I read recently that the Queensland Trust has sliced up some prime slices of our beautiful state for sale. The Trust buys ecologically important properties and has them declared Nature Refuges under the relevant government legislation and then onsells them.

So fancy an island!! With snorkelling reefs, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches – there is one such island just 100km south of Mackay currently asking about $1.5 million. Or perhaps your own mountain is more appealing – being closer to the city for around $1 million.

It is exciting to open our minds to the possibility of real estate being so much more than ‘bricks and mortar’ and the amazing life style it can provide.

Potential buyers are first presenting themselves to your property so make sure your property presents itself to them!

Ensure the exterior looks clean and tidy, make sure you can clearly see your house number from the street, tidy up the garden and clear outdoor clutter. The only thing that should be in the driveway is a clean car.

Outdoor space will always add value. Make the most of what you have, Create a simple seating area for potential entertaining or relaxing outdoors.

Next you should declutter, clean and organise all rooms within your home. Clear and organise kitchen benches and shelves. You want your kitchen space to appear large, clean and functional. Also keep the bathroom as bare as possible. Keep your personals out of view. “Less is more”.

One powerful selling tip is to depersonalize your whole property. Buyers are more attracted to your property when they can imagine themselves living there. You might consider placing temporarily in storage some of your family photos, holiday souvenirs, trophies and certificates, collectibles, children’s artwork and home gyms that have not been used in months. Your house will look lived in without looking like anyone actually lives there.

Address all repairs that need attention. The small investment of time and money will mean a bigger return when it comes to the sale price. You may need to make a few small purchases like pillows, flowers or bed covers so your home will show well. Again you will certainly see a return on your investment.

You are putting your home on display and if you don’t think you can present it well then ask a friend or family to prepare your house for you. Don’t forget you are decorating your house for someone else – this will help you to make purchases that appeal to the masses.

Empty your waste baskets and garbage bins daily. When having inspections try to keep pets and their litter trays and food bowls out doors.

Above all, have fun with your home and relax during this stressful process. Allow me to eliminate any and all of the stress involved in selling your property. Your attention to detail and small investment of time will ensure that the highest possible price is achieved for your property.

Wednesday June 10, 2009, 3:56 pm

The global financial crisis is driving a wedge through families, with many parents no longer willing or able to provide for their adult children, a study shows.

St George Bank research shows Generation Y expects parents to help pay for weddings, house deposits and education fees, but concerns over retirement and debt have taken priority for most mums and dads.

A study of 1,000 Australians commissioned by St George showed 70 per cent of baby boomers believe the global financial crisis has seen their assets shrink in value, and 71 per cent are now concerned about their financial health.

As a result, just six per cent of parents rate providing financial assistance to their adult offspring as a top priority.

Almost half of those parents with adult children said they were focussed on saving, either for retirement (25 per cent) or other future expenses (24 per cent).

Another 41 per cent favoured paying off debt, either their credit card (24 per cent) or mortgage (17 per cent), the survey showed.

Most parents want to help their adult children, but the global recession had made it increasingly difficult, St George’s general manager of retail bank distribution Andrew Moore said.

“Circumstances have changed for many and it’s understandable that parents are now having to focus on their own needs and financial health to manage their way through the tough economic climate, particularly as we don’t know when it will end,” he said.

“As a result, when it comes to paying for things like weddings, first home deposits, overseas travel and childcare, many Gen Ys must now stand on their own two feet.”

Most parents said they wished their children were more responsible with their money, and had urged them to save more.

Almost one quarter of Gen Y respondents said they had never had to budget or save money before, while a further 35 per cent said they had only saved for short periods for one-off items like holidays.

Mandy has joined b real t to follow her dreams of servicing her clients, buyers and sellers in the comfort of her own environs.  Mandy has established a huge database of clients, many of them referral and repeat business.  Mandy has recently become responsible for the saving of 9 mares most in foal, and 3 with foals at foot.  She also raised a foal from birth, when the mother passed during labor.  Stormy the Foal has been well publicized and is doing incredibly well.

b real t has joined forces with Mandy to donate 10% of every commission earn’t to Horse Rescue.  If you would like to list your property for sale with Mandy Harry please email mandy@brealt.com.au or phone 0418 724021.