I thought we might take a rest in this week’s blog from statistics and clearance rates and just slow the pace a little.

Homeowners, in particular mortgage holders, have been through a lot of late. Cost of living blowouts, rising interest rates, not to mention Covid and the Matilda’s loss the other night. A lot going on right? And that’s without looking at what else might be going on within the four walls of a family home.

So, what’s the point?

The point is that if you’ve made it through so far….. take a breath. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve endured some tough times! Maybe let that competitive nature to keep up with friends and family sit to the side for a moment. Take a moment to be thankful for what you do have around you. …. And just breathe. It’s a time when we can be thankful for making it through - even if it’s been a tough road.

And for those that are struggling, you’re not alone. We are speaking to people daily who are not sure what to do.

If money is tight, maybe consider refinancing or asking your current lender for a better deal. We’ve seen cases where borrowers have had the mortgage rate cut by upwards of 2% and some even getting cash incentives from the bank to switch lenders. On an average loan that could account for over $1000 per month alone. If you’ve faced unemployment, injury, or sickness that has impacted your ability to work, banks will generally offer to help. They may offer an interest-only “holiday” or another alternative to keep you as a customer and keep you on your feet. For some though, the easiest road might be to sell and move on. To ease some financial pressures by buying something more affordable or even renting for a while.

Whatever you decide to do, take good advice! Make sure that you have a clear picture of all your options before you make a call. For those that have time to decide, the interest rate trend may well be different next year with some lenders already dropping fixed rates in what appears to be a prediction on where they may see variable rates heading.

And as always, if we can assist you with a realistic update on the value of your property to help you work out where you sit, we’d be delighted to help. Whether you decide to make a move or if it just helps you plan your best strategy, please feel free to give our team a call. After all, we’re just people helping people.

Please see below our impressive sales for the week!

• 1 Robdon Court, Donvale sold for $3,558,888
• 4 Bronte Rise, Templestowe sold for $2,268,000
• 3 Gordon Court, Viewbank sold for $1,865,000
• 22-24 Drayton Crescent, Park Orchards sold for $1,810,000
• 42 Shakespeare Drive, sold for $1,805,000
• 25 Montpellier Crescent, Templestowe Lower sold for $1,530,000
• 7 Palm Court, Templestowe Lower sold for $1,194,000
• 22 Elmo Road, Montmorency sold for $1,145,000
• 30 Sunrise Crescent, Templestowe Lower sold for $1,130,000
• Lot 10/10 Oakdale Rise, Diamond Creek sold for $820,000
• 9A Miller Street, Heidelberg Heights sold for $721,000
• 309/6 Thiele Street, Doncaster sold for $443,000
• 53A Cassowary Street, Doncaster East sold!
• 6 Forest Court, Templestowe sold!
• 53B Mountain View Road, Kilsyth sold!
• 19 Monarch Ridge, Lower Plenty sold!
• 2/7 Graeme Avenue, Montmorency sold!

Currently under offer and will be sold soon:

• 9 Mat Rush Avenue, Bundoora
• 34 Taylor Road, Hurstbridge
• 64 Beard Street, Eltham
• 57 Leane Drive, Eltham
• G23/210 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East
• 15A Sunhill Road, Templestowe Lower
• 3 Hillingdon Crescent, Doncaster
• 13-15 Anzac Road, Warrandyte South
• 67D Brushy Park Road, Wonga Park
• 39 Gedye Street, Doncaster East
• 10 Alan Place, Warrandyte
• 25 Reserve Avenue, Mitcham
• 32 Launders Avenue, Wonga Park
• 1/38-40 Burnt Street, Nunwading
• 3/98-100 Carrington Road, Box Hill
• 7/36 Mitchell Street, Doncaster East
• 37 Culwell Avenue, Mitcham
• 2/314A Reynolds Road, Donvale
• 79 Jolimont Road, Forest Hill
• 1/136 Parker Street, Templestowe
• 1/22 River Street, Briar Hill

Spiro Drossos

Managing Director

Barry Plant Eastern Group