Partner and I just got back from Cairns yesterday after three days (got to love the hudimity 
).
I would like to thank Chris Gay from O'Connor and Gay Real Estate. This man was honest, followed up on all our enquiries and gave some great advice. He even went and inspected another duplex we wanted to make an offer on with another agent from a different company. If you are interested in this area IMHO I would feel VERY comfortable with recommending him to anyone. No BS, and fantastic local contacts. Val, his PM, is also very nice.
Catherine Graham from LJ Hooker Edge Hill was also a blessing. Very helpfull, prompt with follow up, and also no BS. Catherine is also good for a call IMHO. Nothing was too difficult for Catherine, young agent that will go far! Catherine has some good listings too.
The big problem we faced was the principal from C21 McLeod St, opposite Myer Central shopping center. No idea, very rude and honestly no idea what customer service is. Hung up on us twice. Did not know land sizes and basic information on property he was selling (I honestly do not know how he makes a living).
We looked at a couple of properties with his Junior and were very interested in one at Woree but when we asked for the rental apprasials in writing he would not do it. Happy to verbally state "you could get $20 - $25 p/w more than currently rented for" but not prepared to give written appraisal, even tho' his PM had inspected the property. Could not arrange inspections and would not follow up on ANYTHING. We only had a couple of days so we needed info fast, and, needless to say, accurate. Impossible man whom I hope gets his just deserts when the FNQ bubble bursts. Even if his property represented good returns, could not bring myself to buy thru him.
Max Smith (Plantown Pty Ltd) buliding inspector is worth every cent you pay him (and it's not that much) and he is VERY accurate and finds things I could not. Max is also filled with local trade contacts. Nice Guy.
I will most probally get hung for this post but so be it. Tony from C21 is a gumby and any one considering buying in Cairns should be very aware of his unprofessional attitude, tricks, and lack of even basic courtesy.
There has been a lot of interest expressed by members of this forum about Cairns region, hence happy to share this info from a couple of days ago. We also have researched this area for some time, prices have increased substantially in the past 9 months. Still, 7% returns are attainable, and I believe capital growth will now be steady, but not explosive, as seen in capital cities in past 12 months. Presentable properties will always rent ok.
Annual pest inspections are a MUST as termites thrive in the hot, wet, humid climate.
A good PM is a must also.
If you go for a look, Esplanade is lovely after its redevelopment, Nthrn Beaches very nice, but do drink lots of water, particularly at this time of year, as my partner almost had heatstroke.
Happy to pm contact no.'s for good people mentioned, if requested.
Regards
Brojac
). I would like to thank Chris Gay from O'Connor and Gay Real Estate. This man was honest, followed up on all our enquiries and gave some great advice. He even went and inspected another duplex we wanted to make an offer on with another agent from a different company. If you are interested in this area IMHO I would feel VERY comfortable with recommending him to anyone. No BS, and fantastic local contacts. Val, his PM, is also very nice.
Catherine Graham from LJ Hooker Edge Hill was also a blessing. Very helpfull, prompt with follow up, and also no BS. Catherine is also good for a call IMHO. Nothing was too difficult for Catherine, young agent that will go far! Catherine has some good listings too.
The big problem we faced was the principal from C21 McLeod St, opposite Myer Central shopping center. No idea, very rude and honestly no idea what customer service is. Hung up on us twice. Did not know land sizes and basic information on property he was selling (I honestly do not know how he makes a living).
We looked at a couple of properties with his Junior and were very interested in one at Woree but when we asked for the rental apprasials in writing he would not do it. Happy to verbally state "you could get $20 - $25 p/w more than currently rented for" but not prepared to give written appraisal, even tho' his PM had inspected the property. Could not arrange inspections and would not follow up on ANYTHING. We only had a couple of days so we needed info fast, and, needless to say, accurate. Impossible man whom I hope gets his just deserts when the FNQ bubble bursts. Even if his property represented good returns, could not bring myself to buy thru him.
Max Smith (Plantown Pty Ltd) buliding inspector is worth every cent you pay him (and it's not that much) and he is VERY accurate and finds things I could not. Max is also filled with local trade contacts. Nice Guy.
I will most probally get hung for this post but so be it. Tony from C21 is a gumby and any one considering buying in Cairns should be very aware of his unprofessional attitude, tricks, and lack of even basic courtesy.
There has been a lot of interest expressed by members of this forum about Cairns region, hence happy to share this info from a couple of days ago. We also have researched this area for some time, prices have increased substantially in the past 9 months. Still, 7% returns are attainable, and I believe capital growth will now be steady, but not explosive, as seen in capital cities in past 12 months. Presentable properties will always rent ok.
Annual pest inspections are a MUST as termites thrive in the hot, wet, humid climate.
A good PM is a must also.
If you go for a look, Esplanade is lovely after its redevelopment, Nthrn Beaches very nice, but do drink lots of water, particularly at this time of year, as my partner almost had heatstroke.
Happy to pm contact no.'s for good people mentioned, if requested.
Regards
Brojac
