ONE of the best things about Thredbo is of course the snow and all the fun that comes along with that… however there is definitely more to Thredbo than that, as I was reminded on my trip down a few weekends ago for some hiking and relaxation.

Thredbo’s mountain in summer transforms into the mountain biking and hiking mecca of Australia. Thredbo offers over 34 kilometres of mountain bike trails to enjoy and over 20 different walks and hikes for those looking for an outdoor adventure, experience the stunning scenery of alpine Australia and conquering Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko.  Whether it’s a family friendly hike to the top of Mt. Kosciuszko or an advanced day hike across the Australian Main Range, there’s something for every age and ability to enjoy. With tons of glacial lakes, unique flora and fauna and mountains as far as the eye can see, it’s a must do! They also run some group and private guided hikes during the summer time, which are great if you really want to get to know the area better.

Every home needs a refresh once in a while. Not only can this bring your property’s aesthetic in line with current trends and styles, but it can also increase your home’s value.

A full revamp can be a big undertaking, though — unless you hire a pro.

Are you thinking of updating a room (or your whole space)? Here’s how to hire the right person for the job to ensure a smooth experience. 

Gather referrals: Ask your neighbors, friends and colleagues for recommendations and cross-reference those names with online reviews and ratings. From there, you can start building out a shortlist of designers to interview. 

Vet them thoroughly: Once you have a shortlist, check out each designer’s portfolio and see if their style matches the aesthetic you’re going for. You should also schedule an in-person (or Zoom) interview with them. Ask about their experience, their process, their fees and their style inspiration. 

Have the details ready: Before you hire a pro, make sure you have all the details worked out — things like your budget and desired end date. You should also have an idea of how much control you want over the process. (Do you want to approve every choice or will you give the designer some decision-making autonomy?) 

Be proactive: You want to head off challenges before they can arise, so ask the important questions, like: “When will payments be due?” “How often will you update me?” and “Will we communicate by text, phone or email?” If you’re doing renovations as well, you’ll also want to ask about the mess and disruptions you can expect.

Need guidance on updating your house to increase its market value? Contact me for more information!

Bidding can be exciting but stressful. To help you through it, here are our top bidding tips:

1. Come to the auction with a positive attitude. Even if you would have preferred not to compete at auction, look on the bright side. Unlike private treaty negotiations, you will know exactly what price your competitors are offering and once the hammer falls, the sale is final
2. Bring some photo ID. This is required for you to register to bid. Your ID must be issued by a government or financial institution and show your name and address. Examples include a driver’s licence or a council rates notice
3. Bring your cheque book – you have to sign the contract and pay the deposit immediately after the auction
4. If you are among several registered bidders, be glad. Take comfort that other people also think this is a great property! If you are the sole registered buyer, don’t assume you’re the only interested buyer. Other buyers might not be able to compete on the day due to delays with finance or their own homes not selling. Their circumstances could change within days!
5. Arrive with plenty of time to spare. Being rushed will make you more stressed. Go to the registration desk as soon as you arrive to register and receive your bidder’s card. If you like, you can pre-register with us before auction day
6. The auctioneer is entitled to make one bid on behalf of the seller. This is called a ‘vendor bid’. It is often used to start an auction if no one bids, or to raise the bidding to a level that is closer to the reserve price set by the seller
7. Show confidence. Bid in a loud, clear voice and be mindful of your body language and raise your bidder’s card high!
8. If you are going to make the first bid, be realistic. The auctioneer has the right to refuse any bid that is not in the vendors’ interests
9. If the property is going to pass in, make sure you are the highest or last bidder. The highest bidder is offered the first right to negotiate immediately after the auction. If no one bids, five other people could approach us immediately afterwards and you will end up in a quasi auction anyway!

As they say… kitchens sell houses! As a space that brings family and friends together, it’s high on the list of any potential buyer so you need to ensure yours looks it’s absolute best before listing your home. Here’s a few tips that can be applied to any kitchen, whatever it’s shape or size. 

1. Clear your bench tops: Before doing anything else, declutter. Remove everything from the benchtops. Put small and large appliances in cupboards or storage. A clutter free kitchen will look more spacious and allow you to give it a good clean – which is also essential. Scrub every surface, including your oven and built in appliances. A clean kitchen will give the impression of a well-maintained home.

2. Make small repairs: Kitchen renovations can be expensive and take time, but some minor repairs will go a long way. Replace damaged hardware, fix leaking taps, if your cabinets are in bad condition or very dated, you may consider painting them. Likewise, a new benchtop can give your entire kitchen a new look. Don’t go overboard but make sure what you’ve got is in the best condition possible. 

3. Organise your cupboards: You also need to give attention to what’s inside your cupboards and drawers. Remove everything and cull what you no longer use or need. Replace everything neatly. Organised cupboards give the impression of ample storage space. 

4. Simple styling: With kitchen styling, less is more. Choose a few simple accessories such as a beautiful serving dish or tray, layered with utensils or napery. Play with different materials and textures to create different looks. We especially love adding greenery or a floral arrangement and if there’s wall space, an artwork in a kitchen is an unexpected and lovely point of interest. 

Article by Spatial Property Styling. For more detailed and bespoke advice regarding your property, contact one of their Senior Stylists on 9417 7193.