The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win
If you’ve been following The Block, I think you’d agree that last weekend’s auction results threw out a few curve balls; none more surprising than the series’ underdogs Tess and Luke taking out top honours. Their property went for an eye-watering $3.62 million ($630,000 over reserve), with the couple pocketing an amazing $730,000 for their efforts.
“The auctions played out within my expectations in terms of price, with the price ranges I predicted being between $3.2-3.5 million. I expected that one house would go over this range as well, and it did with Tess and Luke’s being sold for $3.62 million,” says buyer’s advocate on The Block, Greville Pabst, who was nonetheless surprised at the winning result.
It seems that The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess were as surprised as everyone else!
“To my surprise, both book-end houses sold for the lowest price and I was surprised at the price paid for Tess and Luke’s property. From a real estate perspective, I thought the two end properties were the best on The Block,” says Greville.
“I thought Mitch and Mark’s house would sell for more. In hindsight, maybe going first in the auction order wasn’t the best move as bidders held back to gauge how things were going to play out before putting their hand up,” says Greville, who was bidding for several potential buyers on the day.
The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win
And while Greville was surprised by the winning result he did concede that Tess and Luke’s property had lots of appealing features. “I think people were drawn to the formal dining room at the front, the large rectangular kitchen dining table and separate parents’ retreat area. Plus, the entertainment room upstairs, with the feature glass floor, was liked by many buyers who inspected the property.”
Ultimately, he believes that the auction order had a significant impact on the end result. “For instance, for Jesse and Mel who went last, the buyer pool had started to thin out meaning there was less money left in the room.” He nevertheless purchased their house on behalf of a buyer who is thrilled.
All of The Block 2019 teams on auction day
As for any key differences, compared to past auctions, Greville noted there were many more independent buyers this year. He also thought that the houses attracted owner-occupier buyers, rather than investors, which made it more difficult for some of the buyer’s advocates.
Greville Pabst
And in a sign of the times, Greville used a digital platform called Gavl to bid on the day. “It allows buyers the opportunity to watch and bid in real time on auctions via the Gavl app. This means my clients can be engaged in The Block auctions, if they can’t physically attend auction day, which was the case for my potential buyer in the UK.”
Buyer’s advocate Greville Pabst from PropertyDuo helped facilitate the purchase of four out of five apartments from last night’s Block auctions. Here he shares his thoughts on the auction results and the 2018 series overall.
What a transformation we have seen at the Gatwick Hotel this past few months. The famous hotel used to be dilapidated with its beautiful internal art deco features hidden away but thanks to The Block contestants, the Gatwick Hotel is now the crown jewel of St Kilda. The expensive revitalisation is kick starting the revival of the area’s former cool, edgy but elegant self.
Greville Pabst inside The Gatwick
It really is a fairy tale ending, and I felt quite emotional and proud to facilitate handing the keys over to three independent buyers who bought four of the five apartments – one buyer purchasing the two magnificent penthouses for what him and I agree was a bargain.
I was able to obtain four of the five Block apartments (something that has never been done in the show’s history), because of my deep understanding that selling and buying property is all about making the perfect match between the vendor and buyer. On behalf of buyers, I source and buy property that ticks all boxes for them – their functional needs and blue-sky dreams. For vendors, I advise on how to get a property ready for auction day by prepping and marketing the property to the right demographic, as I do for The Block contestants each season.
For example, the St Kilda buyer is a smart investor who knows St Kilda has a high rental yield, but is a cool yet elegant person so the furnishings and finishes needed to meet expectations. This year we also saw original owners wanting to retain a piece of their past. My job is to know who will fall in love with a property and help them secure their dream.
The two sisters for whom I bought apartment number two (Courtney and Hans’) took ownership from their mother in 1999, who had owned the hotel for 46 years. They worked at the hotel from the age of 14. They’re such strong women and what they’ve done for the community is outstanding. I am honoured to have represented them. We agreed that they had to have an apartment that faced Fitzroy Street, where all the action is in St Kilda and the original street address of the Gatwick Hotel. This was the one that was the real Gatwick for them which is why they didn’t want the penthouses, because they’re new.
Greville inside the terrace designed by Hayden and Sara
Apartment one has the dream kitchen, a space that means there is no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. My client is in love with the large dining and living room and celebrated the purchase that will return exceptional capital growth.
And who doesn’t want to own not one but two penthouses. Congratulations to my buyer, those rare expansive terraces are going to host many fun and memorable moments and will always be extremely desirable and grow in value as the views are ‘unblockable’.
Defying the current market, contestant’s expectations were certainly exceeded. It’s great when we see everyone win. My buyers absolutely felt like winners too.
Greville is CEO and executive chairman of WBP Group and one of the buyer’s advocates on The Block. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and the daily papers such as Herald Sun, the AFR and The Australian, helping everyday Australians make better property decisions.
