The Great Land Sale

Commonwealth Sell-Off of Land to Help Housing Affordability Crisis

The Federal Government has announced its long-awaited plan to sell off Commonwealth land to address the growing housing affordability crisis. It has promised to speed up the sale of enough blocks for 10,000 houses across the country by 2010.

For the cynical amongst you, it may be interesting to know that the first property that will be available in Sydney is part of an estate in the John Howard’s wobbly seat of Bennelong. For those less cynical but nonetheless concerned about housing affordability, such houses are already on the market for $790,000.

A further 700 dwellings on the banks of the Parramatta River in Ermington will be disposed of by the Government in 2008 as part of the plan that would provide enough land for 6000 dwellings in western Sydney.

Prime Minister John Howard announced plans similar to those of Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, to spend $500 million on infrastructure for community facilities such as playing fields and libraries around new housing on the city fringes and in urban areas.

The most likely area to be sold first is the former Naval Stores Depot in Ermington, which lies in Bennelong, where the developer Stockland has four-bedroom "manor homes" on the market.

Additional sites include the Ingleburn Army Camp in South West Sydney and the Schofields aerodrome in North West Sydney. The Ingleburn site would provide enough land for 4680 dwellings and would require $75 million worth of remediation to be covered by the Commonwealth.

The final two sites in Sydney are West Wattle Grove in south-western Sydney and Bringelly Radio Receiving Station. Simon Turner

The Rental Bond Con

A 34-year-old woman who accumulated $47,420 by tricking more than 200 victims in a crime spree was last week given a suspended jail sentence.

Magistrate Pat O'Shane said the woman had taken bonds from people, purporting to be leasing properties she did not own. Among her victims were financial institutions.

The magistrate stated that the woman had been "naive" as she had dealt with people in her own home, used her own name and deposited all the monies into a single personal bank account. Nevertheless, she had exhibited "a high degree of planning and criminal conduct".

Ms O'Shane accepted Prince had had a troubled history and had suffered from a bipolar mental disorder for which she had had inadequate medication, and at times she had not kept up with the medication.

You Might Be At Risk of Losing Thousands of Dollars - Vendors Beware!

In the last 24 hours I have been contacted by a real estate agent who had an issue with Marquette Turner. Well, the issue wasn’t so much with us as it is self-serving. See, the agent who will remain nameless was not actually thinking of his client’s interests at all. He was far from being client focused and had only self-interest at heart. I will summarize the situation which really begs the questions – Is this person really doing the best by his clients? Is he really trying to achieve the highest sale price for every property? How do you deal with a person like this in the industry?

This is a true Story:

I received a telephone call yesterday from a well-known real estate agent on the Lower North Shore threatening to report myself and Christine Watson to the NSW Office of Fair Trading for speaking to a client of his. I am quite serious when I say this and am I discussing the Lower North Shore in Sydney – not North Korea. He was furious that we had spoken to his client who has been trying to sell her property for quite some time and she had noticed the hugely successful auction that we had conducted just a couple of doors down from her property – in fact the two properties are extremely similar and in terms of price are also quite similar. The lady had called our office to ask about the sale and had requested to meet with us. She also had no idea if she was in an exclusive agreement as she believed it had run out. To further complicate the situation she is based in Melbourne and the property had been leased for over twenty years.

I recently met with her on a trip to Melbourne and discussed her situation and also resolved the issue that she was still under an exclusive agreement with the other agency. She had signed an agreement for 90 days after auction – taking the agreement to a staggering 4 months! At Marquette Turner this would just not happen as we consider that length of time to be quite excessive. In the real estate industry an agent is not allowed to approach a client whilst he or she is in an exclusive agreement with another agent, however the client is most definitely able to make contact and ask questions. If the client employs a second agent during an exclusive sales agreement with another agent and the property is sold then the client may be forced to pay two commissions. I explained this situation to the lady and gave her the advice she required.

During the phone call to me the agent in question un-leased a barrage of personal insults about his client, including that she had been a shocking client for some twenty plus years – in his words “ a slum landlord”. He went further to say that he had arranged for the renovation of the apartment at considerable time cost to him and that the sale did not require another agent just a realistic vendor who would accept an offer of $530,000. This by any account is well below what I believe the value of the apartment to be and well below the price expectation of his client. In other words he was only worried that he might not get his commission as the agreement is almost over, and he had failed to sell the apartment and had lost the confidence of his client who was looking to us (Marquette Turner) for an answer to her predicament.

