27 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
Is the kitchen your mumma’s domain? Does she navigate that area like an iron chef? Well whether it’s the cooking or eating side of things they love — or both, this Mother’s Day give her a new kitchen toy or something delicious that’s really going to elevate her breakfast in bed — like a bottle of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s finest rosé.
We’ve found the pressies Mum (Grandma and Aunty) are going to be all about this Mother’s Day.
Country Road Alvin Salt and Pepper Grinder, $69.95A pepper grinder that looks way too good-looking to hide in the pantry.
Stockists: Country Road
Williams-Sonoma Stainless-Steel Bar Tools Set With Stand, $120
You know she’s got Mad Men level expectations for her bar cart, help her out.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
Zara Home Orange Wavy Glass Cake Dish, $69.95
All that’s missing is the cake! Make (or buy) one, and the best present ever is complete.
Stockists: Zara Home
Laguiole by Jean Dubost Simplicite Steak Knife Set 6-Piece, $62.30
To feed her Laguiole addiction.
Stockists: David Jones
Byron Bay Cookies Assorted Cookies Tin, $32.95
The most delish cookies in the country and a super-cute tin to keep them in.
Stockists: David Jones
Cotton On Home Frankie Workers Apron, $24.95
Tell mum this is one of the coolest aprons around, not least of all because it’s Millennial pink.
Stockists: Cotton On Home
David Jones Mothers Day Indulgence Hamper, $149
You know they’re deluxe treats when it’s called the “indulgence” hamper.
Stockists: David Jones
Williams-Sonoma Marble Cheese Knives, $32
Mum’s grazing station game just went up a level.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
Country Road Ingvil Napkin Set of 4, $34.95
Neutral (and adorable) new napkins that will go with all her dinner sets.
Stockists: Country Road
Doughnut Time Mixed 6-Pack, $38
It’s her day, and she can have as many mini M&M-topped doughnuts as she likes.
Stockists: Doughnut Time
Cotton On Home Poppy Tea Towels, $16.95
Channel your inner Nigella, bake her something delicious and wrap it in a gorgeous new tea towel. Thoughtful gift? Tick!
Stockists: Cotton On Home
Amco Meat Marinator and Tenderiser, $15
For the mum who likes to hold “meatings”.
Stockists: Peter’s of Kensington
Williams-Sonoma Glass Domed Cake Plate, $70
The perfect display setting for mum’s bunt.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé, $30.40
Rosé-lovers rejoiced when it was confirmed that Brad and Ange’s split did not mean the end of Miraval Rosé, and so will your mum.
Stockists: Dan Murphy’s
Le Creuset Egg Cup Chiffon Pink, $9.06
Less than $10 and probably the cutest thing you could ever put in a kitchen.
Stockists: David Jones
Zara Home Washed Linen Tablecloth, $199You know you’ll be invited around for dinner more often if she has a new table cloth to show off.
Stockists: Zara Home
Williams-Sonoma Bottle Top Wine Aerator, $35
Exposing wine to air means you get as much as twice the flavour and aroma from your wine, which is why people decant their red, but this little gadget cuts out the middle man so you get max flavour straight from the bottle.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
Avanti Stainless Steel Rotary Herb Mill, $24
The fact that this looks like a miniature lawn mulcher is just part of the appeal.
Stockists: Peter’s of Kensington
Cotton On Home Laurel Mug, $9.95
Is mum fussy about mugs? Lip can’t be too thick, it has to feel nice to hold and be big enough for a decent cup of tea? Wait until she sees these.
Stockists: Cotton On Home
Academy Home Goods Eliot Mortar and Pestle, $50
She’s been complaining about not having one, so get her one that’s real nice.
Stockists: Peter’s of Kensington
Accura Neptune Black Mechanical Kitchen Scale, $43
Old-school scales with new-school accuracy.
Stockists: Peter’s of Kensington
Vinomofo Collaboration Case 15.0, $109
Introduce her to Vinomofo and she’ll love you forever.
Stockists: Vinomofo
Williams-Sonoma Hammered Ice Bucket, $50
This is one classy ice bucket.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
Le Creuser Professional Large Spatula Cerise, $34.95
A professional spatula worthy of the next Masterchef winner.
