R U PART OF THE $1 MILLION + CLUB?

www.thenovakagency.com

MANLY DAILY GOSSIP

UR RICH DAAAAAAAARLNG & MAY NOT EVEN KNOW IT!

R U PART OF THE $1 MILLION + CLUB?

Pop the ‘Bolli’, test drive that Aston & book an island getaway (on a private island of course!) as recent stat’s reveal that Sydney’s leading the way in million dollar properties! It’s not just the posh ‘burbs’ such as Vaucluse & Point Piper that r fetching million dollar + price tags. Northern Beaches suburbs such as Palm Beach & Clontarf r right up there as well! Over the year, the number of suburbs nationally with a $1 million price tag has increased by 35%! Want 2 know if ur part of the million $ + club? Just call us. Membership (appraisals) is free.

| Date:27 January 2011

Blah, blah, blah…heard it all b4!

The market s soft, not a good time to sell, it s a bad time to buy.

Whatever!!!

Fact is the market is nice & strong in Dee Why (& many of the Northern Beaches suburbs) & is showing consistent growth as we move into 2011.

Dont believe us?

Take a look for yourself by checking out the graph on the LHS. The proof really is in the pudding folks.

What s your property worth we hear you ask?

Call us 24/7, @ The Novak Agency WE NEVER SLEEP.02 8978 6888 or 1300 4 NOVAK.

We’ll give you an honest opion of what your property is worth. You don’t get to be the best on the beaches by being dishonest you know.

| Date:24 January 2011

This Australia Day try something different on your barbie! Wishing you all a fabulous, multicultural Australia Day & here s a little poem to help you on your way…

Australians are a funny lot, you ll often hear one curse, How things have started badly, and theyll probably get worse,

The weathers dry, the sun s so hot it s stolen all the water,

The Government has never done the things we think they really oughta?.

But if we hear a tourist say his home is much more grand, They had better be prepared to make a very solid stand.

For although we Aussies may complain at what s become our lot,

When someone knocks this country, we defend with all we ve got.

We may criticize some teenage brat, may even wish them failure,

But we stand behind them cheering when they re playing for Australia.

Because, if this is home to you, the country of your birth, Then you back the native player to beat anyone on Earth.

When the cricket bats are swinging or when someone scores a try, When a home grown horse has won the cup and made the owner cry,

When some Paralympics athlete hits the front and sets the pace, You?ll hear Aussie Aussie Aussie as the crowd goes off their face.

And although we like to take a break in overseas locations, If you take the time to question this nomadic population,

They will tell you without blinking that wherever they may roam, The best part of the journey was the last bit, ….coming home.

For the sun was never brighter on the beach at Waikiki, Than it is on all the sandy shores Australia has to see, The water never purer nor the air as fresh and clear, The people never friendlier than those that we have here.

If you venture to the outback where grass is scarce as snow, As you swelter you may wonder what it was that made you go, But just look at the locals who have lived there since their birth,

And I know you will not find a better class of folk on earth. All across this wide brown country from the Cape to Hobart town,

There are people who will help you when you find the chips are down, And if soemeone should abuse you, and does it just because, Then that person s not Australian, and that person never was.

So when you feel disgruntled just remember this rendition, And never blame the country for the acts of politicians,

Look up and count your blessings when you see our flag unfurled, And be grateful that you live in the best country in the world.

| Date:18 January 2011

Only in Australia do banks leave both doors open & chain the pens 2 the counters.

Only in Australia were 543 Aussies admitted 2 Emergency, in the last 2 years, after opening bottles of beer with their teeth.

Only in Australia do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries & a diet coke!

Only in Australia do people from all walks of life come together 2 help those truly in need!

What an amazing country we live in.

A country where strangers deliver food 2 strangers, raising a heartfelt smile at a time where people are at the lowest point in their lives.

A country where tens of thousands of volunteers put their lives on hold 2 assist others.

A country where people dig 2 the bottom of their piggy banks 2 give their last cent 2 help fellow Aussies.

Right about now, we are SO proud to be Australian.