The sad thing about this situation is that the agent was only interested in getting a sale – not a sale at the highest price – but a sale at any price. This is surely not in the best interest of his client and is the sort of behavior that we can only hope is rare. Unfortunately he also claimed to have been in the industry for over thirty years so I was left wondering how many other sales he has adopted this approach and attitude toward? This story is incredibly important in informing would be vendors of the underlying motive that might be driving their agent in giving them what is supposed to be professional advice. At what price is this advice really coming at? When considering the total commission paid to the agent and the lost money in a low sale price it could amount to tens of thousands of dollars – vendors beware!

Michael Marquette

The Lies and Lows: Consumers Losing Out

It has been an interesting last week in real estate with so much going on with the Federal election, interest rates and auction clearance rates to name just a few.

To add to the mix we received a complaint from the NSW Office of Fair Trading which had been lodged by a former landlord. Marquette Turner takes extreme care in everything we do and we accept the fact that we are always striving to improve and strengthen our systems and procedures to make our service the very best possible. We realize that we can sometimes be wrong however the NSW Office of Fair Trading seems intent on the concept of guilty until proven innocent.

The complaint was made after the former landlords (husband and wife) of our company completed a 2 day induction program at our Sydney Headquarters. The two clients desperately wanted to become part of Marquette Turner, working as Consultants leasing and selling property through our Melbourne Office. During the two days it became apparent that the two people would not be suited to our company and after discussing our feelings with them they decided to move the management of their property elsewhere and lodge a formal complaint regarding our mismanagement of their property (without making any complaint to us).

Their tenant was devastated when she was told that we would no longer be managing the home and she immediately wrote us a testimonial which was extremely touching (we are happy to share this testimonial with you which can be viewed by seeing the comment to this article or by selecting the attached link).

The disappointment of this is that the current system of lodging a complaint to the NSW Office of Fair Trading is resulting in people making unfounded, untruthful or vindictive claims (with no repercussions to them). It is resulting in bundles of bureaucratic red tape for agencies like Marquette Turner as we waste hours on explaining why we are not guilty of any wrongdoing.

What this also means is that time is being wasted on people who are really abusing the system at the expense of consumers who really need help. The current complaints system must be changed and those found to be fabricating stories must be held to account and prosecuted for doing so. That way the NSW Office of Fair Trading can focus on the issues that really count.

The directors of Marquette Turner have written to our local member The Honourable Clover Moore (Member for Sydney), and The Honourable Linda Burney (NSW Fair Trading Minister), requesting an audience and I will keep you posted with regards to our ongoing efforts to improve the system. Michael Marquette

Banks to Increase Cost of Home Loans in Addition to Rate Rise

Not content with the interest rates rise, the cost of home loans is set to increase further with the major banks likely to lift their rates by a further 0.25 per cent in the next month or two

Despite today releasing record profits of $4.4 billion (up 18 per cent) the National Australia Bank has warned today that it couldn't keep absorbing the price pressures that have been added to its own cost of borrowing which, in turn, is used to fund the mortgages it offers.

NAB was the first major lender to lift its home loan rates yesterday in line with the Reserve Bank's quarter of a percentage point increase in the overall cash rate.

But it appears almost certain that NAB's home loans - and that of the other leading banks - will go up again before or just after Christmas.

Thus, regardless of the party that forms our next Government, they will be looking down the barrel at the daunting issues of housing affordability and the increasing financial tightness that families are feeling.

Simon Turner

Rate Rise the Cost of Australia's Economic Success?

The latest rate hike is ultimately to keep inflation incheck, and what one might just describe as the cost of Australia's great economic success.

Therefore, additional rate hikes will almost certainly be needed. The only way to avoid a series of rate hikes is for the incoming government to aggressively trim its spending programs.

Whilst this should be the immediate priority for the new government, regardless of whether it's in Coalition or Labor colours, moderate spending promises are more likely during the final stages of the election campaign. Simon Turner

Interest Rates Rise With More Likely

In line with most forecasts the Reserve Bank of Australia yesterday lifted interest rates by 0.25%. The decision lifts the RBA’s cash rate to 6.75% and will mean an extra $68 per month on an average $400,000 mortgage.

Governor Glenn Stevens was clear in his statement that the strength of Australia’s economy is operating close to the limits of its capacity. Hawkishly, however, he pointed out that there are few signs of that strength diminishing as yet, and reports of high capacity usage and shortages of suitable labour persist, thus suggesting too much growth rather than not enough.

