The AQWASUN Advantage
Welcome to Aqwasun Estate Agents, a distinguished boutique real estate agency south of Perth, renowned for industry-leading results. Our comprehensive understanding of local landscape and market trends allows us to customise our strategies and ensure our clients' real estate dreams become reality. We set ourselves apart from others by combining local knowledge with an undying commitment to client satisfaction and service excellence.
Our triumphs are reflected in the testimonials of our gratified customers. Should you seek a seamless, efficient, and successful real estate journey, consider us for a personalised consultation or property evaluation. Join us for a trusted, first-class 'boutique' real estate experience.
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Why Cleaning Gutters and Downpipes Before Winter Matters
As winter draws near, it's crucial for property owners to prepare their investments for the challenges that colder weather can bring. Among the essential tasks to tackle is cleaning gutters and downpipes. Neglecting this chore can lead to a host of issues that could ultimately damage your property and cost you dearly. At Aqwasun Estate Agents, we understand the importance of proactive property maintenance, and Alicia McCulloch is here to explain why cleaning gutters and downpipes before winter is a non-negotiable task. 1. Prevent Water Damage: Clogged gutters and downpipes can lead to water buildup, especially during winter when melting snow and ice add to the volume of water flowing off the roof. This excess water can seep into your property, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and even the foundation. By keeping gutters and downpipes clean, you ensure that water is directed away from your property, reducing the risk of water damage significantly. 2. Preserve Landscape and Exterior: Overflowing gutters can wreak havoc on your property's exterior, causing damage to siding, paint, and landscaping. When gutters are clogged, water can spill over the sides, saturating nearby plants and eroding soil. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and diminished curb appeal. By maintaining clean gutters and downpipes, you protect not only your property's interior but also its exterior beauty and value. 3. Extend the Life of Your Gutters: Regular gutter cleaning isn't just about preventing damage to your property—it's also about prolonging the life of your gutters and downpipes. When debris is allowed to accumulate, it can weigh down gutters, causing them to sag or pull away from the roofline. Additionally, trapped moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, weakening the metal and shortening its lifespan. By scheduling routine gutter cleanings, you ensure that your gutters and downpipes remain in optimal condition for years to come. 4. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most significant benefit of cleaning gutters and downpipes before winter is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that your property is prepared to weather the elements without succumbing to water damage or other issues provides invaluable peace of mind for property owners. By investing in preventative maintenance now, you can avoid costly repairs and headaches down the road. As a property owner, it's essential to prioritise maintenance tasks that protect your investment and ensure its long-term viability. Cleaning gutters and downpipes before winter is a simple yet crucial step that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By staying proactive and enlisting the help of professionals when needed, you can safeguard your property against the challenges of winter weather and enjoy peace of mind all season long. By Alicia McCulloch Property Management Specialist ...
Should you keep your money in super or buy property through an SMSF?
Should you keep your money in super or buy property through an SMSF? Building up a nest egg to live off in retirement or to grow generational wealth is important to investors. No matter how much money it would take for you to live comfortably and have financial independence, the road to get there requires careful consideration. For many people in Australia, this road is typically split into two paths: investing in property or keeping money in super. With self-managed super funds (SMSF), investors can enjoy the best of both worlds by buying an investment property while also holding other investments in their SMSF portfolio. Below, we explore key things to consider when assessing whether to keep your money in super or buy property through an SMSF. Annual returns have to be considered The rule of thumb with investing is that holding equities in major markets such as the ASX200 or SP500 will return an average of 8 per cent per annum over ten years. This takes into account the years where a recession may lead to negative returns and the years following where returns can be much higher than 8 per cent. In comparison, property prices generally double every ten years. Like equities markets, though, there are caveats to this statistic. These returns assume that the property is in a growing area with strong rental demand. Buying a more affordable investment property in an area further from transport, education and employment hubs may be tempting, but this may attract lower rental yields and capital growth. Time horizons matter If you’re young and have decades to withstand the fluctuations in the property and equities markets, it may pay off to take the risk in committing a majority of your capital to investment properties. However, if you’re nearing your later working years, buying assets that need to be held over a long period to realise returns may not be suitable. It’s all about understanding your specific time horizon and long-term wealth-building goals. A financial adviser will be best placed to advise you on these things, so it’s important to find someone reputable to speak with about your unique needs. Further, a fee-for-service financial adviser can provide independent advice that isn’t tied to selling you particular financial products. An SMSF can be a good fit for women and primary carers People who need to take time out of work for caregiving responsibilities often end up with a smaller super balance. Setting up an SMSF can give these people more autonomy over where and how their funds are invested. Buying a property through an SMSF can be a tax-effective way to get exposure to property while building up a retirement nest egg. It’s important to note that there is a minimum balance that makes the extra administrative and compliance burdens associated with an SMSF worth it. This is typically around $200,000 at the time of writing. There are many ways to grow wealth to live comfortably in your later years. Speaking with an expert who can help you determine the best strategy for your unique needs is critical. Start doing your research today and get advice on what the best options are for you. Remember, this article is general in nature and is not financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself....
TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGER
In this issue, we're focussing on the crucial questions you should ask a Property Manager when considering whom to entrust with your investment property. Making the right choice in property management can significantly impact the success and profitability of your real estate investment. What experience do you have in Property Management? Determine how long the property manager has been in business and their track record of success. How many properties does each property manager manage? This question helps gauge the workload of the property manager, and their capacity to effectively manage your investment. How do you handle tenant screening and selection? Tenant selection is critical for property profitability and maintenance. Ask about their screen process, including background checks, credit history and rental references. Ask about how they showcase the property for let & their procedure. How do you handle maintenance & repairs? Ensuring that there is a clear protocol for handling maintenance requests and repairs promptly. Ask about their network of contractors and how they handle emergencies. What's your fee structure? Understand the management fees & any additional charges. Ask about what services are included within their fee structure and if there are any additional costs for paying the properties outgoings on your behalf. How do you handle rent collection & financial reporting? Efficient rent collection is vital for steady cash flow. Enquire about their process for collecting rent and how they handle late payments. Additionally, ask about the frequency and format of financial reports. What is your approach to handling tenant issues & evictions? Understanding their approval to resolve tenant conflicts and the steps taken in the eviction process if necessary. Ensuring they adhere to legal requirements and maintain professionalism. Can you provide references from current clients? Request references from current clients to gain insights into their satisfaction levels and the property manager's performance. Happy clients are a strong indicator of reliable services. Do you have an online portal? Having instant access to our documents & information on your property and tenancy is extremely useful. Are any tasks outsourced by your Agency? Some Agencies outsource aspects of property management such as inspections, viewings, maintenance etc. Are there any other questions that you would ask a potential property management agency / property manager?...
Understanding Property Condition Reports in Western Australia
A Property Condition Report (PCR) is a comprehensive and legally required document in Western Australia that describes the condition of a rental property at the start of a tenancy agreement. Meticulously prepared by a Property Manager or Landlord, this document captures every detail of the premises, including the condition of walls, ceilings, windows, appliances, gardens, and any furnishings provided. It typically includes photographic evidence, ensuring an accurate record is maintained. We here at Aqwasun Estate Agents also use 360 photography to best showcase the properties condition. Under the Western Australia Residential Tenancies Act 1987, a PCR is a legal requirement when leasing properties. This report protects both the tenant and the landlord, serving as a baseline for the property's condition and avoiding disagreements over any damages that may occur during the lease period. Here are some crucial legalities you should keep in mind: Time Frame for PCR: Within seven days of moving in, the tenant must receive two copies of the signed PCR from the property manager or landlord. The tenant then has seven days to review, add comments, sign, and return one copy. Failure to provide an ingoing PCR within the prescribed timeframes is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and my incur a penalty. Prescribed Format: There is a legally prescribed format that must be used as specified by DEMIRS. This format can be viewed by clicking here. End of Lease Inspection: At the conclusion of the lease, the PCR is used as a reference to gauge any changes or damages to the property. It is crucial in determining how much of the bond is returned to the tenant. Failure to provide a PCR can result in fines for the landlord and may inhibit their ability to claim costs for damages that occurred during the tenancy. Tips for Tenants: Review your PCR thoroughly and edit it within the allowed timeframe if you need to. Make sure your PCR is clear about: items that need maintenance, for example a dripping tap; existing damage to the property, for example if you have noticed a burn mark on a kitchen benchtop; and/or cleanliness (cobwebs etc) If your landlord or property manager do not provided you with a PCR at the start of your tenancy, we recommend completing your own PCR within the first 14 days, including signing and dating it. The PCR is thus an indispensable tool, safeguarding the interests of all parties involved in a tenancy. It allows for fairness when reviewing a property's condition and binds both tenants and landlords to a documented, agreement-based standard of care and maintenance. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your PCR, Aqwasun Estate Agent's experienced and dedicated property manager, Alicia, is more than happy to help. Feel free to contact her on 0459 185 872. Remember, understanding your rights and responsibilities can make all the difference in creating a hassle-free rental experience!...