That was a way for us to be what we truly believe are Agents for change. Want to chat with us more about what we do, then get in touch today.
Jan 13, 2022
Everything You Need To Know About Inspections
Routine inspections are an important part of keeping your property in good condition at all times. It’s an effective way for your property manager to check any maintenance requests in person and check that your tenant is looking after your property. While your tenant probably isn’t deliberately letting things slide, a routine inspection can help make sure the often-forgotten jobs are done. In this article, we outline everything you need to know about routine inspections. Timing The legislation on when routine inspections should occur differs from state to state. Generally, a routine inspection should be carried out every three months, and you’ll need to give your tenant at least seven days’ notice. The form you need to complete and send will differ based on your location. In WA re are required to give the tenants no less than 7 days and no more than 14 days notice. This year we have seen a high number of routine inspections rescheduled due to Covid lockdowns and tenants being in isolation, but our property managers try to reschedule them as soon as possible when access is agreed with the tenants. Maintenance and Small Repairs Most agencies have a process for reporting maintenance and repair needs if the tenant won’t be home when the routine inspection occurs. Common maintenance and repair requests may include leaking taps, exhaust fans seizing to work and repairing fixtures such as ceiling fans. Tenant-specific areas to check include general cleanliness, mould in wet areas, and the condition of lawns. If something needs to be addressed, we note it in the routine inspection report which the tenant receives a copy of, however if it is something major or the tenant disputes we can can issue a breach notice and give them 14 days to remedy. If the issues aren’t addressed in 14 days, your next steps will depend on your state's legislation. Bigger Repair Jobs At the routine inspection, you or your property manager should also check areas of the property that can point to longer-term and more expensive repairs if these aren’t resolved quickly. You should check: for water leaks in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms exhaust fans are working and free of dust weatherboard, bricks and tiles for cracks and wear the whole property for dampness or wood rot for signs of termites or rust. Routine inspections can sound tedious, but your property manager is used to doing these at least once a week. By carrying out regular inspections at your property, you can ensure it’s always in top condition, and any repairs are completed quickly. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a property that’s always in good condition, so you can lease it quickly when it’s next available or sell it quickly when you’re ready to sell. Remember, this article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself.
Oct 18, 2021
Landlord Insurance Explained
There are many types of insurance policies you need to consider when you purchase an investment property. Landlord’s insurance is one of the most important policies. Your rental property is one of your most valuable assets and as such you need to ensure that it is protected. You need to have protection if tenants do any damage or leave without paying their rent amongst other scenarios. Landlords insurance can provide you cover for various issues including - loss of rent, theft, malicious damage, fire, flood storm damage and other natural disasters. IMPORTANT - Carefully read your insurers product disclosure statement to ensure exactly what you are covered for. Why Do I Need Landlord Insurance If My Tenant Pays A Bond? The bond is usually only a 4 weeks rent. This most likely won't cover much damage to the property. Standard home insurance normally will not cover rental related issues (eg: loss of rent or damage by tenant). If you are just relying on the bond and there is a shortfall - taking legal action to recover costs can be very expensive and you may end up with nothing except a lot of legal bills. Do I also Need Home Insurance? Not normally - if you’ve already taken out building and contents insurance as part of your landlord insurance, you will not need an additional home insurance policy. Although you won't be covered for building damage if you have only taken out tenant protection insurance. Be careful to read the product disclosure and define definitions. Landlord insurance basically addresses the gaps left by other insurance. Decide how much to insure the building for. When you’re insuring the building, it makes sense to insure it for its entire value, otherwise you would only get a partial payout if it is destroyed. This could end up costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars. How Much Does it Cost? This varies depending on where the property is located, if you use a property manager or manage the property yourself amongst other factors like how much rent charged, is it furnished and the size of the home. A quick phone call or website visit can give you a quick approximate quote. Read and re-read the exclusions in your policy (PDS). There are some situations where you won’t be covered.
Sep 16, 2021
Factors that can affect the Value of Your Property
Home prices can differ substantially. Factors range from economic and common sense, through to intangible factors. Location - Location - Location There is probably nothing that influences a property’s price more than it’s location. Including. Comparable Sales Properties in your neighbourhood that are comparable to your property and have recently sold. Your agent may provide you with a C.M.A. This is a comparative market analysis report to assist in valuing your home. Compare with actual sold properties. Not list prices. Properties are only worth what people will pay for them. Comparisons must also be comparable to yours in position / age / condition / size / land / number of rooms and the like. Market Performance Supply and demand of housing has a substantial influence on prices. This can be quite geographical. Where homes in one area have a different supply and demand scenario, than in another area.If there’s an availability shortage home prices will normally rise. If homes in a neighbourhood are in low demand and properties are selling for less than the asking price, expect values to drop. Property Condition Maintenance is a major factor that can affect a home’s value. 2 properties with identical position, size, rooms, can have vastly different values. Because of their differing conditions. Well maintained properties, of course, demand a higher value. So it is important to keep your house well maintained and in good condition. Potential for Renovation. This maybe minor or a complete renovation. Often buyers will want to do some degree of renovation. So the potential for the buyer to improve and personalise the property can have a bearing on the property price. Interest Rates Movements in interest rates can affect the value of property. Interest rates can have a huge impact on property affordability. Lower interest rates equal better affordability, which pushes up demand and in turn increases house prices. And likewise higher interest rates can have downward pressure on housing prices. Infrastructure Projects Infrastructure development in the area is another major factor that influences property prices. If there are major infrastructure projects happening close by, you will generally see a higher demand for property and in turn an increase in property values. There are many more in-depth factors that can also affect the value of your property. Please talk to us for a consultation.