6. February 2015 10:55  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

The Ellenbrook Community Library needs you!  They are after local groups or businesses that can offer a service to the local community? The Library will host free events in the library space so please contact them on 9297 9600 or email ellenbrook.library@swan.wa.gov.au with your thoughts and ideas.

5. February 2015 10:23  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

A recent survey conducted by Slater and Gordon Conveyancing Works suggests that Australians are increasingly heading online to do their house hunting. 

The independent research surveyed 2000 people with 58.5 per cent saying they would head to real estate websites to do their house hunting. 

REIWA Chief Executive Officer Neville Pozzi said the trend towards online house hunting was a driving force behind the recent re-launch and upgrade of the company’s real estate portal, reiwa.com. 

“We are very aware that the internet is the first port of call for the majority of people looking for property. It’s where their research begins, which is why we completely overhauled our site last September with a new look, new features and easier navigation,” Mr Pozzi said.

The Slater and Gordon Conveyancing Works results found that of the people surveyed, 61.7 per cent of the people who would choose to hunt for a home online were women, while 56 per cent were men. 

It also found that in all age brackets more than 50 per cent of people surveyed would search online first, with 35 to 44 year olds the most likely at 68.8 per cent. 

Slater and Gordon Conveyancing Works lawyer, Robert Kern, said the results were not surprising. 

“Buying a house is a big commitment so it makes sense that people want all the information they can get; and where better than a site that is a one stop shop?” Mr Kern said.

Extracted from REIWA website, for full article go tohttp://reiwa.com.au/About-Us/News/Research-shows-trend-towards-online-house-hunting/

5. February 2015 10:15  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

President of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, David Airey, has commended the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to drop interest rates by 0.25 per cent and urged the banks to pass it on in full. 

“Consumer sentiment is weak and property sales have been sluggish for the start of the year. However, this drop in interest rates, along with falling petrol prices is a real boost to household finances,” Mr Airey said.

The Real Estate Institute of Australia has also welcomed the decision with President Neville Sanders saying the RBA Board had made a considered and accurate assessment of the property market. 

“The significance of the easing monetary policy is that housing affordability in Australia will improve further, however we need today’s cut to be passed on fully by lenders,” Mr Sanders said. 

The official interest rate is now 2.25 per cent, a record low, following one of the longest periods of interest rate stability. 

Mr Airey said he hoped the drop in interest rates would encourage more buyers to enter the market. 

“Housing affordability has improved a lot over the last year and with the increase in listings, home buyers have far more choice than they did two years ago. 

“This cut will typically save around $50 per month on a $300,000 mortgage,” Mr Airey said. 

Article from REIWA.com.au website 3rd Feb 2015

4. February 2015 15:42  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

Although research is showing a trend to online house hunting (more on this in next post) research also confirms that print advertising is still influential in selling properties faster.

Research by CoreLogic RP Data through its Media Maximiser product recently confirmed that properties advertised in print and online mediums sell faster and for more money than properties offered in online media alone.

In an information release prepared and released by not-for-profit trade media publication Newspaper Works, the data shows that homes in Perth were on average 8.7% (almost $50,000) higher for properties advertised in print and online, compared with houses and units advertised on digital channels only.

Houses across the country advertised on both mediums sold on average seven days faster compared with those only advertised online.

Extracted from CoreLogic RP Data on January 30, 2015 in Marketing, Real Estate Agents

At Swan Valley Realty we focus on both print and online advertising.

3. February 2015 13:13  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

The Ellenbrook Community Library is holding a session to answer questions you may have if you have a rainwater tank, or are interested in getting one.

For example, how much water you could collect from your roof.

Or what the risks are to having a rainwater tank,

And what regular maintenance is required to keep the water safe for your family.

Head along to this entertaining workshop presented by City of Swan’s Health Services staff and you’ll discover all these answers and many more. Bookings essential. Light refreshments provided.

Wednesday February 11th 6-7.30pm

27. January 2015 16:43  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

For those of you who missed the curb side rubbish collection or feel your items are too good for the rubbish collection. The City of Swan is having a Recyclable Goods Collection Day this Saturday in Middle Swan. See details below.

n is providing another opportunity to get rid of unwanted goods.