Did you watch the the buyer’s advocates tour The Block earlier this week? Here one of them, Greville Pabst, shares his top tips for renovating for your demographic.
When renovating, one of the most challenging things is to ensure you appeal to your most important audience – the future buyer.
This Block season, we’ve seen some of the couples struggle to renovate with the potential buyer in mind in a style that’s suitable for the St Kilda market. As a part of The Block’s Buyer’s Jury, I advise contestants to ensure they early on establish the demographic of the area to make sure they are considering attributes that will add value to their apartments. Many renovators make the mistake of overcapitalising and spend too much money in areas that necessarily won’t add much value to the home.
Here are some of my top tips when renovating for your target market:
Know your market
Many people rush into renovations before really knowing too much about the area they’re in. Research the demographic and surroundings, who lives here and who will most likely be attracted to the area, for example is it downsizers, families or young professionals? Would the potential buyer be an investor or owner-occupier? For example, if you’re in a family area, the renovation should be approached with children in mind and focus on areas such as the kitchen, living rooms and backyard.
Your local area
Each area has its own personality where certain attributes are expected. In a Brighton house many people expect a pool and are willing to pay for that, but further out in the suburbs were people don’t anticipate it, it might not add any value to the home. If you’re in an area with many young professionals, a proper study may add value to the property instead of a third bedroom or an extra living area, as many professionals today tends to work a lot from home.
Consider your floorplan
One thing that impacts many peoples’ decision whether to rent or buy a property is the floorplan. Many people look for a good flow between each area with an abundance of natural light throughout. Areas such as kitchen and living room should be facing north for maximum natural light. Avoid having the kitchen tucked away in a separate room, or having a bathroom that comes off the kitchen, not the hallway.
Spend money in the right areas
When you know your area and have the future buyer in mind, it’s time to start renovating. The research will help you avoid overcapatilising and spend money on features that may not add any value to your home for resale. Try to retain original features of the home, like cornices and original stained-glass windows. Updated heritage features in combination with modern touches are appreciated by many buyers.
I always say that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. These areas could cost a lot to renovate but remember that many updates can be made without blowing your budget, you might be surprised what a fresh coat of white paint or new tapware can do to the room. Other cost friendly updates include polishing timber floors, updating light fittings, replacing door and drawer handles, and when it comes to the exterior, landscaping and painting the outside of your home can add value. It’s important to have the front of the home well presented as we all know that first impressions do matter.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home straight away, it pays to plan for the future to ensure you get the most return on your investment for the day when you do decide to put your home on the market.
–Greville Pabst is a leading expert in the Australian property market with over 30 years’ industry experience. He is the CEO of WBP Group, one of Australia’s largest buyer’s advocacy, property advisory and valuation firms. PropertyDuo gives home buyers and sellers the advice they need to make informed decisions. Don’t risk a guess, chat to one of their trusted associates to the get the information you need before starting your property journey.
As many Australians enjoy the festive season and summer sun, the real estate market goes into hibernation. That is until the New Year, when the market starts to pick up again. If you are looking to put your home on the market in early 2018, there are a few things you can do to make sure your home stands out from the crowd and increase your chances of achieving a successful sale. Here are seven tips on how to prepare your home for a summer sale:
Garden is number one – When looking at a home during summer, many buyers will pay extra attention to the garden and outdoor areas, as this is where they will imagine themselves spending time during the summer. Make sure the garden is well maintained, green and lush, with no dead flowers or uncut grass. If possible, try and incorporate some shady areas in the backyard.
Credit: renoguide.comau
Inspection times – Running around and looking at houses when the sun is shining and the temperature is high, is not an ideal scenario for potential buyers. Try to schedule your inspection times earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat during the middle of the day.
Inside retreat – The inside of your home should be a cool escape from the outdoor sun. Keep the air conditioning or ceiling fans on during inspection times, or open windows and doors to get a nice breeze flowing through the house.
Credit: Three Birds Renovation
Change up the colours – Remove heavy curtains, rugs and cushions in darker colours, and replace them with a brighter and lighter palette that is more suited to summer. These small things can give the home a completely new look that is more suited to summer and warmer temperatures.
Create an oasis – If you have a pool, this is the time to show it off by making sure it is well maintained and looks its absolute best. During summer, this is a great selling tool and you want it to appear as the perfect summer oasis.
Credit: Harrison Landscaping
Replace the old – Small things that are worth investing in include updating the mailbox, front door, fence and adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. This can work wonders for the front of the home, which is the buyer’s first impression. It’s important that the home has great street appeal and looks inviting.
Credit: Heartly Design
Outdoor dining – In Australia, we are lucky to be able to use outdoor areas the majority of the year, and during summer we really want to take advantage of our climate. Stage your alfresco or patio area with furniture to make it appear large and inviting. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves eating and entertaining in the space.