Up until this coming Friday (21/1/11), The Novak Agency will be a DROP OFF POINT 4 any non perishable items u can spare.

We r so proud 2 be able to assist Nadine Newell & Jeanette Mullavey, 2 local Northern Beaches Mums who r collecting items 4 mothers affected by the floods around Australia. Well done guys!!!

So many fellow Aussies need our help. C mon Aussies!!!

We r all united 2 give thanks 2 those not affected & 2 help rebuild the lives of those who need it most.

2 all those who have been affected – b strong in the challenging time ahead. U have all r love and support…

The gr8 Aussie dream of owning ur own piece of paradise is now 1 giant step closer thanks 2 St George, who have become the first Aussie bank 2 accept satisfactory rental history as a form of savings for a home deposit, providing the property is leased through a licensed Property Manager.

St George will accept rent as a form of savings for a home deposit if there is evidence of a minimum of 12 months continuous, satisfactory rental history.

This is a significant breakthrough for first-home buyers & a move which could b a major boost 2 the home finance industry.

Higher interest rates, tougher lending conditions & the end of the boosted federal government grants @ the end of last year have driven first-time buyers out of the market.

Another major restriction has been the difficulty in saving a deposit 4 a home loan, particularly in this economic climate with people having 2 cope with the massive cost of living increases including rental payments.

Australian lenders require a percentage of the purchase price normally 5 per cent minimum 2 b saved for all loans but it is extremely difficult 4 people paying the high rents customary these days 2 save money.

If rental payments r taken into consideration as a factor in assessing genuine savings, this enable many people to pursue the dream of home ownership. Want 2 know more? Call St George on 13 33 30 & ask 4 their NEW HOME LOANS DEPARTMENT.

Want a new home? Check out the Sales section of our website or call us on 1300 4 NOVAK or 02 8978 6888 24/7 – we never sleep!

| Date:5 January 2011

30% of all new year resolutions r broken within the 1st week!

Our tip, keep them simple.

Try these one s…eat 100% pure fat ice cream & tons of dairy milk chocolate, shop more, watch all sports, play video games, drink more liquids & find a real estate agent that makes u laugh!

Happy Year of the Bunny folks…

| Date:23 November 2010

Who needs fancy schmancy islands & a 5 star resort to escape to for the holidays when you buy your own home to enjoy not just for the holidays however forever.

We ve put together an A – Z guide with a collection of top tips to make your process of buying a tad easier.

AUCTION is the best way for buyers to know they are purchasing a property for its true market value. However, the auction process itself can be a little intimidating for some buyers, so it s advisable to go into the auction with a firm idea of what you are willing to pay for the property in question and seek the advice of a professional.

BUYERS AGENTS work on your behalf, as a buyer, to help find you the perfect property and negotiate to achieve the price. Relationships with real estate agents ensure that your buyers agent has access to properties that are fresh on the market and sometimes have not even been advertised yet.

CONVEYANCING is the process by which real property is legally transferred from one person to another. It involves gathering information concerning a property and preparing the documents for the transference of the property.

Remember to ask your solicitor to conduct searches for flooding, as some areas are especially prone to this problem in high rain and storms.

DEPOSIT is often not required to form a legally binding contract but it can show the seller that you are a serious buyer.

EQUITY in your home will ensure you can build your investment portfolio when the time comes. Put simply, equity is the difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it.

FINANCE and the acquiring of it is an essential part of the home buying process. A finance broker has access to a range of lenders and could help you source the best loan for your individual situation. The Novak Agency is also happy to recommend you through to a broker as well.

GENUINE SAVINGS are demonstrated where supporting records in the name of the applicant(s) confirm the applicant(s) has accumulated a minimum of 5% of the purchase price (3% for first home buyers) by way of progressive and regular savings over a period of not less than three months prior to the time of application for a mortgage. Since the credit crunch, banks have become stricter in the requirement of genuine savings.

HOUSE, apartment or land, there are a number of different options to choose between when deciding upon your home, depending on your requirements and budget. Of course The Novak Agency has a massive range of all of the above! Cant find what you?re looking for? That?s ok, we ll find it for you.