23. January 2015 09:30  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

22. January 2015 14:42  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (2)

It’s great to see the healthy fast food chains do well and I’m pleased there is going to be a Sumo Salad opening at The Shops in Ellenbrook. Yum!

Sumo salad is also calling for new staff to work at the outlet.

21. January 2015 15:45  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

Year 12 student Alexander Rafferty has been awarded a general exhibition and a certificate of distinction for mathematics in the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s 2014 exhibition and award winners.

Alexander has also been offered a scholarship by the University of Western Australia where he will study engineering.

He achieved scaled marks of 79.6 in English, 92.6 in chemistry, 94.9 in physics, 96.2 in maths and 100 in mathematics 3CD.
He had already received a scaled mark of 81.2 for a French exam, which he had sat previously.
His ATAR was 99.9.

Congratulations Alexander and all the best for your very bright future ahead!

Source; Echo Ellenbrook News, Sat Jan 17. 2015

15. January 2015 15:26  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (6)

Its that time of year again in Ellenbrook and surrounds where we get the opportunity to get rid of unwanted goods and avoid time consuming and at times costly trips to the tip. 

For bu;k rubbish collection times in your area click on the City of Swan Website Link

http://www.swan.wa.gov.au/Residents/Waste_and_Recycling_Services/Binverge_collection_dates

14. January 2015 10:39  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

The newest Bowling Club in WA has arrived in Ellenbrook. But this venue has more than just Bowling – it is a social club that has events, Bingo, Darts. Pool and evening meals on Friday nights. Again another great example of a community facility that reaffirms why it is so great to live in this lovely area.  

14. January 2015 10:29  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (2)

In the Market Watch section of The Sunday Times real estate lift out Terry Ryder, founder of hotspotting.com.au stated that although momentum in WA has cooled, affordable suburbs were the best investment option and that these suburbs are resisting the pattern of market activity tapering off.

Mr Ryder includes the Swan local government area in his list of the strongest markets in Perth. He explains that The City Of Swan is hot due to Urban renewal, government policy and job nodes.

With regards to affordability Ellenbrook still has a median price range of $439,00 which puts in among the most affordable suburbs in Perth.

Source; Sunday Times Jan 11, 2015

12. January 2015 12:10  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

17. December 2014 12:14  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

The City of Swan combined with local developers are providing a host of activities to keep our children busy over the January School Holidays. From cooking, picnics, movies, first aide, science and singing, there is a fantastic fun choice of activities.

The activities are being held in theEllenbrook Library, Community Centers and Parks in Ellenbrook and Aveley. See below for more details.

12. December 2014 09:55  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

Just in time before Christmas – get rid of all your junk to make way for the new stuff! The City of Swan is providing a recycling service so that all the unwanted things can be recycled and put to a future good use. And we get to de-clutter!

See below for details of what you are allowed to take to drop off and where to take your items.

9. December 2014 09:21  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

As outlined in a past post there are a variety of events in Ellenbrook and Aveley hosted by community groups and businesses getting into the spirit of Christmas with Pageants, Concerts, Carols, and Arts and Markets. Now the fantastic residents of Ellenbrook and Aveley are putting on their own shows too!

The poster below gives the addresses of the great residents who have put an effort into spreading some Chrissy Cheer around the neighbourhood.

What a great cheap family night out to map out and drive by these wonderful houses. I’m looking forward to showing my children. My own photos to come…

8. December 2014 14:54  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

5. December 2014 16:51  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (3)

3. December 2014 16:33  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

I am so impressed with Ellenbrook Residents who put so much effort into creating a festive atmosphere for all the community to enjoy. First there was Halloween with the Marshals and now the Christmas Lights of Granesse Drive in the lovely Charlotte’s Vineyard townsite within Ellenbrook.

At the house pictured below there are some amazing lights to see and a Christmas Grotto. All donations collected by visitors go to PMH Foundation.

For more information and pictures go to the facebook page below;

https://www.facebook.com/ellenbrookchristmaslights/timeline

2. December 2014 11:15  /  swanvalleyrealtyblog Comments (0)

Some great community events have been planned for Ellenbrook this festive season. To get into the spirit of Christmas there will be the Ellenbrook Christmas Pageant, an Arts and Produce Market to grab some Chrissy pressies and food, Carols by Candlelight and a Theater Group Performance. See poster below for details.