Stockists: David Jones
Williams-Sonoma Scalloped White Marble Cheese Board, $35.20
Probably the prettiest cheese board we’ve ever seen. If shabby chic’s her thing, she’ll fall head over heels for this marble creation.
Stockists: Williams-Sonoma
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26 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
Author: Rachel Preston-Bidwell , modified via reiwa.com.au
Renting out your property for a reasonable price and turning it into a successful investment can be challenging, especially in the current market. We share some tips on how to make improvements to your home to get a tenant in as quickly as possible and obtain a rent price that works for both parties.
1. Make some home improvements
If your investment property is a little older, it may benefit from some low-cost cosmetic renovations, including:
- A coat of paint
- New blinds or curtains
- Fresh carpets
- Updated/modern light fittings
Freshening up your rental property and repairing any damages can make a big difference to a prospective tenant.
You may also wish to consider installing features such as air conditioning, security screens or an alarm. These types of items can potentially add value to your property and also be an attractive incentive to a tenant.
2. Consider tenants with pets
Many landlords won’t allow tenants with pets, so those who are willing to be pet friendly are at a particular advantage and can potentially attract a higher rent return.
If you are concerned about a pet damaging the house, talk to your property manager about a pet bond, in addition to your main bond, to cover fumigation costs if required at the end of the tenancy.
3. Speak to a property manager
Property managers have a good understanding of the rental market, including the types of properties in demand in a particular area and the going rent prices.
Speak to a local property manager for recommendations on rent and even about what improvements you could make to your investment property. They can also help ensure you don’t overcapitalise on your rental, by recommending what improvements are sought after by tenants and what to avoid.
If you’re looking to rent out your property, speak to us on 9475 9622 or email us at mail@pmmetro.com.au.
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20 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
via domain.com.au
So you’ve bought your first house. And now you’ve got to furnish it. Money’s tight all over, especially for young adults and first-home buyers, but odds are the cheap-and-nasty stuff you had when you were share housing has done its dash.
When to comes to big furniture purchases, look at getting classic pieces that are built to last, says Triana Odone of King Living. “If you’re on a budget, don’t purchase based on trends that won’t be chic in a year’s time. Stick to buying a quality-made piece that’s built to last.”
“Take the time to do some research and really think about what style of decor you prefer,” says Odone. “Do you like quite simple, contemporary designs without big cushions? Do you like sofas and chairs that you can really curl up in?” Once you’ve got an understanding of your style, think about how you’re going to use your living room – where you’re better off spending a bit extra on quality construction, and where you can save money, too.
When you’re setting up your new home, invest in good quality “weight-bearing” pieces, like sofas and beds. Photo: Jane Ussher
“It’s pretty simple,” says Odone. “If it’s a weight-bearing piece of furniture, it will need to be well-made if you want it to last and to remain comfortable over time.”
When it comes to buying a sofa, make sure you get one that really suits the way you live – in other words, do you sit up straight, curl up in the corner with your feet tucked underneath you, or do you stretch right out on the sofa?
There’s no wrong answer to the question, but whatever you do in your living room, you should do in the showroom, Odone says. There’s no judgment.
When you’ve got a well-made piece of furniture, it can last for decades. Photo: Jane Ussher
If most evenings you’re horizontal with the remote in your hand, what’s the point of perching on the edge of the sofa, or just leaning back for 30 seconds? That’s not going to tell you what you really need to know.
Get your shoes off, stretch out – is it wide enough? Long enough? Are the armrests at the right height? Will you need a couple of toss cushions to really get yourself sorted for an evening of chilling out?
If you love to entertain, and your sofa can expect to have three good-sized blokes parked on it during most televised footy games, you’re going to want to get a sofa with steel frame construction.
In a small home or apartment, flexibility is important, too. Photo: King Living
Yes, it costs more than one that’s made with a lesser-quality frame, but it’s not going to collapse unexpectedly in the middle of the game, and you won’t need to buy a new one every two years.
On the other hand, you can save money on smaller decorative pieces such as coffee tables, side tables, cushions, lamps and rugs.