Commonwealth Bank senior economist John Peters says the statement suggests the RBA sees all the risks to the economy being on the side of too much growth, rather than not enough.
“It’s a hawkish statement that signals they’ve got a pretty firm tightening bias in place,” Peters says. “It points to stimulus coming from all corners; high capacity utilisation, consumers are spending, lowest unemployment in three decades, governments are spending as well, and new dwelling investment has started to become a positive factor and will make a bigger contribution as time goes on.”

The key question now is not if there will be another rate rise, but when. Such strong economic conditions could mean that more rises are on the way, perhaps as soon as December. Given that the RBA has increased interest rates twice in the last three months, it would be unwise to suggest that yesterday’s rise will be 2007’s last. Simon Turner

Is Sydney the Next Target for Al Qaeda?

I was travelling from Sydney to Tamworth recently, on my way to the Marquette Turner country retreat. It’s a great escape from the pressures of Sydney and as I checked in my luggage and received my boarding pass I continued through Security where I was pulled up and searched as I had inadvertently left a pair of nail scissors in my carry on luggage. They were confiscated and I was cautioned and allowed to board the plane. This was on a Saturday afternoon at around 3.15pm. I was wearing a suit and had just finished a successful day of Auctions for Marquette Turner Estate Agents – surely I didn’t look like a terrorist threat!

I started the return journey to Sydney the following Wednesday morning at around 7.00am at Tamworth Airport. I checked my luggage in and was asked if I was carrying anything dangerous in my hand luggage. I assured the young lady that I was not and was issued with my boarding pass and had a coffee with Simon Turner. At no time did I pass through an x-ray machine or have any other type of security to pass other than my promise at check in that I was not carrying anything that was dangerous. The fact was that I wasn’t carrying anything dangerous, however, I certainly could have been. There was no x-ray machine or any other security to pass through. My aircraft was a Qantas Link Dash 8, carrying around 50 passengers plus pilots and crew.

I suddenly realized that I could have been carrying a bomb in my carry on luggage, a knife, 5 litres of petrol or even could have packed explosives in my checked luggage. We were flying into Terminal 2 in Sydney and I was free to cause as much terror as I wanted to. In fact I could fly into Terminal 2 and board a much larger Boeing 737 or Airbus of Jet Star or Virgin Blue (or Qantas Link): I wouldn’t have been required to go through the normal security checks at Terminal 2 as I would have landed and already been in the terminal. This is staggering given the amount of attention our Government has placed on airport security and terrorism since 9/11 and ultimately emphasises how easy it would be for Al Qaeda or other Terrorist Groups to attack Sydney, or any other Australian city.

On the topic of security, Marquette Turner has successfully implemented a security system requiring photo ID to be shown at every open home – we haven't gone to the extent of x-ray machines or bag searches but we have drastically improved the security at EVERY open home.

Our Government should look at the security at EVERY Australian Airport if it is truly committed to protecting this country. Thankfully it was me that was travelling on that flight – what if it had been a terrorist? The attack we all fear on the harbour city or in Australia in general could easily happen if security at EVERY Airport is not at the same level. Michael Marquette

An Education Revolution in Real Estate is Sorely Overdue

With the Federal election unfolding the concept of an education revolution has pricked my ears up. Recently the Marquette Turner Director's convened a "think tank" where we spent two days in lockdown considering how best to continue educating our team as well as what new initiatives could help in attracting high calibre individuals to our company and also the industry as a whole. Simon Turner, Christine Watson and myself are committed to a transformed industry where tertiary level training is compulsory and negotiation is formally taught and examined. Our vision is to see the real estate industry in Australia mature into the profession that it needs to be - much like Accounting, Medicine and Law.

The reality is that real estate agents are one of the highest paid consultants in any industry, yet the entry requirements are so low and the training reality is that very few people ever fail once enrolled in the course. The "pass everyone" mentality is continuing to see hundreds of people enter the industry - most really should not be there. I have listened to the education plans of both major parties and while they are both touting to increase spending on education there appears to be little focus on improving or completely restructuring the training requirements for real estate and other professions which are in desperate need of an overhaul. Marquette Turner is a fierce opponent of the "increase places" education revolution that seems to be the centrepiece of what we are hearing. Simply increasing the number of places does not improve systems that are clearly failing and in need of immediate attention.

