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A Burning Issue

Apr 24th, 2012 by

PPG_Blog_April_image 6_burning issueA recent newspaper article highlighted some alarming information surrounding Victorian house fires. The Herald Sun piece published on March 30 issued a strong warning to home owners after a devastating spate of house fires across the city.

It appears that overloaded electrical systems have overtaken candles as one of the main causes of home blazes. Kitchen accidents and central heating faults are also to blame. Particular hot spots include Melbourne’s inner suburbs which host a high number of older style homes with outdated wiring.

The Melbourne Fire Brigade says that too many televisions, computers, telephones, chargers, games, lamps and clocks all plugged into a single socket or overloading a power board can easily spark a fire.

Kitchen cooking mishaps also play a chief role in minor as well as major home fires. – particularly as Victoria’s population is aging. What can start out as a small problem can quickly become a significant one for an elderly person who resides alone.

Tips to prevent a fire in your home include:

  1. asking a qualified electrician to check the wiring in your home.
  2. installing more power points rather than use double adapters and power boards.
  3. never leaving cooking unattended.
  4. using guards around open fires.
  5. cleaning filters in clothes dryers.
  6. installing and regularly checking smoke alarms to wake sleeping occupants.
  7. keeping drying clothes a metre from heaters.
  8. memorising a fire escape drill with the whole family.

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Renters Like To Decorate Too!

Apr 20th, 2012 by

PPG_Blog_April_image 4_decorating for renters

There aren’t many substantial alterations a tenant can make without written permission from the landlord. There are, however, numerous cosmetic decorating projects for tenants to consider. The following suggestions are quick to complete, inexpensive and allow tenants to reflect their own sense of style.

* Changing light shades – this small change can have maximum impact. Asian importers usually stock a wide range of rice-paper options. Alternatively, try raiding op shops or visit lighting stores for affordable choices. Make sure you keep the old shades to put back when you leave the property.

* Inexpensive floor rugs add an instant hit of colour to a room and can hide old or ugly carpet. Ikea and Freedom stock loads of funky designs.

* Screens are brilliant when you’re renting – they divide a room, create office nooks or even form emergency guest rooms. The real beauty is they fold away when not needed.

* If you’re unfortunate enough to become the custodian of some dingy and unsightly window coverings, why not remove them altogether and let the light flood in? Or if privacy is an issue, or you prefer to control the amount of light entering a room, consider carefully storing the existing curtains and replacing them with a simple roman or venetian blind. Both are available from homeware and specialty stores in a range of standard sizes. They might even be re-useable in your next property.

* Storage – Try a ladder against the wall. Great in a bathroom for hanging towels or even in the living room for throws and baskets hung up with butchers’ hooks.

* Pot plants are a colourful way to add immediate interest to a balcony, courtyard or front porch. This kind of decorating can also easily be transported to your next rental property.

The ideas don’t stop here. A leisurely wander through Bunnings or Ikea can provide endless inspiration. As will a quick search online.

 

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Weather Wise

Apr 17th, 2012 by

weatherwiseAs we approach the wetter, stormier winter months, it’s an appropriate time to check your home is weather wise. Being prepared for unpredictable, more frequent weather events can go along way to avoiding hefty repair bills on your property as well as serious injuries to family members.

The State Emergency Service (SES), which can receive anywhere up to 3000 calls for help during a freak storm, recommends several sensible tips for ensuring you and your loved ones are ready for severe weather when it strikes.

Firstly, inspect roofs, fences and gutters for damage or loose material. Make any necessary repairs sooner rather than later. Also, clean gutters and downpipes frequently. When they are in good working order, fewer problems arise when the rain starts to pour.

Secondly, if you reside in an older style home, have cracks in foundations and exterior walls inspected. A particularly vicious Melbourne storm can generate winds of around 100 kilometres per hour. This kind of blast is easily strong enough to destroy an unstable or already damaged building.

Next, take a careful look around your home and trim any tree branches that are close to it. Whilst you are removing these branches why not take the opportunity to declutter your backyard. Outdoor furniture, e.g. market umbrellas, can be stored away, as well as portable BBQs and chairs and tables. The same recommendations apply to balconies and courtyards.

Finally, check your home insurance policy. Do you have adequate cover and does your policy provider cover floods and freak storms.

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Market Update

Apr 12th, 2012 by

PPG_Blog_April_image 2_market updateConfidence continues to build across Melbourne’s property market after another positive weekend of sales.

929 auctions were reported to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) for the last weekend of March.

This was the highest number of auctions held in a single weekend so far this year. Skeptics across the city expressed concern over the significant increase in auction numbers and questioned whether or not the recent clearance rate of 60% could be maintained.

The pleasing results are a clear indication that the market is performing consistently. Of the 929 properties auctioned, 563 sold and 366 were passed in. 85 properties even sold before auction. This equates to an overall clearance rate of 61%. The same weekend last year resulted in a clearance rate of 60% from 808 auctions.

Of the 929 properties being auctioned, 593 were houses, 306 were flats or apartments and 24 were vacant land. Private sales comprised 597 properties last weekend, providing a total of $301.8 million in transactions.