“Those are the non-weight bearing and decorative items that don’t need to be durable in the long-term. When you’re just starting out, a flat-pack end table will work just as well for you. Later on, when you’ve got more money, you may decide to upgrade,” says Odone.
Smaller pieces will give your room personality. Photo: Jane Ussher
When buying staple pieces, keep your style of living in mind. If you’ve bought a small apartment, you might want to consider furniture that doubles as storage. If you’ve bought a large family home, keep the flexibility and fabric of the furniture in mind. Many sofas, beds and ottomans do double-duty as storage solutions.
Once you’ve found a sofa that fits you in terms of structure, you’ll want to consider how hard-wearing you need the fabric to be.
Removable covers are a great idea, says Odone.
In a small home or apartment, consider furniture that does double-duty. Photo: King Living
“With high-quality construction, there’s no reason a sofa can’t last for decades. You may need to reupholster it after several years, and the foam or batting in the seat cushions may need to be restored or replaced, but that’s still less money than buying a new sofa,” she says.
– Stuff.co.nz
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19 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
Author: REIWA President Hayden Groves via reiwa.com.au
There’s been a number of unsavoury news reports in the last couple of weeks about rental properties being destroyed by tenants. While these types of incidents are relatively uncommon, it’s worth noting in most cases the rental property in question was privately managed.
While it can be tempting to go it alone and manage your rental by yourself – premised upon the notion of saving on management fees – deciding to not use the services of a professional real estate agent is risky and can often cost you in the long run.
Avoid going it alone
The amount of work involved in managing a property and how complex it can be is often underestimated. While the majority of investors choose to use a property manager, there are still around 40 per cent of investments in WA that are self-managed. In my opinion, it isn’t worth the risk.
A property manager will take care of the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of managing a property, and they’ll be well-versed on the Residential Tenancies Act. This is particularly useful if the property is damaged, maintenance is required or the tenant is being unreasonable.
As the owner of the rental, your emotional attachment to the property can be a detriment when dealing with the tenants yourself. A property manager acts as a link between the owner and the tenant, and will offer advice based on the best outcome for you.
Access to industry databases
A property manager also has access to the National Tenancy Database so they can identify any applicants who have a poor rental history when it comes to paying rent and maintaining a property. This is priceless information and can help you select the most appropriate tenant from the start.
Marketing your rental property
Perth’s current rental market offers tenants plenty of choice, which means investors need to work harder to attract interest in their property. A property manager will assist you with a marketing campaign to give you a competitive edge.
Plus, they have access to property websites, like reiwa.com which isn’t available to private landlords, so you can ensure your property is seen by as many people as possible.
Do your research before hiring
When selecting a property manager, it’s important you do your research. If you are negotiating with an agent about hiring a property manager, ensure you have a chance to meet them first.
You want to ensure you appoint someone who has excellent communication and people skills, is knowledgeable and experienced in the industry, pays attention to detail, and is professional and highly organised. Check too that they are a REIWA member, so you can be confident your interests are being protected.
Management fees are not excessive and are normally tax deductible. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with having a professional handle the tenancy.
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13 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
When knocking down walls just isn’t an option, mirrors can be a transformative solution for visually expanding a small space — no contractor required. The trick? Placing large mirrors in strategic spots so that they reflect maximum light and space. Check out our favourite mirror decorating methods for working magic in a cramped layout!
Layered With a Console
Image Source: Studio McGee
If you have room for a console, you have room for a tall mirror. Make the most out of it by layering a wall-busting mirror behind your console.
Tucked Behind a Sofa
Image Source: Victoria Pearson via House Beautiful
The area above a sofa often feels like dead space. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of finding and hanging the right mix of art, try this trick instead.
Displayed Window Style
Image Source: Bonnie Sen for Domino
Mirrors shaped like windows trick the eye into thinking that the space is lighter and larger than it really is. Look for options with beautiful details, like this arched and paned pair!
As a Headboard
Image Source: Domino
Instead of something traditional, experiment with alternative headboard ideas, like this large antique-style mirror.