–Greville is executive chairman of WBP Group and one of the buyer’s advocates on The Block. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and the daily papers such as Herald Sun, the AFR and The Australian, helping everyday Australians make better property decisions.
He successfully snapped up Josh and Elyse’s winning house for comedian Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes at the weekend. Now buyer’s advocate Greville Pabst shares his thoughts on the auction results and the series overall.
Season 13 of The Block has been filled with drama from day one and Sunday’s auction was no exception. Five beautiful homes went under the hammer, as many potential buyers gathered to try and get their hands on a great piece of real estate. The dream family homes are perfectly located between the Elsternwick and Ripponlea villages with public transport, restaurants, cafes and also one of Australia’s best schools, Caulfield Grammar, within walking distance.
Greville Pabst successfully bid on Josh and Elyse’s house for his client Dave Hughes
Bidding at auction can be very nerve-racking, hence these days more and more people are seeking advice and lead from a buyer’s advocate like myself. A buyer’s advocate can guide a buyer or seller through the process in order to get the best possible outcome. This season, every one of the homes was purchased by a buyer’s advocate, bidding on their client’s behalf. My client was the wonderful Dave Hughes.
The auctions were off to a great start and I was able to place the winning bid on the greatest house of them all, Josh and Elyse’s, which Hughesy was very happy about. Josh and Elyse’s, or now Hughesy’s house, is located on the best spot of them all being a corner block facing north, with the smart roller garage door that opens onto the backyard, an impressive hallway with soaring high ceilings and solid hardwood floors. To top it all off, the Dave Franklin designed garden with plunge pool is simply stunning. I actually expected it to go for a bit more, so we are both happy with the final price.
The second house up for auction was Jason and Sarah’s, which also received a great result. When I brought buyers through the houses in the lead up to the auction, houses one and five were the most popular. I’m not surprised that they ended up in the top two with Josh and Elyse being the winning couple.
After the first two auctions, tensions increased when Sticks and Wombat reached $130,000 over reserve. The bidding continued to slow with a thin buying pool, so I’m not surprised that the remaining houses did not reach a better result. I’m actually more surprised that Ronnie and Georgia’s house was the only house that got passed in.
The past weekend was one of the busiest auction weekends in Melbourne history, with over 1,100 properties up for auction. This made the competition even harder, especially when five houses in the $2.5+ million price range are being auctioned back to back. It doesn’t normally happen, and if the auctions would have been staggered over a few months, we would likely have seen more competition and higher results.
Taking a quick look at the results of last year’s season, we can see that the auction order has a huge impact on the result, with the winners being the first ones up for auction two years in a row.
Greville Pabst
There are many variables when placing the winning bid on auction day, here are just a handful of my tips and tricks:
Before the auction, it’s important that you have all your financials sorted and have set a clear budget. It’s good to have an uneven number as your final limit, as it would be very frustrating to lose a property for just a couple of thousand dollars.
During the auction, make sure you have a clear view of the auctioneer and can keep track of each bid that comes through to have good eye contact.
Stand in a position where you can see your competition and be able to read their body language, it will reveal more than you think.
Sometimes it’s all about the timing and knowing when to enter the bidding, when to pause, hold back and when to walk away. I tend to sit back and get a feel for the competition before making my first bid.
An auction can be very nerve-racking, but the more prepared you are prior to auction, the better you will feel during the auction. Keep a relaxed face, show confidence and don’t let the opponents know your limit.
It’s been a great season of The Block and I’m very excited to see the transformation of The Gatwick coming up in 2018…
–Greville is CEO and executive chairman of WBP Group and one of the buyer’s advocates on The Block. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and the daily papers such as Herald Sun, the AFR and The Australian, helping everyday Australians make better property decisions.
They did it! The young favourites, Josh and Elyse, won series 13 of The Block in last night’s (well, Saturday’s really) auction. Good on ’em! It was a beautiful house and they worked really hard. Taking home over half a million bucks, it was a great night for the couple, and somewhat underwhelming for others, but everyone was gracious and grateful for their winnings, which was nice to see.
Here’s how the auctions panned out…
First up: favourites Josh (with a man bun and no shoes!) and ever-glamorous Elyse, who humbly said any money was a bonus as the show had already opened many doors for them (I think we all know they’ll have sponsorship deals a plenty!). Bidding started at $2.6m and momentum kept going with buyers’ advocates Frank Valentic and Greville Pabst in on the action. Greville finally had the winning bid for his client of $3, 067, 000. The young couple were clearly overjoyed with their 447k winnings! What a great start! “That’s life-changing,” said an overwhelmed Elyse. And then it was revealed comedian and TV personality Dave (Hughesy) Hughes had bought it! Quite the coup!
