The National Body would handle education, national licensing and the CPD that agents must meet to continue holding their certificate or licence to practice.

The changeover to a national body is not a short term exercise. The transition period is forecast to be 5 – 7 years.

A new trend, especially in brand new homes is to create moveable walls, similar to those seen in an office environment.  Houses of the 1950s era were seen to boast sliding doors between rooms and hallways, typically the living/dining room.  Nowadays the trend is re-emerging with moveable walls to enhance the use of rooms and enhance connectivity with families.

Another trend emerging is the popular indoor/outdoor flow connecting the internal living areas with the alfresco entertaining/living area.  Nowadays you will see outdoor living areas as charming living rooms with fireplace, beautiful wicker lounges, slim line TV, outdoor music system and even outdoor kitchen/BBQ equipped with drinks fridge.

The increase of energy efficiency in our homes is continuing to be popular since the government wound back on the cash backs.  With the increase in electricity and gas costs, solar systems have proven to be popular amongst home owners, especially those rebuilding or renovating.

We have many properties with flexible floor plans and those that offer the popular indoor/outdoor flow ideal for entertaining and relaxed family living and those considering the energy efficiency of their property.  Below are samples:

5 Rawson Crescent Pymble is perfectly suited to modern living, as it makes most of its northerly aspect with a beautiful blend of relaxed indoor/outdoor living. A central paved courtyard provides a formal centrepiece to the home with a flexible floor plan wrapping around it, featuring two main bedrooms in separate wings of the home, perfect for versatile family living or guest accommodation. 

Click link for further details & photos:

http://chadwickrealestate.com.au/3055649

38 Allara Ave North Turramurra is aspacious single storey family home which makes the most of its tranquil setting. The generous formal living and casual living spaces are all oriented to enjoy the best of the day´s northerly sunlight due to its passive solar design.

Click link for further details & photos:

http://chadwickrealestate.com.au/3025782

3 Eden Avenue Turramurra is an architect designed single level home with a functional floor plan wrapping around an open-air internal courtyard and unfolds into an incredible open plan casual living, dining room and modern kitchen. With an effortless synergy between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, the rear of the home continues out to an expansive alfresco timber entertaining deck and award winning in-ground pool, all privately enveloped by established hedging.

Click link for further details & photos:

http://chadwickrealestate.com.au/3025787

Councilors approved the new draft plan at the start of April within the agreed timeframe and it is now under review by the Planning Department to decide if it is suitable to be publicly exhibited.  At that point residents and other stakeholders will be given an opportunity to comment before the plan returns to Council for finalisation.

In the Mayor’s message on the KMC website posted on 13 April the new plan is described as having “a more moderate level of new housing in the six centres as well as innovative controls to protect our prized architectural heritage and natural environment.  They provide Importantly, positive features such as heritage and biodiversity protection have been kept, and there are new townhouse zones to create a stepping down effect between singles houses and apartment blocks.”

In summary,  the major features of the new draft include;  Raising the level of commercial and residential development in Gordon, reflecting its status as Ku-ring-gai's major hub.  Less development in smaller centres such as Turramurra, Pymble and Roseville.  The creation of 19 new Heritage Conservation Areas to preserve local streetscapes and protect properties of high heritage value.  Biodiversity controls to protect Ku-ring-gai's unique natural environment including endangered Blue Gum High Forest, and finally provision for new facilities such as parks, roads, community centres and town squares.

The final plan will influence how Ku-ring-gai’s six town centres can be developed in the next 25 years and is of critical importance to get right as this will influence the look, feel and function of the entire LGA across both residential and commercial interests. 

At this stage council remains on track to deliver the plan by the end of the Council’s current term which ends in September.

From a sample of auctions, the properties that had a marketing campaign greater than $5,000 generated 67% more traffic.  This in turn creates a level of competition which is likely to result in a favourable outcome for the vendor. Any property needs an effective marketing campaign to generate interest and buyers to open houses.  Marketing campaigns are tailored to the type of property.

In summary, greater spend, more inspections.