Door Panelling
Image Source: Domino
Panelled doors can be the perfect excuse to add mirrors. Just visit your local glass shop to have them cut to fit the dimensions of your doors.
Installed in Wall Panelling
Image Source: Domino
Or go big by taking that idea to your walls. In a light-filled bathroom, it feels more zen than disco.
From the Window to the Wall
Image Source: Domino
Try leaning a large mirror on the opposite side of your largest window.
In the Dining Room
Image Source: Domino
Instead of art, consider hanging a floor-length mirror horizontally to open up the space.
On an Armoire
Image Source: Domino
Looking for an armoire? Consider buying one that has a mirrored front to serve double duty.
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12 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
Modified by realestate.com.au
Did you know that the rate of Auctions being sold is now an average of 28 day on the market? Whilst the Perth market average days on the market for Selling via Private Treaty is 76 days. Here at Porter Matthews Metro we have a well thought out Auction process and success rate, if you have queries as to how this method might suit you, please give us a call on 9475 9622 or email us at mail@pmmetro.com.au
Read more here why Auctions are becoming more popular in WA.
Perth real estate agents are predicting an increase in the popularity of auctions over traditional offer-acceptance sales in Western Australia, saying auctions could help fuel the state’s dull property market.
Auctions are not typical in Perth and only represent about 3% of the market, but agents and auctioneers say that is changing, with a growing number of vendors favouring auctions over private treaty sales.
CoreLogic data shows the number of auctions in Perth is on the rise, with 1964 held last year, compared to 1692 in 2015. So far this year, there have been 404 auctions in Perth.
First National Druitt & Shead Doubleview principal and auctioneer Rob Druitt says auctions have become more popular because it heralds speedier sales in a slow market.
Druitt says auctions enable the vendor to get a quicker understanding of where their property sits on the market, with the intensive marketing campaign usually spanning 30 days.
“The other important phenomenon is that in this market, the ‘no price marketing’ clearly isn’t working… because the market is driven by price. If your price is right then the market will see value and you’ll get offers.
“Price is the driver in this market. Buyers are looking for value.
“In inner-city Melbourne… 80-90 % of properties sell by auction. In Perth, you’re only talking about 2-3 % of total transactions. It’s a smaller number but it is rising and there’s a number of prominent firms around Perth who are embracing it more and realising the benefits for both the buyer and seller,” he says.
Acton chief executive officer Travis Coleman says the number of auctions in Perth has been on the rise for the past three or four years.
“A lot of people are doing it because we’re moving from a market where there are extended days on market and we’re trying to shorten that and bring the price discussion to a head in a shorter time.
“Auctions are not just limited to the upper end of the market. [Acton Coogee agent] David Bombara is doing it down in Spearwood, the mortgage belt areas, with great success and actually selling quite a few properties prior to auction,” Coleman says.
He says auctions are a transparent property sales technique and generally mean quicker turnaround times, rather than having a property sit on the market for four to five months, or in some areas even longer.
Realmark Western Suburbs director Adam Gilbert says the increased take-up of auctions across Perth was due to the competitive market and shortage of supply.
“What the market wants is transparency. In a market where there isn’t a real understanding as to what is a real price, what is a market price and what is an agent price – the market is saying just give me an opportunity to have a go.
“Auctions are very transparent, very honest, aligned with what the market wants and they do bring urgency not only for the buyer but the seller… to make the best decision in a shorter period of time.
“I think agents in WA need to get in tune with the current market. The market is evolving, the landscape is changing, technology is assisting buyers to gain information in a much shorter period of time so I think we give our sellers the option to consider auctions,” Gilbert says.
But CoreLogic head of research Cameron Kusher says with declining values in Perth it is unlikely that auctions will become more popular in the short-term.
“Auction volumes were a little higher last year than they were in 2015 for Perth, however, auction sales still represent a very small proportion of the overall market.
“Although selling by private sale in Perth is tough, a lot of vendors probably feel as if it is not worth the additional expense to sell at auction, particularly when the success rates have typically been well below 50% this year,” Kusher says.