Second up: Controversial Jason and Sarah! It was all about buyers’ advocates Frank Valentic and Nicole Jacobs this time with Nicole winning for her client at $3, 007,000. This meant a generous $387k for the couple. “It honestly changes our entire life,” Jason said. “It’s huge. It’s insane.”
Things were going so well!
Third up: That very likeable duo Sticks and Wombat! It was all about Frank and Nicole again! Things stalled at $2,650,000 and everything felt a bit flat with Sticks in particular looking pretty devastated and the other contestants visibly disappointed for him and Wombat. They still ended up with $130k though and took it so well. While Shelley Craft was almost in tears for them!
Fourth up, the polarising (in personality and house!) Ronnie and Georgia! And it was over as soon as it started with Georgia in tears as bidding stopped at $2,600,000, just below the reserve. The house was passed in on Scotty’s strong recommendation. Negotiations with highest bidder Frank brought it up to $2,725,000 as his best and final offer. Then Nicole came to the couple with her client’s best and final offer of 2,781,000, which was accepted. Ronnie and Georgia did seem surprisingly happy with their $161k while the other contestants clearly expected them to be a lot more disappointed. But as Ronnie said, it was like buying the winning scratchie and a good amount for 6 months’ work, tax free. Phew!
Fifth and final, the (albeit lovely) underdogs, Hannah and Clint! Tensions were high after Ronnie and Georgia’s underwhelming result. $2, 410,00 was the starting bid and the bids kept coming. But it was short lived. And the depressing music started as things stalled $20k under reserve at 2,5000,000. And then it started again! Frank got this one at $2,615,000 so $95k for the couple. Hannah said she was over the moon. “We’ve absolutely loved renovating,” said Clint. “It’s been an incredible 12 weeks.” Gosh, I love those two! “What a beautiful couple,” Scotty said. Clint added: “It clears all our debts. The show gives everyone the opportunity to change their lives and it has.” Bless him!
So the youngest couple, and indeed the favourites, did it! Josh and Elyse took home $577k with the extra $100k for winning. What an amazing result for anyone, let alone a couple in their 20s!
We’ll have Greville Pabst’s thoughts on the auction results for you tomorrow!
What am I going to watch on TV now?! Back to Netflix and the Lifestyle Channel it is… Actually, I am absolutely LOVING the new Love It or List It? How about you?
This season of The Block is about to come to an end, but we still have one main event left before we say goodbye to the beautiful houses on Regent Street in Elsternwick. The contestants have been working very hard for three months to save five houses from demolition and transforming them into dream properties.
If you are thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best possible outcome on auction day. Here are 10 tips and tricks you should consider before putting your home on the market:
Restore the old: The front part of the houses on The Block are old period homes and the contestants have done a great job in restoring these original details that have a charm that can’t be replaced, such as fireplaces and crown moulding. Hannah and Clint have even kept the bulky old-fashioned light fittings, but given them a modern touch that ties in well with the period charm.
Add more light: Many of the contestants have done this really well by making the most of the natural light. I was impressed by the large cathedral ceiling and skylight that Sarah and Jason added in their hallway, as it gives you that wow factor and also creates a bright welcoming feeling as soon as you step through the front door.
Jason and Sarah’s light-filled hallway
Fresh curtains and blinds: The sun can easily make the colour fade and it is a quick DIY job to install some new modern ones.
Replace outdated fixtures: A quick, easy and cost-effective fix that will make a huge difference to the look of the house, is to replace old doorknobs and handles. Such a simple change in the kitchen and bathroom can make a massive difference.
Light zones: In four of the five houses, the kitchen, living and dining area is one large open space. Ronnie and Georgia took their open area and created a different mood in each zone by using clever lighting. Carefully planned lighting creates space and purpose to an area.
Bathroom updates: Whitening the grout between bathroom tiles will make a noticeable difference and instantly make the bathroom feel more fresh and clean.
Refresh and repaint all doors: It is particularly important to pay attention to the front door, as this is one of the first thing a potential buyer will see when walking up towards your house. You can make an impressive entrance just by repainting the door and updating the door handle. Jason and Sarah added a beautiful double door, while Hannah and Clint painted their door in a light pink. Have a look around the street you’re in and see what is suitable for the street appeal.
Hannah and Clint’s front door
Replace old yellowing electrical covers: While you’re at the hardware store, pick up some fresh, bright new covers for your light switch and power point covers – throw out the old yellowing ones covered in dust and the kids’ fingerprints. Again, this is quick, easy and cost effective, and will make the house look fresh and modern.
High pressure clean: Make sure to clean the house properly before inspection. And remember, it’s not just the inside that matters — a high-pressure clean of the driveway/paved outdoor area can make a huge difference.
