Special Interests Archives - Page 79 of 118

Rental Bonds

August 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Today I would like to share some information with you regarding rental bonds. At the beginning of a tenancy, we ask the tenant to pay a bond for the rental property which is equivalent to four weeks rent.

The bond is only four weeks rent regardless of how many tenants occupy the property, and it is used as security for the property in case the tenant does not follow the terms of the agreement and they need to compensate the landlord.

Rental bonds are required to be lodged with the Rental Bond Board. These days we lodge bonds using rental bonds online. The bond lodgement details include the rental property address, the landlord and landlord’s agent, and the primary tenant.

To ensure they get the bond back, tenants need to make sure the property is left in the same condition as when they first rented the property, except for fair wear and tear. If the tenant has damaged the property, or not left it in a clean and tidy condition, or if they owe rent or other money to the landlord, they may forfeit some or all of their bond.

If there is a dispute over the bond at the end of the tenancy, then the matter is taken to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

We hope that helps you understand rental bonds a little more, and if you have any questions regarding this topic or would like assistance with managing your rental property, we are more than happy to assist at Century 21 Central West for all your property management needs.

When You Smile, The Whole World Really Does Smile Back

August 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ground-breaking research from the University of South Australia confirms that the act of smiling can trick your mind into being more positive, simply by moving your facial muscles.

Since government restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming rise in anxiety and depression amongst Australians and around the world. However, the study, published in Experimental Psychology, evaluated the impact of a covert smile on perception of face and body expressions. In both scenarios, a smile was induced by participants holding a pen between their teeth, forcing their facial muscles to replicate the movement of a smile.

The research found that facial muscular activity not only alters the recognition of facial expressions but also body expressions, with both generating more positive emotions.

Lead researcher and human and artificial cognition expert, University of South Australia’s Dr Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos says the finding has important insights for mental health.

“When your muscles say you’re happy, you’re more likely to see the world around you in a positive way,” Dr Fernando says.

“In our research we found that when you forcefully practise smiling, it stimulates the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain, which releases neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state.”

“For mental health, this has interesting implications. If we can trick the brain into perceiving stimuli as ‘happy’, then we can potentially use this mechanism to help boost mental health.”

The findings demonstrate a strong link between action and perception. So perhaps there is more to the term “fake it ‘til you make it” than previously thought.

Ridgehaven Ram Sale Offers Top Quality Animals

August 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets will offer 10 Stud Rams, 20 Stud Ewes and 130 Flock Rams.

Ever since Ridgehaven Poll Dorset stud was started in 1965, it has always been run with a focus on producing top quality, commercially focused animals. Structural correctness, fertility, ease of lambing, growth rates, muscle and fat cover and the wool type have been a basis for selection from the start. In the last four years, the stud has worked with meat processors and UNE to accurately identify genetic lines with superior lean meat yield, intramuscular fat (IMF) and eating quality. Ridgehaven has seen the benefits of carcass measurement and how this can be used for genetic gain and it is now an important annual aspect of their breeding program.

To maximise the opportunity for all their clients to be able to get the rams they want, the Ridgehaven ram sale will not only be held in person on property on Thursday, 10 September, but will also be interfaced on AuctionsPlus.

On Thursday, 27 August, there will be an open day where the rams and ewes can be viewed. For the safety of all attending, on the open day and on sale day, COVID-safe measures will be in place. For more information contact Ruth Klingner 0438642113, Isabele Roberts 0405098335 or Floyd Legge 0402185727.

Felix Rams 22nd Annual On-Property Sale

August 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Felix Rams focuses on producing efficient and profitable prime lambs by breeding high performance, structurally sound rams for efficient prime lamb enterprises. Their commitment to collecting good accurate performance data is in the DNA and is embedded as the fundamental approach to the way they breed sheep.

