Our offices have available the marketing, training and systems support of a national organisation with over 500 members and an annual turnover of more than $6 billion. We are strong, well organized National brand, known for our credibility and experience which provides you with greater exposure when looking to sell your property.

Being a Co-operative rather than a Franchise, your Professionals Agent is able to work with you to decide the best way to market your home, based on local market conditions, rather than being told how to market a home in Gladstone by a Head Office in Sydney.

Company Profile

Tom Noonan Estate Agency is a family company with our real estate traditions dating back to the 1920′s when Tom Noonan’s grandfather, Thomas Patrick Noonan, was a reputable and well known commercial / residential Agent and Auctioneer in Stanley Street, South Brisbane. He was also a Past President of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.

Today, the company proudly carries on that tradition with Tom, Randall, Shaun, Amanda and Leigh-Anne Noonan currently running The Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency. With the passing of their wife and mother, Anne Noonan, late in 2008, the strong support of long-term staff and loyal clients has never been more appreciated by the Noonan family.

We are proud to be a Corporate Partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Pink Ribbons are available from the Professionals office in Mellefont Street and a percentage of the commissions earned from all sales is donated to this very worthy cause.

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Marketing Proposal – Guaranteed Exposure!!

Finding the balance between Pricing and Exposure is the key to a successful sale. An overpriced property will not sell regardless of how much advertising you do. Similarly, a bargain property will not sell if no-one knows it’s for sale.

What is needed for your home is an Affordable Marketing Strategy, designed to promote your home (not just the agent who is selling it), along with a Pricing Strategy, developed using every available technology, combined with the experience of a long-term Professionals Consultant.

Signs.

A sign will be erected on your home within 24 hours of getting the ‘green light’ to proceed. Our signs stand out and are recognised nation wide. They are deliberately ‘less formal’ than our competitiors signs and along with the Professionals logos and colours, are designed to emphasise that we are “approachable.”

The Internet

A whole new world of buyers! The Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency’s listings can be found on three different websites. Now your property can be viewed from anywhere in the world. There is only one buyer for every property! And, even if you personally have no knowledge or interest in the internet, more and more people are using technology to solve business challenges. To find the one special buyer for your property it is vital that it can be seen everywhere the buyers are. Visit Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency on the Internet:

www.professionalsrealestate.com.au

www.professionalsgladstone.com.au

www.realestate.com.au

Gladstone Observer

Along with a strong presence on the WEB, colour advertising in the Gladstone Observer’s in Saturday Property Week ensures almost total market coverage for you home.

Open Homes

Open Days are an integral part of the marketing strategy of the Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency. Buyers are free to wander through and take their time. Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency maximises the effect of these days with quality colour flyers and signs directing buyers to the property. All the visitors to your Open Home will be contacted after the Open Day for their comments and these will be relayed to you. As property sellers we all crave FEEDBACK… FEEDBACK… FEEDBACK!!

Professionals Property Guide

This is an A5, full colour booklet of approximately 40 pages which our company produces containing all our listings. This book is distributed to local businesses for the public to pick up at their leisure, as well as to people registered on our mailing list. This advertising material comes out monthly.

Property Preview

This is where we personally contact prospective Buyers we have on our files to view your home, either by private inspection or at the Open House.

Security Key System

We guarantee the security of the home by utilising our locked key cabinet system. No addresses, only codes on the tags.

Feedback

Of course you need to be fully informed throughout the whole process. Your Professionals Consultant will provide weekly reports, feedback after inspections and review meetings to assess how things are progressing. We will relay prospective buyers comments; the good, the bad & the ugly so you know how your property is perceived by the market.

Pricing

Finding the balance between Pricing and Exposure is the key to a successful sale.

It is our role to offer guidance with the initial pricing of your property, while respecting that you are the owner and therefore, decision maker. We do this with the assistance of technology and experience to provide the latest available sales and pricing information.

Candid feedback relating to formal offers or comments from buyers will enable you to adjust your price, to remain attractive to the market at any time.

It is vitally important to appeal to the largest part of the market, i.e. those who are currently seeking a home. The very best buyers and the most buyers will come through your home in the first 1 – 2 weeks of Marketing. It is crucial that your initial price is not out of touch with the market’s indication of its value. Houses sell quickly and for the most money when they are priced correctly in the beginning.

BEWARE – The easiest way for an agent to entice you to list with them is to promise you whatever figure you have in mind. Not only could this cost you money because it ruins that initial marketing edge, but further down the track you will have wasted many weeks on the market with an overpriced home, while the agent will have enjoyed the personal promotion from YOUR ADVERTISING $$$$$.

We promise to work with you, to bring the best possible price in the shortest possible time regardless to the current market conditions.

