26 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
We are proud to announce that we won 2 awards as the “AGENCY OF THE YEAR” in the RateMyAgent 2018 Agent of the Year Awards. The awards, which are the largest real estate awards in Australia, recognise those agents and agencies that have ranked the highest based on customer reviews and feedback.
RAVEEN LIYANAGE WON THE THE AWARD FOR THE “AGENCY OF THE YEAR FOR MADDINGTON”
HASI KODAGODA WON THE THE AWARD FOR THE “AGENCY OF THE YEAR FOR BECKENHAM”
NICK MITCHELL WON THE THE AWARD FOR THE “AGENCY OF THE YEAR FOR FORRESTFIELD”
The RateMyAgent Agent of the Year Awards compare over 32,000 agents and agencies across the country. They highlight the leading real estate agents and agencies in each suburb, city and state across Australia, and on a national level.
“The RateMyAgent Agent of the Year Awards are the only awards which use verified customer reviews and feedback, so they’re an honest gauge of the customer service an agent has provided,” said RateMyAgent CEO & Co-Founder, Mark Armstrong. “These awards are the only industry awards to put sellers’ needs first, using customer reviews as a leading indicator of an agent’s success over 2017.”
Our team was also,
- David Quadros – No 1 agent by recommendation in Ascot
- David Quadros – No 3 agent by recommendation in Belmont.
- Greg O – No 1 agent by recommendation in Belmont.
Click below to find out
View our RateMyAgent profile here.
https://www.ratemyagent.com.au/real-estate-agency/porter-matthews-metro-ak795/sales/reviews
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26 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: GIA Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
In 2018, interior style is all about rejecting conformity to a particular “look” and embracing imperfections. Individual touches have never been so big and anything with a touch of whimsy gets full marks. Basically, 2018 is bringing about the death of monochrome and minimalism and the rise of eclectic hygge-ness.
Here Houzz Australia zone in on what that all means exactly — with a community of 1.5 million design and reno professionals, they seemed the right people to ask.
1. Handcrafted Wall Treatments
Image Source: Suzi Appel Photography
Image Source: Space Craft Joinery / Jonathan VDK
Whether tribal or handmade-looking, tiles that add a handcrafted touch to an otherwise sleek and modern kitchen are on the rise. It takes modern kitchens, which were on the verge of looking like spacecrafts, back to that “heart of the home” space. Bang on for the hygge trend.
2. Cabinetry With Personality
Image Source: Woods & Warner
Image Source: Kyal and Kara and Wideline Windows & Doors
Houzz has seen a rise in cabinetry and handles that give a room character. Oversized and elongated wooden knobs work in kitchens or bedrooms.
3. Anti Mass-Manufactured Furniture
Image Source: Decus Interiors / Justin Alexander
Linen bean bags, curvy lines and puffy sofas culminate to make a non-uniform, more organic living space. This means mixing an eclectic selection of seating and tables in your living areas.
4. Brass Is Still the Metal of Choice
Image Source: GIA Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
Image Source: GIA Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
Houzz are seeing no signs of the metallic trend abating. Copper and gold will still be coveted in 2018, but they predict brass will take the cake.
5. Dual-Material Benchtops
Image Source: Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd.
Kitchen counters and islands that are a mix of marble, concrete or wood rose to popularity on this season of The Block, and that was just the beginning.
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22 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: The Makerista
Switching up your decor can make a surprisingly huge difference in the way you feel at home, but beware of common decorating traps. Before you tackle these bold design updates, be mindful not to do these 9 things:
1.Don’t Forget About Lighting
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Even the most beautiful of rooms can be thwarted by bad lighting. The most welcoming spaces are filled with soft layers of flattering lighting at various heights (a chandelier, floor lamp, desktop lamp, etc.), not just one harsh light source. If the space has little natural light, use mirrors to brighten it up by reflecting what natural light there is around the room.
2. Don’t Hang Pictures at the Wrong Height
Image Source: Honestly WTF
You’ve found the perfect picture, paired it with the perfect frame, and now it’s time to hang it at the perfect height. The centre of the image should be at eye height, around 144cm — lower than most people expect. If you’re putting up a gallery wall, you not only need to be thoughtful with the height of the image but also the layout. Take care to mock up where each picture will go before you start putting nails in the wall.
3. Don’t Have Tons of Throw Pillows
Image Source: Sarah Hearts
They’re affordable, easy to swap out, and a great way to transform the look of a room; however, it’s easy to get carried away with them, picking up one or two every time you’re shopping until you have no space on your sofa left to actually sit. If throw pillows are deflated and flat, or more tired than trendy, it’s time to toss them. As a rule of thumb, only buy a new pillow if you’re willing to part with an old.