Landscaping improvements: More often than not, an auction is held out the front of the property. This is where first and final impressions happen. Make sure you have trimmed the trees and bushes and cut the grass to make the property inviting. All the contestants restored the period features of the front properties, except Ronnie and Georgia, who gave it a more modern look by painting their house black and adding tiles to the veranda.
Ronnie and Georgia’s bold facade
With the auction only a few days away, I am sure the contestants are getting really excited (and nervous) about the outcome. There is nothing like The Block auctions — anything can happen!
–Greville is CEO and executive chairman of WBP Group and one of the buyer’s advocates on The Block. He is a regular commentator on Sky News and the daily papers such as Herald Sun, the AFR and The Australian, helping everyday Australians make better property decisions.
Greville Pabst
The Block auction is on Sunday night at 7pm on Nine. We’d love to know who you think will win and why? Please comment below!
The contestants have some awkward conversations at Bang Bang after the dobbing incident!
The big dob and a $10k reward
So Jason dobbed on Josh and Elyse for having a gas stovetop too close to the Caesarstone splashback which didn’t meet code. Not only were they told they had to replace it with induction, the judges took half a point each off Josh and Elyse, bringing their score equal first with Jason and Sarah. And then Scotty awarded the underdogs $10,000 for coming joint first. Dobbing really paid off for Jason and Sarah! But AWKWARD!
The buyers’ advocates don’t hold back
Then it got worse, with buyers’ advocates Greville Pabst, Frank Valentic and Nicole Jacobs doing a tour of the houses and giving their opinions and they didn’t hold back, ruffling more than a few feathers. While most of the feedback was positive, some of it was definitely not! Let’s recap!
Nicole said Jason and Sarah needed to pick up the luxury in their master suite. Greville said they’d missed the mark and it was almost like the downstairs was done by someone else.
Nicole thought Hannah and Clint’s three fridges would be bad for the power bill. Greville also noted the too-small fridge.
Greville would have preferred Ronnie and Georgia’s formal loungeroom to be a home office and he didn’t think the hidden TV had been well executed.
Then it came to Sticks and Wombat. Neale Whitaker may have called their aesthetic ‘raw luxury’ but the buyers’ advocates had more than a few issues with it. Greville thought they’d missed the mark and had an identity crisis. He said there were too many contrasting styles, it was too blokey and they needed to make some urgent changes and soften it to appeal to more buyers. Nicole thought the bedroom was a little confused with several periods in one room. Frank said the bathroom was probably too big, making the second living space too small. Nicole said the buyers would either love or hate the kitchen and that she probably didn’t have a buyer for their house. Greville said he didn’t want to show his buyers their house at all. But he did say it was redeemable.
And Josh and Elyse? No negatives at all, it seems!
Personally, I maintain that the buyers’ advocates have a really useful role to play on the show and it looks like Sticks and Wombat are going to take their feedback on board, hopefully to their advantage.
Greville Pabst
Here, Greville (CEO and Executive Chairman of WBP Group) recaps his opinions on each house from last night…
This season of The Block we are seeing beautiful period homes being renovated in Elsternwick. As you all know, I have a passion for established housing, not just because of it aesthetics; it time and time again returns greater capital growth to my buyers.
It has been a long time since we have seen houses being renovated on The Block, which makes this season extra exciting. Traditionally, period houses have high ceilings, wide hallways and beautiful cornicing detail. Seeing these features brought back to life again in an area with many heritage listed homes is really inspiring for the home renovator.
The Elsternwick area is quickly becoming more popular and we have lately seen many people move to the are from neighbouring suburb, Elwood, due to house prices having a lower asking fee of approximately 10 per cent for a larger block of land.
The Block houses are perfectly located just a short walk to two shopping strips, Glen Huntly Road and Glen Eira Road, where you will find two of Melbourne’s best restaurants, Attica and Bang Bang. The proximity to cafes, shops, the Ripponlea Gardens and public transport will increase the value of the properties.
There are good schools in close proximity, including Caulfield Grammer and Wesley Collage, which makes Elsternwick a good investment area for families.
Last night on the buyer’s jury, the contestants received my true opinion on the renovations completed to date with the aim to help them reinvigorate these old houses — reaching their full potential. My job is to advise on exactly what a buyer expects to see in a property of this calibre; my eye is scanning the finishes, layout and quality of materials. Everything needs to be perfect to get the big dollars on auction day.
Ultimately, Ronnie and Georgia scored best from the judges (by half a point!) and won $10,000.
House 1 – Jason and Sarah
Kitchens sell homes and in my opinion Jason and Sarah nailed it in this room. They have incorporated beautiful integrated appliances, which creates a sleek modern look that many buyers are looking for. I also love the mix of materials in their kitchen island where they incorporated both stone and natural materials like timber.