Characteristics of Each Market

The type of market you are in has a large bearing on the decisions you will make.

At The Professionals Tom Noonan Estate Agency, that you must be aware of the characteristics of your market.

Buyers Market

Lots of homes on the Market.

Lots of For Sale signs.

Longer than normal sale times.

Prices may be dropping.

Fewer Buyers at Open Days.

Can be difficult to keep good relations between Agent and Seller.

Less power for the Seller to negotiate.

Sellers must meet Market.

Balanced Market

Each home is different.

Market moves at good rate.

Prices stable.

Sellers Market

Fewer homes for sale.

Less than average time on the market.

Prices firm – may rise.

More buyers out there.

Selling may be easy.

Price becomes an issue, not time.

Power of negotiation is with the Seller.

17 Little Known Secrets

To Achieve the Maximum Dollar for your Home

If you’ve got it, flaunt it!   It might be time to add a bit of shine & polish to your home.

First impressions will be lasting so it’s important that your home looks its absolute best inside & out.

If you have ever bought a house yourself, you will know that the impressions gained early on in the inspection are vital.

1. Lasting First Impressions

The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of rubbish. Lots of healthy green plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and veranda’s look attractive and create a good impression.

2. Open airy atmosphere

Illumination is welcoming. Drawn curtains & drapes are lovely but can tend to dull the atmosphere. Make sure your home is well lit. Dark rooms do not appeal. Clean all marks off the walls to make rooms brighter.

3. Decorate – set the scene

Colourful flowers and some indoor plants help to set the scene of tranquillity and serenity. Strategically place them throughout the home/unit. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. By redecorating, the potential purchaser is shown how good the home/unit can look.

4. Fittings

Repairs make a big difference Small things such as leaking taps, loose knobs, sticking doors or windows put people on the defensive and lead your agent to make apologies for lack of maintenance. Minimise these annoyances. Flaws detract from your homes value – have them fixed.

5. Kitchens and Bathrooms

These are the most important rooms in the house and must be presented in a spotless condition. Don’t leave dishes in the sink or on the drain board. Some dishes cooked the night before may leave an unpleasant odour. Dripping water and discoloured sinks, suggest faulty plumbing. If the mirror needs replacing, do so, or at least give it a good clean. Tidy draws and vanity, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Attractive bottles of perfume always look elegant. Put a posy or a bowl of potpourri next to the basin or a display of decorative soaps. Fix any loose or broken tiles & missing grout these will attract unwanted attention from the Building Inspection and cause problems down the track.

6. Room to Move

Remove excess furniture, allowing potential purchasers to move freely around the home.

7. Obvious Faults

The discovery of even a relatively minor fault by a potential purchaser often leads to a more thorough search of the property. Reduce the risk of a guarded and tentative inspection; fix any faults prior to showing your home. How long since you have checked your roof, gutters stumps, etc.

8. Cupboards and wardrobes

Most genuine purchasers wish to know about storage and therefore inspect the areas. Tidy these spaces and make sure they are not overcrowded to avoid any impression of lack of space.

9. Not for sale items

Any favourite light fittings, curtains, blinds or any other item with sentimental attachment should be removed and alternative replacement items put in place prior to your agent showing your home. It avoids complications when you get an offer from a purchaser.

10. Pets

Most people like pets, but some don’t! Make sure they are out of the way when purchasers are coming through. A barking dog will not only concern some people, but may also take their concentration away from inspecting your home. Remove kitty litter trays and pet food bowls.

11. Garage

Make sure all garden equipment and general gear is placed as favourably as possible, to give an impression of size.

12. List of features

There is a good possibility that the features you liked about your home/unit could be the same ones a new owner will find attractive. Make a list of these and give them to your agent to help capitalise them.

13. Encourage feedback

When an inspection is taking place make sure you are well out of range of potential purchasers. This will encourage them to speak freely and make comments to your sales person.

14. Lights

Adding atmosphere assists in selling a home. Ensure light globes have been replaced and that darker rooms have lights on.

15. Music

Create the right mood to buy. Play appropriate music during your open inspection to invoke the buying emotions from your potential buyers. Softly play the music in the background.

16. Appeal to their sense of smell

Fresh flowers not only add colour but provide an exotic fragrance for potential purchasers.

17. Fresh Fruit

Place a bowl of fresh fruit with a variety of colours in a prominent position within the kitchen or dining room areas.

Some Simple Things to keep in mind about the marketing of your home.

The Property market is no different from any other commercial market. – It responds to supply & demand.

At any one time Buyers will shop around until they find the home that suits their requirements. Research shows that Buyers look at 14 homes on average before they buy.

They may find more than one home that they like and if they do, then they will buy the home that represents the best value to them.