INSPECTIONS or open houses are an important way of educating yourself about what is currently available on the market and what the asking prices are. For our full list, check out our website or our ad in The Manly Daily.

JOURNEY as opposed to the destination. The process of buying a home, whether it is your first or thirty-first, should indeed be considered a journey, and an enjoyable one at that.

KEEP PERSPECTIVE – get used to tuning out to the (well meaning) advice of the “industry experts” including your neighbours, current affairs media, the taxi driver and your in-laws. Rather consult with, and trust, a true professional who is familiar with your individual situation and has their finger on the pulse of the local market, like The Novak Agency.

LISTING TYPES – including open listings, online, silent, tenders and auctions – can become confusing and confronting for buyers, as each needs its own strategy to ensure you receive the best price for the property. The Novak Agency will help you to ascertain what s the best strategy for you!

MORTGAGE BROKERS can source the best finance solutions for you, due to independent access to a range of lenders.

NEGOTIATION is key to achieving the best price, and a real estate agent s job is to achieve the best price for the seller. Yes! That s our job at The Novak Agency

ORIENTATION refers to the way the house is facing and the impact of the sun. Check whether the orientation of the property would best make use of the Winter sun and minimise the impact of the heat of the Summer sun.

PRICE is often what makes the ultimate decision between whether or not you will buy a particular house. However, how do you know if what you have offered, or the asking price, is indeed true market value? A market professional, such as The Novak Agency can help to provide you with some facts and figures..

QUALIFYING buyers for finance is often a very individual process, depending on the lending institution in question. While one lender may not qualify a buyer due to one particularity, another may well differ, making it all the more important to consult with a finance broker, who may be able to assist with sourcing a lender for you.

REAL ESTATE agents act on behalf of the seller – achieving the best price for them (well we do!). Real estate agencies such as The Novak Agency are very useful places to source and view property. Just call us on 02 8978 6888 or 1300 4 NOVAK (24/7-we never sleep)…It s as easy as A B C

SALES contract is an agreement by which the buyer and seller agree to the terms and conditions of a sale. In many cases, a licensed real estate agent (such as The Novak Agency) can prepare a contract, but a buyer should always read and understand the warnings on the front of the contract, and in many cases it may be advisable to consult a solicitor prior to signing.

TITLE is the term used whereby one has just and full possession of real property – in other words, it?s yours and you can move straight in!

UNDER CONTRACT is the term describing when a property for which a purchase offer has been accepted by the seller..Often a buyer will have specific conditions that allow them specific time to obtain finance approval, arrange building and pest inspection and conduct other investigations. During that time, the seller cannot accept offers from other buyers.

VALUATION is the estimated worth of a property, and is carried out by a qualified property valuer. If you are remortgaging, or considering purchasing an investment property, your home will be valued.

WANTS VS. NEEDS – sometimes you will need to weigh them both up when determining the right home for you. And consider your future needs as well, such as an expanding family.

XCLUSIVE means that no other agent can sell the property that a particular real estate agency has listed.

YIELD is a measure of investment performance of an investment property, gauging the percentage return on each dollar invested. It is also known as a rate of return.

ZONING is a method of regulating use of real estate by dividing a city or other area into zones and designating which uses may be permitted for land in each zone. Good luck with your purchase & if you want more info, please call The Novak Agency on 02 8978 6888 or 1300 4 NOVAK 24/7 we never sleep!

Please note that the above information should not be used in any way, shape of form as legal or financial advise. You should always consult a professional real estate agency, financial advisor and/or legal professional.

| Date:8 Novemeber 2010

Gone r the days where you have 2 leave ur Super sitting in an account until ur old enough 2 use it!

Legislation in Australia allows u 2 use the money in ur super fund as a deposit on an investment property, thereby borrowing the balance.

You ll require a self managed super fund (smsf). So, why & how is it done & what r the benefits?

So, why would u buy a property through ur super?.

Below you ll find some great reasons why…

1. Significantly lower tax! Only 10% capital gains tax (if you hold the property for more then 12 months) and sell before your retirement, zero capital gains tax if you sell afterwards. Also a maximum of 15% contributions tax before, and none after.