In the world of big data, 27,000 lambs weighed within 12 hours of birth, 22,000 weaning weights, almost 18,500 scans with weights for postweaning fat and muscle and 4,400 individual worm egg counts is a lot of data. This is the performance data that influences the ram selection and the accuracy of the Sheep Genetics Lambplan asbvs on the rams you buy.

Felix Rams are selected for quick early growth and maturity, not maximum adult ram size. Most of the selection is done at 6.5 to 7 months, reflecting the age most lambs are sold. At Felix it is all about the lambs. Felix Rams selects for early maturity to efficiently produce a 22-28 kg lamb. Early maturity also means your suckers have the best chance of hitting the target year in year out, while attention to the “right” amount of fat means that you will almost always have finish on your lambs at market weights.

Despite the tough start, the 2019 drop rams have transformed with the improved season. Felix Rams selection are for rams that perform on pasture and under commercial conditions. This year’s sale rams are paddock grown and finished and are not pumped up or grown out on a grain feeder.

Felix Rams will offer around 140 Poll Dorset and 50 White Suffolk rams at their 22nd annual on-property sale at Greenethorpe on 1 September at 1pm. Catalogues are available at www.felixrams.com.au. Email felixrams@gmail.com or call Rodney 0417 499 204, Isaac 0437 493 407 or the selling agents, Allan Gray and Co Cowra 02 6342 2377.

What To Look For In An Investment Property

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Today I am discussing all the things you should be looking for when purchasing an investment property.

It is important to look for a property with desirable qualities, as this is going to assist you in the long run with aspects such as how long it takes to fill the home, how much rent you can get per week, and the quality of tenant you attract.

The location of the property is important, properties within close proximity to town and main areas such as schools and facilities are desirable.

It is also helpful to consider the condition and quality of the property, purchasing a property that will continuously require work and problems is not ideal for any investor.

Tenants often desire a more modern and comfortable home, sometimes this may be a minor face lift to the home.

Another area to focus on is the neighbourhood, as this will sometimes affect the type of tenants that you do attract.

It is crucial to do your sums beforehand, as cash flow is always king when aiming to ensure an adequate return on investment.

Once you have selected the perfect investment home, it is time to choose a property management team that will provide you peace of mind and security. After all, you want your property to be in the best managing hands.

For more information regarding our property management services, feel free to contact us at Century 21 Central West.

Support Breastfeeding For A Healthier Planet

August 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) running from 1-8 August, now is the chance to reflect on breastfeeding. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is supporting Australian mothers throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, finding new ways to stay in touch, support, encourage and empower women throughout their breastfeeding journey.

The benefits of breastfeeding are widely known and accepted, the qualified breast- feeding counsellors within the ABA recognise it doesn’t come easily to many mothers and are able to offer guidance and ideas to help overcome challenges they may face. Forbes mothers are able to contact a counsellor via email at abaparkesforbes@gmail.com to discuss any issues.

The national helpline is also available 24/7 on 1800 686 268, where counsellors can be reached day and night. With COVID restrictions in place, our face to face Breastfeeding Education Classes have been replaced with Breastfeeding Education Live, a new online and interactive education experience for expectant parents. More information on these classes can be found at www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

The theme for WBW 2020, ‘Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet’ brings awareness to the impact of infant feeding on the environment. Breastfeeding contributes to general health and food security and breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging or waste. When we protect and support mothers and breastfeeding, we are also reducing the impact on our air, water, and land, protecting our young ones and future generations.

Due to COVID-19 the Parkes/Forbes ABA group has temporarily ceased their monthly meeting. To keep up to date with local happenings check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association Parkes/Forbes Group on Facebook.

Not The Time For COVID Complacency

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the benefit of having ample space in the Forbes Shire and safety measures in place, it is still crucial that residents continue to maintain COVID-19 safety measures to ensure that Forbes Shire remains COVID free.

This week the Western NSW Local Health District has reported a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The case is currently in isolation in Orange but has a residential address outside of the Western NSW Health District. The case is linked to a known cluster in Sydney.