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06 April 2017
By portermathewsblog
Author: Catherine Smith via domain.com.au
With summer now over, your verdant vegetable patch can become more than just a hard-working utility area. Bring out a table and chairs, find a shady tree, add an umbrella or pergola and spend long lazy afternoons eating what you’ve grown. Copy one of the hottest restaurant trends, and you’ll be dining garden-to-table in minutes.
- Shape up
Add architecture to the garden to tie it to the rest of the house. Here chunky pergolas make ideal climbing frames for beans and tomatoes. (A strong enough post can even carry heavier courgettes or gourds into the autumn.) Pick your lettuces straight onto the plate.
- Shed rescue
Soften the back of an ugly shed or garage with battens, or disguise it with a dark paint colour that makes the building recede and the greenery pop. Espalier a fruit tree against the wall, trail strawberries over the edges of the bed and you can pick dessert too.
Tip: Colour coordinate your veggies to match the paint work: comb the seed catalogues or garden centre and you’ll be amazed at how much you can eat that’s not green!
- Terrace dining
Layer an eat-in garden on the tiniest deck or courtyard: espalier fruit trees against the walls (look for varieties with dwarf or ballerina in the name), stretch wires or yachting rigging to grow climbing vegetables, and tuck the year-round lettuces and herbs in front. The back of the raised bed supports bench seating so you can seat a crowd, while an umbrella provides midday shade.
- Rock solid
For a soothing palette, limit the materials you use so that your finest veggies stand out. Stacked stone planting beds are the same creamy tones as the limestone table, as are the painted walls and gravel walks in this garden. For a more modern twist, use concrete edging, square pavers and a slick contemporary concrete table.
Easy Lighting Fixes for Your Outdoor Area
- At the bottom of the garden
The barbecue doesn’t always have to live next to the house. Move it down to the back of the garden, so that you have a pretty amble between the veggie beds to pick what you’re going to eat. Portable barbecues can be ugly, so dress up the space with a proper outdoor bench, add a tile splashback and a living roof to make a great focal point.
If you already have a garden tap, it is not much more to rig plumbing to this area too for a kitchen sink. (Hunt demolition yards for super-cheap vintage, and look for old brass taps that will weather prettily outdoors.) Then you can really get away from it all.
- Shady business
If your yard has no big trees, create shade with architecture. Crisp posts and beams balance the geometry of the raised bed. Vary the look with the shade materials: use solid canvas shade sails for deep shade, mesh gardening shade cloth for more dappled light, or operable louvres so you can alter the light or for weather protection.
Tip: For a cool south-of-France look, use striped canvas in classic blue and white or black and white.
- Climb the walls
Not enough room for a horizontal garden? Vertical veggies can still feed a crowd, and create a gorgeous focal point. Buy ready-made pockets and fill them with good quality potting mix. It is best to plant densely so there are no ugly gaps (and it slows drying out). Check the manufacturer’s info for irrigation instructions, as a vertical plant wall will need frequent watering.
Tip: Plants look most effective in mass groupings. Mix and match coloured lettuces and herbs, and tuck in swathes of bright flowers – marigolds (Calendula officinalis) to keep away bugs, blue flowers to attract bees. Feed regularly for lush foliage and replace plants as soon as they start to get leggy.
- Classical
If you prefer formality in your garden or terrace – veggies can look shaggy by mid-summer – stick to sharp shapes. Train fruit trees (or grapevines) along horizontal wires, and keep them clipped to reveal structure. The bare branches create lovely winter lines too.
Tip: Plant small citrus trees in classical pots and clip into balls for year-round structure and bright winter colour.
- Living room
Don’t just eat out, turn the veggie garden into the living room all autumn: bring out deckchairs or basket chairs for a spot of post-meal lounging. When the dining table is not in use, decorate it with rows of vintage plant pots, glass hurricane lanterns for candles or pots of herbs for snipping to add to salads.
- One on the side
Don’t waste the side of the house – it can be more than the dumping spot for rubbish bins or gardening gear. Even if light is limited, you can slide a raised bed right by the back door for veggies such as lettuces that bolt to seed in full summer sun. Add hard paving and hardy ground-cover herbs, and tuck in a folding table and chairs for your morning coffee spot.
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