2. It s money that u previously didn t have access to, and u may prefer 2 take control of ur own money rather than allow someone else to do it for u.

3. Typically the investment manager of your super fund is taking out fees for their services irrespecitve of investment market conditionas. It can be a bit like trying to fill a bucket that has a hole in the bottom. Having your own SMSF puts the power back in ur pocket.

4. If anyone is watching the news, we sure don t think the government is going to be in a position to look after u when u retire. U need something that s a little better than even 200?000 if u wanted to retire at 60 & plan to live for another 20 years… on ten grand a year. U?d either have to keep working, or starve!

5. If u know the right people, it s not as hard as it looks.

& some more info… Australians began increasing their contributions to their superannuation funds around 1986, when it became a requirement that employers also contribute into their employee s funds. Many Australians also rely on investments in property as a way to prepare for retirement through profits generated in rental income or negative gearing legislation. If property and superannuation accounts are the most common methods of saving for retirement, it seems like combining the two strategies is a good idea.

Before 2007, it was not generally not possible to borrow through your SMSF to invest in property. When changes were made to the legislation surrounding superannuation funds, property investment was included as an option in order to help diversify the risks of investors. While it is now possible to buy property through ur super, it s recommended to consult with an expert to find out whether the option is a good decision for ur own situation.

Here s some info on using SMSF to Purchase Investment Property Conditions

The complete list of conditions and requirements are found in the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) under Section 67, but these conditions basically state:

* borrower s funds must be used to purchase an asset (like real estate)

* the asset must be held in trust for the self-managed fund by another entity (the property trustee)

* SMSF has legal ownership of asset in the event of a loan default the lenders only recourse is to the proeprty itself; not any other SMSF assets(other funds in the SMSF are safe)

* the superannuation fund becomes the owner of the property; whether residential, commercial, or holiday unit

* you cannot live in or rent out i.e. holiday home/unit, a property purchased through your super as your primary residence

* property can be transferred into your own name after retirement; and at that time can make the property your primary residence

& some info on making the purchase

Buying property through your super is similar to buying investment property on your own. You select the property you wish to buy, and then your SMSF must satisfy loans requirements as they are indicated by the loan provider. It is strongly recommended that you establish your SMSF and loan approval prior to negotiating, a loan using your SMSF will usually take up to 4 weeks for approval.

The requirements and conditions for properties purchased through super funds are slightly different than what they are for a person making an investment in property, for example:

* maximum loan to value ratios for properties purchased through your SMSF is usually lower than those offered to individual borrowers (sometimes as much as 70%)

* there is a 30 year maximum loan term for residential property

* there is a 25 maximum loan term for commercial property

* some restrictions may apply on the property locations

All deposits, balance of purchase price and associated fees are paid for out of your superannuation fund, as are the property management expenses. Council rates, home loan repayments and fees, property repairs and land tax are all paid from the SMSF.

Because the property is owned by the SMSF, it receives the proceeds from tenants rent payments or any other income the property generates.

At any time, the SMSF can pay extra onto an investment property mortgage or even pay it off completely, depending on the lenders terms of the loan. When a mortgage has been paid, the title and property can then be transferred or the property trustee can remain the registered proprietor.

If you would like to purchase property through your super, it s advisable that you enlist the help of a professional who can help you set up the trust correctly, structure the loan and remain in compliance of the guidelines and tax implications of doing so.

Want more info? We can recommend G P Kearney and Co Pty Ltd. Call them on 9971 5975.

Ready to buy? Call The Novak Agency on 8978 6888 or 1300 4 NOVAK 24/7 – we never sleep

| Date:2 November 2010

For many of us we won t be giving up our day job just yet to live off our winnings (or losing s) from Tuesday s Melbourne Cup!

Our tip…Stick with property & you ll always come out a winner!

Solid property price increases over the past 18 months together with an incredibly strong rental market are great indicators that property is the one to back.

Gideeeeee up.

Want more? Call The Novak Agency on 8978 6888 or 1300 4 NOVAK – 24/7 – we never sleep