The top five selling houses last weekend were in Brighton, South Yarra, Camberwell, Middle Park and Canterbury. The top selling apartment was in Armadale and it fetched a cool $3.36 million. At the other end of the scale five happy buyers purchased the least expensive houses in Frankston North, Coolaroo, St Albans, Naree Warren and Springvale.

Only 50 auctions were scheduled over Easter weekend as many buyers take a break at this time.

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What are carbon credits?

Apr 11th, 2012 by

Green PlanetBefore explaining what a carbon credit is, we should first explain what carbon offsetting is.

Put simply, carbon offsetting is a way for people and businesses to invest in projects that prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere.

A carbon credit is a formal recognition that one tonne of carbon dioxide has been either removed from the atmosphere or prevented from being released into the atmosphere.

One carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Carbon credits are created by activities such as planting forests; reducing deforestation, generating electricity through wonderful wind turbines and solar panels; cutting back on methane released from landfills; and putting in place energy efficiency measures.

Yonderr only sells carbon credits generated from projects that are accredited under the Verified Carbon Standard or the NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme.

But I’ve looked at other carbon offsetting companies’ websites and they charge a different price to Yonderr, we hear you ask.

Surely a tonne’s a tonne, right?

Well, not always in terms of cost. A tonne of carbon can really vary in price. There are two main reasons for this.

Firstly, the cost of producing the offset. And secondly the technique used to work out how much greenhouse gas was produced in a specific activity.

Projects that are more complex, use expensive or rare technologies, need high investment capital or run in places with high operating costs, have higher priced offsets.  Makes sense really.

Some certification standards need a lot of administration and scientific work.

This also increases the cost of the offset. There are all sorts of things like demand and availability which can affect the cost, too.

Because Yonderr is backed by big brother CO2 Australia (who’s the leading carbon services company in Australasia) we can buy lots of credits in bulk, which also helps keep costs down.

Yonderr carbon credits are $12 each.

The credit is validated, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. Everything you do to offset your carbon footprint is one step in the right direction to making our environment more sustainable.

To find out more information visit www.yonderr.com.au

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QR Codes – Clever Technology

Apr 10th, 2012 by

PPG_Bl;og_April_image 1_QR codesThese days technology is evolving at a rapid pace. From smart phones to funky tablets, everyone seems to be embracing it. This includes progressive real estate agents who strive to stay ahead of the game.

Quick Response codes or QR codes are a chief example of the latest technology being incorporated into the industry. Their use is undeniably advantageous to everyone, particularly clients – both vendors and buyers.

So what are QR codes?

QR codes are a type of two-dimensional barcode. According to Wikipedia they were first designed for the automotive industry to track vehicles during the manufacturing process in Japan. The contents of a QR code can be encoded at high speed in several different formats.

Today, the most common way to gain access to the information stored in a QR code is through a smart phone QR reading application (app). With the app installed, simply scan the barcode with your phone and the information is displayed and/or stored.

Real Estate businesses can utilise QR codes in several different ways:

  1. On business cards – contacts can be instantly stored on a client’s or potential client’s phone once scanned.
  2. Shop Front Display – with a list of barcodes displayed in an agency window, buyers are referred to a web address with detailed information about a property which can be viewed immediately or at a more convenient time.
  3. For Sale boards – Placing a QR code on the property signboard allows buyers to record property details as they are driving by as well as all the important agency particulars.

There’s no doubt that QR codes provide an innovative and modern format in which to market property.

They do not replace existing proven strategies but they do significantly enhance them. What will they think of next?

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Easter DIY Projects

Apr 4th, 2012 by

PPG_Blog_March_image 7_Easter DIYWith the Easter break upon us, it’s an excellent time to tackle that DIY project you’ve been putting off.

Perhaps you want to build some extra storage space for the kids, or maybe you need to overhaul your dated 1980’s bathroom. The key to success when undertaking a DIY assignment is to select a task that is appropriate for your skill set and one that can be completed in the given time frame. For example, there’s no point trying to add a fourth bedroom to your home if you struggle to fix a leaky tap!

One of the most popular weekend DIY projects is painting. Whether it’s a single wall or the entire house, most of us can manage this kind of assignment without too much fuss. Preparation is important as it saves time in the long run and helps to avoid costly problems further down the track. This rule applies to most DIY projects. Launching into a job without proper planning and preparation is the number one DIY no no! Your local hardware store can offer great advice on how to get started. Bunnings Warehouse even offer DIY enthusiasts “How To” seminars every weekend.

If you’d like to tackle a DIY project but you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of 10 home improvement ideas for the beginner right through to the most accomplished home renovator:

  1. Sand and re-oil your outdoor deck or furniture
  2. Build a deluxe kennel for your lucky pooch
  3. Start a veggie garden or compost area
  4. Install some outdoor lighting
  5. Re-landscape or try paving a level area of your garden or courtyard
  6. Modernise your kitchen cabinetry
  7. Re-decorate an indoor living zone with new window coverings, couch cushions and a floor rug
  8. Try creating a vertical garden incorporating edible items
  9. Spruce up your front porch
  10. Design and build a funky new letterbox

No matter how big or small your home improvement achievements, they should always add value to your property.