Walking up the stairs to their master bedroom, unfortunately this luxe feeling disappeared. The master suite was not well executed and it felt like it was done by someone else as it did not match with the high-end finishes in their downstairs area, but if they go through this room again, it can easily be fixed with a better choice of materials to match the downstairs rooms.
House 2 – Hannah and Clint
This couple has gone for a luxe feel that I think works quite well throughout their entire house. They were the only couple who created a division between the dining and living rooms, which is a trend that is currently occurring in modern design.
The main thing that I believe this couple will have to replace straight away is the tiny fridge and freezer they have chosen in their kitchen. The house has five bedrooms so this tiny fridge is a disaster and it will not accommodate the people living in this house.
House 3 – Ronnie and Georgia
Lighting is critical these days, especially in large homes with an open floor plan. Dividing up lights can make an enormous difference in creating mood from zone to zone, and Ronnie and Georgia managed to do this really well in their kitchen, living and dining area. This is one large space that has a nice flow and is perfect for a family, but they have still managed to make it feel like three separate areas each with a unique functionality and feel. The concrete island is a huge trend at the moment and they have created a modern kitchen that not only is beautiful but also practical.
I was not so impressed with their second living area, the idea in theory is good, but the concealed TV and theatre room has not been executed very well. To be honest, this property would be a more attractive listing if this space was created to be a home office, because apart from the small alcove next to the kitchen, there is no space to work from home.
House 4 – Sticks and Wombat
Walking through this house I just felt that they are going through a bit of an identity crisis and have still not figured out their own style 100 percent, nor who their potential buyer might be. At the moment, there are too many contrasting styles, including Japanese, contemporary and masculine – it’s a real blokes’ house.
Looking at the rooms they have finished so far, I am worried for the guys. Their place has tons of potential as all their finishes are excellent, but they need to simplify the overall flow and incorporate some softer elements in order to make it more presentable. The foundations are there and if they take the feedback on board I will change my view on taking my buyers through.
House 5 – Josh and Elyse
This is the only couple who have a proper study in their house, demonstrating a deep understanding of potential buyer needs. A home office trumps an extra living area any day in today’s market, as many professionals tends to work from home a lot.
I also really enjoyed the beautifully executed kitchen, living and dining area that has a really nice flow and luxe feel. The only thing that could have made this space a tiny bit better is if they would have chosen an integrated fridge and freezer instead of a freestanding one that can come across as a bit bulky.
I am more excited than ever to see how this season plays out, with the houses being over 300sqm, the kitchen alone being about 20sqm, they are one of the best in The Block history.
It will be very interesting to see how the contestants hard work pays off on auction day. Many rooms are yet to be revealed and we all know that it is not over until all the tools are down.
While The Block baby boomers Dan and Carleen are currently frontrunners in the competition, it wasn’t always so. I’m sure many of you will remember the ‘I love the shit out of you’ candle for example?!? But after struggling in the beginning, the couple called in some third party independent advice in the form of Greville Pabst, executive chairman of Melbourne’s WBP Property. We caught up with Greville recently to discuss the couple’s journey on the show and his top tips for maximising a property’s value.
Dan and Greville
“As their real estate advisor, my key advice to Dan and Carleen was to add touches of Art Deco to their contemporary style apartment, instead of trying to completely replicate the style of that period. Although buyers will be attracted to the Art Deco style, they may not necessarily want a 1920’s-inspired pedestal hand basin in their bathroom,” says Greville.
Dan and Carleen’s master ensuite
Rather than a full-blown homage to the period, Greville suggested including smaller references instead. “I advised them to add light fittings or floor tiles, such as subway style designs, that reference the 1920’s and 1930’s. These modest touches allowed the couple to successfully combine the older Art Deco style with a current contemporary look.” He also advised the couple to keep the original cornices, timber work, skirting boards and doors instead of replacing them with modern, square-edged designs.
Dan and Carleen’s guest bedroom
“Dan and Carleen are experienced renovators, and I think initially it just came down to learning how to combine Art Deco with contemporary style throughout their apartment. For example, their guest bedroom with the olive green coloured walls. Although it was a colour reminiscent of that period, because it was quite dark, it actually closed the room and made it look smaller. When they painted it white, the space automatically looked larger and more open, and it will be more appealing to a wider audience come auction day,” says Greville.
Dan and Carleen’s winning kitchen
“Now Dan and Carleen have got their style completely down pat and have successfully continued with this theme throughout each space and they’ve been getting some great results at room reveals.”
Dan and Carleen’s lounge
Greville’s top three tips for maximising a property’s value
First impressions
1. “A property needs to create a wow factor as soon you set foot into that front door. And if your property has a front garden, then maybe consider investing in some landscaping. The property needs to be as attractive from the front as it is inside the home.”