It is worth making sure that everything possible is done to ensure the saleability of your home before it is offered to the market.

It is crucial that every resource be brought to bear on the sale of your home, it may mean both time and money.

Thank you to the Gladstone Community for coming along and supporting our Breast Cancer BBQ on the 3rd of March, raising money for Deborah De Williams and the Breast Cancer Foundation. Follow Deborah’s progress around Australia on her website. www.runningpink.com.au

Professionals take our social responsibilities within the community very seriously. We care for our members, our clients and the wider community as they are as much a part of our lives as we are a part of theirs. Professionals across Australia have committed to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise $500,000 nationally per annum.Over the years we have raised much needed funds for the people at the NBCF, thanks to donations from the public, a portion of each sale from every office, and the fantastic staff that work within our organisation. Professionals will continue to build the special relationship we have with the NBCF until a cure can be found for this deadly disease.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation strives to fund the latest research into developing a cure for breast cancer. Professionals and the NBCF have formed a Diamond Partnership, with a financial fundraising commitment being pledged annually. Right across Australia fundraising continues throughout the year with charity events and auctions at both a national and local office level.

To visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website, click here – www.nbcf.org.au

1. Choose a local Real Estate Agent. Professionals are independently owned real estate businesses, with Agents who know their local areas and know the people who make up the community. When you choose to work with Professionals, you benefit from all the advantages offered by a fully networked real estate group, and receive the individual attention and responsibility provided by a privately owned, local business. Should you choose not to work with Professionals, ensure that you have done your research on your Agent.
2. We’ll help you choose the best way to sell your home. To successfully sell a home it’s important to have a sound knowledge of the local real estate market. We’ll help you decide on a realistic value for your home, based on actual market activity in your area and we’ll guide you through the preparation for presentation to the market. We’ll work with you to plan the best mix of marketing activity to attract buyers to your home. Signs, Internet, office displays, press or maybe a catalogue all help to sell your home.
3. We’ll help you customise your own marketing plan. You’ll be shown marketing plans from which we’ll help you customise one to suit the property and your budget. It’s also your choice how to sell your home. We’ll discuss with you the best method the suits you and the property – For Sale or Auction. It’s our job to make the sale of your home a rewarding experience.

Contact your local Professionals Agent for your free Pathway to Selling booklet or download your free copy today.

Investment in property is one of the most stable forms of growing your wealth. Whilst markets change, and prices of property rise and fall, the cycle always continues. The key is to buy when the market is down, and sell when the market is up – this will almost always guarantee a return on your investment. If you would like to grow or start an investment portfolio, talk to your local Professionals Agent to find out more about what options there are for investing in property.

As an investment property owner, you want to know that your property or properties are being managed by a team of professional, ethical and caring people. This is what Professionals strives to achieve for all of their investment property owners (Landlords). Professionals can offer you a personalised service, from purchase through to finding a quality tenant who will treat your property as their home. We pride ourselves on quality of service.

Property management is an industry that undergoes legislative changes constantly, so it is important that you can be assured your investments are being managed by people who are informed and follow the right procedures to get the maximum return for you. By choosing Professionals, you are choosing a Property Management team that is fully trained in all aspects of property management and who understand the obligation of landlords and tenants.

We have outlined a few key points for you to consider when choosing a managing agency for your investment property/properties.

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Selecting the right property manager

Selecting the right property manager is one of the most fundamental decisions you’ll make and can make a difference not only to your overall returns, but also the enjoyment of your investment.

Over the last few years, property management has undergone a significant transformation, from simply a rent collection service, to a dynamic investment management and service system. This changing scene has brought about the need to appropriately manage new legislation and the consequences to ensure fairness for both owners and tenants alike. This includes, in some regions, the Strata Titles Act, Residential Tenancies Act and deregulation of fees charged.

It is important to realise that together with the legislation comes a greater onus on owners and agents to follow the requirements of these laws.

Now more than ever, it is prudent to ensure that your property is professionally managed by entrusting it to a manager who is trained, experienced and equipped to meet these ever changing needs.

Property managers work within a licensed Real Estate Agency. It is therefore the agency owner who is ultimately responsible for the property, so it is essential you choose a reputable name you trust when selecting the business for management of your property. It’s a big decision that creates a medium to long term working relationship and you need to feel comfortable with the company you’re dealing with. Rest assured, when you choose Professionals, you will be joining thousands of happy Australasian property investors and owners who have put their faith and confidence in us to professionally manage their property.

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Our property management services

Once you have entrusted a Professionals agent to manage your property, you will be exclusively authorising that agency to act on your behalf. We will then appoint experienced property managers, who will be responsible for the day to day management of your property and tenancy.