4. Don’t Blindly Follow Trends
Image Source: The Makerista
Of course, you want your interior design to be up-to-date, and it’s great to keep an eye on the 2016 trends — but beware of incorporating every trend into your home. Rose quartz and serenity might be the colours of the year, but that doesn’t mean you need to repaint all your walls. Just as with fashion, certain trends work better for certain people, so adopt and adapt as best suits your home and needs. If the season’s dark and moody hues are too much for your space, paint a single accent wall and incorporate edgy leopard in an occasional chair that can easily be swapped out as tastes change.
5. Don’t Go Overboard With Decorative Painting
Image Source: StyleMutt
With a bucket of paint, you can do many a wonderful thing to a wall. You can also do many a horrible thing. Stencils, brushes, and the like have their place, but be careful not to gild the lily. In other words, keep decorative paint elements simple. That mural or stenciled design should enhance the room, not dominate it. And leave the sponge painting in the ’80s. Period.
6. Don’t Hang Onto Pieces That No Longer Serve You
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
It can be hard to get rid of belongings that have sentimental value or that you shelled out big bucks for, even if they’ve outgrown their purpose. If you don’t, however, they’ll begin to overwhelm your home until its more cluttered than cute. Be honest with yourself and sort out the pieces you can really use, and get rid of the rest.
7. Don’t Push Furniture Against the Walls
Image Source: The Decor Fix
Pro designers cringe when they see living room furniture pushed flush against a wall. Not only does it create awkward, empty space in the middle of the room, but it creates a formal, unwelcoming vibe. Make better use of the the space and warm up the room’s vibe by arranging furniture within the room instead of against it. Trust us, no one will mind seeing the back of your sofa.
8. Don’t Ignore Practical Needs
Image Source: Inspired by Charm
Get realistic about your family’s needs and budget, and design accordingly. While you may be lusting after the glam mirrored Hollywood regency coffee table, your young children mean you must forgo it for a soft, upholstered ottoman. Blowing your room budget on a single item is equally as devastating to your design. A truly great space is one that functions well for you.
9. Don’t Design Without a Plan
Image Source: Sarah Hearts
Every space has its own distinct style and purpose, and it’s important to figure out what that is before you begin to decorate. Even eclectic-style rooms have a cohesive design theme that holds them together. Without any overarching purpose or theme, a room quickly becomes chaotic and adrift. You don’t need to know exactly where each piece of decor will go, but you should have a general idea of what you want.
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15 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: Inspired by Charm
This past weekend, my husband and I moved from the 94-year-old home we’ve been renting in the Berkeley Hills to a 58-year-old home around the corner. I have always had a soft spot for old homes — the architecture, the charm, the doorknobs! — but they definitely come with their quirks. Love ’em or hate ’em — if you’re living in an old house, you know there are some issues to contend with. Read on to find a list of 15 (relatively) quick fixes to make your old home feel new again.
Paint the Cabinets
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
This is a big project, I won’t lie. I painted my cabinets once despite being spectacularly DIY averse. But that monotonous oak was killing me, so I persevered. And it is so worth it! A few cans of paint (and many hours of your life) will completely transform your kitchen — in fact, your whole home.
Paint a Tile Backsplash
Image Source: One Kings Lane
Boring white tile backsplash? No matter — geometric patterns are hot this year, and you can make your own in a weekend!
Give Your Pantry a Makeover
Image Source: Polished Habitat
What with layers of paint and warping wood, old house pantries can definitely be lacking, so give yours a makeover! Make it the happiest place in the house.
Paint a Brick Fireplace
Image Source: Inspired by Charm
If your brick surround is an eyesore, not to worry — just paint it.
Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With Wood Planks
Image Source: Domino
Is this a major project? Yes. But then everything related to the ubiquitous popcorn ceiling seems to be. This is a doable DIY if you plan ahead. And the outcome is gorgeous!
Replace Ugly Doorknobs With Vintage Versions
Image Source: House Tweaking
This is an easy fix, but buying reproduction doorknobs can get pricey fast. To keep the budget down, shop local salvage yards or source an eclectic collection on Etsy.
Paint Kitchen and Bath Hardware
Image Source: Brittany Makes
Old kitchen and bath hardware can look pretty tired, and it’s no wonder, what with all the heavy lifting they do for us every day. But with a little sanding, primer, and paint, you can give them a new life. Check out this tutorial on how to spray-paint hardware for some inspiration!
Paint the Floor
Image Source: Little Green Notebook
Check out this great tutorial on how to paint a tile floor. Let your creativity run free with multiple colours and a repeating pattern.