The Public Health Unit has contacted all close contacts. They have been provided with Public Health information which includes to be tested for COVID-19 and remain in isolation for 14 days.

Currently WNSWLHD is urging residents in the region to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of how mild the symptoms are. It is vital that individuals take the right precautions to ensure the safety of the community.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Take hand sanitiser when you go out.
• If feeling unwell, get tested.
• Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Wear a mask in situations where you cannot physically distance.

Are you in need of a great property manager?

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

A good property manager can help increase the value of your investment property and make sure you are achieving a consistently good rental yield or return. Here are some important qualities you should look for:

2. Strict leasing procedures, including stringent tenant selection, consistently achieving the best rental rate, and planning annual rent reviews in advance.

2. Proactive habits around repairs and maintenance, like performing regular routine inspections to address necessary repairs/maintenance.

3. Thorough knowledge of current legislation is essential. It is important to ensure your property manager is always up to date! As part of the Century 21 franchise, we are exposed to a multitude of property management training. We are also members of the REI, and attend the annual REI roadshow.

4. Clear and concise communication is also key. How easy is it to speak to your property manager? Can you reach them after hours? Do they return your calls promptly? Are their routine inspection reports thorough enough and do you receive photos with your report? Are your statements delivered promptly? Do you have an efficient landlord portal that you can login to and have all your important info when required?

Here at Century 21 Central West we strongly believe that we deliver on all of these points and provide the most reliable and honest service. If you are unhappy with your current service, please do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss how we can help you.

Masks A Must In WNSWLHD Health Services

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire residents and visitors are being advised that hospitals and health services across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are implementing new state-wide requirements for all staff and visitors to wear face masks.

WNSWLHD Director of Operations, Mark Spittal said that NSW Health had responded to the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 by increasing infection control measures.

The changes impact staff, visitors and patients to hospitals and health services. “From Friday, 24 July all visitors must wear a mask when they are in any of our health facilities. We encourage people to wear their own masks as long as they are in good condition,” said Mark.

Visitors who have underlying health issues that might prevent them from wearing a mask are advised to contact their local health service before they visit to get advice.

In addition to visitors wearing a mask, all staff caring for or working within 1.5 meters of any patient will also be required to wear surgical masks and where possible, patients coming to a health service will be required to wear a mask, and patients already in hospital may be required to wear a mask outside their room.

Mark went on to say: “At this stage, children 12 years old and under are not required to wear a mask if they do not have any symptoms, and the use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand sanitising should not be adhered to.”

“The safety of our staff, patients and visitors is our priority and all visitors and staff must pass all applicable screening processes in place including temperature checking at all entrances to the facility.”

Visitors to any WNSWLHD hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules and follow the directions of staff.

Under Offer/Contract What Does It Mean?

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

When an offer to purchase a property is accepted by the seller, it is generally referred to as ‘under offer’. This means that the agreement on price, terms and conditions has been reached, however the seller and buyer still need to sign the contracts and exchange.

Depending on various terms and conditions agreed upon during the negotiation phase, it can take several days to progress from the offer being accepted to the contracts being exchanged.

During this time the buyer or the seller may withdraw from the agreement.

In NSW two identical contracts are prepared – one is signed by the seller, the other by the buyer. Solicitors or conveyancers will exchange the contracts, however if the property is sold on auction the real estate agent usually exchanges contracts.

After the contracts have been exchanged, it is referred to as ‘under contract’. With a private treaty sale, the buyer has a five-day cooling off period. However, the buyer would be required to pay the seller 0.25% of the purchase price as a penalty for withdrawing from the sale.

Auction properties do not have cooling off periods. If a property is sold prior to auction, or on auction day, the buyer must complete the purchase or risk losing their 10% deposit.

Most agents put the Sold sticker on after contracts have exchanged and the cooling off period has expired.

When the property transaction is completed, which is commonly 42 days after exchange, it is referred to as settlement and the new owner takes possession of the property!

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