Well
it sure is getting hot, so Christmas must be fast approaching. It is a
time for fun, family, friends and reflection on the past year. I would
like to thank the team at First National Cairns Central for all their
support and especially my principal and mentor, David Forrest.
The
festive season celebrations has started, including the lighting of the
Cairns Esplanade Christmas Tree! Also this year Carols by Candlelight
will be held at Fogarty Park on Sunday 14 December.
I
would like to take this time to wish you all a safe lead up to
Christmas and share some property news from Herron Todd White. My year
has been crazy busy, productive and on the up and up.Other things on the
up and up, are the number of building approvals, airport passengers and
the median house price.
Property Prices
Property
prices in Cairns have been slowly creeping up over the last two to
three years, with the median house price trend rising by 9.2% since
September 2012, to reach $380,300 in September 2014. Meanwhile the
median unit price trend has increased by 6.4% since September 2012, to
reach $205,600 in September 2014.
Property Metrics
Improvements
in the real estate sales market are manifesting in a reduction in the
time taken for listed properties to sell, down from an average of 85
days for houses sold in the twelve months to August 2013 to 67 days for
those sold in the twelve months to August 2014. Time taken to sell a
unit has also reduced, from an average of 118 days for sales in the
twelve months to August 2013 to 98 days for sales in the twelve months
to August 2014.
Building Approvals
Building
approvals for the construction of new dwellings have picked up
considerable pace since the start of this year, with a 17.8% increase
evident in the building approvals trend between January and September
2014. While the rate of increase lost some of that momentum over the
last two months, the generally upward trend that has been in place since
mid 2012 remains.
Let this honey-glazed ham decorated with aromatic herbs double as your Christmas table center piece before carving thick slices
Ingredients
100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
80ml (1/3 cup) maple syrup
80ml (1/3 cup) honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 (about 8kg) whole leg ham, on the bone
Whole cloves, to stud
Step 1
Stir the sugar, maple syrup, honey and mustard in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2
Preheat
oven to 170ºC. Line a large baking dish with 2 layers of non-stick
baking paper. Place an oven shelf in the lowest position. Remove all
other shelves. Use a sharp knife to cut around the shank of the ham,
about 10cm from the end. Run a knife under the rind around edge of ham.
Gently lift the rind off in 1 piece by running your fingers between the
rind and the fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, about 5mm deep.
Stud the centres of the diamonds with cloves. Transfer to prepared dish.
Step 3
Brush one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, brushing with glaze every 25 minutes, for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Take advantage of the 2.5% cash rate now !
A mortgage broker negotiates with banks, credit unions and other credit providers on your behalf to arrange loans.
Our local representative at Australian Finance Group (AFG) is Nick
Barr. Let me know if you would like Nick to contact you, as he has
already helped several friends of mine.
AQUIS update
In an open letter to the community, Aquis again promises to be the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous future for Cairns.
Tony
Fung says "Over recent months and weeks my team has been working across
many fronts to bring our shared vision to reality. As you can
appreciate a project like AQUIS requires extensive planning and
investment as well as a range of necessary regulatory approvals. Due to
its complexity this process will naturally involve achievements and
setbacks ... As you may be aware I have elected not to extend my offer
to acquire the Reef Casino and Hotel..."
He
goes on to say "It is also worth noting that we recently signed an
extension of our option over the core site at Yorkeys Knob. The
extension reflects our commitment to push ahead with AQUIS but also
acknowledges the increasing complexity and difficulty of the approvals
process and the fact we may need some more time than first anticipated."
Mr Fung seems to be positive that Aquis will still go ahead.
" Did a great job on selling my property, excellent communication every step of the way "
Ben
"Chris
made the process of buying our first home a simple and rewarding
experience. He was readily contactable and followed up any requests in
an expeditious manner. Most importantly, we never felt as though we were
being pressured in any way. We would be happy to recommend Chris! "
Jonathan
"I
found Chris to be extremely personable, always ready to assist
throughout the purchase of my first apartment. He was able to answer any
questions I had and made the whole process of buying my first property
enjoyable. I would definitely recommend his services to any of my
friends or co-workers!"
Nadine
"Having
moved our listing from another Agent, we were pleasantly surprised at
the difference in approach to the whole sale process- the efficient
,calm and down-to-earth manner, the prompt return of our calls and quick
responses to all our queries is quite simply what we all vendors expect
of our Agents. This agent delivered all these in spades. This agent did
an excellent job for us and we look forward to working with him again
in the future."
Frank
"Thank
you Chris Eustace for selling my home. Your enthusiasm and
professionalism was so refreshing. You got my price without any "to and
fro's". Such a smooth, no fuss sale...and it took just 8 days! Both
myself and my buyer are over the moon!"
In an open letter to the community, Aquis again promises to be the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous future for Cairns.