Paint a Wood Fireplace
Image Source: The Makerista
Does your old house have a room (or rooms) full of wood siding? Can there be too much of a good thing? Sometimes a focal point is all that’s needed to draw the eye.
Dress Up a Cinder Block Wall With Chalk Paint
Image Source: Sarah Hearts
Are you cursed with a dated cinder block patio wall? Do this now! Cutest solution ever, although definitely opt for paint over chalk to make sure your hard work lasts and lasts.
Paint Your Trim
Image Source: The Makerista
Old homes often have intricate architectural details — show them off by painting them a dramatic contrasting colour.
Container Garden in Place of Landscaping
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
If your landscaping looks as old as your house but new landscaping is not in the budget, try a container garden instead. Add a few at a time (just remember to water them from time to time), and soon your garden will be looking cheerful.
Spray-Paint ’80s Brass Light Fixtures
Image Source: Brittany Ambridge for Domino
Sometimes a can of spray paint and an afternoon is all it takes to update an old light fixture.
Tile Over Your Countertop
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Dated tile? Yucky grout? Tile over it! Click here for the DIY.
Paint Your Stone Patio Tiles With Pops of Colour
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Leave it to the bloggers at A Beautiful Mess to make even an ugly concrete patio look adorable.
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13 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via www.domain.com.au
More Perth properties may soon be sold under the hammer. Photo: Peard Real Estate
With the Perth property market in a state of recovery, agents are predicting auctions will rise in popularity in favour of the traditional offer and acceptance sales method.
While latest Domain Group auction data revealed there were 180 auction listings in Perth in November, with a clearance rate of 30 per cent — in comparison to Sydney data for the same month of 4,187 listings with a clearance rate of 55 per cent — there were signs more homes will be sold under the hammer in Perth in 2018.
Domain Group data scientist Nicola Powell said a seasonality effect was obvious when looking at auction data for Perth, where there tended to be more homes for auction in the spring months.
Auctioneers expect to be busier in Perth this year. Photo: Dan Soderstorm
She said auctions were ingrained in the Sydney and Melbourne vendor market, and as the Perth property market began to recover, auction conditions might improve.
JLL buyers advocate Lachlan Delahunty said “auction” seemed to be a foreign word in WA.
“However, we should start to get comfortable with the process, as it will soon hit our shores,” he said.
“Properties sold under the hammer signify only three per cent of Perth property. Unfathomable when comparing that to the likes of Melbourne and Sydney with clearance rates of 80 to 90 per cent.
“Hot markets attract auctions – like bees to honey, as we have seen in Sydney in the early stages of last year.
“However, this form of selling is certainly no place for a soft market, which Perth has experienced in recent years, recording clearance rates as low as 30 per cent in the final parts of 2017.”
Mr Delahunty predicted if the WA market continued to improve during the first few months of this year, properties in coastal and blue chip suburbs would start to see the benefits of a bidding frenzy.
LJ Hooker national auction manager David Holmes said auction volumes in Perth remained steady and almost unchanged: 1973 in Perth last year, compared to 1964 in 2016.
“Perth is still a long way off the auction volumes of the eastern states – Melbourne recorded more than 50,671 auctions last year (a 19 per cent increase year on year) with Sydney notching 40,281 (a 16 per cent increase),” he said.
“However, at the end of 2017 and already in 2018, our offices have fielded more inquiries from sellers about the opportunities to auction their properties. LJ Hooker Kalamunda Foothills auctioned four times as many properties in 2017 than they did the previous year and expect to hold even more in 2018.
“Data has indicated a shift in the Perth market, with the first positive price recorded in the last quarter for a long time. When markets begin to recover, that’s when auctions rise in popularity as buyers openly compete to determine what new market value is.”
Rob Druitt, First National Real Estate Druitt and Shead principal and auctioneer, said auctions were on the rise in Perth, with buyers becoming more savvy in their understanding of the process.
“It’s unlikely in the short to medium term that we will catch up to the like of Melbourne or Sydney, however, as our market improves we are likely to see more auctions,” he said.
Mr Druitt said there were many benefits to selling and buying at auction.
“For the sellers, it is a quicker sale process and if the property is worth more than we all think, they will achieve it,” he said.
“For the buyers, in what is becoming a more competitive market place for certain types of properties, if they are organised, they have a genuine opportunity to buy the property in an open fair forum as opposed to properties selling off the market or quickly with multiple offers.
“For the market, it is good as it helps to genuinely set the market value of property and provides immediate feedback to the market on sales evidence and interest.
“Also, if the property doesn’t sell on the day of auction it will come on the market post-auction and is available to conditional buyers.”
Acton auctioneer Boyd Fraser said the benefits of auctions included a compressed campaign for 21 days and a 50 per cent chance of selling under the hammer on the day.