2. Selecting the right agent
“Equally as important is finding the right salesperson, who has a clear understanding of the price and value of your property’s location. Someone who is skilled in negotiation can attract an extra $50,000 for a buyer. Buyers often overlook this aspect or select an agency over an agent.”
3. Presentation is paramount
“A property needs to look its best, which extends from the property’s appearance from the street, to how it is presented internally. A seller should remove as much clutter as possible, but also create personality so potential buyers can imagine themselves living in the space. This could be in the form of warmth, especially if it’s winter, by stoking the fire – or playing music and evoking senses through fresh flowers or freshly brewed coffee. It is these little things that present a property at its best and really sell it. A seller also needs to ensure they pick the right time of day for inspections to have the best sunlight shining through the property. If a seller successfully presents their property, it will increase their chances of selling it for more.”
With the intense time pressure, the late nights and the limited funds, I can’t be the only one who wonders how The Block’s contestants can actually create high-end properties. Especially when you add to the mix that this series they’re renovating in the wealthy suburb of South Yarra… well it truly makes me beg the question: are these townhouses even going to sell?!
But rather than speculate I decided to go straight to the source and chatted to one of The Block Triple Threat’s newest faces, buyer’s advocate Greville Pabst. “It was my perception at first that buyers may be apprehensive about the quality, but the contestants do go back and fix all the abnormalities. There are really two aspects to The Block, there’s the television reality aspect and then there’s the presentation for marketing and sale. The contestants have a certain amount of time to prepare for reveal but after the feedback is given, they fix any issues.”
Greville, with buyer’s advocates Nicole and Frank
Greville also believes this series’ auctions will have happier endings than years past, thanks to the properties being so unique (four-level townhouses with double garages and cellars) and the involvement of himself and fellow buyer’s advocates Frank Valentic and Nicole Jacobs. “The contestants are really valuing our feedback and taking it on board. A classic example is in Josh and Charlotte’s bathroom, I walked in and said ‘Where’s the ventilation?’ and Josh immediately took it on board and said ‘Yes, I’m going to put it in!’.”
And Greville should be listened to! With 30 years in the property business, he is the CEO of WBP Property, one of Australia’s largest property valuation companies. He also frequents ABC Radio as a property expert on their Saturday Morning program and for the last eight years, has written a property column in Melbourne’s Herald Sun. Television, however, is a new realm for Greville, and he’s finding out all the tricks of the trade!
“What’s been really interesting is how much footage they take. It normally takes about five hours to shoot just one reveal! They film so much that at the end of the day, none of us know which part they’re going to use. So the fun thing is you get to see how they slice and dice that particular day. It’s been interesting watching it and so far, I’m really happy.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”NSuhGRySgSADHbF8ugjyOufuTd6k5rRO”]Greville is also enjoying the experience for the fact he gets to share his learnings with the public, believing he can help give buyers the right advice when it comes to making such a big investment. As after all, though many of The Block’s rooms are beautiful, one shouldn’t go buying a property based off cushions and pendants!
“I really liked being on the show as we’re giving a different perspective to the interior designer judges. They’re looking at the furnishings and all those other things, but as a buyer’s advocate — in most cases — when you buy a property, all those dressings aren’t included. So while we look at them and see they look nice, they really don’t come into play when we are making a buyer’s decision. Rather, it’s the floor plan, orientation, light, aspect, size and quality of renovation.”
A well-executed renovation can add considerable value to your property when it comes time to sell it, but home renovations are not for the faint hearted. Renovating your home is a significant undertaking with many things to consider before you’ve even picked up the tools. That’s why we decided to create The WBP Renovator’s Guide to Property, to make all those tough decisions, easy!
Each property is unique and needs to be judged on its own merits, including its location, style and size. Taking these factors into consideration will help you decide where your money is best spent.
Researching your suburb and understanding the needs of the demographic of the area is critical to determine where to allocate your funds and maximise the value of your property. For example, residents of lower density outer suburbs will be influenced by different features to those living in higher density inner city areas.
Our guide to renovating property lists increasing a property’s physical floor space by adding bedrooms, an additional bathroom or a modern kitchen as some of the surest ways to add value. These additions do come at an expense though, so buyers need to avoid overcapitalising — costs should not exceed the value added to the property.
Other features that add value to keep in mind are having manicured gardens and building a garage, all of which can add up to $100,000 to a property’s value.
Before renovating, engage an architect for guidance, source quotes from a local builder and seek property advice to determine market value before and after the proposed renovation. Following these simple guidelines and planning ahead can help save you time and money and significantly maximise the value of your property.
WBP Property Group’s Renovator’s Guide to Propertyis available here.
— Greville Pabst is the chief executive of WBP Property Group and one of The Block’s new buyer’s advocates.