It was only yesterday when I was told of a real estate agent in Newcastle offering a potential purchaser part of his commission if he were to buy a house from him. This sort of person should not be in the industry and is a perfect example of why a formal, tertiary level qualification is so desperately needed at Bachelor level as part of the process of cleaning up the real estate industry. More places in existing training programs where standards are low and almost everyone is guaranteed to pass is just not the answer. Let's hope our politicians are listening. This is something that Marquette Turner is working diligently towards. Michael Marquette

Junk Mail is a load of rubbish!

As the environment continues to be one of the most important topics in the world at the moment I am ever fascinated by the increase of junk mail in both home mail boxes and private post office boxes.

The focus of the world has been on increasing the awareness for the need to conserve our precious resources and yet both individuals and businesses in our local areas continue to proliferate tonnes of unsolicited as their main source of marketing. This is especially true for real estate agents and Marquette Turner Estate Agents has taken a stand against this ever increasing pile of junk by banning "Do you want to sell?" letters and focussing on environmentally friendly communication - namely the internet and email.

Only last Saturday (October 27, 2007) I was in Barry Street, Neutral Bay conducting an auction of a unit for fellow Marquette Turner Director, Christine Watson. I was horrified to see just how many real estate agents had stuffed junk mail in the letterboxes of the apartment block. The free local newspaper is called The Mosman Daily and there was a pile of them scattered near the mail boxes - all of which had been soaked by the rain in Sydney on Thursday and Friday. Most real estate agents in the area feel compelled to waste their vendor's money on advertising in this newspaper even though the latest statistics from the USA have indicated that less than 5% of real estate buyers are finding their properties in the newspaper. The cost of this madness is massive to both vendors and the environment and Marquette Turner has taken the stand that sound, statistically proven sales strategies that actually sell homes rather than promote real estate agents is what we are going to do.

Our 100% sales record for 2007 remains intact even though we have not advertised in papers like the Mosman Daily or Wentworth Courier. I fully support the Lord Mayor of Mosman in her environmental focus and congratulate her on taking a stand to end the endless pile of junk mail in Mosman mail boxes. At Marquette Turner we strongly advise a "No Junk Mail" sticker on your mail box and we hope that other councils take a similar stance on stopping real estate agents and other proliferators of junk mail in their tracks. Michael Marquette

Crunch Time - Will Interest Rates Rise on 7 Nov?

November 7 is the day when the Reserve Bank of Australia [RBA] announces the outcome of its decision as to whether there is a new official cash rate. Most analysts think the RBA will have to raise rates by at least 25 basis points. Marquette Turner Managing Director, Michael Marquette is inclined to agree that a rate rise prior to the 2007 is a high possibility but also points out that the sheer size of the debt burden of Australians should be a bigger cause of concern than by any single headline interest rate number.

Steve Keen, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Western Sydney recently stated:

''At 160 per cent of GDP we are now faced with the highest level of private debt in the nation's history - twice what applied during the Great Depression, and one and a half times the previous record, which was set during the Melbourne land boom and bust of the 1880s-90s,'' he says.

''This is the biggest [credit] bubble we have ever had. Interest payments alone are now consuming 15.5 cents in every dollar of household disposable income.''

Michael Marquette

Clients & Customers - What's the Difference?

Clients and Customers – What’s the Difference?

As a buyer of a property, have you ever felt totally ignored by the sales agent? Have you put in an offer for a property, been advised by the agent that it would be accepted and then told you have missed out because someone else has offered more than you? Does this sound familiar? There is one explanation for this. Real estate agents work with clients and customers, but fail to recognise that in this industry there can often appear a distinct difference.

The legal definition of a “client” in the world of property is the person who has signed a written contract with the estate agent and who will be paying the fee for service once the property has sold. In other words, the vendor or seller of the property is the person with whom the estate agent has a written contract or Agency Agreement with and therefore is the person the agent will receive their commission from.

Customers or buyers do not have a written agreement with the estate agent, (unless it is with a Buyers Agent – which is a totally separate agreement) and therefore do not pay any fees to the agent when the sale is transacted. To some agents, this means the vendor is treated with the utmost respect and courtesy, at the expense of the buyer.

Unfortunately many real estate agents lose sight that buyers of properties may well become vendors of properties. Not to mention the lost opportunity to have business referred because of outstanding service.

Thankfully times have changed. Marquette Turner recognises that true customer service is of the major factors both clients and customers seek. Real estate is a service industry after all, and should be no different to the major airlines, etc, in seeking to provide a service that is second to none.