“Both buyers and sellers are in the same forum so transparency in the process is guaranteed. There is a significant difference in the number of days on market,” he said.
Western suburbs were popular areas for auctions, but other standout areas included Spearwood, Hamilton Hill and Coogee, Mr Fraser said.
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08 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: Armelle Habib
When it comes to the upsides of green thumbs, many of us are well-versed. Plants can be air-purifying, calming, insect-repelling, sleep-inducing, or lighten up a space. Bringing parts of the outdoors in though, can often present challenges — where are the plants going to go? Will they suit the room? What if I’m already short on space? What about the temperature?
To save you spiralling into an endless Google search for answers, we’re breaking down the best indoor plants for every room, right here. With some handy styling tips, too, so now, there’s really no excuse not to go green.
This is an edited extract from Plant Society by Jason Chongue, published by Hardie Grant Books ($29.99) and available in stores nationally.
Living Room
Image Source: Armelle Habib
The living room is the perfect place to go wild and use multiple plant types when styling. Use plants both individually and in groupings to get different effects. Tall, tree-like plants, like the rubber plant and dinner-plate ficus, are great specimen plants if you want to add drama into your room. You can also mix plain-leafed plants with more textured types.
Some good living room plants include:
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
- Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
- Dinner-plate ficus (Ficus dammaropsis)
- Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Fruit salad plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- Medinilla magnifica
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Philodendron
- Queen of hearts (Homalomena)
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
- Umbrella plant (Schefflera)
Bedroom
Image Source: Armelle Habib
We spend a large portion of our lives in our bedroom, but it is often the last place we consider when introducing plants into our homes. Your bedside table is perfect for a compact plant that will help aerate the air while you sleep. Textural plants like devil’s ivy, philodendron and monstera make a nice addition to your bedroom and are a great thing to look at when you first wake up.
Some good bedroom plants include:
- Arrowhead plant (Syngonium)
- Begonia
- Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
- Fruit salad plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
- Wax plant (Hoya)
Dining Room
Image Source: Armelle Habib
There is nothing more special than having guests sit around your dinner table when it’s adorned with some delicate plants. The best plants for your dining room are plants that will remain small and compact. There are several well suited species with a range of colours and forms.
Some good dining room plants include:
- Begonia
- Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Peacock plant (Calathea)
- Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Queen of hearts (Homalomena)
- Radiator plant (Peperomia)
- Wax plant (Hoya)
Bathroom
Image Source: Armelle Habib
The bathroom is the perfect location for growing plants that love humidity. If you’re short on space, try hanging devil’s ivy or pitcher plants from shelves or the ceiling. Plants like peace lilies, queen of hearts and arrowhead plant are great for creating small groupings of plants placed next to your shower or beside your vanity.
Some good bathroom plants include:
- Arrowhead plant (Syngonium)
- Devil’s ivy (Epipremnumaureum)
- Peace lily (Spathihyllum)
- Pitcher plant (Nepenthes)
- Queen of hearts (Homalomena)
- Tassel fern (Huperzia)
- Zebra plant (Aphelandra)
Office / Desk
Image Source: Armelle Habib
Compact plants are perfect for decorating your desk at home or at the office. There is often limited natural light at work and air circulation is poor. Try using some hardier table plants such as the Zanzibar gem, cast-iron plant or peace lily.
Some good office plants include:
- Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Fruit salad plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- Peace lily (Spathihyllum)
- Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas).
Meeting, Hallway and Reception Areas
Image Source: Armelle Habib
Plants make for a nice welcome when placed in hallways in your home and in reception spaces. They are comforting and create a calming first impression. These spaces are often used heavily and have limited natural lighting so try using plants like the cast-iron plant, rubber plant or umbrella tree.
Some good hallway or meeting room plants include:
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
- Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)
- Lady palm (Rhapis)
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
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08 February 2018
By portermathewsblog
via hartpartners.com.au
Parliament has passed the legislation allowing first home buyers to save for a deposit inside superannuation through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) and also allowing older Australians to ‘downsize’ and then contribute the proceeds of the sale of their family home into superannuation.
From 1 July 2018, a first home buyer will be able to withdraw voluntary superannuation contributions they have made since 1 July 2017(up to $30,000 each, with individuals being able to contribute up to $15,000 a year within existing caps), along with a deemed rate of earnings, to help buy their home.
Also, from 1 July 2018, when Australians aged 65 and oversell a home they have owned for at least 10 years, they may contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds into their superannuation accounts, over and above existing contribution restrictions. Both members of a couple may take advantage of this measure, together contributing up to $600,000 from the proceeds of the sale into superannuation.
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