Meet Nicole Jacobs, the professional buyer’s advocate with over 15 years’ real estate experience who we first got to meet on last night’s episode of The Block Triple Threat.
This season, a buyer’s jury consisting of Nicole, Greville Pabst and Frank Valentic will provide strategic recommendations from a buyer’s perspective regarding layout, finishes and market expectations.
“Our role on the show this season is vital for contestants,” says Nicole. “Throughout the 12 weeks, we are there to review each room from a commercial perspective and provide insight into market expectations in high-end South Yarra.” Nicole’s job is to look beyond the styling and décor choices deliberated over by judges Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer. “If you take the furniture out, what are you left with? Hopefully a well laid out apartment finished to such a high standard that you could place any furniture in it and it will look amazing,” Nicole says.
The buyers advocates’ first judging session last night was interesting, with their views very different to those of the ‘real’ judges, particularly on the subject of Ayden and Jess’s separate toilet, which they raved about!
What Nicole thought of the bathrooms last night:
Charlotte and Josh: Liked the tiles. Not enough lighting for female buyers to do makeup. Finish really good. On track for a South Yarra buyer.
Tim and Anastasia: Floor tiles look rushed and not lined up. Quality of fixtures and fittings below par.
Ayden and Jess: Underfloor heating. Separate toilet a very clever move, makes it like 1.5 bathrooms and opens up their market, setting them apart from the other apartments.
Dee and Darren: Feels high-end and luxury. Could have separated the toilet from the main bathroom.
[contextly_sidebar id=”PdF9EbnIu4K3yuLRwX0tqpd0IfmqBSis”]Channel Nine have been strategic in selecting buyers advocates who are specialists within their niche, so each brings a broad representation of investors to the auction. Nicole captures the higher end of the market and represents clients who often have very discreet transactions. “We have had a lot of fun throughout the series, but we found out early on that we all look for different attributes and as a consequence, we don’t always agree. One thing we do all agree on though is that the completed apartments are definitely not out of place in the South Yarra market.”
Her company, Jacobs Buyers Advocates in Brighton, has already taken VIP clients through The Block at 27 Darling Street and they’ve all provided positive feedback for contestants. “Our clients are predominantly owner occupiers, however the position, along with strong depreciation schedules and rental yields, have attracted many of our local (and international) investors.”
–Last night’s episode also saw the fellow contestants and buyers advocates rate the bathrooms with Dee and Darren coming out on top with 49 points and winning $5,000. Ayden and Jess came second, Charlotte and Josh third and Tim and Anastasia last.
For anyone who loves The Block as much as I do, you would remember Frank Valentic, the entertaining buyers’ advocate whose bidder’s paddle has popped up countless times in the last five series.
Almost a cast member himself, it may come as no surprise that this year, Frank has been asked back to The Block in an official capacity, forming one-third of the new judging panel – the buyers’ jury.
“The new judging panel is myself (from Advantage Property), Greville Pabst from WBP Property Group and Nicole Jacobs of Jacobs Buying Group. Together, each week after the room reveals, we rate the rooms on what we think the buyers would want. Based less on styling and interior design but more on practicality, functionality and all the other things buyers are looking for.”
Greville, Nicole and Frank
Now don’t be alarmed, the regular judges will still be there! With Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker scoring on their usual Sunday and giving the winning team a massive $10,000. However, it’s the following day that will see the buyers’ jury score the contestants, with the winning team snagging $5,000. This will give one couple potential weekly winnings of $15,000, though who knows if that’ll be likely. “I think there’ll be differences between both judging panels. I don’t think there’ll be any major incidents where we’re the total opposite, but there will be some. After all, we’re looking at the rooms from different points of view. Styling’s not our strong point, we don’t care about the colour of the cushions or what the curtains look like, we are looking at the room from the buyers’ point of view.”
Frank and host of The Block Scott Cam
No one can forget the auction disaster of The Block Glasshouse, where one couple went home with $40,000 and another two couples, a meagre $10,000 apiece. Aiming to deter that from happening again, the buyers’ jury hope to be the answer. “If they listen to our feedback it will make a difference come auction day. It’s really the buyers that make the decisions. Yes, the judges will give feedback, but ultimately, on auction day, it’s the buyers who are putting their hands in their pockets.”
Frank and contestants Darren and Dea
With The Block Triple Threat being Frank’s first real foray into television, he’s found the experience a whole lot of fun, a new challenge and a perfect chance to have some banter with his fellow judges! “This has definitely been out of my comfort zone, but I just try to have fun with it and most importantly give good feedback. Greville, Nicole and myself all get on well. Greville and I have some good banter and Nicole is probably more professional than us, you could describe it that way! We all have different opinions and never agree for the sake of agreeing.”
The Block Triple Threat starts on Tuesday! Find all The Block latest here.
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