Christine Watson

Email: christine@marquetteturner.com.au

Telephone: 1300 737 778

Marquette Turner - Changing the Face of Real Estate

It is no secret that Marquette Turner are something different! We are keen to educate the public to ensure that as many people we deal with are "property intellectuals". Whilst such a concept may not seem particular akin to real estate, Marquette Turner's desire to form long-term relationships with vendors, buyers, tenants etc - who ultimately became great and trusted friends - rather than focus on "the quick buck" whereby we can not see past a property transaction ultimately means that by educating those that we come in contact with provides great long-term benefits to all involved.

We have both youth and experience on our side. We have a hunger, boundless enthusiasm and Entrepreneurialism that quite easily makes us stand-out from the local agent that has little desire or interest in looking beyond "getting a listing, getting a buyer, and getting a commission". They have no incentive to do anything more, which ultimately means that the customer's and clients that are unfortunate enough to come in touch with them will rarely receive an experience that is outstanding.

This is one of the significant reasons that makes Marquette Turner so unique. We are in a position to look to the long-term, which means that our immediate actions, as well as those in the near and distant future are always in the best-interests of everyone.

Both Michael Marquette and myself are constantly looking at other industries to see how we can "do things better". You only have to see some of the huge press coverage that our unique Concierge service received in the national and local press to see how we really are trying to raise the bar in a service industry that is renowned for offering, at best, a very average service experience.

The Marquette Turner team is excited at any opportunity to demonstrate what sets us apart from "traditional agents". Thus whether you're a tenant, vendor, buyer, or just someone that is interested in learning more about real estate, please feel free to contact any of us. Call 1300 737 778 or visit www.marquetteturner.com.au

You can even Skype us on Marquette Turner and Marquette Turner1! Simon Turner

Should I Borrow the Entire Purchase Amount PLUS Costs?

If you are considering buying a property and are tempted to borrow the entire purchase price, as well as enough to cover all the other outgoings such as stamp duty and conveyancing, Marquette Turner will always advise you to err on the side of caution, as enticing the opportunity may seem to be.

As is always the case with property, make sure you are looking at your long-term goals, and never be unaware of economic factors, regardless of how “novice” you may rate yourself in such issues.

Think of a worst-case-scenario: don’t try to relate to your comfort zone now, relate to issues that may make your like somewhat more difficult.

Remember, the more equity you have in the property you are buying the more comfortable position you are in. This will allow you to weather booms and busts, and all investment cycles.

Listen to your head and think of the long-term. And of course, never be afraid to ask Marquette Turner for a little bit of guidance. Our team are always available to offer our assistance and thoughts (real estate or not!) but remember that it’s always better to ask the question than regret it down the track.

Simon Turner, Marquette Turner

Are Sydney Housing Prices on the Rise?

The biggest question facing home buyers right now is whether or not home prices have started to rise again and is the rise going to be like that of 2000-2003?


Well, here's my thoughts:


The top end of the market is booming with multi-million dollar sales for Sydney Harbourfront homes continuing to set new records with Point Piper continuing to be the stand out piece of Sydney real estate.


Prices in Sydney's west are continuing to struggle with buyer demand lower than supply. The biggest problem facing vendors in Sydney's west is that many real estate agents are suggesting prices that are way too high in order to "buy a listing".


The term " buy a listing" refers to agents suggesting inflated prices for homes, dishonestly trying to create hope of achieving a higher price to win the listing by convincing the home owner that the impossible is actually achievable. Vendors really need to beware of this practice and should insist on evidence to support any suggestion of a price outcome.


I guess the best way of looking at housing prices at the moment is that suburbs of high demand around the harbour and beaches are pushing forward and looking stable and positive. Suburbs that have been traditionally less popular are proving tough going when it comes to sales, however, a sensible and well thought out sales strategy will result in a successful sale. Huge opportunities exist for cashed up buyers who can buy into suburbs like Lakemba which I believe is a Sydney real estate hot spot.


Be realistic with your pricing and sales strategies and choose the agent that proves his or her ability to attract buyers to your home and negotiate the highest price possible every time. Ask to see their qualifications and do not accept that they have been agents for many years as proof of their ability. The largest sales office, the largest sales team or the closest office all mean very little in the internet age and with around 80% of homes being purchased by buyers searching on the net your agent needs to prove that they will and can maximise your sales price.


Look at companies like Google to see that the oldest isn't necessarily the best. Always choose an agent who shows a real point of difference - at Marquette Turner you can expect a proven strategey every time.


Michael Marquette

How Much Money Should You Spend to Market Your Home?