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Reap the Benefits of Using an Architect

Apr 2nd, 2012 by

PPG_Blog_March_image 6_architectDesigning and building a new home without the expertise of an architect may save you money up front, but can also be considered false economy.

Instead, think of the design benefits and the value you can add to your home by employing their specialised services.

The process of building from scratch is undoubtedly a major expense so it makes sense to work with someone who has the technical skill, knowledge and experience to ensure your vision is realised. Architects are great at thinking laterally and they usually come up with a model to give their client something a little more creative with greater options and opportunities. For example, greener more sustainable homes are not only highly desirable, but some aspects of a home’s design must meet certain criteria before being issued with a certificate of occupancy. A good architect can incorporate these concepts, save their client running costs, and still maintain the buildings overall appeal. It’s extremely difficult to do all of these things without a professional’s help.

The same benefits apply to renovators of period homes. A skilled architect should ensure a sensitive renovation is undertaken, one that is in keeping with the original features or a prudent mix of new and old. They will also have an appropriate level of understanding when it comes to council rules and regulations, especially when renovating a heritage home.

The general consensus among real estate experts is that architects pay for themselves. They save their clients money over time and give them a more original creation. They are also great at advising on materials, positioning and how the home will run in 10 or 20 years. Their fees vary so it’s advisable to speak to several firms before making a decision. Even better, try to obtain a recommendation from a friend whose style of home you really admire.

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Small acts add up to big change

Mar 31st, 2012 by

earthhourandglobalmap

This week, thousands of cities across the globe will dim their lights at 8.30pm for an hour, joining in the world’s largest voluntary environmental action: Earth Hour.

Scheduled for the last Saturday of every March – closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure that most cities are in darkness as it rolls out around the Earth.

The growing importance of this global environmental action is reinforced by the unprecedented challenges our planet faces.

Our growing population is consuming at a rate that requires much more than one planet can provide. We are not living sustainably. While our carbon footprint grows, biodiversity is shrinking while our hunger for natural resources expands. Living beyond our planet’s means is putting increased pressure on food security, water security and climate security.

Earth Hour’s growth from 2 million people in Sydney, the city in which it all started, in 2007, to hundreds of millions in more than 5000 cities across more than 130 countries and territories shows that individuals across the globe recognise the challenges our planet is facing.

This year Earth Hour organisers hope to see this initiative grow further, with new countries taking part and landmarks from Las Vegas, Times Square, the Brandenburg Gate and the Eiffel Tower to the Burj Khalifa and even the International Space Station committing to switch off for the planet.

But the real value of Earth Hour does not lie in its sheer scale. The real value is in individual, grassroots actions. When you consider the potential of hundreds of millions of people all making small changes, it gives us hope for the future of our planet.

Earth Hour is about much more than an hour of darkness, it is about people showing their commitment to sustainability and environmental action. It is about individuals moving beyond NGOs, governments and businesses to express their personal commitment to living more sustainably.

So just remember – do your bit this week for the planet and switch off.  For further information have a look at www.earthhour.org

Source: www.smh.com.au

Source: www.yonderr.com.au

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Cooking oil flight ready for take-off

Mar 30th, 2012 by

Aeroplane

Next time you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen spare a thought for the passengers on board an A330 Qantas flight from Sydney to Adelaide on Friday, 13 April.

This auspicious flight will be powered by recycled cooking oil from commercial kitchens that is mixed with jet fuel that emits 60% less carbon dioxide.

The recycled cooking oil comes from restaurants in the US and is further refined and fully certified for use in commercial aviation and endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund.

Virgin Australia is moving ahead with plans to source and refine aviation fuel from WA mallee trees.

European plane maker Airbus is joining this effort, which also involves US giant General Electric and Australia’s Future Farm Industries CRC.

The project aims to have an alternative fuel production pilot plant operating in Australia within the next year.

Qantas’ head of environment, John Valastro, said the goal of next month’s biofuel flights was to raise awareness about the potential for sustainable fuel in Australia.

“We know that sustainable aviation fuel can be used in commercial aviation just like conventional jet fuel,” Mr Valastro said.

“But until it is produced at a commercial scale, at a competitive price, the industry will not be able to realise its true benefits.

“No single player can make this happen. It needs support from government, private sector investment, access to infrastructure and market demand.”

Biofuels for aviation are significantly different to those for other industries because of a jet engine’s need for high-energy yield.

Biofuels will eventually enable the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint because the biofuel feed stocks – which could include algae and the crop camelina – will absorb as much carbon dioxide when growing as they emit when burnt in a jet engine.

Typically, aviation biofuels, unlike many other biofuels, are from feed stocks such as algae or from plants such as jatropha that have no impact on food crops.

Just remember there are lots of things you can do at home to reduce your carbon footprint.  Try to reduce your waste, reuse items whenever you can, recycle paper, cardboard, bottles and so on, and to take things a step further try carbon offsetting at www.yonderr.com.au

Source: thewest.com.au

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