Your property manager/s will act as guardian/s of your property and will provide a range of ‘personalised’ services that all include:

• Professionally screening and selecting tenants
• Providing a detailed explanation of the owners/tenants rights and obligations
• Receiving rents and issue receipts
• Arranging for repairs and maintenance to the property
• Paying of accounts such as water services and council rates
• Processing any insurance claims that may arise
• Exercising the owners/tenants rights to terminate leases and tenancies
• Reletting the property at the end of each tenancy in the event of a vacancy
• Preparing and checking the property’s inventory
• Doing all such lawful things as may be directed by the owner in writing from time to time
• Professionally and accurately reporting on the condition of the property at the inception, during and end of each tenancy
• Such authority is given for a period of time and thereafter until 30 days written notice is given to terminate the management by either party.

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Finding a tenant for your property

When you buy an investment property, or rent your home, it’s important to secure long term tenancies where possible to maximise the investment returns. As your selected agent, we will use all our experience, knowledge and data resources to find you a suitable tenant in the shortest possible time, who will treat your property as well.

A good quality, long term tenancy proposition is far more attractive, than constant turnover in tenants.

OPEN HOMES – With the increasing demand for rental properties, your property manager may suggest opening the property at an agreed time to ensure a sufficient pool of candidates view and apply for the property at one sitting.

ADVERTISING – Your agent is constantly monitoring the best medium for advertising your property, for the purpose of attracting a suitable tenant and ensuring the best result for your dollar.

To ensure that your property is leased to the best possible tenant, your property manager will select the most appropriate medium to promote the vacancy, which may include website advertising, print media and office rental lists.

Your property may be advertised in all or some of the following:

• Rental search websites
• “For Rent” classified sections of newspapers
• “For Rent” signboards
• Office window displays
• Brochures distributed from the agency
• Email newsletters distributed to the agents mailing list
• Professionals inter-office referral system
• An accurate account for the advertising costs is submitted at the commencement of each new tenancy, as these costs are tax deductible.

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Your responsibilities as the owner

Owning an investment property is one of the most popular methods throughout Australasia for acquiring wealth.

However, you’ll need to be aware of the sorts of responsibilities that you will have as an owner. The most obvious responsibilities are:

• To provide the premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair having regard for the age, character and prospective life of the property.
• To comply with all requirements in respect of health, building and safety laws in so far as they apply to the premises.
• If you are the handy type, you may wish to carry out some repairs and maintenance yourself to the required standards.
• The owner is responsible for ensuring that the property is kept in good condition. Some expenditure incurred for repairs (not of a capital nature) can be an allowable tax deduction against rental income.

How to set a fair rental price

Setting a rental price is one of the most critical decisions you will make as the owner of the property. Your Professionals property manager is best qualified to assist you with determining a fair market rental value for your property.

The condition of the property must be considered when assessing rent. Location of the property is also relevant, as is the length of term offered.

Some owners make the mistake of setting the rent too high and consequently not attracting a tenant. This will waste your advertising dollar, along with the loss of potential rent whilst trying to secure a suitable tenant willing to pay the higher rate.

We hope you’ve found value in the information provided. Please note that this information is intended as a guide only. Professionals companies, members, directors, offices and employees do not give warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided on this website and shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of anyone relying on information provided. Professionals recommend you seek independent advice from your own real estate, financial, taxation, and legal advisors before entering into financial or other transactions.

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Today’s rental climate means that there is a higher demand for rental properties, however, there is also an increasing shortage of available properties for rent.

This means that if you’re looking to rent, you have to be diligent in filling out your application, provide as much information as possible with your application and be prepared to sign a long term lease immediately upon acceptance of your application.

Quality tenants are snapped up by investors, both in the private, and managed rental sectors. References are a great tool in providing character and professional profiles, as well as rental history from previous landlords or Property Managers.

Here are a few of the things that you should consider when looking for a property to rent:

* Is the property suitable for your needs (do you have pets or small children that require fenced yards? Do you need to be close to public transport?)
* Are you readily available to inspect or move into a property?
* Have you provided as much information as possible with your application for the Landlord’s consideration?
* Do you have current references for the Landlord’s consideration?

The market is tight and rental accommodation is becoming more and more scarce.

Contact your local Professionals Office to find out more about renting through Professionals. You can find rental listings by clicking on the Rental tab in the search area at the top of this page.

At the same time, the event can be a daunting experience if you don’t have sound knowledge and understanding of everything that’s involved.

Professionals Pathway to Buying booklet will assist you to understand the steps like how to organise your finance, understand the market, find an experienced real estate agent, find the right property for you, making and negotiating an offer and settlement.

Contact your local Professionals Agent for your free copy or download your free copy today.