How much money should you spend on marketing when you choose to sell your home? This question is one of the biggest problems facing vendors when examining marketing proposals from real estate agents in Sydney, Melbourne and throughout Australia. Rarely are the true facts ever offered as most agents have no formal marketing or negotiation qualifications. Even worse for vendors is that the entry requirements into real estate are so low, requiring a Certificate of Registration - taking in some cases just three days or even less if completed by correspondence.

The real issue here is what are the facts when spending money with real estate agents? Are they really looking to sell your home for the highest price possible and will their marketing suggestions make any difference? At Marquette Turner we have examined the issues associated with marketing in enormous detail and the reality is very different to that put to vendors by agents with little knowledge regarding marketing - which is in most cases your biggest asset. The fee you pay to real estate agents in Sydney, Melbourne and throughout Australia is one of the largest professional fees you will ever pay! - usually more than you will pay to your Solicitor or Doctor.

The best research has been done in the United States by the National Association of Realtors who examined how buyers found homes between 2004 and 2006. The internet is becoming more and more important in the lives of all Australians and the results of their research cast enormous doubt over the effectiveness of newspaper real estate advertisements. Most agents would suggest advertising in glossy newspapers like the Wentworth Courier and Mosman Daily in Sydney costing up to $3500 per page each week of any marketing campaign. The research from the USA sugggests that less than 5% of properties are purchased by buyers who found their home in a newspaper. The research indicates that almost 80% of all homes sold are found by buyers searching on the internet.

I guess the most important consideration when looking to find the agent to sell your home is what evidence they can show you to substantiate their suggested marketing campaign. What statistics can they offer from independent sources to support their claims and what formal qualifications do they have in negotiation? These questions if answered well will make the process of choosing an agent an easy process and will ensure that you save thousands of dollars in wasted marketing money. You will also achieve the highest price possible by ensuring your agent has formal qualifications in real estate negotiation - maximising your net result.

Michael Marquette

Should I rent or should I buy?

The Marquette Turner team frequently are asked the question "should I rent or buy?" And this isn't just for first-home buyers, but also investors.

Whilst everyone's personal circumstances obviously vary, and with the price of real estate in capital cities these days, it is certainly an important question.

Whilst there is not a simple answer, here's a useful link that can help you decide whether you would you be better off, financially, if you rented and invested instead.

Try moving the investment return assumption up and down to see what a difference it makes. See www.yourmortgage.com.au/calculators/rent-vs-buy

Simon Turner

The Best House in the Best Street?

The saying goes that you should always buy "the worst house in the best street". But we wonder how much of this is based on old wives tales, and how much on fact?

So, could it be better to buy "the best house in the worst street" or perhaps even "the best house in the best street"?

Whatever your thoughts on this subject, we'd love to hear them.

Smart people use the services of smart professionals

The benefits of education of the property industry to our clients is smart business.

For companies that provide excellent products and services, the most knowledgeable clients are the best clients. The reason is simple. The more our clients know about our industry, the more they appreciate the services provided.

Thus, whether your interest is in buying, renting, strata, investing or just general knowledge, we cannot over-emphasise the importance of being well informed.

Home owner tricks to boost property prices

MOST real estate veterans know the trick of brewing coffee when you're trying to sell your house, but some savvy vendors are taking dressing up the family home to a new level - parking shiny luxury cars in the driveway.

Sydney agents are taking an extra step to boost house prices by as much as 10 per cent by using props, cleaners and expensive cars to make the first impression count.

Real estate firm Marquette Turner now offers a complimentary "CONCIERGE" service to help increase the final sale price with some simple yet effective techniques.

Parking a brand new flash BMW in the driveway is hardly subtle, but it works, Marquette Turner partner Michael Marquette said.

"Impressions count right from the start, first impressions really do matter," he said.
"We have a deal with a BMW outlet and for every home we can choose what sort of product might best suit that home."

"We see prices rise 5 to 10 per cent, and sometimes even more," Mr Marquette said.
Having the front garden and lawns prepared and manicured professionally before the open house is another good tip.

There are also techniques that can improve the interior.

"We make sure people take down photos, otherwise buyers walk around looking at them instead of the house.


"We also give advice on making sure the place has a fresh coat of paint if it needs it - which costs next to nothing.


"And we'll bring flowers to provide the right aromas. It's the things that make people feel comfortable and at home."


The agency will also bring a carer along to take pets for a walk while the doors are open.

From the Daily Telegraph. Written by Rhys Haynes. August 04, 2007